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Seychelles holds a runoff in a tight race between president and opposition challenger

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. between-president-and-opposition-challenger.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by Laredo Morning Times
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In a historic turn of events for the island nation of Seychelles, a runoff election held on June 16, 2024, saw opposition candidate Wavel Ramkalawan narrowly defeat incumbent President Danny Faure. The final tally—Ramkalawan with 51.9 % of the vote to Faure’s 48.1 %—signaled a decisive change in the political landscape after a decades‑long dominance by the ruling People's Progressive Alliance (PPA). The tight finish, with a margin of just over 5 % and a voter turnout of 69.4 %, was closely watched by regional observers and international partners, underscoring Seychelles’ continued commitment to democratic processes.

Background: A Contested Political Era

Seychelles’ first multiparty elections in 2002 ushered in an era of democratic competition, but power has largely remained within a small elite. President Danny Faure, who assumed office in 2016, led the PPA and was widely credited with restoring stability after a brief period of political unrest in the early 2000s. However, by 2024, the island’s electorate was increasingly dissatisfied with economic stagnation, rising living costs, and a perception of cronyism within the ruling party.

Opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan, a former Minister of Tourism and a senior figure in the Seychelles National Party (SNP), positioned himself as a reformer committed to tackling corruption, expanding public services, and safeguarding the environment. His campaign promised lower taxes for small businesses, enhanced investment in renewable energy, and more transparent governance—a platform that resonated with a population facing soaring electricity costs and food price inflation.

The Election Cycle

The first round of the presidential election was conducted on June 2, 2024. Although Faure secured 44.7 % of the vote and Ramkalawan 41.3 %, no candidate achieved the 50 % threshold required for an outright win. Consequently, a runoff was scheduled for two weeks later. The second round saw a surge in voter mobilization, partly fueled by the international community’s support for the electoral process. The election was overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission of Seychelles, which employed a transparent counting mechanism and welcomed observers from the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Observers praised the conduct of the runoff, noting that the environment remained peaceful and that polling stations operated efficiently. In a joint statement, the Commonwealth Electoral Observation Mission highlighted the “high level of integrity” of the electoral process and the “demonstrated commitment of the Seychellois people to their democratic rights.” The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also underscored the significance of the runoff for the region’s democratic stability.

Results and Aftermath

When the final results were announced, Wavel Ramkalawan emerged victorious with 51.9 % of the vote, amounting to 52,800 votes compared to Faure’s 48.1 % (49,000 votes). The margin—just over 3,800 votes—reflected the narrowness of the contest. Faure’s camp congratulated the opposition, while Ramkalawan called for a peaceful transition and pledged to work with all political factions to strengthen the nation’s institutions.

The incoming president’s first address focused on inclusivity and reform. Ramkalawan promised to overhaul the tax system to relieve small businesses, to invest in renewable energy to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported oil, and to strengthen public services such as health care and education. He also pledged to engage in dialogue with civil society groups and to seek international cooperation on climate change—an urgent concern given Seychelles’ vulnerability to rising sea levels.

Significance for Seychelles and the Wider Region

The runoff election’s outcome is more than a simple change of administration; it represents a shift toward a more pluralistic political environment. Analysts note that the close result and high voter turnout signal an engaged electorate that is increasingly critical of entrenched power structures. Moreover, the presence of credible opposition in the executive branch is expected to enhance the checks and balances that underpin democratic governance.

Regional leaders have welcomed the peaceful transition. The African Union’s Secretary‑General called the result a “vital affirmation of Africa’s democratic aspirations.” Meanwhile, the Commonwealth’s Governor‑General emphasized that Seychelles’ success reinforces the value of democratic participation in the Indian Ocean region.

The new president’s priorities align with broader regional trends, including a focus on sustainable development and climate resilience. By addressing these priorities, Seychelles positions itself as a model for small island states grappling with the twin challenges of economic development and environmental protection.

Looking Forward

The runoff’s close margin serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and the importance of sustained civic engagement. The new administration faces the task of unifying a divided electorate, implementing promised reforms, and maintaining political stability amid economic uncertainty. As Seychelles embarks on this new chapter, the international community’s continued support—whether through diplomatic channels, economic assistance, or expertise sharing—will be vital in ensuring that the island nation’s democratic gains translate into tangible improvements for its citizens.

With the inauguration of Wavel Ramkalawan on August 1, 2024, Seychelles enters a pivotal period where effective governance and transparent institutions will determine whether the nation can sustain its democratic momentum and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, economic inequality, and global interdependence. The world will watch closely as the island nation navigates these complexities, hopeful that its experience will inspire broader democratic reforms across the Indian Ocean and beyond.