(Posted 04th April 2025)
Seychelles is heading into a pivotal and uncertain political moment, with the 2025 elections set for September 27. The Electoral Commission has announced Nomination Day for candidates on August 12, finalizing the critical election timeline. However, as the race begins, disturbing reports of intimidation and harassment are emerging from credible sources.
In contrast to the peaceful and uneventful transfer of power during the last election, which was seen as a significant milestone for the country’s democracy, the current climate is troublingly different. In the previous election, the transition was marked by cooperation and calm, with power being transferred smoothly. Yet, with less than six months until the 2025 election, the atmosphere is far more charged and tense, raising questions about whether the same can be expected this time around.
The political climate has grown even more tense with the recent arrest of opposition leader Ralph Volcere at Seychelles International Airport, where he was attempting to leave the country. His mobile phone was seized, raising serious concerns about his freedom of movement and potential political persecution.
In another disturbing development, Patrick Herminie, a leader of an opposition party, was arrested on absurd witchcraft offenses by the state. This absurd charge is seen by many as an attempt to silence and discredit those who challenge the current government, further highlighting the escalating political repression in the country.
Influential social media personality Bernard Sullivan, a former close confidant of the incumbent President, was arrested, handcuffed, and detained overnight at the Central Police Station, further escalating tensions.
Members of the minority party SUM have also reported intimidation. Officials from the party were followed by unregistered vehicles during their activities. It was later discovered that some of these vehicles were part of the President’s entourage. Disturbingly, the owner of a phone, who had photographed the incident, was forced to delete the images. A pregnant woman in the car was left frightened and helpless, despite explaining her delicate condition to those involved in the intimidation.
Now, the situation has escalated with threats being made against Alain St.Ange, a prominent candidate for Lalyans Nouvo Sesel. Credible sources have informed us that there are plans to poison him — a chilling development that follows weeks of surveillance, as he has been systematically tracked during his campaign activities. These actions appear calculated and sinister, aimed at eliminating a powerful voice of the people as the ruling elite grows increasingly desperate to hold on to power. This is not just harassment — it is a direct threat to his life and to democracy itself.
In response, leaders of Lalyans Nouvo Sesel have issued a firm statement. They have made it clear that any attempt to harm or intimidate Alain St.Ange will not go unnoticed. “If even a finger is laid on him, we will escalate this matter without mercy. We will hold every perpetrator — every single one — accountable through appropriate legal channels both locally and internationally. There will be no hiding behind titles or political favours. Justice will follow you,” they stated.
Furthermore, the movement has called out the possibility that these actions may be state-sponsored. “If the Executive is behind this — if these actions are not isolated but part of high-level directives — then this represents a serious abuse of power. It undermines democracy and shows a complete disregard for the rule of law and the will of the people,” the statement continued.
It is also worth noting that the UAE has been a consistent supporter of the current administration in Seychelles. Given the increasing reports of intimidation and suppression of political freedoms, the UAE’s continued backing of this government raises questions about the implications of such support. As these incidents unfold, it becomes clear that international scrutiny on the UAE’s role and its alignment with an administration accused of undermining democracy will only grow.
The Lalyans Nouvo Sesel’s leaders warned that any harm to Alain St.Ange would only ignite a stronger, more determined resistance. “You will not silence us. You will only fuel the fire. More independent candidates with the same fearless vision will rise. The system you so desperately try to protect will crumble under the weight of your own corruption,” they asserted.
“You wanted silence. You’ll get the opposite,” the leaders concluded. “The people are awake, and what comes next will be resistance. It will be reckoning.”
As Seychelles approaches this crucial election, the country stands at a crossroads. The actions taken in the coming months will define its political future. The people of Seychelles are watching, and the stakes have never been higher. Will the transfer of power remain peaceful and uneventful as it was in the past, or will these escalating incidents of violence and intimidation be the precursor to a different kind of election — one marked by resistance and a battle for democracy?
