The political landscape in Seychelles has been thrown into uncertainty after the country’s electoral authority announced that a rerun of the presidential election will be necessary, following an inconclusive vote. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, officials declared that neither of the leading candidates had secured the required majority, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch between two political heavyweights: opposition figure Patrick Herminie and incumbent president Wavel Ramkalawan.
According to the official results reported by The Associated Press, Herminie, representing the United Seychelles party, garnered 48.8% of the vote. Meanwhile, Ramkalawan, the sitting president and leader of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party, received 46.4%. Since Seychelles’ constitution requires a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote to be declared the outright winner, the electoral authority confirmed that a rerun would be held between these two contenders. The exact date for this decisive election has yet to be announced, leaving both supporters and political analysts speculating about what comes next for Africa’s smallest nation.
Patrick Herminie’s United Seychelles party is no stranger to power. As AP notes, United Seychelles was the governing force in the country from 1977 until 2020, when it lost its grip on leadership after more than four decades. Herminie’s near-win in this election signals a possible resurgence for the party, which had long dominated Seychellois politics and shaped the nation’s post-independence trajectory. For many, the prospect of United Seychelles returning to power is both a nod to the country’s political past and a test of its appetite for change.
On the other side, Wavel Ramkalawan is fighting to secure a second term, determined to prevent his party’s rivals from reclaiming the presidency. Ramkalawan’s Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party has campaigned on a platform emphasizing economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. These issues resonate deeply in a nation that has, in recent years, become synonymous with luxury tourism and ambitious green initiatives. Ramkalawan’s supporters see his policies as a blueprint for stability and progress, while critics argue that the current administration has not done enough to address pressing social concerns.
The election itself was closely watched, not just for its political implications but for what it reveals about the mood of the Seychellois people. Early voting began on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with the majority of ballots cast on Saturday, September 27, according to AP. The high turnout and tight results underscore the growing polarization and intensity of political engagement in the archipelago.
Seychelles, a collection of 115 islands nestled in the Indian Ocean, has long been celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant ecosystems. This reputation has helped propel it to the top of Africa’s richest countries by gross domestic product per capita, as highlighted by the World Bank. The tourism sector, driven by luxury and environmental travel, remains the backbone of the economy. But beneath the postcard-perfect surface, the nation faces mounting challenges that have shaped the electoral debate.
One of the most contentious issues leading up to the election was the government’s decision to lease part of Assomption Island—the largest in the country—to a Qatari company for luxury hotel development. The deal, which includes plans to reconstruct an airstrip to facilitate international flights, sparked a wave of criticism and even a constitutional case filed by activists just a week before the vote. Many Seychellois voiced concerns that the agreement would prioritize foreign interests over local needs and compromise the country’s sovereignty. As AP reported, the controversy has fueled broader anxieties about the balance between economic development, environmental integrity, and national autonomy.
“The lease favors foreign interests over Seychelles’ extended welfare and sovereignty over its land,” activists argued in their constitutional challenge, according to AP. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it has clearly become a flashpoint in the nation’s political discourse, influencing both the rhetoric and strategies of the presidential contenders.
Environmental issues are not merely theoretical in Seychelles. With its territory stretching across approximately 390,000 square kilometers (150,579 square miles), the nation is acutely vulnerable to climate change, particularly rising sea levels. Both the World Bank and the U.N. Sustainable Development Group have flagged Seychelles as being at the frontlines of climate risk—a reality that weighs heavily on the minds of voters and policymakers alike. The incumbent’s focus on sustainability is not just a campaign slogan but a response to existential threats facing the islands’ future.
Yet, the environment is not the only pressing concern. Seychelles is grappling with a growing heroin addiction crisis that has alarmed both citizens and international observers. The 2023 Global Organized Crime Index, cited by AP, described the country as having one of the world’s highest rates of heroin addiction. An estimated 6,000 people—about 5% of the population of 120,000—are believed to use the drug, with some independent analysts suggesting the real addiction rate may approach 10%. These numbers are staggering for such a small nation, and the issue has become a lightning rod in the election, with voters demanding more effective solutions and support for affected families.
Heroin’s grip on the country is not a new phenomenon. A 2017 U.N. report identified Seychelles as a major transit route for narcotics, a legacy that continues to haunt the islands. The crisis has strained social services, fueled crime, and eroded public trust in institutions. For many Seychellois, tackling addiction is as urgent as any economic or environmental priority.
Geographically, most of Seychelles’ population is concentrated on the island of Mahé, home to the capital city, Victoria. This urban hub is not only the political heart of the nation but also the focal point of its economic and social life. The outcome of the rerun election will likely hinge on the ability of the candidates to mobilize support in Victoria and across Mahé, where the majority of voters reside.
As the country awaits the announcement of the rerun election date, the stakes could hardly be higher. Both Herminie and Ramkalawan are seasoned political operators, each with a dedicated base and a distinct vision for Seychelles’ future. The rerun will test not only their personal appeal but also the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions at a time of profound change and challenge.
With its unique blend of natural beauty, economic promise, and social complexity, Seychelles stands at a crossroads. The upcoming presidential rerun is more than a contest between two men—it’s a referendum on the nation’s identity, priorities, and path forward. Whatever the outcome, Seychellois voters have made it clear that they expect bold leadership and real solutions for the issues that matter most to them.