Political Landscape Heats Up as Parliamentary Vacation Approaches End

As the parliamentary vacation stretches until October 15, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation ahead of the upcoming general elections. Observers expect Prime Minister to announce the dissolution of the National Assembly before the scheduled by-election on October 9 for constituency No. 10 (Montagne-Blanche/Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est).

Opposition Unleashes Campaign Strategy

Despite the Assembly being on break, the parliamentary opposition is far from idle. Instead, it is gearing up for a series of strategic moves, beginning with a significant rally planned for Sunday, August 11, 2024, in the constituency of the leader of the Mauritius Social Democratic Party (PMSD).

The coalition consisting of the Labour Party (PTr), the Militant Socialist Movement (MMM), and the New Democrats (ND) has made its intentions clear: aiming to maintain persistent pressure on the government and the PMSD, which it now views as a potential ally of the current power structure.

This upcoming gathering in constituency No. 18 (Belle-Rose/Quatre-Bornes) will serve not only to rally supporters but also to criticize what the opposition sees as a duplicity on the part of PMSD leader Xavier-Luc Duval.

The Labour-MMM-ND coalition openly expressed their concerns, accusing the PMSD of stepping away from its opposition role.

They plan to denounce ongoing negotiations between the PMSD and the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), which they believe culminated in the appointment of Adrien Duval as Speaker of the National Assembly.

Moreover, the opposition intended to spotlight an affidavit from notorious recidivist Vishal Shibchurn during the meeting.

With the general elections on the horizon, they will also ramp up their criticisms concerning the assassination of Soopramanien Kistnen and the alleged cover-up attempts surrounding the case.

Opposition Leader Arvin Boolell has stated that the purpose of this rally is to expose what he calls “underhanded political maneuvers” between the MSM and PMSD that led to Adrien Duval’s election as Speaker.

He emphasized the necessity of remaining mobilized, asserting that while a by-election may not occur, general elections are imminent with the parliamentary dissolution expected on November 21.

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

The configuration of the Front Bench is posing another intricate challenge for the Labour-MMM-ND coalition should they secure victory in the upcoming elections.

As it stands, Navin Ramgoolam is the only confirmed candidate for a position on the Front Bench.

The role of Paul Bérenger within a potential future government remained uncertain, with speculations suggesting he might take on a mentoring role—strategically significant yet less active.

Key Election Issues Discussed

Among the pivotal topics dominating the electoral discussion are the proposals for a 14th month salary and the report on wage relativity.

Labor Minister Soodesh Callichurn had indicated, during a Private Notice Question, that the government would cautiously examine the feasibility of implementing a 14th month salary to avoid destabilizing the private sector.

In response, the opposition is formulating its own proposals, with Patrick Assirvaden, the PTr president, revealing in an interview with Dimanche/L’Hebdo that the PTr-MMM-ND alliance is also considering the possibility of a 14th month salary, with an announcement expected soon.

Finalizing Candidate Lists

The completion of the candidate lists is proving to be a crucial task for political leaders.

While 13 constituencies have been confirmed, Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger must still deliberate on the remaining seven.

The choice of constituency for Ramgoolam remains uncertain; previously a candidate for No. 10 (Montagne-Blanche/Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est), he has not yet clarified whether he will return to No. 5 (Pamplemousses/Triolet).

A strong consensus within the Labour favoring his return alongside other prominent figures to their traditional strongholds.

Following the Labour Party’s setbacks in the 2014 general elections, many members had opted to contest in different areas.

However, a return to their historical bases is increasingly likely for this election cycle.

Urgency for Government Alliances

On the government side, there is urgency to solidify the alliance with the PMSD before formally embarking on the electoral campaign.

The recent appointment of Adrien Duval as Speaker marked a significant step in this direction.

However, the PMSD has shown reluctance to formalize its partnership with the government, even as several of its members have been seen engaging with representatives of the MSM across various constituencies in recent weeks.

With Parliament on break, significant developments are anticipated between the MSM and PMSD as they seek to navigate sensitive issues, including the operation of the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the strained relationship between the MSM and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)—tensions that previously led to the PMSD’s departure from the government in 2016.

New Candidates Emerge

Several new candidates are already making efforts to establish their presence ahead of the forthcoming general elections, vying for nominations from their respective parties.

For instance, in constituency No. 20 (Beau-Bassin/Petite-Rivière), a competitive dynamic is emerging between Vincent Seetaram, Press Attaché for Minister Alan Ganoo, and Oliver Thomas, President of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund.

As the political landscape shifts dramatically in the lead-up to the elections, all eyes remain on how these developments will unfold in the coming weeks.

Source: Defi Media