KEY POINTS
- Mauritius holds election focused on economic concerns.
- Prime Minister Jugnauth promises cost-cutting measures.
- Opposition pledges free services, fuel price cuts, and pension increases.
Mauritius held parliamentary elections on Sunday, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his main opposition rivals pledging to address the cost of living crisis that has dominated the concerns of the 1.3 million citizens of this Indian Ocean nation. Polls closed at 6 p.m. local time, with results expected on Monday, according to the country’s electoral body.
The island nation, known for its strategic position between Africa and Asia, primarily draws its revenue from offshore finance, tourism, and textiles. It also receives aid from China.
However, despite a forecasted economic growth rate of 6.5 percent this year, many residents report feeling the squeeze of inflation. This has positioned the election as a referendum on economic reform, with both the ruling and opposition parties promising measures aimed at economic relief.
Jugnauth’s Alliance Lepep coalition has promised to raise the minimum wage, boost pensions, and lower value-added taxes on essential goods.
Additionally, his administration plans to utilize compensation from the United Kingdom under a recent agreement to cede the Chagos Islands, while retaining the U.S.-UK Diego Garcia air base. The funds from this deal, Jugnauth’s camp asserts, will be directed to segments of the population most affected by the cost of living pressures.
As, political analyst Subash Gobine indicated, Jugnauth is presenting economic prosperity as one of a major campaign slogans with a plan to provide more aid to those affected most by the economic crisis at the moment.
Opposition pushes alternative economic relief plans
The opposition has likewise focused on economic reforms, led by the Alliance du Changement coalition, under the leadership of Navin Ramgoolam, along with two other parties in the Linion Reform alliance.
They have pledged to increase pensions, reduce fuel prices, and introduce free public transport and internet services. Ramgoolam’s coalition has promised an innovative approach to leadership, proposing that its three main leaders, including Nando Bodha and Roshi Bhadain, would take turns serving as prime minister if elected.
Voters on Sunday selected 62 members of parliament from a pool of 68 parties and five political alliances. Music instructor Ivan Mootooveeren, one voter, said he supported the opposition because “the country needs a fresh direction.”
According to Reuters, another voter, David Stafford, highlighted the importance of youth participation, expressing hope for economic reform and job opportunities under the next administration.
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Arvin Boolell, stated that voter turnout likely exceeded 75%, though the electoral body has not confirmed an official count. Whichever coalition wins more than half of the seats in parliament will secure the prime ministership.
Social media blackout and election security
Earlier in November, Jugnauth’s government temporarily blocked access to social media, citing national security concerns after leaked conversations involving public figures circulated online.
The move, intended to last until after the election, faced sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups, leading the government to lift the ban a day later.
The election outcome will show whether the voters consider Jugnauth’s Alliance Lepep coalition performed well in the economy management or if the Alliance du Changement promises to decrease daily expenses and introduce free services will work for the majority.
