The Seychelles' incumbent president James Michel won a strong lead in polls last week but fell short of securing an outright majority, and must now face opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan in an unprecedented runoff.
Facing his first serious challenge after two five-year terms, Michel won almost 48 percent of the vote against 34 percent for Ramkalawan, according to results released by the electoral commission.
Patrick Pillay, a former foreign and health minister under Michel, came third with almost 15 percent. He has pledged to support Ramkalawan in the next round, as have other opposition candidates. "All the parties have agreed to rally behind Ramkalawan. Everybody's goal is to push Michel out of office," Pillay said after the results were announced.
Michel however remained defiant.
"We are still the main political force in the country, and even though we were missing two percent to win the election, we are still the strongest party," he said.
"We are ready for the second round and we will make sure we do better than in the first... I faced five candidates, but now I will only have one adversary."
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