Seychelles election sees old guard return to power

Seychelles has witnessed a significant shift in power with the recent election of Patrick Herminie as president, suggesting a potential phase of stable alternation of power in the country. Herminie’s victory over incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan is seen as a setback for the latter, who had been hailed as a reformer after his 2020 win. The result has drawn comparisons to the defeat of Lazarus Chakwera in Malawi, highlighting the challenges opposition challengers face in holding onto power.

Herminie’s United Seychelles party has regained control of the legislature after previously losing to Ramkalawan’s coalition, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa. The party’s success can be attributed to its ability to raise allegations of corruption and environmental mismanagement against Ramkalawan, despite its own reputation for such excesses during its long tenure in power. Seychelles benefits from one of the most independent media sectors in Africa, which should help advance transparency and public accountability.

The election campaign focused on key issues such as environmental damage, drug addiction, and economic recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic. Herminie, a doctor and former head of the government’s anti‑drug agency, had an edge on the drug issue, while Ramkalawan emphasized his management of the economy and expansion of social protections. A Qatar‑funded hotel project near a UNESCO‑listed coral atoll became a significant point of contention, with Herminie pledging to cancel it.

The outcome may indicate that Seychelles has entered a phase of stable alternation of power, with voters expressing unhappiness with the incumbent in the hope that the challenger could do a better job. The country’s high per‑capita income and relatively low poverty rate suggest that economic issues played a significant role in the election. With the new government in place, it remains to be seen how Herminie will address challenges such as environmental conservation, corruption, and economic growth.

Seychelles’ experience may serve as a model for other African nations, highlighting the importance of independent media, anti‑corruption efforts, and public accountability in advancing democratic governance. As the country moves forward, monitoring the new government’s progress on the issues that mattered most to voters—environment, economy, and social protections—will be essential.