This year, Seychelles marks the 15th anniversary of the advent of multi-party democracy. Government critics can voice their views without fear and, on governance league tables, the country ranks toward Africa’s top, usually behind such regional standard-bearers as Mauritius and Botswana.

President James Michel is credited generally with fostering a freer society than his long-serving predecessor, Albert Rene, and raising the country’s international profile. But Mr Rene – now head of the ruling Seychelles People’s Progressive Front – remains a powerful figure behind the scenes. Seychelles’ democratic credentials are not free of blemishes, and opposition groups accuse the ruling party of sometimes using heavy-handed tactics.