VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Office of outgoing President Wavel Ramkalawan hosted an open day at State House on Saturday afternoon to allow his supporters to take a souvenir photograph with the Head of State and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan. The event was scheduled for 2pm along the State House verandah, but a large group of supporters had already queued up half an hour in advance and were in high spirits, with some even singing popular tunes of their party, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa.
When he made his entrance, President Ramkalawan and the First Lady were met with a huge round of applause. In a brief address, Mr Ramkalawan said: ‘I am simply saying goodbye to my supporters who wanted to see me at State House. I am very happy that so many have turned up. I wanted to say thank you. You put me here at State House and I felt it was important for anyone who wanted to say goodbye to be able to take the chance and do so.’
The day was an emotional one for many, with supporters shedding tears as they stood behind the outgoing president, and the latter consoling them. Rita Morel, who was present, said she had not witnessed a president meeting with his supporters before leaving office to thank them in person. ‘This is unique to me, to say the least. I am not sure if other presidents have done this, and regardless of your political affiliations, I think it sets a good precedent and I hope that future presidents take the opportunity to carry this on,’ she said.
