ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Sunday congratulated Patrick Herminie on his election as Seychelles' president-elect.

Herminie won the presidential runoff with 52.7 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent leader Wavel Ramkalawan, who garnered 47.3 percent, according to the country's electoral commission.

In a statement, Youssouf commended the people of Seychelles for their peaceful and orderly participation in what he described as a "credible democratic process," underscoring the nation's strong commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles.

The AUC chair also praised Ramkalawan and other candidates for conceding defeat gracefully and upholding the spirit of peaceful political competition. He reaffirmed the AU's commitment to supporting Seychelles and working with the incoming administration.

The Indian Ocean archipelago held the runoff presidential election from Thursday to Saturday, after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of voting in late September. ■