PM Modi Extends Greetings To Patrick Herminie On Seychelles Presidential Win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, extended his congratulations to Dr Patrick Herminie following his victory in the Seychelles Presidential Elections.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and expressed optimism that the bilateral partnership will continue to flourish under Herminie’s leadership.

“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,” PM Modi wrote.

Dr Patrick Herminie, Leader of the Opposition and former Speaker of the National Assembly, emerged victorious in a tightly contested runoff election, defeating incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan.

According to official results announced on Sunday, Herminie secured 52.7 per cent of the vote, while Ramkalawan garnered 47.3 per cent.

The result marks a significant political transition in the island nation. Herminie, representing the United Seychelles party, campaigned on a platform centred around national unity, economic revitalisation, and regional collaboration.

Following his win, he expressed deep gratitude to the people of Seychelles, stating, “Deeply humbled by the trust that the people have placed in me, I formally accept this mandate with gratitude, a profound sense of duty, and an unshakeable faith in the strength and character of the Seychellois people.”

A Veteran Leader with a Vision for Growth

Aged 62, Herminie brings considerable political experience to the presidency, having served as the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2007 to 2016.

His victory follows a runoff election held from Thursday to Saturday, after no candidate secured more than half of the votes in the first round held in late September.

Under Seychelles’ constitution, the presidential term lasts for five years, with a candidate requiring an outright majority to win in the first round.

In the absence of such a result, the two leading contenders proceed to a second round, as was the case in this election.

India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership built on mutual respect and strategic collaboration, particularly in maritime security, development cooperation, and capacity building.

The relationship has evolved into a key pillar of India’s engagement with the Indian Ocean region, with initiatives aimed at supporting Seychelles’ sustainable growth and regional stability.

PM Modi’s message underscores India’s continued commitment to fostering close ties with Seychelles, a vital maritime neighbour and partner in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.

Also Read: Anthropic CEO Meets PM Modi; Discusses India’s Growing Role In Responsible AI Development