THE official opposition in the National Assembly, the SNP has once again boycotted all activities linked to National Day - June 18. That was the day, 15 years ago, when the Third Republic constitution was adopted. Nothing controversial in that.
It would have been better to celebrate Independence Day, as national day, as most countries do. But, it is clearly better than June 5 - the anniversary of the 1977 Coup d'Etat.
The SNP, in a recent statement, said the boycott would be maintained- if June 5 is celebrated. It knew very well that this is the case every year because the SPPF is still in power.
In the past, it was also claimed that the Opposition leader stays away because of disagreement with the protocol order in which he is placed in - way behind ministers, Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Justice etc.
Yet, the SNP leader did not shy away from SPDF Day, November 25 last year. The SPDF is an offspring of the June 5 coup d'Etat, as it was set up just a few days later to guard against the so-called enemies of the people. SPDF members are especially screened to ensure they are good SPPF sympathisers.
Could Ramkalawan's presence at last year's SPDF Day have been linked to the start of the famous dialogue between him and President Michel, during which huge salary increases for constitutional appointees, including himself was discussed. Now he admits that the dialogue did not produce any other tangible result
It is also usual for the SNP to stay away from activities linked to Independence Day, such as the inter-school athletic competition. It is very difficult to explain this one.