In a bold move to gauge public sentiment ahead of Seychelles’ 2025 presidential elections, The Seychelles Times conducted an independent survey, drawing on responses from 2,488 participants—representing a significant sample of the nation’s 74,634 registered voters. Of these, 702 were interviewed in person across the nation’s districts, ensuring a diverse cross-section of opinions, while another 1,786 participated online, with measures in place to prevent multiple submissions. Importantly, participants were assured full anonymity, and the online survey did not require sensitive information beyond IP visibility to confirm their location. Only data from participants within Seychelles was used. The survey, conducted from September 27 to October 27, 2024, highlights a mixture of frustration, skepticism, and cautious optimism among Seychellois as they face the ballot. The online survey can be viewed here: (https://theseychellestimes.com/the-election-2025-survey/).
Who Are the Respondents?
The survey reached a broad age demographic, with participants mainly from the 25-34 age group (31.1% or 774 individuals) and the 35-44 age group (29.5% or 734 individuals). Male and female participants were equally represented, while 1.6% (40 participants) preferred not to disclose their gender. Most respondents reported being employed full-time (54.1% or 1,346 people), though nearly a quarter (23%) identified as self-employed, indicating varied economic backgrounds.
Political Participation: Voting in Question
Despite a high level of voter registration—96.7% of respondents (or 2,405 participants) confirmed they are registered—ambivalence about participating in the 2025 election is widespread. Only 12.5% (311 participants) firmly intend to vote, while 50% (1,244 people) stated they would not, and 37.5% (933 participants) remain undecided. This wavering contrasts sharply with 2020, where 95.1% reported having voted. The numbers reveal that many Seychellois are either disillusioned with the political landscape or in need of compelling reasons to head to the polls.
Key Issues Facing Seychelles
The survey highlighted public concerns about Seychelles’ current challenges, with one issue standing out significantly: the high cost of living. An overwhelming 68.9% (1,715 participants) identified it as the most pressing problem. Government bureaucracy was the second-most cited issue at 11.5% (286 people), followed by inequality in the justice system at 8.2% (204 respondents). Other issues that were less widely cited included inadequate healthcare (4.9%), unemployment (3.3%), and the sale of land and islands to foreigners (1.6%), along with housing shortages (1.6%). These results reveal a strong focus on economic issues, underscoring the urgency for solutions to alleviate everyday costs for Seychellois families.
Dissatisfaction with Current Leadership
A resounding 68.9% of respondents (1,714 people) expressed dissatisfaction with the current government, with only 27.9% (694 individuals) expressing satisfaction, and a small percentage (3.3%) preferring not to comment. For most respondents, government performance has done little to improve their quality of life—73.8% (1,836 participants) reported no improvements, with only 19.7% (490 people) noting any positive changes.
Frustration with Politician Pay and Benefits
A majority of Seychellois are frustrated with politician compensation, with 62.1% (1,545 participants) believing that politicians are overpaid, while only 24.1% (600 people) consider the pay fair. Retirement benefits for former politicians drew even more disapproval, with 75.9% (1,889 respondents) deeming them excessive. This financial disconnect appears to fuel the broader call for political change seen throughout the survey.
The Call for New Leadership
One of the survey’s most striking revelations is the overwhelming desire for fresh faces in power. A full 82% of respondents (2,040 people) want new members in the National Assembly, with 62.3% (1,551 participants) advocating for a new leadership in the executive with a new cabinet of ministers. Age also plays a role in these sentiments; 50.8% (1,264 respondents) believe Seychelles’ politicians are too old for the challenges ahead.
Public support for a new political party is strong, with 67.2% (1,672 participants) backing the emergence of fresh leadership. When asked which political parties they found most appealing participants revealed a slight preference to Seychelles United Movement (36.1% or 898 people) and Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (32.8% or 816 people) as the frontrunners in the messaging, ideology, and general appeal.
The Race for the Presidency
When asked about presidential candidates, Maarco Francis, aged 47 at the time of the election in 2025, leads in appeal with 44.8% support (1,114 participants), followed by current President Wavel Ramkalawan (64 years old in 2025) at 32.8% (816 respondents) and Patrick Herminie (62 years old in 2025) at 19% (472 people). At age 75, Patrick Pillay has the lowest appeal with just 3.4% (85 respondents). The preference for younger candidates like Francis may reflect a broader call for rejuvenation in leadership.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
While many respondents are wary of the current state of affairs, there is a glimmer of optimism for the future. An impressive 78.7% (1,958 participants) still express hope for Seychelles’ future, despite 93.4% (2,325 people) advocating for comprehensive changes across all sectors. Only 8.2% (204 respondents) expressed pessimism about the future.
What Lies Ahead?
This survey provides a revealing snapshot of public sentiment as the 2025 election approaches. The high levels of dissatisfaction, combined with a widespread call for reform, hint at potential upheavals in Seychelles’ political scene. However, the lukewarm voter turnout intentions suggest that political parties must make a compelling case to restore faith in governance.
The Seychelles Times survey underscores the deep public desire for transformation and highlights the challenge of engaging a disillusioned electorate. As the election draws near, the ball is now in the candidates’ court to address these concerns and re-energize the Seychellois public.
-
-
-
-
