WAVEL RAMKALAWAN

Wavel Ramkalawan, born on Mahé, the principal island of Seychelles, is a dedicated Seychellois politician and Anglican priest. Growing up in a modest family, with a father who worked as a metalworker and a mother who was a primary school teacher, Ramkalawan's roots are deeply connected to his community. Married to Linda and the father of three sons—Samuel, Caleb, and Amos—Ramkalawan’s journey from the church to the presidency is a remarkable one.

His path to politics began through his work as a priest, where he witnessed firsthand the repression and abuse of human rights by the government. In 1990, Ramkalawan delivered a powerful sermon broadcast nationally, challenging the practices of the one-party government and advocating for greater freedom and human rights. This bold stance led to his banishment from national media, a move that only deepened his resolve to pursue political change.

In 1991, Ramkalawan co-founded the Parti Seselwa, an underground opposition group, alongside notable figures like Roger Mancienne and Jean-François Ferrari. As its leader, he played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Seychelles. Following the introduction of a new constitution in 1993, Ramkalawan and his party joined forces with other opposition groups to form The United Opposition. Their efforts earned them 9% of the vote in the general elections, securing Ramkalawan a seat in the National Assembly.

By 1998, Ramkalawan led his party into the second multi-party general elections, achieving 27% of the national vote and increasing their National Assembly representation. He became the first directly elected member of his party, representing the St Louis constituency, which he later handed over to focus on broader political goals. His leadership extended to becoming the Leader of the Opposition, a role he held from 1998 to 2011 and again from 2016 to 2020.

Ramkalawan's political journey saw him narrowly miss the presidency in December 2015, losing by just 1% to James Michel. Despite this setback, he continued to make significant contributions as he led the National Assembly delegation at the Pan African Parliament and the SADC PF, and chaired several key committees, including Democratisation, Governance, and Human Rights.

On October 26, 2020, Wavel Ramkalawan was sworn in as the President of Seychelles, marking a historic moment as the first opposition candidate to win the presidency since independence. His election symbolizes a new chapter for Seychelles, reflecting his enduring commitment to democracy and human rights. Reference: https://www.statehouse.gov.sc/the-president