Electoral Campaign: Senior Citizens as Targeted Constituents

As electoral campaigns heat up, politicians are focusing heavily on senior citizens, a demographic that has become a significant target for their messages and promises. In Mauritius, over 270,000 individuals receive old-age pensions, the amount of which varies based on the recipient’s age.

Given the increasing proportion of older adults in the population, political parties are competing with enticing proposals.

Some alliances have even promised a pension of Rs 20,000 should they secure victory in the upcoming elections.

However, many seniors are cautioning against this game of financial promises, emphasizing their ability to make informed decisions.

Since 1976, Mauritius has implemented free education for those wishing to pursue secondary studies, a move that has empowered individuals to think critically and not rely solely on politicians for decisions.

Raffick Bahadoor, a senior citizen, asserts, “I don’t believe our elderly population will easily be swayed.”

He went on to analyze his monthly pension, stating, “Like many others, I receive Rs 15,000. But is that truly the amount I take home?”

He highlighted that every expenditure comes with a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), meaning that the government will recover Rs 2,250 as soon as he begins to spend his pension.

“For countless others like me, this creates a vicious cycle,” he explains.

Bahadoor emphasized the rising costs of medication, which have increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 in recent years.

He urged seniors to reflect carefully before voting. “Today, they’re offering a pension of Rs 20,000, but what good will that do if prices continue to rise?”

He pointed out that in the past four years, there has been no compensation for inflation. “Honestly, I don’t feel pressured about the upcoming election; I already know how I will vote.”

This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Vasantrao Gujadhur, who is also resolute about his voting decision for November 10.

However, he is deeply concerned for the well-being of senior citizens. “Are they living comfortably? Do they have access to leisure activities during their retirement?”

These are pressing questions for him. After speaking with various seniors, he learned that many find their pensions insufficient to meet their monthly necessities.

“Many have never worked or have no alternative sources of income, and they’re struggling with the high cost of medication,” he reported.

After a five-year wait to receive Rs 13,500, the purchasing power of this amount has diminished due to inflation, complicating daily life for many elderly people.

“Do they have access to recreational centers where they can escape their worries?” Dr. Gujadhur wondered.

He added that it’s crucial for seniors to lead fulfilling lives.

“Can they genuinely reside in respectable nursing homes? These questions persist. Is it fair to tax older individuals who have contributed to the country’s development?”

He argued for the importance of electing a government that genuinely cares about the welfare of all citizens.

Attempts to contact Prem Seebaruth, president of the Senior Citizens Council, were unsuccessful.

However, during an interview with the Express on September 23, he praised the outgoing Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth.

“He showed great concern for senior citizens. You’re familiar with the current social benefit amounts—doesn’t he deserve my congratulations?

He is doing exemplary work for seniors in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Thankfully, the Law Lords rejected the opposition’s appeal; otherwise, we do not know if our pensions would have been affected.”

As election day approaches, the elderly population awaits the outcomes, hoping for a brighter future.

Source: l”express