Seychelles National Party

The Seychelles National Party (SNP) is a liberal political party in Seychelles. Its followers emphasize active multiparty democracy, respect for human rights and liberal economic reforms. It was founded in response to what it called the "totalitarian regime" of former President France-Albert René. It publishes a newsletter called Regar, which is frequently sued for libel by government officials. On Regar's front page of every issue is a quote from the constitution of Seychelles invoking their right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

Seychelles National Party
LeaderWavel Ramkalawan
Secretary-GeneralNicholas Prea
FounderGérard Hoarau
Founded1994
HeadquartersVictoria, Seychelles
NewspaperRegar
IdeologyLiberalism
Political positionCentre[1]
International affiliationAfrica Liberal Network
ColoursGreen
National Assembly
19 / 32
Website
www.snpseychelles.sc
Seychelles
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Seychelles
Constitution

The SNP was formed by the merger of three separate opposition parties in 1994: the Seychelles National Movement, led by Gérard Hoarau; the National Alliance Party, led by Philippe Boullé (an independent presidential candidate in the 2001 presidential election); and Parti Seselwa, led by Wavel Ramkalawan.

Ramkalawan, an Anglican priest, is the SNP's current leader. He won 44.9% of the vote in the 2001 presidential election, behind René (54.2%) and ahead of Boullé (0.9%). At parliamentary elections in December 2002, the SNP won 42.6% of the vote and 11 seats out of 34. Seven members were directly elected and four were chosen by proportional representation.

The July/August 2006 presidential elections gave James Michel of the SPPF 54% of the votes and Wavel Ramkalawan 46% of the votes. The last Presidential elections held in December 2015 saw SNP achieving only 35% of the popular votes in the first round. It joined with other smaller political parties under the banner of Union for Change to contest the second round of the Presidential Elections. The Union achieved 49.85% of the popular votes leaving the incumbent President James Michel to claim a slim victory.

Electoral history

Presidential elections
Election Party candidate Votes % Votes % Result
First round Second round
1998 Wavel Ramkalawan 9,098 19.5% - - Lost N
2001 22,581 44.9% - - Lost N
2006 25,626 45.71% - - Lost N
2011 23,878 41.43% - - Lost N
2015 21,391 35.33% 31,319 49.85% Lost N

National Assembly elections
Election Party leader Votes % Seats +/–
1992 Wavel Ramkalawan 259 0.6%
0 / 22
1993 4,163

(as part of United Opposition)

 9.7%
1 / 33
 1
1998 12,084

(as part of United Opposition)

 26.1%
3 / 34
 2
2002 22,030 42.59%
11 / 34
 8
2007 23,869

in alliance with SDP

 43.43%
11 / 34
2011 Boycotted
0 / 31
 11
2016 30,444

(as part of LDS)

 49.59%
19 / 33
 19

Notable people

See also

References
  1. Elections in Seychelles


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