Voting has begun in the Seychelles ‘ elections, with incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan hoping to win a second term leading the strategically located African archipelago.

Polls opened in outlying islands and for some essential workers on Thursday. Ballot stations on the three main islands open on Saturday and results are due on Sunday in elections that will select a president and parliament, and are dominated by concerns over sovereignty, the environment and drugs.

About 73,000 voters will choose from eight presidential candidates and 125 challengers for the 35-seat National Assembly, in which Ramkalawan hopes to maintain a majority for his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa coalition.

Africa’s wealthiest country per capita is an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Its location makes it

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