Seychelles will head to a presidential run-off after no candidate secured an outright majority in the weekend election.
The Electoral Commission announced on Sunday that opposition leader Patrick Herminie edged ahead of incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, winning 48.8% of the vote against Ramkalawan’s 46.4%. However, under the constitution, a candidate must obtain more than 50% to be declared winner.
Fresh elections between the top two contenders will take place from October 9 to 11.
The vote comes at a time of growing concern in the Indian Ocean nation, which, despite boasting the highest per capita wealth in Africa (about $18,000, World Bank), struggles with widespread heroin addiction due to its location on a major trafficking route between Afghanistan and East Africa.
Another contentious issue during the campaign has been the construction of a Qatari hotel complex near the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve, which environmentalists warn could threaten the fragile ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Herminie’s party, United Seychelles, claimed a major win in the parliamentary elections held alongside the presidential vote, securing 15 of the 26 seats.
“We are ready for a second round. We start campaigning tomorrow,” Herminie declared in a televised address.
