Seychelles opposition concedes election defeat

VICTORIA - Aides of the Seychelles' main opposition leader, Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan, conceded defeat on Sunday in a presidential race against incumbent President James Michel for rule over the Indian Ocean archipelago.

"I think we have lost. We're running behind with 46 per cent of the vote to their 54," Roger Mancienne, secretary general of Ramkalawan's Seychelles National Party said.

The electoral commission declined to comment on the result until counting is finished but a ruling party official called the election for Michel.

"SPPF (Michel's Seychelles People's Progressive Front) looks like coming out with about 53-54 per cent. I'm looking at some very happy faces," presidential adviser Gilbert Pool said.

- REUTERS