News|ElectionsSeychelles votes in closely contested presidential run-off electionAfrican island nation decides its future as Wavel Ramkalawan seeks a second term against Patrick Herminie.
Voters in Seychelles participated in a presidential run-off election on Saturday, following an initial round where no candidate secured a majority. The election is between incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition leader Patrick Herminie.…
Voters in Seychelles participated in a presidential run-off election on Saturday, following an initial round where no candidate secured a majority. The election is between incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition leader Patrick Herminie. Results are anticipated on Sunday.
The election will decide if President Ramkalawan of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party will secure a second five-year term, or if the United Seychelles party, led by Herminie, will return to power after losing control five years ago. The United Seychelles party previously governed from 1977 to 2022.
In the recent parliamentary elections, United Seychelles gained ground, securing 15 of 26 seats. In the first round of the presidential election two weeks ago, Herminie led with 48.8% of the vote, compared to Ramkalawan's 46.4%, necessitating a run-off. Seychelles has approximately 120,000 residents, with over 77,000 registered voters.
Several issues have been central in this electoral cycle. A significant land lease agreement allowing a Qatari company to build a luxury resort on Assumption Island has faced opposition. The project, valued at $20 million, is challenged by environmental groups due to concerns over its impact on the nearby UNESCO-protected Aldabra atoll.
Voters in Seychelles participated in a presidential run-off election on Saturday, following an initial round where no candidate secured a majority.
Herminie has committed to cancel the development if elected and has proposed lowering the retirement age and reducing public transport costs. In contrast, Ramkalawan supports the project, citing its potential benefits for the tourism sector.
Drug addiction remains a pressing concern, with Seychelles experiencing high rates of heroin use. Both candidates have been criticized for not addressing this issue effectively during their tenures.
President Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest, ended the United Seychelles party's 43-year dominance by winning the presidency in 2020. Herminie, his opponent, has served as parliamentary speaker and chaired the national drug prevention agency.
The elected president will face challenges such as climate vulnerability and maintaining sovereignty amid international interests, while leading Africa's smallest yet wealthiest nation in terms of per capita income.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
