Victoria, Seychelles — Voters headed to the polls this week in the Seychelles election, where President Wavel Ramkalawan is seeking a second five-year term on the back of a post-pandemic economic recovery. The ballot pits him against Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles party, which ruled the archipelago for four decades until 2020.
The Indian Ocean nation of 120,000 people, Africa’s wealthiest per capita, is strategically courted by China, India, and Gulf states for investment and security cooperation. Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest, has positioned neutrality as a pillar of his foreign policy. “A French warship, an American, British, Chinese, or Indian vessel — all are welcome. If India and China have problems, those are not ours,” he told Reuters.
Economic rebound and policy agenda
Ramkalawan highlights an economy that has bounced back from the pandemic. Inflation has fallen below 2% and debt is on track to dip below 50% of GDP before 2030, according to the IMF. His government raised the minimum wage, introduced free school meals, and launched infrastructure upgrades. If reelected, he plans to deliver a new hospital, airport, and modern port facilities.
“We’ve embarked on an ambitious programme of taking care of our people,” Ramkalawan said, framing his candidacy around stability and growth.
Opposition message and challenges
Herminie, a doctor and former speaker of parliament, argues that voters are burdened by high living costs, drug abuse, and corruption. He has sought to distance his party from past scandals, saying: “The party had been in power too long, empires were built inside, and divisions weakened us. We remain a progressive, left-of-centre party.”
Herminie himself faced an unusual legal ordeal in 2023 after being accused of plotting a coup with witchcraft — charges later dropped. He now attacks the government over controversial island leases to Qatari and Emirati firms.
Other candidates include gospel singer Robert Moumou, entrepreneur Marco Francis, and former tourism minister Alain St Ange.
Voter turnout and expectations
Roughly 73,000 citizens are eligible to vote across three days. Polling began Thursday in outlying islands and for essential workers, with full voting on the main islands starting Saturday. Results are expected Sunday.
Reactions on the ground capture a divided electorate. “I came to vote to remove the president,” said Alberte, a police officer, declining to give his surname. Bus driver Gary Cado disagreed: “I am happy with the government and want it to stay.”
The outcome will decide whether Seychelles election Ramkalawan delivers a second term or if United Seychelles stages a political comeback after five years in opposition.
