In a dramatic turn for the Indian Ocean archipelago, Seychelles is headed for a presidential run-off election after neither of its leading contenders managed to secure the required majority in the first round of voting. The Electoral Commission of Seychelles announced on Sunday, September 28, 2025, that a run-off would take place between incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition figure Patrick Herminie, following a tightly contested poll that has left the nation on edge.
According to official results released by the commission and reported by The Associated Press, Herminie received 48.8 percent of the vote, narrowly edging out Ramkalawan, who secured 46.4 percent. Despite Herminie's lead, neither candidate crossed the critical 50 percent threshold mandated by the Seychellois constitution to claim outright victory. As a result, the two will face off in a second round of voting scheduled from October 9 to 11, 2025.
The run-off follows a weekend of intense political activity. Early voting began on Thursday, September 25, for residents of the outlying islands and essential workers, while the majority of Seychellois cast their ballots on Saturday, September 27. The stakes could hardly be higher in this archipelago of 115 islands, renowned for its turquoise waters and luxury tourism, but also grappling with deep social and economic challenges.
President Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest who swept to power in 2020, is seeking a second term under the banner of his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) coalition. His first victory marked the end of over four decades of United Seychelles rule, an era that stretched from 1977 to 2020. Ramkalawan's campaign has leaned heavily on promises of post-pandemic economic recovery, the expansion of social protections, and the maintenance of Seychelles’ reputation as a global environmental leader. "We have made progress, but there is more to do to ensure every Seychellois benefits from our nation’s prosperity," he told supporters in a recent rally, as reported by AP.
Yet, opposition to Ramkalawan’s administration has been mounting. Patrick Herminie, a veteran lawmaker and former speaker of parliament, has emerged as a formidable challenger. Running on the United Seychelles ticket, Herminie has focused his campaign on tackling the archipelago’s severe heroin addiction crisis, fighting corruption, and addressing soaring cost-of-living pressures. His party, which dominated Seychellois politics for more than four decades, is seeking a comeback after its 2020 defeat. Herminie's own political journey has not been without controversy—in 2023, he was arrested on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, charges his party insisted were politically motivated. The case was ultimately dismissed due to lack of evidence.
"We are ready for a second round. We start campaigning tomorrow," Herminie declared in a televised speech on September 29, signaling his determination to contest the run-off with renewed vigor, as cited by ERC Africa. The United Seychelles party also scored a significant victory in the National Assembly elections held concurrently with the presidential vote, capturing 19 seats to LDS's 15, according to the Electoral Commission’s official tally.
This election cycle has not been without its share of controversy and public debate. Just a week before the vote, activists filed a constitutional case challenging a government decision to grant a long-term lease for part of Assomption Island—the country’s largest—to a Qatari company for the development of a luxury hotel complex. The agreement included the reconstruction of an airstrip to accommodate international flights. Critics argue that the deal favors foreign interests over Seychelles’ long-term welfare and sovereignty. The issue has become a lightning rod for broader concerns about foreign investment, environmental protection, and national identity.
Environmental stewardship is never far from the political conversation in Seychelles. The country is celebrated worldwide for its pristine marine reserves and eco-friendly tourism. Yet, the proposed Qatari hotel project near the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll marine reserve has sparked particular alarm among conservationists and local residents alike. The debate underscores the delicate balance Seychelles must maintain between economic development and environmental preservation.
Meanwhile, the scourge of heroin addiction looms large over this election. Seychelles, with a population of just about 120,000, has one of the highest rates of heroin use in the world. Independent analysts estimate that some 6,000 Seychellois—about 5 percent of the population—are addicted to the drug, a crisis fueled in part by the nation’s position on a major smuggling route between Afghanistan and East Africa. Both major candidates have pledged to confront the epidemic, but voters are watching closely for concrete solutions.
Despite these challenges, Seychelles remains one of Africa’s wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita, standing at around $18,000 according to the World Bank. Its reputation as a playground for the world’s elite is well established, and its economy is heavily reliant on tourism and environmental travel. However, the country’s small size and geographic spread—covering 390,000 square kilometers—make it particularly vulnerable to external shocks, from global economic downturns to the ever-present threat of rising sea levels due to climate change.
The international community has also been closely monitoring the election. The African Union and COMESA sent election observers, who paid a courtesy visit to Seychelles’ Chief Justice on September 26, underscoring the regional significance of the vote and the importance of transparency and fairness in the process.
As the run-off approaches, both Ramkalawan and Herminie are expected to ramp up their campaigns, each hoping to tip the balance in their favor. For many Seychellois, the choice is not just between two men, but between competing visions for the future of their island nation—one that balances economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection in a rapidly changing world.
With the run-off set for October 9 to 11, all eyes are on Seychelles as it prepares for a pivotal moment in its modern political history. The outcome will not only determine the country's next president but also set the tone for how Seychelles navigates the complex challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead.
