VICTORIA, Seychelles — Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan has announced that he will not take part in the upcoming presidential debate organised by the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). The debate is scheduled for Friday at 7 pm on SBC 2.
In a letter sent to SBC’s chief executive, Berard Duprès, and also shared with national media houses yesterday afternoon, Mr Ramkalawan thanked the broadcaster for its invitation, but made clear that he would not participate under the current conditions. ‘As you are aware, I was the person who fought to have presidential debates during the time I was seeking electoral reforms in the country. I felt that it was a very good way for the people to assess candidates directly,’ the letter stated. Mr Ramkalawan noted that he has been a strong advocate for presidential debates as a means of allowing voters to hear directly from those seeking the highest office in the land.
The withdrawal is likely to set the tone of the campaign in the days leading up to the September 25 to 27 vote. The other seven candidates confirmed for the presidential race are Patrick Herminie (United Seychelles), Marco Francis (Seychelles United Movement), Alain St Ange (Lalyans Nouvo Sesel), Kisna Louise (Independent), Robert Moumou (Seychelles People’s National Movement), Charles de Clarisse (Independent) and Ralph Volcère (Independent). SBC has not yet commented publicly on the reasons for the withdrawal, but the debate is expected to go ahead with the remaining candidates who confirm their participation.
