with One Seychelles President Bernard Port-Louis
to Launch ‘Transformation’ Ticket for 2025 General Election
Victoria, Seychelles – 5 June 2025
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for 27 September 2025, independent political figure Ralph Volcère has announced a strategic alliance with Bernard Port-Louis, the president of the One Seychelles political party. At a joint press conference held at the National Library in Victoria on Thursday, 5 June at 10:00 a.m., Port-Louis declared that One Seychelles would officially back Volcère’s candidacy as an independent, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the country’s political landscape.
The duo will contest the election as independent candidates under a unified “Transformation” ticket, aiming to usher in a new era of governance under the theme of Hope and Unity. Port-Louis will serve as Volcère’s running mate in this unprecedented political arrangement, which they say represents a break from traditional party politics.
A Response to Public Discontent with Partisan Politics
According to both candidates, this decision emerged from extensive consultations with the electorate, internal discussions within One Seychelles, and a growing recognition that public sentiment is shifting away from entrenched party loyalties. Voters, they argue, are increasingly disillusioned with partisan squabbles that have characterised the National Assembly for nearly five years and are seeking leaders who can rise above party lines to deliver tangible results.
“We listened to the people, and what we heard over and over again was that they are tired of the squabbling of party politics, which is not in the interest of the country,” said Volcère. “The people are now asking for leadership that is free from the politics of division. It is the electorate who have the power to end these divisions by voting for independent candidates instead.”
Volcère and Port-Louis emphasised that their campaign will avoid traditional party branding, instead focusing on policies and reforms rooted in national transformation. Their vision includes widespread reforms across various sectors, including justice, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
A Transformational Agenda
Their joint manifesto outlines a broad and ambitious programme centered on Hope and Unity, aiming to restore public trust in governance and create a more inclusive society. Key proposals include:
- Education and Healthcare Reform – Improving access and quality across the board.
- Criminal Justice Reform – Ensuring fairness, efficiency, and public trust in legal institutions.
- Environmental Stewardship – Implementing policies for sustainable development and climate resilience.
- Youth Empowerment – Prioritising youth in decision-making processes and supporting young entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and innovation hubs.
A standout policy proposal is the creation of a Ministry of Economics, which would focus on fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth in critical sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.
The duo also underlined their commitment to strengthening local government structures, asserting that communities must be directly involved in the running of local affairs for true democratic transformation to take root.
Tackling Corruption and Promoting National Unity
One of the core pillars of the campaign is the fight against corruption. Volcère and Port-Louis pledged to introduce robust measures to improve governance and ensure transparency within the first 100 days in office.
“Corruption is a cancer to society. If we do not address it seriously in the first 100 days, then we risk repeating the mistakes of the past by both the US and the LDS governments,” warned Volcère.
The pair reiterated their readiness to work across political lines in both the executive and legislative branches, as long as the common goal is national transformation and inclusivity.
On Cannabis Legalisation
In response to media questions, Volcère expressed cautious support for the liberalisation of medical cannabis, citing the overly restrictive nature of current regulations. Regarding recreational cannabis use, he said the issue would be subject to national consultation and potentially a referendum, should public consensus remain elusive.
A Call for Unity and a New Direction
As the press conference concluded, the candidates made an impassioned appeal to the electorate:
“The 2025 elections must not be seen as a continuation of partisan struggles, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to chart a brand-new course for Seychelles. We call on all Seychellois to come together in the spirit of unity and transformation,” said Port-Louis.
The Volcère/Port-Louis alliance offers voters an alternative to the current political stalemate and positions itself as a credible force for national renewal. With a clear message and a bold agenda, the Transformation ticket could very well redefine the future of Seychelles’ politics.
