Seychelles has seen an increase in political pluralism in recent years, with an opposition coalition winning a parliamentary majority in 2016 and an opposition presidential candidate winning for the first time in 2020. However, government corruption remains a problem, as does lengthy pretrial detention. Migrant workers are vulnerable to abuse.

• In February, a court dismissed charges of witchcraft that had been lodged in 2023 against Patrick Herminie, leader of the main opposition United Seychelles party. Herminie, who planned to run in the 2025 presidential election, had denied the charges and alleged that they were politically motivated.
• In September, the National Assembly amended the penal code to allow for enhanced sentences when a crime is found to have been aggravated by hatred based on protected characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, disability, and political affiliation. Free expression advocates warned that politicians could use the provision to punish their critics, as other articles of the penal code already criminalized seditious speech.
• In October, the National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment to establish that presidential elections should always be held five weeks before the current term’s expiration, and on the same day as the legislative elections. The president would no longer be able to call an early election. Among other changes, the amendment eliminated a three-year deadline for launching legal proceedings against a former president.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.