Assumption Island, a remote and seemingly unremarkable island in the Indian Ocean, has unexpectedly become a focal point in Seychelles’ ongoing elections. Located over 1,000 kilometers from the nation’s main hub, this barren island is now at the center of a heated debate involving geopolitics, environmental conservation, and national sovereignty. The island’s strategic location near key shipping lanes has attracted international interest, particularly from India, which sought to establish a military base there. However, public pressure has so far prevented such developments. The recent lease of part of the island to the Qatari royal family for a luxury resort has further stirred controversy, raising concerns about environmental degradation and lack of transparency. Conservationists warn that the island’s ecological significance, particularly its role as a nesting site for green turtles and its proximity to the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, is at risk. As Seychelles heads to the polls, the future of Assumption Island has become a key electoral issue, with President Wavel Ramkalawan defending the Qatari deal as essential for economic survival, while opposition leader Dr. Patrick Herminie criticizes the government’s handling of the situation. The election outcome could determine the island’s fate, balancing economic interests against environmental preservation and national pride.