By Mathew Servina
Power to the People, for the People, of the People. This is what genuine democracy is essentially about. It makes great sense for President James Alix MICHEL to highlight our Constitution as the 'Voice of the Nation'. It is important for us all to know that our Republic and our Government are for the entire Seychellois Nation, no single individual can claim to be sole owner of government in any democratic State. At this early stage of reflection on the Constitution, it is necessary for the Voice of the Seychellois Nation to call on President Michel to stop talking about 'mon gouvernman' 'my government'. As a citizen he forms part of the Nation; as the leading political figure he is head of State, but he does not own either our State or our Government. This can be acceptable under 'guided democracy', but not within the context of 'democratic governance'.
The second most important thing for all citizens is maximum awareness and understanding of the practical implications of Constitutional provisions and requirements. There might be expectation or assumption that our political leaders and other personalities in parliament, judiciary, police and elsewhere have the knowledge, competence and skills necessary for practical application. But the attitude or behaviour of some of them have so far indicated ignorance or lack of commitment. In many cases they even act as masters rather than as servants of the Nation. This reflects weak leadership example what can be expected from other citizens??
Real democracy and good governance call for solid partnership and collective engagement between the State and the People in our context between the Republic of Seychelles and Seychellois People. PREAMBLE of our Constitution refers to “We, the People of Seychelles”: implying from top to bottom, and across the Nation including Head of State, political and religious figures, business community and other non-State actors, parliamentarians, constitutional appointees, security personnel, and generally all citizens natural or naturalized. Same section of our Supreme Law states:
'EXERCISING our natural and inalienable right to a framework of Government which shall secure for ourselves and posterity the blessings of truth, liberty, fraternity, equal opportunity, justice, peace, stability and prosperity'.
Further on, Article 40 states: It shall be the duty of every citizen of Seychelles (all Seychellois in the first place)
(f) generally, to strive towards the fulfillment of the aspirations contained in the Preamble of this Constitution.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary describes the word 'strive' to mean: try very hard to obtain or achieve something. Preamble also makes it very clear the right of every Seychellois to strive for the fulfillment of our Nation's aspirations 'are most effectively maintained and protected in a democratic society where all powers of Government spring from the will of the People'. This is what makes the Voice of the Nation so important and meaningful. How seriously do our Head of State and his close subordinates or associates take this in practical terms???
It is a widely shared view that foreigners are too often considered to be more valuable than Seychellois professionals when it comes to special assignments or initiatives that can bring glory or special protection to Government. Two very relevant issues currently on so many minds are the appointment of new Chief justice and designation of an Irish solicitor to undertake a three-month review of our judicial system. Concerning a new head for the judiciary, for the last three decades any Seychellois personality has been viewed as potential threat to the regime.
Regarding the designation of another legal Irish personality, many of us are now asking: what kind of partnership or agreement does President Michel have with the Irish People not necessarily with the Irish Government. There is no doubt whatsoever about the availability of Seychellois legal professionals who could very intelligently handle such assignment. What about, for example, former Seychelles Attorney General, Francis Chang Sam, who was called upon by President Michel shortly after the October 3rd episode to chair the Law and Order Committee? A highly qualified and competent legal professional who contributed immensely to the realisation of the Constitution of our Third Republic. No doubt he is independent and very well respected and trusted by the Nation; why can't he even be considered as potential candidate for position of Chief Justice if Government is seriously contemplating the candidature of the current Attorney General who is a non-Seychellois?
How far shall we get with this 2008 National theme?? Since the Seychellois Nation endorsed our third National Constitution in June 1993, it has always been used as the voice of Seychelles Government, not the People of Seychelles. Several amendments have been effected to satisfy the desires and plans of ruling party figures and their collaborators. The door has never been left open for the rest of the Nation to bring forward any suggestion for consideration of parliamentarians. Should we wait for the National Theme Committee to open this door during the next ten months???
During the last four years or so, We the People of Seychelles, have been called upon to guarantee backing and practical support for so many government initiatives, more particularly through 'JJ Spirit' call. On the other hand, several attempts by non-State actors to positively contribute towards the development of a truly democratic system and to participate actively in sustainable economic and social development have been blocked or hindered by political maneuvers practical demonstration of the 2006 slogan for presidential election: kile, les JJ pase get out of JJ way. Only JJ Government has the right to come forward with initiatives aimed at future progress. Rest of us can only follow like ducks. Same kind of principle that was basis for gender inequality, where women had to subject themselves to orders or initiatives from men. Such discriminatory and unconstitutional formula is now being applied to both sexes.
2008 reflection on the Voice of the Nation should lead us to positive citizens' transformation, where all of us, from top to bottom of the ladder, will stand up together for national engagement and mutual support. Believe or not, the 2010 double GDP strategy will flop just like MERP did, if our government continues to force this nation to remain submissive and reactive, instead of being proactive and innovative. CEFRAD wishes to propose the inclusion of a Constitutional provision that clearly ensures the inalienable right of every citizen of this country to State support and encouragement for innovative and constructive ideas or initiatives that can contribute to positive peace and security for true political maturity and further social and economic progress and prosperity.
Mathew Servina is President, Center For Rights & Development (CEFRAD)