Seychelles Faces Three Years of Elections!

Seychelles is now facing a tumultuous Three ( 3 ) years of national elections. This long drawn out train ride started in January 2015, as the Electoral Register was open for imminent Presidential Elections. The Presidential Elections went into a First Round, then a historical Second Round, after neither candidate was able to garner 50% plus one vote to claim a minimal majority.

The sitting executive Mr. James Michel, rules today with a hair string of credibility.

Second Round Contest

The Second Round election was contested by James Michel and Wavel Ramkalawan. The results were challenged in court, and a judgment  by the Constitutional Court dismissed the claims, though said voter fraud and malpractice was prolific in the process. No international observer has submitted a report on the elections. Only local observers, head by NGO Jules Hoarau has condemned the elections as not being free or fair or credible.

The judgment by the Constitutional Court is on appeal, a decision could be made in December, which if in favor of Wavel Ramkalawan, could null and void the Presidential elections, if such relief is sought by his lawyers. Under this scenario, the Seychelles could see another presidential election in 2017, as it is very unlikely, the Appeals Court will rush to rule on the case in the next sitting.

Ramkalawan Challenges Order to be Struck From Voters List

Another challenge before the Appeals Court is the Order, by the Constitutional Court to strike Wavel Ramkalawan off the Voters List, which will have consequences in so far as further elections in 2017. 

If Ramkalawan loses the Presidential Elections Appeal, stands for a district, and wins in 2016, subsequently the Court of Appeals upholds the Order to strike his name from the Voters List, he will lose his seat as a MNA, lose his seat as LDS leader, and a Bye Election will follow for the District he sits. This will drag elections into 2017. A chaotic situation indeed for Seychelles.

Both the Attorney General and the Election Commissioner/ Commission are over zealous to remove Ramkalawan from the Voters List. 

Ile Preservans Issue

To hook up the train of elections into 2017, the Vice President, Danny Faure has presented, caused to be passed an electoral law legislation which will-1. Make Ile Preservans a district 2. allow current residents to vote in their old districts, 3. Vote for a MNA for Ile Preservans next year as well.

This seals our fate of being in election mode for three (3) years. The law is being challenged for its constitutionality since it violates the principle of: " one man....one vote...one district". Now, Ile Preservans will exercise: " one man......two votes......two districts".............some will say funny, others will express outrage.

Elections Breed Economic Chaos

Elections breed economic and financial chaos. The writing is on the wall. Since we had 107 international press here in Carnival, many slipped to the side, and did political and economic stories on Seychelles. They reported to Europe that Seychelles will be in election mode all of 2016. 

As a result, hotels are experiencing unprecedented low bookings for the next three months our peak period. Inbound flights like Emirates have cut back their flights. Air Seychelles is trying to set up additional flights to Mumbai with two hearts ( Leker dan Leker) , it is a very unhealthy situation. 

Eden Island Sales

Sales at Eden Island of luxury homes are indicated to be -40% the purchase price. With impending street protests, which will go on and on this year, these prices will deflate further. If things get rowdy- expect .20 cents on the Dollar by years end for house sales.

Yachts are going up for sale daily. The carnage is everywhere, simmering, like raw meat on a hot fire skillet just before the heat evaporates into smoke and up,up and away, touching your nose, so you can smell the flesh of burnt beef.

Leaders of Seychelles, collect yourselves in a room of seriousness before we all end up......up in smoke!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!