New political party declares: The government has failed and is in total disarray – we need to act decisively in 2025
The latest political party to emerge in Seychelles is the Seychelles National Alliance Party (SNAP). This means that, according to the Electoral Commission Seychelles, there are now eight separate political groups aiming to win the hearts and minds of the voting public. Seychelles Life asked Vincent Padayachy, the chairperson of SNAP, what his party offered the country.
Seychelles Life: What spurred you to set up SNAP at this time, as your previous attempts to set up a political party had been thwarted?
Vincent Padayachy: To start with, I would like to set the record straight. I have never set up a political party before, which has been thwarted. However, I have been involved in politics at a very early age to bring back democracy in Seychelles. To this end, multi-party democracy landed back on our shores as a result of our underground movement that started in 1989. I have walked this perilous journey inspired by my belief and conviction in a democratic society based on justice under the principles of accountability, transparency. On those very same principles I have decided with other collaborators, who share the same vision and principles, to set up SNAP.
Seychelles Life: What is the political philosophy of SNAP? How does it differ from other parties and who do you align with most?
Vincent Padayachy: The core political philosophy that is guiding SNAP is “the Central Left political philosophy”. However, we vow to be a party of pragmatism that adapts to the political circumstances of time for the betterment of the Seychellois people living in a Small Island Developing State; challenged by a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous global environment. Above all, SNAP represents democracy in its structure, operation and advocates public dialogue and engagement. This is how we differentiate ourselves from the other existing parties. We strongly believe in team spirit, rather than relying on the one-leader-centralised power structure. We believe that the Seychellois have lost trust in such a system and it is at its worst right now. Currently, we are strategically looking into our alignment with other political parties with a similar philosophy, as we strongly believe in regional and international collaboration in politics.
Seychelles Life: There are now eight parties in Seychelles. Is it possible for all to co-exist? Will there have to be some mergers? Do you think this could dilute the vote of other parties with similar aims?
Vincent Padayachy: Based on the E.C database, there are currently five political parties, including SNAP. Reiterating on how we are differentiating ourselves with other political parties, we are not at all contemplating any merger. Nonetheless, we shall leave a merger as a strategic decision rather on the basis of principles.
Seychelles Life: You have a business background, do you intend to make politics a full-time occupation? What is your own political experience?
Vincent Padayachy: The people of Seychelles as a peace-loving nation have been very patient, forgiving and tolerant to political leaderships. To this end, the leaders have taken us for granted and have gone too far in ignoring the fact that the political power lies with the people. Lately, this leadership attitude has reached a threshold that is very concerning, while we hear the cries and pains in every corners of life. I dare to say, this cannot go on like this or else it will be too late to turn the tides. We need to “Save our Seychelles; S.O.S”. SNAP is set up for this purpose and the people are calling for a change in the direction the country is heading. It is good that you are reaffirming my business background. Yes, I have spent all my life in the private sector, even in the time of the one-party state, which was almost impossible as a private business owner. I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly times and I would like to leverage this experience in what SNAP endeavours to do to change life for the better for Seychelles.
Seychelles Life: Politics is an expensive pursuit. How is SNAP financed? Will members have to contribute?
Vincent Padayachy: Again, you are very right to state that politics is a costly endeavour. In SNAP, we are well aware of the financial challenges and commitments to advance our programmes. We also believe in the political capital that derives from the will of the people to bring change to their lives. The latter sits well with other philosophy and we strongly believe that our people will bring the contribution to SNAP not only in cash but also in kind. We are SNAP and we invite every Seychellois to contribute to S.O.S.
Seychelles Life: What is your opinion on the administration of Wavel Ramkalawan and LDS?
Vincent Padayachy: In SNAP we cultivate a culture of mutual respect as well as for our opponents in the political arena. We measure our words when it comes to making a statement about others. However, I have to be blunt, candid and short on this: The current system has failed not only the people, they have failed themselves and they are in total disarray. Can we afford to let things keep going this way? No. There is too much at stake for the country and the people. A lost political leadership with an ambition for wealth and indulgence is a totally dangerous and reckless precedent that we cannot afford to cast a blind eye on. We need to act decisively in 2025 or else it will be too late to save our Seychelles; the land we all love and are proud of.
Seychelles Life: Are you happy with the conduct of the MNAs, particularly those of US, in the National Assembly?
Vincent Padayachy: The MNAs are elected by their constituencies and the people who elected them may be in a better position to answer this question. However, they also represent the interests of the country as a whole as one of the key governing institutions. In this respect, we would expect to have more impartiality in its leadership and a refrain of political arrogance that have plagued the representatives of the ruling party, while the opposition are losing the focus to oppose. As SNAP, we would like to see our MNAs grow up to safeguard and preserve our democracy.
Seychelles Life: Do you aim to contest both the Presidential and National Assembly elections?
Vincent Padayachy: I am not stating this as me, the interviewee, but as a SNAP representative. Definitely, we have been set up to contest both the Presidential and the National Assembly elections if we wish to bring the changes we want.