Source: The people.partilepep
“Who wants to support a football team that loses all its matches. Support the winners”, he on Saturday told a crowd of young men and women- aged between 18 and 21 -on La Digue who shall be casting ballots for the first time in the coming elections.
He also warned: “Do not let anyone with a white beard come and steal your future.”
The previous day, President Michel had the same message for the first time voters on Praslin, where he said” Your future is in your own hands. I have given you the power and the means. I have given you the opportunity to develop”. He added that youths can today further their education at post-secondary level, at university and work in positions that will propel the country forward.
He told the Praslin youths that some other persons with ambition to become president do not have any plan. “I have a plan. In 2006, I had a plan and I delivered on it. Our country was then in bad economic situation. Today it is a strong country economically. A country, which is recognized as a model by the whole world.”
President Michel called on the youth to give him another five-year mandate. “Young Praslinois, give me another five years. Why not another five? He called as the popular singer Elijah sang a new composition with the same rallying call.
His speech to the youths of La Digue was in the same vein. “Vote for me because I am the best person for the job”, he said, noting that since 1977, he had occupied several ministerial posts. As Education Minister, he said he had transformed the educational system so that every young boy and girl can benefit and reach for the best.
President Michel recalled that in 2004, he was handed over the Presidency by President Albert Rene, who wanted to retire and in 2006 he was candidate for the first time at a presidential election, when he beat (Wavel) Ramkalawan, leader of the SNP.
President Michel went on to recall that in 2011, he again stood for a second term, when he called on Seychellois to renew their trust in him so that he could turn Seychelles into a model for the Indian Ocean.
President Michel compared La Digue to a jewel. “And we shall put a diamond on that jewel”, he said. “Everything I had promised Seychelles in my plan , has been achieved,” he added proudly.
He noted that the Constitution allows him a final five year term. “I ask you to see through my record that I have worked and delivered and together we shall accomplish what remains to be done.”
President Michel said: “I have kept my promises and played my part. Give me another five years and we shall do what remains to be done.”
As on Praslin, President Michel urged the young men and women to give their vote to Parti Lepep and to the party’s candidate.
He said “You should give me your vote as your future depends upon it. The future of our country depends on it. I know I can count on you. I have always had confidence in our youth. I believe in the future. You shall be working to allow Seychelles to keep on shining in the Indian Ocean. It is for this reason that I have always put so many opportunities at your disposal.
President Michel also promised the youths of both Praslin and La Digue that he shall return after the elections to meet with them and through a dialogue, find out what they believe is best for their islands.
