Seychelles Elects Patrick Herminie as New President in Runoff Vote
October 13, 2025 – In a significant political shift, Patrick Herminie, the leader of the United Seychelles party, has been elected the sixth President of the Republic of Seychelles, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a presidential runoff vote .
The Electoral Commission announced official results early Sunday, confirming Herminie secured 52.7% of the vote, while Ramkalawan garnered 47.3% . The election was decided in a runoff after no candidate managed to win an outright majority in the first round of voting held two weeks prior .
A Peaceful Transfer of Power
The atmosphere was one of historic reconciliation as the two political rivals shook hands following the results announcement . In his victory speech, Herminie struck a unifying tone, stating, “The people have spoken… I will be the president of all Seychellois, and I will end divisions by ceasing preferences, and giving everyone the opportunity to thrive” .
Incumbent President Ramkalawan gracefully conceded defeat and congratulated Herminie on his victory. Reflecting on his term, Ramkalawan expressed pride in his legacy, remarking, “I leave with a legacy that makes many presidents blush… I hope President Herminie continues to maintain such a level” . His concession and the orderly transition mark a robust democratic process for the island nation.
Key Issues and Campaign Promises
The election campaign was dominated by pressing national issues, including the high cost of living, environmental concerns, and a severe drug addiction crisis . Herminie’s successful campaign pledged to address these challenges head-on with a focus on economic relief and public service reform.
Major campaign promises from President-elect Herminie include :
· Lowering the cost of living and reviving public services.
· Canceling a controversial hotel project on Assomption Island, permitted by the previous government, which environmentalists argued threatened a UNESCO-listed coral atoll .
· Reverting the retirement age from 65 down to 63 .
· Tackling the nation’s severe heroin addiction problem, a crisis he is familiar with from his previous role heading the government’s anti-drug agency . Official estimates suggest 5,000 to 6,000 people use heroin in Seychelles, which has a population of about 120,000 .
A Political Comeback
Herminie’s victory marks a complete political comeback for both the man and his party. In 2023, he was arrested on charges of witchcraft, which he decried as politically motivated and which were later dropped in 2024 . A physician by training, Herminie has served as the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2007 to 2016 .
His United Seychelles party, which ruled the country for over four decades until losing power to Ramkalawan in 2020, now regains full control of the government. The party had already reclaimed a majority in parliament during the first round of the general election last month .
The following table summarizes the official results of the 2025 presidential runoff election:
Candidate Party Votes Percentage
Patrick Herminie United Seychelles (US) 34,389 52.73%
Wavel Ramkalawan Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) 30,823 47.27%
Outside the Electoral Commission headquarters, thousands of elated supporters celebrated Herminie’s win, waving flags and party banners in a vibrant display of support for the new president .
Located in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles is Africa’s wealthiest nation per capita and a prime tourist destination . The new administration is expected to take office on October 30, 2025 .
