Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive -Election

Presidential election 2015 - Sifco urges respect for diverging political views |14 December 2015

The Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) has called on all citizens of Seychelles to continue to take part in the electoral process in a spirit of calm, dignity and respect for the divergence of opinions and political views, as these are part of our fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The message from Sifco comes a few days before people go to the polls again in the second round of the presidential election scheduled for December 16, 17 and 18.

In the first round which took place from December 3-5, none of the six candidates managed to pull off the 50% plus one vote for an outright majority.

The two candidates contesting the second round of this election are James Michel of Parti Lepep and Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National party (SNP) after

they secured the highest number of votes (28,911 for Mr Michel and 21,391 for Mr Ramkalawan) in the first round.

In a communiqué dated December 10, 2015, the Sifco says:

“The people of Seychelles have demonstrated time and time again their maturity and peaceful nature.

“We appeal to supporters of all major political parties,  as well as the police and armed forces to refrain from any verbal or physical acts of provocation that can lead to violence and bodily harm. The use of alcohol in public places should be avoided as much as possible during this period.

“We call upon the state media to continue to educate the citizens regarding their rights and responsibilities and to report in an unbiased manner the events as they unfold.

“We urge all citizens of Seychelles to exercise their right to vote based on their own conscience, discretion and good judgement without any fear and without succumbing to pressure of any kind. Do not exchange your vote or your right to vote for any gifts, favours or money.

“We are all finally responsible to God, and God alone for all our actions. Peace will be achieved when we have unity among us. We pray for His blessing and His guidance at this important period in our country’s history. Peace will be achieved when we have unity among us.

“God, Bless us and guide us always.”

The Sifco is made up of representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Baha’i Faith,  Islamic Centre for Information and Guidance, Hindu Council of Seychelles, Orthodox Church, Zoroastrian Faith, Seychelles Buddhist Association, Seychelles Evangelical Alliance.

 

 

 

 

» Back to Archive