Election Manifesto: 25 Key Proposals from the Alliance of Change

On Tuesday morning, October 29th, Navin Ramgoolam, alongside his allies, unveiled the electoral manifesto of the Alliance of Change. This manifesto outlines 25 key proposals aimed at addressing various social and economic issues facing the population. Notable measures include reducing fuel prices, providing tax exemptions for taxpayers aged 18 to 28, and reverting to previous admission criteria requiring three credits for Grade 12.

Here are the 25 highlighted proposals from the Alliance of Change:

1. Priority on Price Increases: Establishment of a support fund of 10 billion Rupees to stabilize essentials and alleviate financial burdens on families.
2. New Economic Model: Creation of a Master Plan focused on a green economy, new technologies, and ocean economy advancements.
3. Pension Increases: Assurance that old-age pensions, disability pensions, and other social allowances will progressively rise to a minimum of Rs 21,500 during their term.
4. Fuel and Utility Price Reductions: Lower prices for petrol and diesel, restructuring of the Central Electricity Board (CEB) for reduced electricity costs, and provision of free internet for all households.
5. Free Public Transport: Implementation of free public transport for everyone, including school vans; modernization and greening of the bus industry to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe services.
6. Lower Medication Costs: Reduction in medication prices and vouchers for purchasing unavailable medications at public health centers.
7. Full Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive coverage of treatment costs abroad for patients of all ages when local treatment is unavailable, along with the establishment of diabetes and foot care units in each regional hospital.
8. New Drug Master Plan: Introduction of a comprehensive plan addressing drug rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
9. Abolition of Income Tax: Removal of income tax for individuals earning less than Rs 1 million, including tax exemptions for social pensioners and young taxpayers aged 18 to 28.
10. Reversion to Grade 12 Admission Criteria: Restoration of past requirements of three credits for admission into Grade 12 leading to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), and creation of a digital platform to ensure continuity in education.
11. Vehicle Purchase Incentive: One-time registration fee payment only applicable when purchasing a new vehicle.
12. Water Supply Improvement: Enhancement of water supply across regions through productive investments in sourcing, treatment, and distribution, including the replacement of defective pipes.
13. Land Drainage Management: Public release of the Land Drainage Master Plan and streamlined drainage construction to minimize flood risks.
14. Revitalization of Horse Racing: Reorganization and revitalization of horse racing events, including the revival of Champ de Mars and amendments to the Animal Welfare Act for better animal protection, as well as constructing a 24-hour animal hospital.
15. Housing Development Program: National renovation and development initiatives for residences, alongside the restructuring and revitalization of social housing programs.
16. Urgent Restructuring of Key Sectors: Immediate overhaul of the port, airport, and Air Mauritius, coupled with substantial investment in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock to boost the economy and ensure food security.
17. Cultural Venue Development: Construction of a fully-equipped concert hall for artistic events, including concerts, and the transformation of a football stadium into a concert venue.
18. Special Sports Fund: Establishment of a special fund from national lottery revenues to support elite athletes, including funding for regional event participation and free training sessions.
19. Broadcasting Independence: Guarantee of independence and impartiality for the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in the Constitution, abolishing the Rs 150 fee, and allowing for the introduction of private television channels.
20. Electoral Reform: Genuine electoral reform to ensure that at least one-third of party candidates for general elections are women, alongside transparent party financing laws, anti-defection legislation, and the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act.
21. Electing the President: Establishing an electoral college for the election of the President of the Republic and a Speaker of the National Assembly, with guaranteed independence and impartiality enshrined in the Constitution.
22. Strengthening DPP Independence: Enhancing the independence and authority of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Constitution.
23. Restoring Police Integrity: Restoring prestige and independence to the police force and replacing the Special Support Unit/National Intelligence Unit.
24. Anti-Corruption Measures: Replacement of the Financial Crimes Commission with a robust anticorruption institution and the transformation of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) into a multidisciplinary agency to combat drug trafficking and use.
25. Innovative Waste Management Solutions: Implementation of innovative solutions aimed at achieving “zero waste” and “zero landfill” goals by minimizing domestic waste disposal and creating added value through composting, recycling, energy recovery, and secure disposal of medical waste to eliminate biological risks.

Source: Defi Media