Patrick Herminie wins Seychelles presidency - PM Modi extends greetings

Patrick Herminie has won the presidential election in Seychelles, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm congratulations, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will strengthen under Herminie’s leadership.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Patrick Herminie on his victory in the Presidential Elections in Seychelles. The waters of the Indian Ocean are our shared heritage and nourish the aspirations and needs of our people. I am confident that our time-tested and multi-faceted relations will deepen and gain further momentum in his tenure as President. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead.”

Herminie, representing the United Seychelles party, secured 52.7% of the vote in the runoff, defeating incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, who received 47.3%. This victory marks the return of United Seychelles to power after four years in opposition; the party had previously governed from 1977 to 2020. In his victory speech, Herminie thanked the Seychellois people and pledged to serve them with dedication, saying, “Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Seychelles,” while emphasizing priorities such as lowering the cost of living, reviving public services, and addressing environmental and economic challenges.

Dr. Herminie, who has had a long career in both medicine and politics, faced a legal controversy in 2023 when he was charged with witchcraft, which he denied as politically motivated; all charges were later dropped in 2024, clearing the way for his successful presidential campaign.

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1976 and is known for its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. India and Seychelles have traditionally shared strong maritime and security ties, while China has been a major economic partner through infrastructure projects. Analysts expect that under Herminie, who leads the historically India-friendly United Seychelles party, Seychelles will likely reinforce strategic cooperation with India while maintaining balanced relations with China, continuing its policy of neutrality in the Indian Ocean region.

India and Seychelles established diplomatic ties following independence, with a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri participating in the celebrations. India set up its mission in Victoria in 1979, initially with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its mission in New Delhi in 2008.