Negotiations Between the MSM & Its Allies: 2 Seats at No. 14 for MPM

The political office of the Muvman Patriot Morisien (MPM) convened on Sunday, September 15, to express frustration regarding the recent proposals made by the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM). The party urged Alan Ganoo to challenge the allocation of just two parliamentary tickets in the Savanne-Rivière-Noire constituency (No. 14), as they believe this will limit the MPM’s influence in favor of the MSM and the Parti Mauricien Social-Démocrate (PMSD).

According to l’Express’ sources present at the meeting, attendees voiced their discontent after Ganoo briefed them on the outcome of discussions he held with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Friday, September 13. Initially, the MPM had sought four tickets but was only offered two: one for Ganoo and another for Tania Diolle.

However, Diolle is expected to shift her candidacy from No. 18 (Belle-Rose–Quatre-Bornes) to accompany Ganoo in constituency No. 14, consequently leaving the Belle-Rose seat open for Xavier-Luc Duval.

Vincent Seetaram, who had previously begun his campaign as Ganoo’s press officer, faced a setback as he will not receive a ticket in No. 20 (Beau-Bassin–Petite-Rivière).

His campaign efforts were carried out under the guise of charitable work and through his NGO, Né pour Servir.

This left him little time to fulfill his duties of addressing media inquiries regarding Ganoo’s work.

It remained uncertain whether Seetaram will remain active in social and religious efforts upon learning of his lack of candidacy.

There are rumors that he may seek backing from a controversial religious figure to secure a nomination, although it is unclear whether this would be under the MSM or MPM banner.

Parwez Nunnoo had also begun to campaign in constituency No. 13 (Rivière-des-Anguilles–Souillac), amidst skepticism from Ivan Collendavelloo, who aimed to position a candidate from the Muvman Liberater (ML) in the same area.

Jugnauth’s refusal to grant Nunnoo a ticket appears to be an attempt to appease Collendavelloo, especially given Nunnoo’s past controversies.

However, MPM members emphasized their solidarity with him during meeting, noting that he was not alone in facing such hurdles.

The primary message from the MPM’s political office to Alan Ganoo was that the MSM’s offer of just two tickets in a single constituency appears designed to diminish the MPM’s influence across the nation.

A member present at the meeting remarked, “Instead of securing four or targeting two constituencies where the MPM has a strong foothold, we now find ourselves confined to just constituency No. 14.”

Political observers suggested this method is representing a tactic by the MSM and the Jugnauth family to co-opt their rivals to stifle them more effectively, as evidenced by previous experiences with Collendavelloo and Steven Obeegadoo, which they predicted will happen with the PMSD in due course.

The decision to remove Tania Diolle from constituency No. 18 has particularly incited confusion and anger among MPM members.

Questions have been raised about the fairness of the situation, as one member expressed, “How can the Parliamentary Private Secretary work diligently in constituency No. 18 only to be denied a ticket that is instead awarded to Xavier-Luc Duval?”

It seemed that Diolle was led to believe she was likely to receive the nomination for Belle-Rose–Quatre-Bornes, while the decision had already been made to favor Duval.

Such situations have not only resulted in frustration within the MPM but also fueled outrage, as they feel used to pave the way for Duval’s candidacy. “If this isn’t opportunism on Duval’s part, then what is it?”

Historian Jocelyn Chan Low previously suggested that Duval would postpone any announcement regarding an alliance between the PMSD and the MSM as part of a “public opinion management” strategy, aiming to avoid backlash from both PMSD and MSM supporters.

Should this strategy prove effective, Duval would benefit by keeping a low profile while allowing Diolle to maintain the support of MSM and MPM sympathizers.

Meanwhile, there is growing skepticism within the MPM regarding the role of the intermediary, perceived as biased in favor of Duval, with many believing he has had longstanding ties to him.

Source: l’Express