A small, unassuming island in the Indian Ocean has become the focal point of a major political and environmental debate in the Seychelles, potentially deciding the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections. Assumption Island, a remote and largely barren outcrop, is at the center of international interest due to its strategic location and ecological significance.
Despite its sparse landscape, Assumption Island’s future is intertwined with global powers and environmental advocates. Situated over 1,100 kilometers from the main island of Mahé, it is a narrow strip of scrubland and casuarina trees, once exploited for guano but now a site of intense interest. Its proximity to crucial East Asian shipping lanes has made it a point of geopolitical contention, with previous attempts by India to establish a military base being unsuccessful.
President Wavel Ramkalawan has stated his commitment to keeping Seychelles free from foreign military bases, emphasizing the nation’s desire to remain neutral in geopolitical matters. However, the island’s future is also clouded by controversy surrounding a lease agreement with the Qatari royal family, who are developing a luxury resort. Environmentalists, like Lucie Harter, have voiced concerns about the impact of this development on the island’s vital green turtle nesting grounds and its role as a gateway to the pristine Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Campaigners report instances of construction machinery damaging wildlife, raising questions about oversight and transparency. Despite a stop notice issued by the planning authority, construction has reportedly continued. Environmental groups have initiated legal action to halt the project, demanding an independent environmental impact study and international observation to ensure the protection of the island’s fragile ecosystem.
The incumbent president, Wavel Ramkalawan, defends the lease agreement as a necessary measure for economic survival, highlighting Seychelles’ dependence on tourism and the need for foreign investment. His administration has faced challenges, including the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, and while the economy has shown signs of recovery, public approval is reportedly wavering.
The opposition, led by Dr. Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles (US) party, criticizes the government’s economic statistics and promises a return to cleaner governance. Herminie, who himself faced a controversial arrest related to witchcraft allegations, has pledged to combat corruption and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. His campaign also touches on social welfare issues, advocating for reduced bus fares and increased social security benefits.
The debate over Assumption Island has become a significant issue for voters, with many viewing the deal as a broken promise. The island’s development is seen by some as a symbol of the current administration’s potential missteps, potentially shifting electoral favor towards the opposition.
The election also features other pressing issues, including the rampant drug trade along the shipping lanes near Assumption Island. Candidates like Ralph Volcere are proposing radical solutions, such as the decriminalization of cannabis, to combat drug lords and address addiction. However, Volcere himself has faced scrutiny for his support of a businessman involved in corruption trials, highlighting the complex political landscape and the challenges of achieving good governance, transparency, and accountability in Seychelles.
With multiple candidates vying for the presidency and a divided electorate, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, with the fate of Assumption Island playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the nation’s future direction.