By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
Seychelles will hold a run-off election between its top two presidential contenders after neither secured an outright win at the polls this weekend, the Electoral Commission of Seychelles announced Sunday.
According to official results on Sunday, incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan gained 46.4 percent of the vote while opposition figure Patrick Herminie received 48.8 percent.
The electoral commission confirmed the runoff will take place from Oct 9 to 11.
The Indian Ocean archipelago, comprising 115 islands, began voting on Thursday for residents of outlying islands and essential workers, while polling stations on the three main islands opened on Saturday.
Under the Constitution of Seychelles, the presidential term is five years. A candidate who secures more than half of the votes in the first round is declared the winner. If no candidate achieves this majority, the two leading contenders advance to a second round of voting.
Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest who swept to power in 2020 ending four decades of United Seychelles dominance, is seeking a second term under his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa coalition.
His campaign has focused on post-pandemic economic recovery, expanding social protections and maintaining Seychelles’ global environmental leadership.
His main rival Herminie, a veteran lawmaker and former speaker of parliament is running on the United Seychelles ticket.
Herminie was arrested in 2023 on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government — charges his party said were politically motivated. The case was later dismissed due to the lack of evidence.
He has pledged to address cost-of-living pressures, combat corruption and confront the archipelago’s severe drug addiction crisis, where thousands struggle with heroin use in a population of just 120,000.
On the same day, the electoral commission released the results of the National Assembly election. The United Seychelles won 19 seats, while the LDS secured 15.