Seychelles Presidential Election Heads to Rerun After No Candidate Meets 50% Threshold

SEYCHELLES TO HOLD RERUN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTER NO CANDIDATE SECURES 50% OF VOTES Victoria, Seychelles - The Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS) announced on Sunday that a rerun presidential election will be held after no candidate secured the required 50% of votes in the country's recent polls. Incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition figure Patrick Herminie were the top contenders, but neither gained the necessary majority. According to official results, Ramkalawan secured 46.4 percent of the vote, while Herminie received 48.8 percent. The ECS did not provide a timeline for the rerun election, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. "We are committed to ensuring that every Seychellois has their voice heard," said ECS Chairperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and transparent process." The rerun election comes as no surprise, given the close margin between the two main contenders. Herminie's United Seychelles party had expressed concerns about the electoral process, citing irregularities in some polling stations. "We are disappointed but not surprised," said Herminie in an interview with local media. "We will continue to fight for a fair and transparent election." Ramkalawan's administration has also been criticized for its handling of the economy and corruption allegations. The opposition has accused Ramkalawan of failing to address these issues, which have contributed to widespread discontent among Seychellois citizens. The rerun election is expected to be closely watched by international observers, who will monitor the process to ensure that it meets democratic standards. Background Seychelles held its presidential and parliamentary elections on September 27, 2025. The country's electoral system requires a candidate to secure at least 50% of votes to win the presidency outright. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a rerun election is held between the top two contenders. Additional Perspectives "The rerun election is an opportunity for Seychelles to reaffirm its commitment to democracy," said Dr. Jean-Paul Adam, a local political analyst. "We hope that all stakeholders will work together to ensure a peaceful and transparent process." "This election has exposed deep divisions within our society," said opposition leader, Patrick Herminie. "We need to come together as Seychellois to address these issues and build a better future for ourselves." Current Status The ECS is expected to provide further guidance on the rerun election in the coming days. The exact date of the election has not been announced. In conclusion, the rerun presidential election in Seychelles highlights the country's ongoing struggle with democratic governance. As the nation prepares for another round of voting, stakeholders are calling for a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*