Seychelles islanders vote in tight presidential race

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

VICTORIA (AFP) — Seychelles islanders have begun voting in presidential elections that could bring an end to a nearly 30-year political dynasty in the far-flung Indian Ocean archipelago.

Voters on the most remote of the Seychelles' 115 islands cast ballots on the first of three days of polling after a largely peaceful campaign dominated by economic issues and opposition calls for radical change in government.

Most see the three-candidate contest as a two-horse race between incumbent President James Michel and activist priest Wavel Ramkalawan, who is making his fourth -- and, many say, strongest -- bid for the top job.

There have been no pre-election polls, but nearly all Seychellois, including government officials, believe Michel and Ramkalawan will duel for...