Close poll expected in Seychelles

Wavel Ramkalawan is expected to mount a strong challenge

Presidential elections have begun in the Seychelles, with the ruling Seychelles People's Progressive Front facing its toughest challenge ever.

Voting the remoter islands in the Indian Ocean archipelago takes place on Friday and Saturday, and in the main islands, Mahe and La Digue, on Sunday.

President James Michel is challenged by opposition leader, Wavel Ramkalawan, and a businessmen, Phillippe Boulle.

Mr Ramkalawan, an Anglican priest, is expected to mount a strong challenge.

Motor boats were being used to take ballot boxes and voting papers to the smaller islands.

Economic concerns have been the main issue in campaigning.

The Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF) has been the ruling party since 1977, when France Albert Rene came to power in a bloodless coup.

Mr Rene was re-elected after restoring multi-party democracy in 1991, and handed over to Mr Michel, his political protege, in 2004.

The current elections are expected to be the most closely contested in the island's history.