News
Wavel Ramkalawan received unanimous supportto be the SNP’s candidate in the Presidential election to be held May 19-21,2011. At an extraordinary convention held in the STC Conference Hall on SundayMarch 13, Mr. Ramkalawan’s nomination was presented by SNP Secretary-GeneralRoger Mancienne as a resolution for the approval of the convention.
Annette Georges, who has been Mr. Ramkalawan’s running mate for two previous elections, delivered an address in support of Mr. Ramkalawan. His nomination was adoptedunanimously by members.
Mr.Ramkalawan then named Nicholas Prea as his Vice-Presidential nominee. SNP MNA Gervais Henrie gave a speech in support of Mr. Prea, who received enthusiasticacclamation from the members.
The presentation of candidates marked the moment of departure in the SNP’s campaign for the Presidential election. Members were called upon to rally for the work ahead.
‘Ansanm Pouren Meyer Lavi ” is the slogan presented by Presidential candidate Ramkalawan for his campaign. He explained that this encapsulated the two overiding goals of his leadership which would be to bring the Seychellois people togetheras one nation and to improve life for everyone in Seychelles.
SNP Presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan has said that the SNP vision forGovernment included a new mission for leadership. State House will have adifferent role, he said.
The Presidential candidate stated that his choice of Nicholas Prea for Vice-President corresponded to the particular role that he wanted the President andVice-President to play in a new Government. They would not be Ministers,whether for tourism, finance or other portfolio, he said. Ministries would havecompetent people in charge of them and the role of State House will be lead,supervise and monitor the work of ministries.
Mr. Prea wasa man closely in touch with people who could listen and understand theirproblems and concerns, Mr. Ramkalawan said. He will be there for people andensure that their concerns are heard in the work of Government.
Mr. Prea’srole as Vice-President would also be to bring the Seychellois people togetherin unity. This reflected the aim of the SNP Government in eliminatingdiscrimination and allowing everyone in the country to play a full role.
SNP Presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan has called for a debate among the Presidential candidates for the May 21 election.
A debateamong national leadership contenders is now an accepted and necessary part ofthe political process. Voters want it and should have a right to see how thosewho want to lead the country deal with important issues and questions.
In the Sunday convention, Mr. Ramkalawan designated Bernard Georges, the SNP Liaison with the Electoral Commissioner’s Office, to take up the subject and press fora debate. Mr. Ramkalawan has said that everyone knows that Mr. Michel is alwayseager to be on television. This is an occasion he was being offered, the SNPleader said.
If James Michel does not accept the challenge, it will be because he is afraid of facing the Seychellois people on equal footing with his challengers.