Seychelles' Patrick Herminie Claims Presidential Victory Over Incumbent

Thu Oct 16 2025 23:36:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a closely contested runoff election, Patrick Herminie led the Seychelles' opposition to victory against Wavel Ramkalawan, promising to address economic challenges and unite the nation.

Patrick Herminie has been declared the winner of the Seychelles presidential election, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan with 52.7% of the votes. In his victory speech, Herminie committed to lowering living costs, reviving public services, and promoting unity among citizens. Ramkalawan acknowledged his defeat gracefully, while Herminie aims to lead a reconciliatory approach after a contentious campaign.

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 to Ramkalawan's 47.3%.

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

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

The election proceeded to a runoff after neither candidate secured an outright majority in the first round two weeks earlier.

A former parliamentary speaker, Herminie faced politically motivated charges of witchcraft in 2023, which were dropped in 2024, enabling him to contest the presidential race.

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

Ramkalawan is the latest incumbent to be ousted in Africa, following elections in Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera, amid public discontent regarding rising living costs.

Herminie's party, United Seychelles (US), recently claimed a solid majority in parliamentary elections, regaining control after previously losing it to Ramkalawan's Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS).