On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the small but strategically significant Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles commenced a three-day voting period for its closely contested presidential and parliamentary elections. Polling stations across the nation, from the bustling main island of Mahé to the serene shores of Praslin and the remote outer islands, opened their doors to voters under humid tropical skies. The elections, which will determine the country’s next president and the composition of its National Assembly, are being closely monitored not only within Seychelles but also across the Indian Ocean region, where the nation’s political stability and environmental leadership carry outsized influence.
The first day of voting saw long queues forming at special early polling stations, particularly on Mahé, the economic and political heart of Seychelles. At English River School and La Rosiere crèche, voters patiently lined up, reflecting a high level of civic engagement in a country with a population of just 120,000. Special arrangements were made to allow elderly residents and remand detainees to cast their ballots during designated morning sessions, ensuring inclusivity in the democratic process. Similar scenes unfolded at Baie Ste Anne Primary School on Praslin, the second-largest island, and in polling stations on the outer islands, where logistics are often complicated by geographic isolation.
This election marks a critical moment for Seychelles, a nation known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine ecosystems, and status as a global leader in environmental conservation. With a history of political stability punctuated by periods of single-party dominance, Seychelles is now navigating a more competitive democratic landscape. The outcome of these elections will shape the country’s trajectory in addressing pressing challenges such as economic recovery, cost-of-living pressures, and a severe drug addiction crisis, all while maintaining its reputation as a beacon of sustainability in the Indian Ocean.
The Candidates and Their Platforms
At the heart of the presidential race is incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest who made history in 2020 by leading his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) coalition to victory, ending over four decades of dominance by the United Seychelles (US) party. Ramkalawan’s rise to power was a watershed moment, breaking the long-standing grip of the US, which had governed Seychelles since the country’s independence from Britain in 1976. His first term has been defined by efforts to stabilize the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted Seychelles’ tourism-dependent economy. Tourism accounts for approximately 25% of the nation’s GDP and employs a significant portion of its workforce, making its recovery a top priority.
Ramkalawan’s campaign for a second term has centered on three key pillars: economic revitalization, expanding social protections, and reinforcing Seychelles’ global leadership in environmental conservation. Under his administration, Seychelles has continued to champion initiatives such as the Blue Economy, which promotes sustainable use of ocean resources, and has expanded its marine protected areas, covering nearly 30% of its exclusive economic zone. These efforts have earned international praise, positioning Seychelles as a model for small island developing states (SIDS) grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss. Domestically, Ramkalawan has introduced social welfare programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including subsidies for low-income households and investments in healthcare infrastructure. However, critics argue that these measures have not gone far enough to address the rising cost of living, which has strained many Seychellois families.
Ramkalawan’s primary challenger is Patrick Herminie, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of the National Assembly, representing the United Seychelles party. Herminie’s candidacy is steeped in controversy, following his arrest in 2023 on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. The charges, which his party decried as politically motivated, were eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence, but the episode has left lingering tensions. Herminie has used his campaign to position himself as a champion of the working class, focusing on the economic hardships faced by ordinary Seychellois. His platform emphasizes tackling the skyrocketing cost of living, which has been exacerbated by global inflation and Seychelles’ reliance on imported goods. Food and fuel prices, in particular, have hit low- and middle-income households hard, with many struggling to make ends meet in a country where the cost of living is among the highest in the region.
Herminie has also pledged to address Seychelles’ alarming drug addiction crisis, particularly the widespread use of heroin, which has ravaged communities across the archipelago. Despite its small population, Seychelles has one of the highest per capita rates of heroin use in the world, with thousands of individuals grappling with addiction. The crisis has strained public health systems, fueled crime, and placed immense pressure on families and communities. Herminie’s campaign has promised to expand rehabilitation programs, strengthen law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking, and address the root causes of addiction, such as poverty and unemployment. Additionally, he has vowed to combat corruption, an issue that has long plagued Seychelles’ political and economic systems, eroding public trust in governance.
Joining the presidential race is Marco Francis, a prominent businessman and former head of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Francis’s campaign focuses on diversifying the economy and reducing Seychelles’ heavy reliance on tourism, which, while lucrative, leaves the nation vulnerable to external shocks such as pandemics or global economic downturns. He advocates for policies to bolster the private sector, including tax incentives for small and medium enterprises, increased investment in technology and innovation, and the development of alternative industries such as fisheries and renewable energy. Francis’s business-friendly platform has resonated with entrepreneurs and young professionals, who see economic diversification as key to long-term stability.
Running as an independent candidate is Alain St. Ange, a former tourism minister who gained international recognition for his efforts to promote Seychelles as a premier travel destination. St. Ange’s campaign draws on his global network and expertise in tourism to propose a vision of Seychelles as a hub for sustainable tourism and cultural exchange. He argues that Seychelles can leverage its natural beauty and unique Creole heritage to attract high-value tourists while investing in community-based tourism initiatives that empower local residents. St. Ange’s independent candidacy has injected an element of unpredictability into the race, appealing to voters disillusioned with the traditional political establishment.
