The ruling party United Seychelles held an extraordinary congress on Saturday, 29 February, to elect a new central committee. During the United Seychelles congress speech, President Patrick Herminie spoke about the government’s achievements, political challenges and the party’s plans ahead of the next elections in Seychelles.
Dr Herminie said the government had focused on strengthening relations with international partners.
“We are a serious and responsible government,” he said. “We have already made two trips, one to the United Arab Emirates and the other to India, and it has brought many benefits for Seychelles.”
He added that several international leaders had invited him for official visits.
“I have been invited as guest of honour to Mauritius for their independence day. President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation, the president of Russia has also extended an invitation, and the Emir of Qatar has extended an invitation because they recognise that Seychelles is being governed in a way that deserves respect,” he said.
Dr Herminie also spoke about the political situation in the country following the October 2025 elections.
“In October 2025, the people of Seychelles voted for me,” he said. “They placed their confidence in United Seychelles with a large majority so that we can implement the manifesto for the many, not the few.”
However, he said some institutions had not accepted the outcome of the election.
“There are institutions in Seychelles that refuse to accept that we are in power,” he said. “They need to understand that the wishes of the people are supreme and should not be compromised.”
The president also criticised the opposition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, led by former president Wavel Ramkalawan.
“The message I have today for LDS is that campaigning has finished,” Dr Herminie said. “Seychellois have voted. United Seychelles was victorious. Now let us work.”
He also referred to a recent protest over plans for a coast guard base on Assomption Island.
“They lied on Assomption to organise a protest march,” he said. “Instead of getting 10,000 participants, they got about 200. Today I want to say that the coast guard base will be built on Assomption.”
Dr Herminie also criticised Mr Ramkalawan directly.
“My promise to you all is that Mr John Charles Ramkalawan will never get to State House again,” he told supporters.
Dr Herminie urged party activists to strengthen support at district level.
“You activists need to mobilise in the districts so that we maintain support,” he said. “Getting power is one thing, but maintaining power to defend our achievements is harder.”
He also called on supporters to remain active ahead of the next elections.
“Let us rally together and defend our achievements,” he said. “Victory in 2030 will be for United Seychelles.”