Opposition leader Patrick Herminie defeats Wavel Ramkalawan

Seychelles’ main opposition leader Patrick Herminie has won presidential elections, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff vote, according to official results released by the electoral commission.

Herminie gained 52.7% of the vote, compared with Ramkalawan’s 47.3%.

In his victory speech, Herminie promised to lower the cost of living, revive public services, and unite the island nation, saying the result marked “a new chapter for all Seychellois”.

After losing his bid for a second term, Ramkalawan congratulated Herminie on his victory, saying he leaves “a legacy that makes many presidents blush”.

The election went to a run-off after neither candidate won an outright majority in the first round two weeks ago.

A former parliamentary speaker, Herminie was charged with witchcraft in 2023 in what he said was a politically motivated attempt to thwart his presidential ambitions.

The charges were dropped in 2024, paving the way for him to run for office.

“I will be the president of all Seychellois, and I will end divisions by ceasing preferences and giving everyone the opportunity to thrive,” Herminie said in his victory speech.

Ramkalawan is the latest incumbent to lose elections in Africa, with Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera voted out of power last month amid growing discontent with the rising cost of living.

Herminie’s party, United Seychelles (US), won parliamentary elections with a solid majority last month, regaining control after previously losing it to Rakalawan’s Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS).