The country now heads into a decisive second round of voting from 9 to 11 October.
In the first-round last week, opposition leader Patrick Herminie narrowly led incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan with 48.8% against 46.4%, leaving no candidate with the 50% majority needed to win outright.
While Seychelles is globally renowned for its beaches and luxury resorts, it faces serious political and social issues. A worsening heroin crisis and contentious foreign land deals, including the long-term Assumption Island lease to a Qatari firm, have dominated the election debate.
Van Den Heerden noted that despite Hermani’s previous role leading the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation, the heroin problem remains unresolved. Voters will now decide who they trust to tackle these pressing challenges and guide the island nation forward.
–ChannelAfrica–
