New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Patrick Herminie following his triumph in the Presidential Elections of Seychelles.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi underscored the enduring bond between India and Seychelles, expressing optimism that the bilateral ties will be further solidified under Herminie’s leadership.

“My warmest congratulations to Dr. Patrick Herminie on his election victory in the Presidential Elections of Seychelles. The waters of the Indian Ocean are our shared legacy, supporting the aspirations and needs of our citizens. I believe that our long-standing and multifaceted relations will strengthen and gain momentum during his term as President. I wish him all the best for the upcoming tenure,” stated the Prime Minister.

Herminie, the Leader of Opposition and a former Speaker of the National Assembly, attained victory in a fiercely contested runoff election, defeating the incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan. As per the official results released early Sunday, Herminie secured 52.7 percent of the votes, while Ramkalawan received 47.3 percent.

This election signifies a major political transformation for the island nation, with Herminie committing to prioritize national unity, economic recovery, and the enhancement of regional partnerships.

India and Seychelles have historically maintained robust diplomatic and strategic relations, with collaboration encompassing maritime security, development initiatives, and capacity building.

Herminie, representing the largest opposition party in Seychelles, the United Seychelles, achieved his presidential win by acquiring over 50 percent of the votes, according to the official results announced by the country’s electoral commission on Sunday.

“I am deeply honored by the trust that the populace has placed in me, and I accept this mandate with gratitude, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering faith in the strength and character of the Seychellois people,” Herminie remarked after being declared the president-elect.

At 62 years old, Herminie previously served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles from 2007 to 2016.

According to the constitution, the presidential term spans five years. A candidate who secures more than half of the votes in the first round is declared the winner. If no candidate achieves this majority, the two leading contenders progress to a second round of voting.

The Indian Ocean archipelago proceeded to a runoff presidential election from Thursday to Saturday, after no candidate secured more than half of the votes in the first round conducted in late September.