The Impact of Assumption Island on Seychelles' Presidential Elections

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:09:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Seychelles heads to the polls, the fate of Assumption Island has become a pivotal point in the presidential race, raising crucial questions about foreign influence and environmental preservation.

In a country where geopolitical interests meet ecological imperatives, the upcoming presidential elections in Seychelles are heavily influenced by the controversial developments on Assumption Island. The island's strategic location and recent lease to Qatari investors for luxury development have become critical electoral issues, with candidates using its fate to galvanize voter sentiment. With pressing environmental concerns and debates over national sovereignty, the election could redefine Seychelles' political landscape.

A tiny, almost barren island in the Indian Ocean has become a battleground in this weekend's elections in Seychelles, prompting global environmental concern.

Assumption Island, in the western Indian Ocean, possesses little at first glance that would set even the most curious and intrepid traveller's pulse racing. Stripped almost bare and blisteringly hot, with few man-made structures, it covers an area similar to London's Heathrow Airport and is, arguably, only slightly more scenic.

Yet this tropical island anomaly - both geographically remote and far from the popular ideal of lush paradise - has become a hotspot for geopolitical powers and eco-warriors, plus a political lightning rod in Seychelles, the country that owns it.

Situated 1,140km (700 miles) from Seychelles' most populous main island, tourist-friendly Mahé, Assumption Island is a sausage-shaped, coralline finger of low-level scrub fringed by casuarina trees. It was ravaged for its nitrogen-rich guano (seabird droppings) and agricultural use ended decades ago. But now, Assumption Island's strategic position and ecological value is priceless.

There are concerns over environmental integrity as the island lies close to vital shipping lanes and the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, an ecosystem home to unique biodiversity.

The current president, Wavel Ramkalawan, has signed a 70-year lease with the Qatari royal family who are developing a luxury resort on the island, raising alarms among conservationists and opposition politicians. This election highlights stark divisions over economic innovation versus environmental sustainability within the context of Seychelles' national identity.

As the elections commence, the public's reaction to the Assumption Island deal could determine Ramkalawan's political future, especially against the backdrop of pressing economic realities where many Seychellois are struggling to afford basic necessities. Dr. Patrick Herminie, leader of the opposition, frames the Assumption controversy as indicative of a government failing to uphold its promises.

With multiple candidates vying for power, including strong criticisms levied against the existing administration, voter turnout could significantly reflect public sentiment and sway the election results.

The unfolding developments at Assumption Island might very well dictate the course of Seychelles' political future as the nation faces its most critical electoral juncture yet.