Seychelles - A call for presidential debate is echoing around the islands

A call for a first ever presidential debate has been heard often. In days gone by, it was the opposition party previously known as SNP and UO that echoed the call, which always fell on deaf ears. The need for a presidential debate has resurfaced again and this time it will be the opportunity for the two parties controlling the Executive and the Legislative branches to defend their work and track record. 

This call has been made for months now and repeated over and over again by both Alain St.Ange of One Seychelles and Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa. Both party leaders see it as their opportunity to take on head-on the attacks levied by political activists from one side or the other. 

Political debates can turn nasty as everyone will go for the jugular trying to score political points and this is where everything said before comes back to haunt especially those in office. With ongoing court cases and judicial reviews where judgements are expected before the first presidential debate in Seychelles, many will see more and more points to be added in and during the debate.

"We are all in politics and any point can and will be turned towards opponents. Mr Pillay and myself have little to lose and can only gain from a debate where we are all seated side by side. We are looking forward to this first ever debate now that everyone is in agreement that it should be held," said Mr St.Ange.