VICTORIA, Seychelles — Dr Patrick Herminie, a medical professional and politician, is among the candidates contesting the upcoming presidential election in Seychelles. As the leader of United Seychelles, he is running alongside Sebastien Pillay. In an interview published yesterday, Dr Herminie said he is running for president to usher in a ‘new era’ for Seychelles and to secure a prosperous future that is ‘for the many, not the few’.
‘This election is about reclaiming the nation’s sovereignty, its economic independence, and its ability to protect our national resources from foreign interests or internal dysfunction. My vision is not just aspirational; it is grounded in a practical and sustainable financial blueprint,’ he said. His first-year priority, he said, will be to take stock of the state of the nation and immediately establish a dedicated unit in the President’s Office to oversee the integration of manifesto policies into the national planning process. High-impact, short-term programmes will include expanding the list of essential commodities at STC to stabilise prices, initiating the process to replace the entire SPTC bus fleet with a modern electric alternative, and working to reduce the cost of borrowing for Seychellois citizens by leveraging government-owned banks.
On values, Dr Herminie said his leadership will be guided by the principles of RESPECT and SHARING, the unifying ideals of Seychellois Creole culture. On the biggest challenge, he named the soaring cost of living, declining standards in education and health, corruption, and a lack of safety and security. He pledged to reform STC and establish mini-markets in regions, reform SPTC to reduce transport costs, eliminate government student loans to reduce the financial burden on families, and make land allocation more accessible. ‘My legacy will be a Seychelles where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and share in the nation’s success and prosperity,’ he said.
