The Republic of Seychelles entered a new political chapter on Sunday as Dr. Patrick Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of the island nation, marking a significant transition in its leadership and governance.
Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the colourful inauguration ceremony held at Unity Stadium in Victoria, attended by leaders and dignitaries from across Africa and Asia a display of Seychelles’ growing diplomatic engagement.
The event brought together India’s Vice President Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Gao Yunlong, and Comoros’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Mbae, who also chairs the Indian Ocean Commission Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Majaliwa was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Cosato Chumi, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya and Seychelles representative Dr. Bernard Kibesse, and other senior government officials.
Dr. Herminie’s swearing-in follows his victory in the October 11 presidential runoff, where he garnered 52.7 percent of the votes against incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) party, who received 47.3 percent.
The first round of voting, held on September 27, had seen six candidates contesting without any securing a majority.
His election marks the return of the United Seychelles (US) party to power after five years in opposition. The shift underscores the country’s vibrant democratic spirit and a renewed sense of direction in its national agenda.
Dr. Herminie took his oath of allegiance to the people at 6:35 p.m., followed by the presidential oath two minutes later before Chief Justice Rony Govinden.
The ceremony, filled with songs, poetry, and fireworks, reflected the nation’s pride and optimism for the years ahead.
In his inaugural speech, President Herminie thanked the people of Seychelles for the trust placed in him, pledging to lead a government that prioritizes equality, opportunity, and inclusiveness under his party’s guiding principle, “For the many, not the few.”
“Not everything can be achieved overnight,” he said. “But starting today, we begin the work to address the most pressing issues affecting our citizens. To this end, my administration will roll out the First 100 Days A Social Contract with the People of Seychelles.”
He also extended an invitation to the international community to strengthen cooperation through trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
“We seek partnerships based on fairness and shared prosperity,” he noted, emphasizing that Seychelles remains open to collaboration that benefits all sides.
President Herminie placed particular focus on youth empowerment, calling on young people to embrace innovation, science, and technology.
“Our young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are central to our progress today,” he said. “We will not allow their talents to go to waste or their dreams to fade while our nation advances.”
Before assuming the presidency, Dr. Herminie served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2007 to 2016 and as Leader of Government Business between 1998 and 2003.
The inauguration highlighted Seychelles’ enduring democratic tradition and its strong ties with regional and global partners including Tanzania in advancing shared values of peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean region.