Alliance for Change Rally: Leaders Issue Warnings Against Provocation

A significant rally held by the Alliance for Change in Port-Louis yesterday, November3, drew a large crowd, with reports from journalists estimating attendance was substantial. The Pope-Hennessy road was filled reaching as far as the police station, while the gathering extended towards Poncini on the opposite side. In front of the makeshift stage situated at the town hall, the throngs of supporters stretched to the corner of Louis Pasteur Street.

The lively atmosphere suggested that vendors of vuvuzelas had a successful day.

Among the attendees was Sherry Singh, the former Chief Executive Officer of Mauritius Telecom.

Ismaël Rawoo managed to cross security barriers to position himself near the stage, and several stable owners were also present.

Arianne Navarre-Marie, the outgoing MP for constituency No. 1 (Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest-Port-Louis-Ouest) and event chair, opened the proceedings.

Numerous speakers took to the stage before the arrival of Paul Bérenger, leader of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), and Navin Ramgoolam of the Labour Party (PTr), who was accompanied by his wife, Veena Ramgoolam.

Although it was anticipated that the alliance leaders would announce their proposed candidates for the positions of Speaker, President, and Vice-President, they opted to delay this announcement.

Since Ramgoolam declared Shakeel Mohamed as the number three in his planned government, there has been a campaign on social media stirring communal tensions.

Bérenger commented on this situation, stating, “We were ready to announce who would fill key positions, but they’ve attempted to awaken communal tensions to save themselves.

I commend the public for not falling into their trap. We will reveal this soon.”

Bérenger declared a political tsunami was imminent. “It was all calm until Pravind Jugnauth issued orders to block social media. This is a sign of his panic.

What was a political wave has turned into a tsunami. It was a blatant provocation designed to incite disorder and delay the elections.

Kudos to the youth and the public for remaining calm and pressuring to restore social media access.”

Ramgoolam also spoke about an alleged plan to postpone the general elections. “We’ve uncovered the true nature of Pravind Jugnauth.

He is involved in the Kistnen case, pressuring the judiciary and harassing officials. I will not engage in a politics of vengeance.

We will not eavesdrop on the public, but those who conspired won’t escape accountability.” He claimed to keep notes on individuals who would need to answer for their actions, including Dinay Reetoo, a board member of the Mauritius Revenue Authority and a key figure linked to Singh’s arrest.

Ramgoolam maintained that audio recordings confirmed a conspiracy to level eleven charges against him.

“I have learned they are planning to arrest me again. They know very well that if they do, chaos will ensue.

Pravind Jugnauth will do everything he can to delay the elections. I fear no one. After all I have endured, no one can break my spirit. My mission is to fight for your freedom.

Imagine if Paul and I were not here; how would you face someone like Pravind Jugnauth? Stay calm, regardless of what happens to me.”

Arianne Navarre-Marie expressed her frustration with the current government, stating, “Pravind Jugnauth has tried to silence us by banning social media. He has stifled our voices by postponing the municipal elections, but the people have come out to express themselves in Port-Louis. We will increase social allowances.”

Avinash Ramtohul opened the recent political rally in Port-Louis with a pointed remark: “We have 114 hours left to remove this corrupt government. Elect Navin Ramgoolam as Prime Minister; he will restore your dignity.”

Karen Foo Kune echoed sentiments of concern, stating, “Many mothers and fathers are suffering right now because their children have fallen into the trap of drugs.”

Fabrice David made a controversial claim, stating, “We have discovered that the country is being run by a mafia. Mauritians know that it is this mafia that has blocked social media.”

Jyoti Jeetun accused Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of plunging the country into darkness on the day of Diwali, explaining that “the financial sector, tourism, and our reputation have suffered since he cut off social media.”

Kaviraj Beechook commented on broken promises, asserting, “Pravind Jugnauth had promised one graduate per household. Instead, we have one drug addict per household.”

Osman Mahomed laid out a plan to address the rising cost of living, emphasizing the immediate need to lower fuel prices.

Aadil Ameer Meea raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s treatment of civil service workers, suggesting that “he is insulting hard-working public servants. This is the end for him, and we must not underestimate the MSM’s ability to steal elections.”

Anil Bachoo accused Jugnauth of fostering communal divisions, urging all communities to unite to remove him from power.

Deven Nagalingum asserted, “Pravind Jugnauth governs this country as if it is his personal property. Today, the people have the right to reclaim their country from his government.”

Ritish Ramful called for collective action, stating, “Let us liberate this country together. We must not fall into his communal trap. We have a young, dynamic team backed by experienced candidates.”

Ajay Gunness claimed that the government’s restrictions on social media were part of a plan to silence dissent and create chaos in order to postpone elections.

Patrick Assirvaden criticized the Prime Minister’s focus, stating, “Instead of listening to criminals and drug lords, he listens to his opponents and instructs the police chief to arrest those attempting to travel.”

Reza Uteem lamented the broader effects of the social media ban, stating, “All economic sectors and the social lives of Mauritians have been disrupted by this blockade. The Prime Minister is meddling in all institutions.”

Rajesh Bhagwan drew a parallel to past political defeats, predicting, “Just as his father experienced a 60-0 defeat in 1995, now it is the son who will face the same fate. Pravind Jugnauth has dominated for too long.”

Arvin Boolell called for a standard 40-hour workweek for all workers, promising that working conditions in the private sector would be reviewed every five years.

Richard Duval emphasized the need for dignity, stating, “In the past, you lived with dignity. This government is to blame for the high cost of living by devaluing the rupee.”

Shakeel Mohamed highlighted concerns over governmental authority, asserting, “The Constitution does not grant the Prime Minister the power to give instructions to the police chief or dictate to magistrates how to conduct judicial inquiries.”

The rally, filled with passionate speeches and fervent calls for political change, underscored the significant discontent among many Mauritians regarding their current leadership.

Source: l’Express