Dr. Atchia: A Call for Long-Term Vision in Mauritian Politics

Michael Atchia, a former Program Director at the United Nations and president of Action Civique in the 1970s, has been an active member of Democracy Watch Mauritius since 2008. He expressed deep concern regarding the current political climate in Mauritius, particularly the tendency of major political parties to focus on superficial promises rather than developing substantial strategies that could propel the country toward significant growth and development.

In an interview, Atchia was asked about the primary challenges facing Mauritius in the coming years. He emphasized the importance of long-term thinking, stating,

“For me, the main challenge for Mauritius is to consider how we will manage the next 5, 10, or even 20 years.”

He outlined numerous global issues—including climate change, rising sea levels, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters—that could profoundly impact the nation.

Atchia lamented the lack of concrete proposals from political leaders, criticizing recent suggestions like increasing salaries with non-existent funds or providing free internet access.

“We are far from the solutions needed,” he asserted, calling for policies aimed at the common good and future-oriented strategies.

Atchia also addressed the role of money in the upcoming elections, expressing disappointment at the potential for financial influence.

“Citizen education regarding valid candidate choices and well-developed political programs can guide voters and reduce the power of money, gifts, and lavish campaign events,” he said.

This reflects his belief that informed voters can make a significant difference in the electoral process.

When questioned about the evolution of political promises from past elections to the current ones, Atchia responded that essential issues such as energy and food self-sufficiency have taken a backseat to flashy promises.

He emphasized that these issues are vital for the future of Mauritius, which is home to approximately 1.3 million citizens and welcomed an equal number of tourists annually.

“Where are the well-researched, scientifically backed proposals from parties seeking to govern Mauritius from 2025 to 2034?” he urged.

He pointed out that many modern societies, including Mauritius, have yet to successfully transition to renewable energy sources, leaving them vulnerable to abrupt disruptions in fossil fuel supplies.

Atchia criticized the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, stating that “governing is about foresight.”

He highlighted that well-managed countries maintain strategic reserves of fuel that can last several months, while Mauritius has reserves sufficient for only 15 to 30 days.

He warned that the global oil market is no longer favorable to buyers, which could lead to future crises where Mauritius may find itself pleading for supplies at exorbitant prices.

“Without petroleum products—gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil—basic services and transportation would collapse,” he explained.

Reflecting on the political climate, Atchia noted the lack of public trust in recent years.

Despite numerous articles and government statements about energy independence going unanswered, he emphasized that only a significant supply crisis would force realization of the country’s dangerous dependence on non-renewable energy resources.

Turning to the upcoming elections, Atchia observed strong interest from various sectors of society, including business and industry, both in rural and urban areas.

He remarked that while the exact election date—either November 17 or 24, 2024—is still uncertain, Mauritians are proud of their free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections compared to many countries experiencing electoral violence and fraud.

Atchia heralded an initiative by Democracy Watch Mauritius to evaluate the performance of current deputies and ministers, suggesting that inadequate performance should lead to zero votes for re-election.

He believed that voters should prioritize debates and proposals regarding societal projects for the next five years, stating,

“There is no contest between the various alliances; the competition lies between the candidates and us, the voters.”

Addressing the recent public discontent toward traditional political parties, Atchia urged a return to understanding the fundamental nature of general elections.

“These elections aren’t merely a sporting contest influenced by money but rather a Representation of the People Act,” he said.

He stressed that the virtues of candidates—human qualities, competencies, and programmatic content—should dictate voter decisions.

Atchia expressed skepticism over the capacity of emerging parties like the Reform Party or En Avant Moris to make a significant impact in the upcoming elections without joining established alliances to capitalize on their reformative agendas.

He warned of potential setbacks if inexperienced leaders were entrusted with governance amid global crises, noting that electorates may prefer seasoned politicians like Pravind Jugnauth, Navin Ramgoolam, Paul Bérenger, or Xavier-Luc Duval to navigate challenges effectively.

As voters seem increasingly demanding concrete proposals, Atchia signaled a shift from outdated political appeals to calls for measurable outcomes and timelines for expected results.

He recognized the explosive growth of social media’s influence on political campaigns, noting that platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have replaced traditional campaign methods, and candidates must ensure a strong presence on these sites to connect with voters.

Finally, he mentioned his discussions with students at secondary and university levels, identifying a keen interest among youth to participate in the electoral process.

“I don’t believe democracy in Mauritius is in danger,” Atchia reassured, asserting that the country enjoys free and transparent elections and ranks first among 54 African nations in terms of democratic governance.

He did acknowledge that while enhancements to democracy are necessary, these should focus on improvements rather than repair.

Suggestions included introducing a second legislative chamber or considering proportional representation instead of the current First Past The Post system.

Regarding voter participation, Atchia is anticipating a high turnout, projecting at least 90% as crucial for the effective governance of the nation during potentially challenging times.

He strongly encouraged all eligible citizens to take their voting duties seriously.

On the use of opinion polls in the current campaign, he noted their importance in informing citizens, citing that a survey revealing only 60% intent to vote could motivate more individuals to commit to participating in the electoral process by asserting, “I must vote; it is my right and duty.”

Source: Defi Media