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Victoria, Seychelles – September 25, 2025
In a highly anticipated announcement, Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has confirmed his candidacy for re-election in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2025. Ramkalawan, who made history in 2020 as the first opposition leader to win the presidency in Seychelles, is banking on his administration’s economic recovery efforts to secure another term in office. His leadership has been marked by efforts to stabilize the nation’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges such as climate change, rising living costs, and political polarization continue to test his administration’s resilience as the election looms.
A Historic Victory and a Challenging Tenure
Wavel Ramkalawan’s rise to power in 2020 was a watershed moment in Seychelles’ political history. For 43 years, the island nation had been governed by the United Seychelles party (formerly known as the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front), which maintained a firm grip on power since independence from Britain in 1976. Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest and leader of the Seychelles National Party (SNP), had contested the presidency five times before his victory in 2020, when his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) coalition secured 54.9% of the vote, defeating incumbent President Danny Faure.
Ramkalawan’s victory was celebrated as a triumph of democracy in a country where political power had long been concentrated in the hands of a single party. His campaign promises centered on economic reform, transparency, and addressing systemic issues such as corruption and inequality. However, his presidency has been defined by the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, which brought Seychelles’ tourism-dependent economy to a standstill.
Tourism, which accounts for approximately 25% of Seychelles’ gross domestic product (GDP) and employs a significant portion of its workforce, was crippled by global travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021. The closure of borders and the sharp decline in visitor numbers led to a contraction of the economy by an estimated 12.9% in 2020, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Unemployment soared, and businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises in the hospitality sector, faced existential threats.
Ramkalawan’s administration responded with a series of measures to mitigate the economic fallout. These included wage subsidies for tourism workers, tax relief for businesses, and efforts to diversify the economy. The government also prioritized a rapid vaccination campaign, which allowed Seychelles to become one of the first countries in the world to achieve widespread immunization against COVID-19. By mid-2021, over 70% of the population was fully vaccinated, enabling the country to reopen its borders to tourists and kickstart economic recovery.
Economic Recovery: A Cornerstone of Ramkalawan’s Campaign
As he campaigns for re-election, Ramkalawan is highlighting the economic progress made under his leadership. Seychelles’ economy has shown signs of recovery, with GDP growth rebounding to an estimated 5.6% in 2023 and projected to stabilize at around 4% in 2025, according to the World Bank. The tourism sector, the lifeblood of the economy, has seen a steady resurgence, with visitor arrivals approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, Seychelles welcomed over 350,000 tourists, a significant increase from the 114,000 recorded in 2021, according to the Seychelles Tourism Board.
The government’s efforts to diversify the economy have also borne fruit. Investments in the blue economy, which includes sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine conservation, have strengthened Seychelles’ position as a global leader in ocean-based economic development. The country’s innovative financial instruments, such as the world’s first sovereign blue bond issued in 2018, have continued to attract international support for marine conservation and sustainable development projects.
Ramkalawan’s administration has also prioritized infrastructure development, including upgrades to the port and airport facilities on Mahé, the main island, to accommodate growing tourist numbers and improve trade logistics. These projects have been funded in part through partnerships with international organizations such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as bilateral agreements with countries like India and the United Arab Emirates.
In his re-election announcement, Ramkalawan emphasized his commitment to sustaining economic growth while addressing the needs of ordinary Seychellois. “We have faced unprecedented challenges, but together, we have rebuilt our economy and laid the foundation for a brighter future,” he said in a televised address. “Our focus remains on creating opportunities for all, protecting our environment, and ensuring that every citizen benefits from our nation’s progress.”
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite these achievements, Ramkalawan’s presidency has not been without criticism. The rising cost of living, driven by global inflation and supply chain disruptions, has placed significant pressure on Seychellois households. Imported goods, which the island nation relies heavily on, have become more expensive, leading to public discontent over stagnant wages and increasing prices for essentials such as fuel and food. Critics argue that while the tourism sector has rebounded, the benefits have not trickled down to the broader population, particularly those in rural areas and outer islands.
Unemployment, though reduced from its pandemic peak, remains a concern, particularly among young people. The government’s efforts to create jobs through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs have been praised, but some analysts argue that more needs to be done to address structural issues in the labor market, such as the mismatch between available skills and industry needs.
Climate change poses another existential threat to Seychelles, a low-lying archipelago vulnerable to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. The country has been a vocal advocate for global climate action, with Ramkalawan frequently addressing international forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). His administration has implemented measures to protect coral reefs, reduce carbon emissions, and promote renewable energy, but the scale of the challenge requires significant international cooperation and funding.
