James Michel has been re-elected for a second five-year term in a victory which he has dedicated to the Seychellois people.

Mr Michel, leader of Parti Lepep, polled a total 31,966 or 55.46% of the popular vote, as compared to his nearest opponent, Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) with 23,878 or 41.43%.  

The two other candidates contesting the election scored less that 2%. Ralph Volcère of the New Democratic Party (NDP) scored  833 votes or 1.45% whereas independent candidate Philippe Boullé got 956 votes or 1.66%.

Still, Mr Ramkalawan emerges as the main loser of the presidential election, slipping from almost 46% in 2006 to 41%. This is his fourth failed bid for the presidency.

This becomes all the more obvious upon analysis of the results at district level, which shows Mr Ramkalawan beaten in his own constituency of Anse Etoile (see accompanying table).

His vice-presidential running mate’s home constituency of Bel Ombre also fell to Parti Lepep.

Mr Michel’s Parti Lepep won 23 of the 25 electoral districts. SNP won only marginally at St Louis and Beau Vallon.
SNP, which since the 2001 presidential poll had enjoyed an average 44%, also saw such support slip away.

Parti Lepep’s victory was not unexpected.  During the campaign, the party held  rallies on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, attracting huge crowds.

In comparison, SNP only held indoor meetings with low turnouts.
There was a 4,500 margin between Mr Michel and Mr Ramkalawan, this has increased to over 8,000 with the latest result.
As for the other contenders, Mr Boullé has trebled his score from 314 to 956 votes.  This is Mr Boullé’s third unsuccessful bid in a presidential election as an independent candidate.

Mr Volcère, though at his first attempt, was expected to do better, but trailed Mr Boullé in fourth position with 833 votes.
This year’s presidential election took place from May 19 to 21, with the majority of voters on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue voting on Saturday.