Introduction

Background

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the early 16th century, Seychelles was devoid of human settlement. Following a protracted conflict, France ultimately relinquished its claim over the islands to Great Britain in 1814. Under colonial governance, an economy centered on plantations emerged, heavily dependent on labor imported mainly from Africa's European colonies. Seychelles achieved independence in 1976 after discussions with Great Britain. In 1977, Prime Minister France-Albert RENE orchestrated a coup against the inaugural president of the nation, leading Seychelles to become a socialist one-party state until a new constitution was introduced and elections were conducted in 1993. RENE remained at the helm of Seychelles for two electoral terms before resigning in 2004. The presidency was then assumed by Vice President James Alix MICHEL, who was elected for a new five-year term in 2006, followed by reelections in 2011 and 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL stepped down, transferring the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE. The year 2020 saw Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected as president, marking the first instance of an opposition candidate securing the presidency.