Mauritius government suffers electoral defeat

The opposition Alliance of Change in Mauritius has won all 60 seats up for grabs on the archipelago’s main island following Sunday’s Parliamentary election.

Opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam, 77, said “the power of the people” had triumphed.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, 62, had already acknowledged on Monday that his Lepep alliance was heading for a “huge defeat”.

Mauritius is known as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, but this election was tainted by a phone-tapping scandal, with leaked recordings of public figures posted online.
In response, the government issued a social media ban until after the election, although this led to an outcry and the decision was reversed within 24 hours.

Ramgoolam, a former Doctor, looks set to become the country’s Prime Minister for the third time. His second term in office, having served the last time between 2005 and 2014.

“The Court of the people has delivered its verdict and a new Mauritius awakes,” he told supporters.

“We must respect this choice and we wish the country and the population good luck,” said Jugnauth.

The mood in the capital Port Louis reflects this changing tide, as people gathered in public places in anticipation of results that would signal a fresh direction for the country

They were dancing and singing in the streets and blowing vuvuzelas. They also waved the country’s flag and held fire crackers.

Ibrahim, who voted for the Alliance for Change told reporters that “growing public dissatisfaction” was a major reason the ruling party lost.

The cost-of-living crisis has been a major issue for many Mauritians, along with a growing concern about governance and corruption.

On the campaign trail, both parties promised to improve the lives of people on the islands.

Ramgoolam whose father was a liberation hero said he would increase pensions, introduce free transport and internet and reduce fuel costs.

Mauritius’ former Foreign Minister and a member of the opposition coalition, Arvin Boolell said that the election was a “victory of the people”.

Voter turnout was about 80% according to the electoral commission

Citizens went to the polls to elect lawmakers for the 62 seats in Parliament for the next five years.

Additionally, up to eight “best loser” seats are allocated to ensure fair ethnic representation in Parliament.

The vote comes after a historic agreement in which the United Kingdom gave up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.