No Development at Constituency No. 20, Backed by Opposition MPs Only

As Mauritians prepare to cast their votes on November 10, the ongoing electoral campaign has sparked lively discussions about the challenges and candidates in Constituency No. 20 (Beau-Bassin–Petite-Rivière). In a recent visit to the area, we observed the political dynamics at play and heard from a range of local voters regarding their concerns.

Prominent in this campaign is Rajesh Bhagwan, a long-serving member of parliament for the opposition Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM).

Bhagwan, who has been a fixture in local politics for 41 years, is seeking his tenth consecutive term.

He is often referred to as the “bulldozer,” a nod to his persistent electoral success, having first secured his seat in August 1983 and continued to win every election since.

However, Bhagwan is not without challengers. He has leveled sharp criticisms against Roshi Bhadain, the leader of the Reform Party, who has retaliated through a video message that included insights from his daughter, Rishna, an attorney.

Meanwhile, fellow MMM representatives in the constituency, Franco Quirin and Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, have been engaging in door-to-door campaigning.

On the opposing side, the Alliance Lepep coalition started its campaign slowly due to delays in candidate confirmations.

The official launch, shared with Constituency No. 1 (Port-Louis Ouest–Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest), took place on October 16 at La Tour Koenig. Guito Lepoigneur, a candidate from the Parti Mauricien Social-Démocrate (PMSD), is hoping to reclaim his position after expressing bitterness over his loss in 2019 on social media, where he criticized voters for their “ingratitude.”

Lepoigneur, however, now claims to have moved beyond past grievances, stating that he has invested a decade of effort into the community.

In addition to Lepoigneur, the PMSD has introduced Miven Tirvengadum as a candidate. Tirvengadum recently transitioned from the Reform Party to PMSD, indicating a significant shift in the local political landscape.

Moreover, a newcomer to the MSM party—Maheshwarsingh Chackhoor, known as “Tiger”—has entered the fray.

After a distinguished 34-year career at the Mauritius Ports Authority, Chackhoor is seeking to represent the people as he steps away from leadership roles in local community organizations.

The issues at stake in Constituency No. 20 are varied and complex. Voters express a mix of concerns, including the need for infrastructure improvements, high youth unemployment, drug-related issues, erratic water supply, and rising living costs.

While some residents are hesitant to engage in political discussions, once rapport is established, they open up about their frustrations.

One voter, Mahesh, a 64-year-old retiree from Beau-Bassin, voiced his disappointment with government attention to the area: “Beau-Bassin hasn’t received enough attention.

We only see opposition MPs here.”

His main concern is the escalating cost of living, reflecting a broader sentiment that many residents are feeling disregarded.

Housing and infrastructure remain critical issues. Sylvio, a 63-year-old from Petite-Rivière, highlighted unmet promises to improve drainage systems made post-inundation.

“What have our MPs done for us? They’ve ignored us and now they’re campaigning,” he lamented.

Karen, a 31-year-old fast-food worker, echoed sentiments for change, articulating the struggles faced by young individuals in the area who lack job opportunities.

“It’s time for a new direction,” she said, resonating with the desire for a government that prioritizes youth issues.

Meanwhile, residents like Jayen, a local shopkeeper, expressed frustration over infrastructure neglect and called for the community to take responsibility for local conditions, even as he acknowledged the pandemic’s impact on the government’s performance.

Concerns over water supply are particularly severe in Coromandel.

One anonymous housewife reported limited access to water, forcing her to invest in large water storage tanks to manage her household needs.

As the election approaches, an overarching theme emerges: voters are seeking accountability and tangible improvements from their representatives.

George, a 69-year-old retired resident, emphasized the need for action on infrastructure repairs and expressed hope for salary reviews among lawmakers, calling for exemplary leadership.

The lead-up to the elections in Constituency No. 20 illustrated not just a battle between political candidates, but also a growing demand from the populace for progress and responsiveness to the pressing issues affecting their daily lives.

Source: l’Express