Michel, of the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), retained the presidency on Sunday after polling almost 54% of the vote in the election, which was held between July 28 and July 30.

Michel's closest rival, Wavel Ramkalawan, an Anglican cleric and a member of the Seychelles People's Progressive (SNP), polled just under 46% of the vote. It was his fourth bid to become the country's leader.

Almost 90% of the electorate turned out to vote.

Michel has been President since 2004 after France Albert Rene, who had ruled the Seychelles for almost 30 years, stepped down.

Michel's election manifesto pledged to raise the international profile of the Seychelles to help bring in more foreign investment and increase living standards for the local populace by, among other policies, increasing the country's profile as a "unique" tourist destination and expanding the double taxation treaty network.

The manifesto also pledged to establish a simple tax structure which generates income for the government "in a responsible manner," protect local production "where needed," and implement a tax system that "provides an equal footing for all operators."

Michel is due to be inaugurated on Tuesday.