Mahé – The Seychelles on Thursday began its presidential election race with incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan taking on opposition leader Patrick Herminie, against a backdrop of a severe drug problem in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Eight candidates are contesting the vote, which takes place from September 25 to 27, according to the Electoral Commission.
Ramkalawan, from the Seychelles Democratic Alliance (LDS), is seeking a second term.
Before his win in 2020, the Anglican priest lost the 2015 contest by just 196 votes.
Seychelles🇸🇨 on Thursday launched its presidential election campaign, with President Wavel Ramkalawan facing opposition leader Patrick Herminie. The Electoral Commission confirmed eight candidates will contest the vote, set for September 25–27. pic.twitter.com/7oAuM52HCI
— AFRICA IS HOME GLOBAL (@AfricaisHOME2) August 22, 2025
Herminie, a doctor, is representing the United Seychelles party, which until 2020 had provided all heads of state since 1977.
Critics say Ramkalawan has failed to fulfil campaign promises on fighting corruption and drug trafficking.
The government’s anti-drug agency (APDAR) estimates between 5,000 and 6,000 people use heroin in the Seychelles, but other estimates suggest the figure is more than 10,000 — the equivalent of about 10 percent of the population.
“The situation is more worrying than we think,” said Michel Bristol, a former heroin addict.
Bristol, a member of an association advising people who are struggling with addiction, said drugs were so widespread that “everyone sells directly from their home”.
The government has tried to launch crackdowns but without significant results.
Seychellois are also grappling with the rising cost of living as all consumer goods are imported to the islands, which are famed for their stunning beaches and luxury tourism.
Ramkalawan has also been accused of secretly selling off one of Seychelles’ 115 islands to Qatari investors for a luxury hotel development.
“There is a lot of dissatisfaction in the country with the government’s policy and that’s why we are seeing so many presidential election candidates,” said Georges Bibi, a former lawmaker, who predicted an “extremely tight” election.
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Source: AFP
