Seychelles President congratulates Jacob Zuma on re-election

President Zuma with President Michel at Seychelles International Airport, as Zuma arrived for a working visit to Seychelles in July 2012, where they negotiated with Malagasy leaders to bring about an end to the island's political crisis. (Mervyn Marie, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - While official South African election results are expected early on Friday, one of the smallest African island states, Seychelles, takes the lead to congratulate President Jacob Zuma on his re-election.

Seychelles President James Michel congratulated South African President Jacob Zuma and the African National Congress party in a message delivered today, according to a statement from the Office of the President this evening.

 “It is a mark of confidence in the leadership that you have provided the people of South Africa and the undeniable strong determination and conviction in making South Africa a beacon of hope and success in Africa and in the world," said Michel. 

"Seychelles stands with South Africa today expressing its congratulations as it did twenty years ago, when South Africa was finally free and as it did during the struggle for freedom."

Michel called the ANC victory as a testament to the 'resolute spirit of the South African people.'

“Unbowed by one of the greatest crimes against humanity represented by Apartheid, they stand with you on this day to remind us all, that even when great evils are committed by man against his fellow man, there is always a path to redemption, and there is always a path to freedom, even if this path may require a long walk."

The Seychelles president also assured Zuma of his 'unwavering support' and wished him 'strength and success' in his new mandate.

With about 70 percent of the results in so far, the ANC has won 63 percent of the vote followed by the Democratic Alliance on 22 percent.

With 5 percent of the vote so far, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party is in third place.

According to the South African electoral commission voter turn out was at 72 percent, adding that voting passed off peacefully in most areas.