Mancham stresses why statesmanship is key for future stability |26 August 2013

Sir James R. Mancham, founding President of the Republic of Seychelles and founder of the Seychelles Democratic Party has welcomed the initiative taken by Ralph Volcère to form his own party and has made clear that this is a different “political animal” than the party which he formed in 1962 under the motto of “Peace, Progress and Prosperity” and which was banned after the Coup d’Etat of 1977, which caused him to live in forced exile outside Seychelles for more than 15 years.

Mr Mancham said that when he returned to Seychelles in April 1992, his desire was to revive the Democratic Party and to actively engage in bi-partisan politics with a view to getting back power through peaceful and non-violent democratic means.

He said that after a while he realised that while the DP had a vast following and great support from the intellectual class, it was almost impossible for the party to get a majority against the background of insufficient resources when compared to the ruling party and the fact that thousands of Seychellois who were his supporters had been forced into political exile and were not being allowed a vote in the Seychelles democratic process, which itself was characterised by a high-level of partisan polarisation.

Furthermore, he said that what Seychelles needed against a background of prevailing circumstances was statesmanship of a high-level beyond that provided by the average political leader.

Against this background, he decided that the most important contribution he could bring to the success of his National Reconciliation policy was to act more as a statesman rather than a mere politician.

“The preoccupation of a politician is the next election whereas the preoccupation of the statesman is the next generation. The politician thinks about only getting power or staying in power and otherwise enjoying the benefits and privileges that power confers. The statesman, on the other hand, has a long-term vision. He puts national interest above partisan consideration. He does not believe in the policy of power at all costs. His ultimate desire is the transformation of a society and the emergence, in our context, of a greater Seychelles and of a Seychellois people who is at peace with itself,” Mr Mancham elaborated.

He said that he found his desire of playing statesmanship to be incompatible with the position of partisan leadership. For this, he decided to allow the party to fall under the control and leadership of those who disapproved his reconciliatory approach in the context of national politics.

Unfortunately over recent times, the Democratic Party abandoned his philosophy and embarked on a new aggressive agenda of a partisan nature. That is why he is glad that Mr Volcère has now come out in admitting that the group he is leading is not playing according to the policy of the Democratic Party which prevailed under his leadership.

He said that in a democratic society there is a need for political opposition to keep the ruling party in check and to see all sides of the political issue. He wishes Mr Volcère well in the challenge ahead and trusts that he will endeavour to act at all times within the law and to appreciate that it is easier to destroy than to construct.

At this time, Mr Mancham said he would like to thank his many supporters of democratic persuasions for their continued support and encouragement by their ability to appreciate the nature of the political chess game which is being played and the importance of the role he is personally playing in Seychelles today as respected statesman.