In a landmark election, Patrick Herminie, the main opposition leader, has claimed victory in the Seychelles presidential elections, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff vote, according to official results from the electoral commission.
Herminie garnered 52.7% of the vote compared to Ramkalawan's 47.3%.
Delivering his victory speech, Herminie expressed a commitment to reducing the cost of living, revitalizing public services, and uniting the island nation, stating, This result marks a new chapter for all Seychellois.
Ramkalawan, who congratulated Herminie on his win after losing his bid for a second term, noted that he leaves behind a legacy that many leaders would envy.
The election was necessitated by a runoff after neither candidate secured an outright majority in the initial round of voting two weeks earlier.
Herminie's political journey has been tumultuous; a former parliamentary speaker, he faced politically motivated charges of witchcraft in 2023, which were dropped in 2024, clearing the way for his presidential candidacy.
I will be the president of all Seychellois, and I will end divisions by ceasing preferences and offering everyone a chance to thrive, he pledged in his speech.
This election marks a significant trend in Africa, where several incumbents face increasing voter dissatisfaction, as seen with Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera recently losing power amidst public discontent over rising living costs. Herminie's party, United Seychelles (US), had previously regained parliament control last month, further emphasizing the electoral shift.
