Seychelles is set for a new political chapter as opposition leader Patrick Herminie has won the presidential election. He secured a victory in the runoff against the incumbent, Wavel Ramkalawan, with official results showing Herminie garnered 52.7% of the vote, while Ramkalawan received 47.3%.
Following his win, Herminie addressed the nation, promising to tackle the escalating cost of living, revitalize public services, and foster unity across the island nation. He declared the outcome marked “a new chapter for all Seychellois.” Ramkalawan, in his concession speech, congratulated Herminie and reflected on his own term, stating he leaves behind “a legacy that makes many presidents blush.”
The election necessitated a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the initial round. Herminie, a former parliamentary speaker, faced a notable challenge when he was charged with witchcraft in 2023, an accusation he claimed was politically motivated. These charges were later dropped in 2024, allowing him to pursue the presidency.
The recent electoral outcome in Seychelles mirrors a trend seen elsewhere in Africa, where incumbents have been voted out amid public dissatisfaction with economic conditions. Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, for instance, recently lost his bid for re-election due to concerns over the cost of living.
Herminie’s party, United Seychelles (US), recently achieved a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, reclaiming a majority and signaling a significant political realignment in the archipelago.