Electoral Process and Stakes
The presidential election operates under a first-past-the-post system, with a candidate needing to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate achieves a majority, a runoff election will be held between the top two contenders, a scenario that analysts believe is likely given the crowded field and the polarized political climate. The parliamentary elections, running concurrently, will determine the composition of the 35-seat National Assembly, with 26 seats elected directly and nine allocated proportionally based on party performance. The outcome of the parliamentary vote will be crucial, as the winning party or coalition will need a strong legislative majority to implement its agenda effectively.
Polling will continue through Saturday, September 27, 2025, with ballots tallied and results expected to be announced shortly thereafter. The Electoral Commission of Seychelles has implemented robust measures to ensure a free and fair election, including voter education campaigns, transparent ballot counting processes, and the presence of international observers. However, concerns about voter intimidation and the misuse of state resources have surfaced, particularly from opposition parties, who have called for vigilance to protect the integrity of the process.
The elections are being closely watched across the Indian Ocean region, where Seychelles’ political stability and economic policies have ripple effects. As a member of the African Union and the Indian Ocean Commission, Seychelles plays a significant role in regional diplomacy, particularly on issues such as maritime security, climate change, and sustainable development. The nation’s strategic location, near key shipping lanes and emerging markets, also makes it a focal point for global powers seeking influence in the region. The United States, China, and India, among others, have expressed interest in deepening ties with Seychelles, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development and maritime cooperation.
The Broader Context: Seychelles’ Challenges and Opportunities
The 2025 elections come at a time when Seychelles faces a complex array of challenges and opportunities. Economically, the nation has made significant strides in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought tourism to a near standstill in 2020 and 2021. Under Ramkalawan’s leadership, tourist arrivals have rebounded, with 2024 seeing record numbers of visitors, particularly from Europe and Asia. However, the benefits of this recovery have not been evenly distributed, with many Seychellois still grappling with high unemployment and stagnant wages. The reliance on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of foreign exchange earnings, has also exposed vulnerabilities, as external shocks can quickly destabilize the economy.
The cost-of-living crisis is a central issue in the election, with voters expressing frustration over the high prices of basic goods and services. Seychelles’ dependence on imports for food, fuel, and consumer goods has made it particularly susceptible to global price fluctuations. For example, the war in Ukraine and subsequent disruptions in global supply chains have driven up the cost of wheat, oil, and other essentials, hitting Seychellois consumers hard. Candidates across the political spectrum have proposed various solutions, from subsidies and price controls to long-term strategies for boosting local agriculture and reducing import dependency.
The drug addiction crisis remains one of the most pressing social issues facing Seychelles. Heroin, often smuggled through the country’s porous maritime borders, has fueled a public health emergency, with overdose deaths and drug-related crime on the rise. The government has invested in rehabilitation centers and awareness campaigns, but resources remain limited, and the stigma surrounding addiction has hindered progress. Addressing this crisis will require a multifaceted approach, combining law enforcement, public health interventions, and community-based support systems.
Environmentally, Seychelles remains a global leader, with initiatives such as the world’s first sovereign blue bond, issued in 2018, to finance marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. The country’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity, including its coral reefs and endemic species, has made it a model for other small island states. However, climate change poses an existential threat, with rising sea levels and increasing ocean temperatures threatening coastal communities and marine ecosystems. The next administration will need to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Seychelles’ natural heritage remains intact for future generations.
Political Dynamics and Voter Sentiment
The political landscape in Seychelles has become increasingly competitive since the return to multiparty democracy in 1993. The United Seychelles party, formerly known as the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front, dominated politics for decades, often criticized for authoritarian tendencies. The 2020 election, which saw Ramkalawan’s LDS coalition sweep to power, marked a turning point, signaling a shift toward greater political pluralism. However, the LDS’s first term has not been without controversy, with critics accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises of economic equity and transparency.
Voter sentiment in 2025 is mixed, with some expressing optimism about the progress made under Ramkalawan, particularly in tourism and environmental policy, while others feel disillusioned by persistent economic challenges and the slow pace of reform. The opposition, led by Herminie, has sought to capitalize on this discontent, framing the election as a referendum on the LDS’s governance. Meanwhile, candidates like Francis and St. Ange are appealing to voters seeking alternatives to the traditional two-party system, offering fresh perspectives on economic and social issues.
Young voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, are a key demographic in this election. Many are drawn to platforms that prioritize job creation, affordable housing, and digital innovation, areas where Seychelles has lagged behind other small island nations like Mauritius. Social media has played a significant role in shaping public discourse, with candidates using platforms like X to engage with voters and share their visions for the future.
Looking Ahead
As Seychelles continues its three-day voting process, the nation stands at a crossroads. The outcome of the 2025 elections will determine not only the next president and parliament but also the direction of Seychelles’ economic, social, and environmental policies for years to come. Whether voters choose to reaffirm Ramkalawan’s leadership, return to the United Seychelles fold, or embrace a new vision from Francis or St. Ange, the stakes are high.
The elections also carry broader implications for the Indian Ocean region, where Seychelles’ role as a stable, forward-thinking nation is increasingly important. As global powers vie for influence and climate change reshapes the geopolitical landscape, Seychelles’ ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its unique identity will be critical.
For now, the focus remains on the voters, who are turning out in droves to exercise their democratic rights. From the bustling polling stations of Mahé to the remote outposts of the outer islands, Seychellois are making their voices heard, shaping the future of their nation in an election that promises to be both historic and transformative.
