Seychelles President Seeks Re-Election on Strength of Economic Reforms
Voting begins Thursday in Seychelles’ general elections, where incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan and his party allies are working to block the return of the United Seychelles party, which dominated the island nation’s politics for four decades.
This idyllic Indian Ocean destination, the wealthiest African nation by per capita income, has long attracted investment and security partnerships from India, China, and Gulf states due to its strategic location.
Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest, is seeking a second five-year term, pledging to attract investment while maintaining neutrality and continuing social welfare and infrastructure projects.
His main challenger, United Seychelles candidate Patrick Herminie, argues that the country’s 120,000 people face rising living costs, declining school standards, corruption, and drug abuse—issues he has vowed to tackle.
Economic backdrop
Around 73,000 voters will choose from eight presidential candidates and 125 contenders for 35 seats in the National Assembly, where Ramkalawan hopes to preserve a majority for his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa coalition. Results are expected Sunday.
Tourism revenues and governance reforms have kept Seychelles among Africa’s best economic performers, with a strong post-pandemic recovery. Last year, the country was removed from the EU’s tax blacklist. According to the IMF, inflation remains below 2%, and public debt is on track to fall under 50% of GDP before 2030.
“We’ve launched an ambitious program to care for our people,” Ramkalawan told Reuters, citing a higher minimum wage, infrastructure upgrades, and free school meals. He hopes to build a new hospital, airport, and modern port, leveraging neutrality to attract investment. “A French warship, an American, British, Chinese, or Indian vessel—all are welcome. If India and China have disputes, that’s not our issue.”
Witchcraft allegations
Herminie, a doctor and former speaker of the National Assembly, has faced unusual legal challenges, including a 2023 arrest over accusations that he attempted a coup using witchcraft—charges he denied and which were later dropped.
He has accused the government of fostering corruption, pointing to leases of two islands to Qatari and Emirati firms. Reflecting on his party’s past, he acknowledged its 43 years in power created entrenched factions and weakened governance. “The party was in office too long, kingdoms grew within it, and divisions made us vulnerable,” he said.
Still, Herminie insists United Seychelles remains “a progressive, leftist party” committed to putting people at the center of development.
Other presidential hopefuls include gospel singer Robert Moumou, entrepreneur Marco Francis, and former tourism minister Alain St Ange.
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