Presidential, legislative elections kick off in Seychelles
Eight candidates are contesting the presidency, including incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa - LDS).
Over 77,000 voters in Seychelles began casting their ballots on Thursday in an election that will run through Saturday to choose both the president and members of the National Assembly.
The Indian Ocean archipelago, made up of 115 islands, opened voting on Thursday for residents of outlying islands and essential workers, while polling stations on the three main islands are scheduled to open on Saturday.
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Eight candidates are contesting the presidency, including incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa - LDS), who is seeking re-election. His main challenger is Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles, the country's largest opposition party.
Under the Constitution of Seychelles, the presidential term is five years.
A candidate who secures more than half of the votes in the first round is declared the winner. If no candidate achieves this majority, the two leading contenders will advance to a second round of voting.
At the same time, Seychellois voters are also electing members of the National Assembly, the unicameral legislature, which serves a five-year term.
The assembly has up to 35 members, with 26 directly elected to represent constituencies and nine chosen through proportional representation.
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