FRANCE Albert Rene, who has been president of the Seychelles since he staged a coup in 1977, won a new five-year term Sunday in elections rejected by his main rival because of alleged irregularities. Rene, who leads the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front, was declared president by Election Commissioner Hendrick Gappy shortly after 1:00 am (2100 GMT) Monday, gaining 54,19% of the vote. His main rival, Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) won 44,95% of valid votes cast while independent candidate Philippe Boulle garnered only 0,86%.”I cannot accept the results,” said Wamkalawan, in remarks broadcast nationwide, alleging that Rene’s supporters had used intimidation to sway the vote. ”There are good losers and bad losers,” retorted Rene. – Sapa
Sunday September 2, 2001