Electoral authorities in Seychelles have declared opposition candidate Wavel Ramkalawan the new president of the East African country
upsetting incumbent Danny Faure in Saturday’s vote.
Ramkalawan polled nearly 54.9% according to the country’s electoral commission while Faure, in power since 2016 polled 45.1% and was widely expected to win as the opposition fielded two candidates.
A priest, Ramkalawan had sought the presidency six times before emerging victorious. His win ends the dominance of the United Seychelles Party, which has governed since 1977.
Ramkalawan of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party campaigned on the pledge to raise the Indian Ocean country’s minimum wage.
The main concern of voters however is the economic situation in the country, which has suffered the loss of vital tourism — its main earner — because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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