Politically, Ramkalawan faces a fragmented opposition but a highly polarized electorate. The United Seychelles party, led by former President Danny Faure, remains a formidable force, with a loyal base of supporters who view Ramkalawan’s reforms as insufficient or poorly implemented. Other smaller parties and independent candidates are also expected to contest the election, potentially splitting the opposition vote but adding complexity to the political landscape.
The Road to the 2025 Election
The upcoming election, set for October 25-27, 2025, will be a critical test of Ramkalawan’s leadership and the LDS coalition’s ability to maintain its grip on power. Seychelles’ electoral system requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright; otherwise, a second round is held between the top two candidates. In 2020, Ramkalawan’s victory was decisive, but analysts predict a tighter race this time, given the economic and social challenges facing the country.
The opposition has yet to announce its candidate, but speculation is rife that Danny Faure or another prominent figure from United Seychelles will challenge Ramkalawan. The opposition is expected to focus on issues such as economic inequality, government transparency, and the need for more inclusive growth. Campaigning is likely to intensify in the coming months, with both sides vying for the support of undecided voters, particularly in urban areas like Victoria and on the islands of Praslin and La Digue.
Ramkalawan’s campaign strategy will likely center on his administration’s successes, particularly in navigating the post-pandemic recovery and positioning Seychelles as a model for sustainable development. His background as a priest and his reputation for integrity resonate with many voters, but he will need to address concerns about affordability and job creation to maintain broad support.
Seychelles in the Global Context
Seychelles’ election is being closely watched by regional and international observers, given the country’s strategic importance in the Indian Ocean and its role as a small island state advocating for climate action and sustainable development. The nation’s foreign policy under Ramkalawan has emphasized partnerships with both Western and Eastern powers, balancing relations with the United States, European Union, China, and India. Seychelles’ participation in regional organizations such as the African Union and the Indian Ocean Commission has also strengthened its voice on issues like maritime security and climate resilience.
The country’s commitment to environmental conservation has earned it international acclaim. Seychelles has protected over 30% of its marine territory, one of the highest proportions in the world, and continues to push for global efforts to combat overfishing and plastic pollution. Ramkalawan’s administration has also sought to position Seychelles as a hub for eco-tourism, attracting visitors who value the country’s pristine beaches, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability.
However, Seychelles’ reliance on external financing and aid for development projects has raised concerns about debt sustainability. The government has worked with the IMF and other institutions to manage its fiscal challenges, securing a $105 million Extended Fund Facility in 2021 to support economic reforms. While these measures have stabilized the economy, they have also required austerity measures that have been unpopular with some segments of the population.
Voices from the Ground
To understand the mood among Seychellois voters, local perspectives provide valuable insight. Marie-Claire, a 34-year-old hotel worker in Beau Vallon, acknowledges the recovery in tourism but expresses frustration with rising costs. “Tourists are back, and that’s good for my job, but everything is so expensive now. I’m not sure if the government is doing enough for people like me,” she said.
On the other hand, Jean-Paul, a fisherman from Anse Royale, credits the government’s investments in the blue economy for improving his livelihood. “The new fishing regulations and support for sustainable practices have helped us. I hope the next government continues this work,” he said.
Youth activists, such as 22-year-old environmental campaigner Lisa, emphasize the importance of climate action in the election. “We need a president who will fight for our islands, because climate change is our biggest threat. Ramkalawan has done a lot, but we need more investment in renewable energy and protecting our reefs,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As Seychelles approaches its 2025 election, the stakes are high for Wavel Ramkalawan and his administration. His ability to build on the economic recovery, address social inequalities, and tackle climate change will be critical to securing another term. While his leadership has brought stability and progress, the challenges of governing a small island nation in a volatile global environment cannot be underestimated.
The election will not only determine Seychelles’ leadership for the next five years but also set the tone for the country’s development trajectory in a rapidly changing world. For Ramkalawan, the campaign will be an opportunity to showcase his vision for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Seychelles, while convincing voters that his administration is best equipped to deliver on those promises.
As the campaign season unfolds, Seychellois voters will weigh the progress made against the challenges that remain. The outcome of the election will reflect not only their confidence in Ramkalawan’s leadership but also their aspirations for the future of their nation—a nation of 115 islands, 100,000 people, and an outsized role on the global stage.