Seychelles

An Outlook of Continued Unity and Positivity Ahead of October 2025!

Empowering Youth in Seychelles: The LDS Manifesto and Effective Campaign Strategies

Bringing a manifesto's vision to life is a testament to real-time leadership and effective action. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Sub-Saharan Africa regional program, in collaboration with Linyon Demokratik Seselwa in Seychelles, recently conducted a two-day intensive training workshop for youth campaign activists. This workshop aimed to help participants identify and understand the dynamics and examples of effective campaign strategies.

The LDS, through its flagship continuous campaign called the "Blitz Programme," is dedicated to maintaining relevance and connecting with the electorate at large. This campaign focuses on outreach and underscores LDS's commitment to community engagement in all constituencies. While the "how" and "why" of campaigns are addressed through various platforms to maximise their reach, the core of driving impactful issues is a critical step in shaping solutions. The digitisation of campaigns is the key to maintaining a social presence over time and serving as a continuous reference point for reiteration and a long-lasting footprint.

Context and relevance are vital in shaping effective campaign strategies. This includes considering international and regional comparisons, systems, social and political culture. Notably, Seychelles has a youthful electorate, with 45% of the population under the age of 30. During the official opening of the workshop, H.E. President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, emphasised the importance of focusing on people, stating, "This is the basis of the work that we do, this is the basis of campaigning, this is the basis of our engagement; it's about people. We must always be focusing on people."

Despite its formation during the 2020 general elections, the LDS's manifesto message remains relevant. Entitled "Sesel Pour Tou Son Zanfan - We want to give each one of our citizens a guarantee that they have a place and a part in this country. It is theirs to build and theirs to benefit from what it can." Strengthened by their common cause and unity, the LDS is committed to maintaining an open, dynamic political landscape that includes youth and women. Additionally, they emphasise engagement with civil society to ensure accountability at all levels. The Blitz team leaders and grassroots activists play a pivotal role in carrying the campaign's message forward with a united vision and targeted approaches for engagement and information sharing.

Seychelles is known for its historical and cultural diversity, which is a reflection of generations and mixed heritages. This rich tapestry of diversity continues to thrive today. Despite this diversity, the LDS remains committed to promoting prosperity, positivity, inclusion, and advancing Seychelles within its vibrant democracy. Their dedication to empowering the youth and engaging with diverse communities positions them to shape the future of this dynamic nation.