Seychelles’ opposition leader Patrick Herminie has won the country’s presidential election, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff vote, according to official results from the electoral commission.

Herminie secured 52.7% of the vote, while Ramkalawan received 47.3%, marking a decisive shift in the nation’s leadership.

In his victory speech, Herminie, the President-elect of Seychelles, pledged to lower the cost of living, revive public services, and heal national divisions. He described his win as “a new chapter for all Seychellois.”

“I will be the president of all Seychellois, and I will end divisions by ceasing preferences and giving everyone the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Ramkalawan, who failed to secure a second term, congratulated Herminie, saying he leaves “a legacy that makes many presidents blush.”

The election went to a runoff after no candidate achieved an outright majority in the first round two weeks earlier.

A former parliamentary speaker, Herminie was charged with witchcraft in 2023, allegations he dismissed as politically motivated. The charges were later dropped in 2024, clearing his path to contest the presidency.

Herminie’s United Seychelles (US) party also won a parliamentary majority last month, regaining control from Ramkalawan’s Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS).

His victory comes amid a wave of leadership changes across Africa, following recent electoral upsets in countries such as Malawi.