As Seychelles heads into a pivotal election month, all eyes are on the island nation’s political landscape and its test of democratic strength.
However, a storm of controversy has erupted as President Wavel Ramkalawan declined to take part in the highly anticipated presidential debates — a move that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens alike.
Ramkalawan, a priest turned politician, once championed laws against hate speech even as he denigrated political opponents with increasing frequency, often bordering on defamation. His latest move fits a troubling pattern. As a parliamentarian, he was notorious for walking out of National Assembly sittings whenever the going got tough. Now, as President, he repeats the same behaviour: walking out on Seychellois when accountability is demanded.
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This is not an act of principle. It is cowardice disguised as dignity. By rejecting the debates, Ramkalawan has denied Seychellois the opportunity to compare every candidate fairly. He has insulted the electorate by suggesting only certain opponents are “worthy” of his presence, while admitting he can bear facing some, but not those who pose a genuine threat to his failing record.
The debates are not about soothing a fragile President’s ego; they are about democracy. They are about the people’s right to weigh every voice and every vision for Seychelles’ future. By storming off before the debate has even begun, Ramkalawan reveals himself not as a statesman, but as a leader throwing a schoolyard tantrum when asked to play fair.
Adding to the domestic concerns, international pressure is mounting over the reckless Assomption deal, which threatens the delicate ecosystem of Aldabra — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the planet’s most pristine atolls. Leaders abroad are watching closely, and questions of environmental stewardship and governance are now inseparable from the presidential race.
Is this the final nail in his political coffin? The President who once promised openness, reform, and accountability is now running scared from scrutiny. Seychelles — and the world — must ask: if Ramkalawan cannot face his opponents in debate, how can he face the challenges of leadership for another five years?
