in the first election, held in june 1979, rené was the single candidate for president. he won with 98 percent of the vote. the results were viewed as a popular endorsement of the socialist policies pursued by the government in the two years following the coup. the sppf proceeded with its program to set minimum wage levels, raise government salaries, improve housing and health facilities, broaden educational opportunities, increase social security coverage, and generate employment in agriculture and fisheries. the lives of most seychellois were enhanced, and most citizens appeared to favour the government's policies.