VICTORIA, Seychelles — United Seychelles supporters rejoiced across Praslin and La Digue on Sunday, following the announcement of the presidential election results, which saw Dr Patrick Herminie secure a decisive victory over incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in both Baie Sainte Anne and Grand Anse Praslin.
In Baie Sainte Anne, a total of 3,144 votes were cast out of 3,585 eligible voters. There were 3,098 valid votes, representing 98.5 percent of total votes cast, while 1.5 percent were rejected. Dr Herminie won 1,813 votes, or 58.5 percent, while Mr Ramkalawan secured 1,143 votes, or 41.5 percent.
Across the other side of the island, Grand Anse Praslin recorded 2,602 votes cast out of 2,931 eligible voters. After rejecting 51 ballots, 2,551 valid votes were counted, with Dr Herminie winning 1,481 votes (58.1 percent) and Mr Ramkalawan 1,070 votes (41.9 percent). In the inner islands, Dr Herminie secured 1,496 votes, or 63.4 percent, while Mr Ramkalawan garnered 670 votes (36.6 percent). Out of 2,140 eligible voters, 1,875 cast their votes.
Supporters on both islands cheered and celebrated soon after the results were announced, dancing, honking horns and waving their flags. The following day, many supporters gathered at Amitié on Praslin and joined a motorcade around the island, with supporters on La Digue also touring their island in celebration.
