Seychelles to hold presidential election

The Seychelles is expected to announce the results of its presidential election today.

Incumbent President Danny Faure of the left-wing United Seychelles Party (USP) is facing Wavel Ramkalawan of the liberal LDS party and Alain St. Ange of the progressive One Seychelles Party. This will mark the first time Faure had faces voters, having taken office after his predecessor James Michel’s resignation.

The key issues in this election are the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on Seychelles’ economy. While the island nation has recorded only 149 cases, the country’s economy is centred around tourism. The reduction in visitors has led to a 14% contraction of the already unstable economy, causing hundreds to lose their jobs.

While Ramkalawan’s LDS party currently holds a majority in parliament, it is likely that Faure will retain his presidency. Ramkalawan came within 193 votes of securing the presidency in 2015, but the opposition coalition he was leading—comprised of the LDS and One Seychelles—fell apart in 2016. Though the country’s two-round voting system may hold some surprises, Ramkalawan and St. Ange will likely split the opposition vote, allowing USP to maintain control of government, as it has since 1977.