Seychelles presidential election: Opposition leader Patrick Herminie defeats Wavel Ramkalawan

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).