Seychelles heads to a presidential runoff after a tight first round, with opposition leader Patrick Herminie edging out incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan.
The Electoral Commission of Seychelles shared the results on Sunday, showing that none of the eight candidates hit the 50% mark needed to win outright. Herminie, from the main opposition United Seychelles party, pulled in 48.8% of the votes. Ramkalawan, representing the ruling Seychellois Democratic Union (LDS), came close at 46.4%.
Under Seychelles’ constitution, the president serves a five-year term. If no one gets a majority in the first round, the top two candidates face off in a runoff. That second vote is set for October 9 to 11, according to the commission.
Voters also chose members of the National Assembly on the same day. United Seychelles grabbed 20 seats, while LDS took 15, giving the opposition a majority there.
Herminie thanked supporters right after the announcement. “I appreciate the people of Seychelles for their wise choice to boost representation in the National Assembly and give me nearly 49% of the votes, setting up this second round,” he said.
Ramkalawan offered congratulations to United Seychelles on their Assembly win. This marks his second time in a presidential runoff. “I pray for peace and a civilized campaign,” he added. “I’m ready for the next round.”
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