The Seychelles will hold a runoff presidential election after no candidate secured a majority in the first round, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian Ocean archipelago's political future. The Electoral Commission confirmed Sunday that opposition leader Patrick Herminie of United Seychelles won 48.8% of votes, narrowly ahead of incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), who received 46.4%.
Voters will return to the polls October 9–11 to decide between the two frontrunners, with both candidates emphasizing unity and peaceful campaigning. The runoff follows constitutional rules requiring a candidate to secure over 50% of votes for an outright victory.
In parallel National Assembly elections, United Seychelles claimed 20 seats compared to LDS's 15, reshaping legislative dynamics. Herminie called the results a 'wise decision' by voters, while Ramkalawan acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating: 'I pray only for peace… I look forward to this next fight.'
The election outcome will influence economic policies in Seychelles, a tourism-dependent nation balancing environmental priorities with development goals. Analysts suggest the tight race reflects shifting public sentiment following Ramkalawan's 2020 victory, which ended 43 years of United Seychelles dominance.
