Dramatic Political Shake-Up Precedes Upcoming Elections in Mauritius

As the countdown to the general elections in Mauritius commences, significant changes have shaken the political landscape, particularly for the ruling government coalition. With just 35 days left until the elections, 18 out of 40 incumbents from the governing Mauritian Socialist Movement (MSM) have been dropped in a strategic bid led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

This decision highlighted the inherent volatility within the party as it prepares to contest the upcoming elections scheduled for November 10.

Among the casualties of this political upheaval are seven sitting ministers, including Vice Prime Minister Anwar Husnoo, who has been sidelined alongside other prominent figures.

The reshuffle has seen notable newcomers, such as Salim Abbas-Mamode, the first defector from the Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), chosen over Husnoo to contest in the capital’s No. 3 constituency.

Meanwhile, in No. 8, Jugnauth will introduce two new running mates: Minister Deepak Balgobin and Madeven Sooben, a former head of the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation (MTTF).

October 20 is poised to be a critical moment for the three major blocs in contention, as they schedule candidate presentations just 48 hours before Nomination Day.

The dissolution of the Seventh National Assembly, however, has taken political observers by surprise, as it came nearly two months after its last session on August 5.

The deadline for these elections loomed large on October 4, which was the cut-off date, making the arrangements for Montagne-Blanche/Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est (No. 10) critical, and already protocols were in place for about 800 government officials to oversee the upcoming vote.

In a formal announcement made just before 5 PM on October 4, the State House, following Prime Minister Jugnauth’s advisement, declared October 22 as Nomination Day for all 20 constituencies and Rodrigues, setting the Polling Day for November 10 for approximately 1,002,837 registered voters.

This early October meeting also marked the introduction of new voter lists, following recommendations from the Electoral Boundaries Commission.

However, plans for same-day counting fell through despite extensive consultations by the Electoral Commission, led by Commissioner Irfan Rahman, who recently underwent major surgery and is currently recuperating.

Consequently, Mooneswar Seetaram has been appointed as Deputy Electoral Commissioner, and he will work closely with Rahman during his recovery.

As the elections approach, all eyes are now on the major political blocks contending for the 62 seats in Parliament.

On October 20, the Alliance Morisien, led by Jugnauth, will officially present its candidates alongside the Alliance du Changement, fronted by Navin Ramgoolam, and Linion Moris, led by the duo Bodha-Valayden.

This event will be instrumental in trying to solidify support just ahead of Nomination Day.

Further noteworthy dates in the election timeline include November 3, where political parties aim to galvanize their supporters in a show of strength and attempt to sway undecided voters.

However, internal dynamics among these political groups remain fluid, with ongoing negotiations over electoral agreements that could reshape their alliances.

Significant changes are anticipated within the government’s candidate lineup as Jugnauth aims for a political revival with MSM 3.0 by preparing the way for fresh faces in several constituencies.

This reshuffling has led to the exclusion of several candidates from running, including Olivier Thomas, who harbors parliamentary ambitions.

The Prime Minister held meetings with unseated candidates, promising party support in future election efforts, albeit without the assurance of electoral nomination this time around.

The forthcoming elections also coincide with an agreement reached between Mauritius and the UK regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, a strategic move by Jugnauth to gain support from international allies including the UK, US, and India.

In the constituencies, the effects of this overhaul are already manifesting. In No. 5, the previous Minister of Labour, Soodesh Callychurn, will continue, marking a potential comeback for Ramgoolam. In No. 11, Naveena Ramyead will yield her seat to allow for a candidate from Zoli Mamzel’s party.

As the clock ticks down to November 10, political calculations and tactics are hastily aligning, with the prospect of a significant political shift felt throughout the country.

Source: Le Mauricien