ELECTIONS MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
“BISHOP MURRAY STRESSES CIVIC DUTY TO VOTE”
As the nation prepares to elect Members of the National Assembly for the next five years, I welcome the democratic process engaged by the nation’s citizens in electing candidates of their choice to represent them in halls of the National Assembly. In the same voice I appeal to all eligible voters to exercise their franchise or right to vote. This exercise flows from your civic duty and the moral obligation to vote.
The constitution of the Republic of Seychelles guarantees qualified citizens, regardless of race, creed or colour or political preference, the right to vote. It is the duty of each citizen to exercise this right, and vote for the candidate he or she sincerely believes will best fulfil the office of MNA.
In addition, I urge each Seychellois to exercise this franchise in a manner that respects the personal dignity of all citizens, so that in respecting each other, you will also at the conclusion of the elections respect the collective will of the electorate.
As citizens, you should first study the issues at stake, appraise the respective candidates and policies of the parties then cast your votes according to your individual conscience. Citizens who vote intelligently are showing their concern for and love of all peoples, because they are trying to establish good, honest, transparent and effective government, and a legislative assembly that represents the voice of every Seychellois. Ultimately, the decision you make will help people to live in harmony, stability and peacefully within an atmosphere of justice for all.
Our society has many issues, challenges and problems; and in response the political parties and candidates have laid before the electorate their visions and programmes. It is for you the citizens, guided by your conscience and a steadfast commitment to the common good, to assess in an unselfish spirit what is before you. Every proposal, policy and political platform should be measured by how it touches the human person, whether it enhances or diminishes human rights and how it announces the common good.
Citizens of Seychelles, the obligation of bringing about any reform in the social order rests upon you. By your votes you give mandates to legislators, namely Members of the National Assembly (MNA), and by extension government. We cannot expect to provide a wholesome environment unless each of us assumes some responsibility for the right ordering of our government, from the lowest to the highest.
In a democratic society government represents not merely the will of the people but their ideals, legitimate expectations and philosophy of life. To make democracy work government must be everybody’s business.
Candidates for MNA are equally accountable to the nation’s citizenry. This accountability lies in the promises you make during the campaign. I urge you to listen to yourself when you speak and hear yourself as you commit the virtues of your candidacy. People trust you at your word, and as you raise their expectation, humble your ego in submission to your desire to hold the office of MNA. Equally, commit only that which is humanly and practically possible. The Church and society shall certainly hold you accountable to those commitments.
Further, voters and candidates reflect accountability not only to society but to God for the honest, independent and fearless exercise of their own franchise or right to vote. The trust confided on voters and candidates is not for their private gain but for the public good.
If yielding to any undue influence, you act either through favor, affection or against your own deliberate view of what will promote the nation’s good you would have violated the trust, betrayed your conscience and stalled progress in the nation.
Since all elements of a society are affected by the actions of elected officials, it is important that citizens view their vote as a sacred duty to be exercised.
My prayer is for a peaceful and wholesome conduct of the elections. Transparency, accountability, respect for the law and order should always be protected. I wish to commend the staff of the Electoral Commission’s Office and assure them of our prayers and support in this critical period of our nation’s electoral process.
The Right Revd. Santosh Murray