Opposition Leader Patrick Herminie Wins Seychelles Presidential Run-off
Opposition leader Patrick Herminie has emerged victorious in the Seychelles presidential run-off election, securing 52.7% of the vote against incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan, who garnered 47.3%, according to the country’s electoral commission.
Ramkalawan has conceded defeat, paving the way for Herminie to become the 6th president of Seychelles. In his victory speech, Herminie pledged to reduce the cost of living, improve public services, and govern inclusively for all Seychellois.
A medical doctor and former head of the national anti-drug agency, Herminie said combating the country’s growing heroin addiction crisis will be among his top priorities.
His party, United Seychelles, also secured 15 out of 26 parliamentary seats in last month’s legislative elections, strengthening his mandate to implement reforms.
The campaign was heavily influenced by public anger over a 70-year lease of Assumption Island for a Qatar-backed luxury resort near the protected Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Herminie has vowed to cancel the controversial deal and accused Qatari entities of attempting to interfere in the election process.
With his victory, Seychelles enters a new political chapter as Herminie takes on the challenge of uniting a divided nation and steering the island country toward economic stability and social recovery.
