The parliamentary elections will determine the government for the next five years, with both primary candidates claiming strong positions after the vote. Incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and his opponent, former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, expressed confidence following the polling.
The elections come amid controversy stemming from revelations in October regarding the surveillance of public figures. This prompted discussions about potentially blocking social media, which were subsequently abandoned.
Additionally, an agreement was signed earlier in October with the United Kingdom concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, allowing London to maintain sovereign rights over the Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years.
In the outgoing assembly, Jugnauth’s Militant Socialist Movement secured 42 of the 70 seats. They are competing against the Alliance for Change, led by 77-year-old Ramgoolam. The campaign primarily focused on economic concerns, particularly the cost of living in a nation experiencing robust growth.
A third political alliance entered the race with the slogan “Neither Navin, nor Pravind,” promoting a message against corruption and nepotism.
Voting was conducted under the scrutiny of international observers and police, with preliminary estimates indicating a voter turnout of around 80 percent. Of the 891 candidates, 62 will be elected as members of parliament, with an additional eight seats to be assigned by the electoral commission.
Mauritius, which relies heavily on tourism, financial services, and textiles for its economy, is forecasting a GDP growth of 7% for 2023. However, analysts emphasize the need for economic diversification, given that the country welcomed 1.3 million visitors last year, drawn to its picturesque beaches and turquoise waters.
APA/sf/lb/abj/AFP