2015_Seychellois_presidential_election

2015 Seychellois presidential election

2015 Seychellois presidential election

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Presidential elections were held in Seychelles between 3 and 5 December 2015. As no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a second round was held between 16 and 18 December.[1] Incumbent President James Michel was re-elected, defeating opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan by just 193 votes in the second round. Ramkalawan claimed there had been "many irregularities", including vote buying.[2]

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Background

The elections were initially scheduled to take place between 19 and 21 November 2015, but were moved "to give more time to political parties to prepare for the elections".[3]

Campaign

The official nomination process closed on 11 November 2015. In October 2015 incumbent President James Michel of the People's Party announced his intention to run for re-election for a third and final term. Since the re-introduction of democracy in 1993,[4] candidates from the People's Party have won all presidential and parliamentary elections in Seychelles.[3]

Alexia Amesbury, leader of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy, was the first woman to contest a presidential election in Seychelles.[1]

Results

Michel fell short of a majority in the first round, receiving about 48% of the vote, and therefore a second round was required. The second place candidate, long-time opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan, received the support of third place candidate Patrick Pillay for the second round.[5]

Michel won the second round by a very small margin, beating Ramkalawan by only 193 votes, according to results announced by the electoral commission on 19 December 2015. Ramkalawan disputed the results and requested a recount. Michel was sworn in on 20 December.[6]

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References

  1. [1]
    "Seychelles presidential race heading for run-off within 14 days - no candidate wins absolute majority after 'highly contested'", Seychelles News Agency, 6 December 2015.
  2. [2]
    "Seychelles president re-elected, opposition cries foul", Reuters, 19 December 2015.
  3. [3]
    Presidential elections in Seychelles rescheduled for December 3rd to 5th Seychelles News Agency, 13 October 2015
  4. [4]
    Elections in Seychelles African Elections Database
  5. [5]
    "Seychelles votes in presidential run-off", Agence France-Presse, 17 December 2015.
  6. [6]
    "Seychelles leader sworn in despite contested win", Agence France-Presse, 20 December 2015.
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