Leading tourism expert and presidential candidate of the One Seychelles political party, Alain St. Ange has been at the forefront of his election campaign trail, by going out personally to meet Seychellois one-on-one.
According to St. Ange, “One cannot sit idly at home or in a comfortable air-conditioned office while expecting foot-soldiers to campaign on his or her behalf,” adding that the electorate should not be content with “such dispirited and impersonal service by their elected public servants.”
Meanwhile, rivals and critics have been taken aback, expressing their disbelief and surprise to see the former Minister of Tourism of the Island nation, personally walking door-to-door in the districts, instead of sending a squadron of representatives on his behalf, as other party leaders do.
For Alain St. Ange, the political class is removed from the people and does not really empathize with them. They are only mobilized into action when they receive word of unprecedented resistance in the districts, in which case they hurry, enraged, into the field, camera in tow.
Also, he stated that relying solely on the marvel that is social media to conduct campaigns is not enough, because “the people want to see you, meet you, and actively engage with you.”
He believes that the impersonal treatment by politicians sends red flags to the electorate and warns them of the type of President such politicians would likely become.
“People do not want to be preached at; they want, and deserve, a say in a politician’s plans for running the Country, their Country.” St. Ange stated.
Speaking further, Alain St. Ange said that others seem more concerned with winning elections, rather than focusing on the need to salvage the country’s tourism industry and the economy.
“No other political party has put emphasis on their plans for salvaging our tourism sector, which is the lifeblood of our crumbling economy. It is no secret that none of these parties have the requisite expertise, capability, influence or knowledge to rebuild the industry, whereas this is ONE SEYCHELLES’ undeniable strength.”
In closing, St. Ange asked the electorate to “Vote wisely in the 2020 Presidential election. Vote for ONE SEYCHELLES!”
Meanwhile, in a related development, President Danny Faure has called for General Elections in a surprising move citing economic reasons.
Presidential elections had been previously slated for October 24, but now the island’s Legislative Assembly is being dissolved in the next seven days after a call by President Faure.
Political activity is expected to increase in the following days in Seychelles where the incumbent Danny Faure, Opposition Leader Wavel Ramkalawan, former Tourism Minister Alain St. Ange and former Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Pillay are already campaigning as presidential candidates.
The National Assembly candidates will now be announced in the coming weeks as Seychelles prepares for its General Elections.
