Seychelles to vote with sovereignty, environment and drugs on agenda

"Voting has begun in the Seychelles elections, with incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan hoping to win a second term leading the strategically located African archipelago. Polls opened in outlying islands and for some essential workers on Thursday. Ballot stations on the three main islands open on Saturday and results are due on Sunday in elections that will select a president and parliament, and are dominated by concerns over sovereignty, the environment and drugs."

"About 73,000 voters will choose from eight presidential candidates and 125 challengers for the 35-seat National Assembly, in which Ramkalawan hopes to maintain a majority for his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa coalition. Africa's wealthiest country per capita is an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Its location makes it a target for investment from, and security cooperation with, China, Gulf nations and India."

"A severe narcotics crisis, environmental challenges and questions about sovereignty are among the key issues for voters. A 2017 United Nations report identified the archipelago as a major drug transhipment point. The 2023 Global Organized Crime Index cited Seychelles as having one of the world's highest rates of heroin addiction. The Agency for Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR) estimates there are about 6,000 users, though analysts suggest addiction rates are closer to 10 percent of its 120,000 population."

Polling opened first in outlying islands and for essential workers, with ballot stations on the three main islands opening on Saturday and results due on Sunday. About 73,000 registered voters will choose among eight presidential candidates and 125 parliamentary challengers for 35 National Assembly seats. President Wavel Ramkalawan seeks a second term and aims to maintain his coalition majority while continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. Main rival Patrick Herminie represents the United Seychelles Party. Key voter concerns include sovereignty, environmental challenges, and a severe narcotics crisis linked to transhipment and high addiction rates.

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