A small, rather unremarkable island in the Indian Ocean has unexpectedly become the focal point of global environmental attention and a significant factor in the upcoming elections in Seychelles. Assumption Island, situated over 1,000 km from the main island of Mahé, is a remote strip of land, sparsely vegetated and largely devoid of human structures. Once exploited for its guano deposits, its agricultural use ceased decades ago.
However, Assumption Island’s strategic location along vital shipping routes has thrust it into the geopolitical spotlight. Its proximity to East Asian trade routes to Africa makes it a point of interest for major global powers. India’s interest in establishing a military base there was previously met with a firm refusal, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding foreign military presence. The current election cycle sees Assumption Island as a key electoral issue, with promises to protect it resonating with many voters.
President Wavel Ramkalawan stated his commitment to keeping Seychelles free from foreign military bases, emphasizing the nation’s desire to remain neutral in geopolitical matters. This stance is crucial as the island’s future development, particularly a controversial lease agreement with the Qatari royal family for a luxury resort and airstrip upgrade, has raised concerns among environmentalists. Conservation campaigners like Lucie Harter express worries about the impact on the island’s vital green turtle nesting beaches and its role as a gateway to the pristine Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite efforts to halt the construction through legal injunctions and environmental impact studies, development reportedly continues. The lease, which grants Qatari occupation for 70 years, has been defended by President Ramkalawan as a necessary economic measure for Seychelles, a small nation heavily reliant on tourism and facing unique economic challenges. He highlights the investment brought by companies like Rosewood as crucial for the country’s survival.
However, the economic recovery and positive ratings from institutions like the IMF are overshadowed by public concern over the Assumption Island deal. The opposition, led by Dr. Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles party, questions the government’s economic figures and vows to tackle corruption, a central theme in his campaign. Herminie’s own brushes with the law, including allegations of witchcraft for political gain, have added a layer of personal drama to the political landscape.
As the nation heads to the polls, the outcome may well be influenced by voters’ priorities between economic development and environmental protection, with Assumption Island serving as a potent symbol of these competing interests. The election will also determine the political future of other prominent figures, including newspaper proprietor Ralph Volcere, who champions cannabis decriminalization and criticizes the government’s transparency, and Mukesh Valabhji, a businessman facing corruption charges. The upcoming vote promises to be a significant moment for Seychelles, with the fate of this small island potentially shaping the nation’s political direction.