2024 General Elections: The Counting Begins

As the suspense surrounding the 2024 general elections draws to a close, the counting of votes commenced on the morning of Monday, November 11, at various centers across the 21 electoral constituencies. After a night filled with tensions, officials and citizens alike are hoping for a smooth and peaceful process, allowing for the results to be announced later today, revealing the next leaders of the country.

At La Gaulette SSS, officials transported the ballot boxes into the classrooms, while a more relaxed atmosphere was reported at Ébène SSS (Girls), where notable political figures such as Rama Valayden from the Linion Reform party and Sydney Pierre from the Alliance of Change were seen.

The Returning Officer carefully removed the seal from room number 3, where the ballot boxes are secured, under the watchful eyes of multiple witnesses, including Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, a candidate from the Alliance of Change.

However, there were noticeable absences among election officials due to safety concerns.

Rabin Bhujun, a consultant for the electoral commission, addressed the media, acknowledging that a small number of officials did not report to the counting centers following the incidents from the previous evening.

He reassured the public that the Returning Officers had started the vote counting on schedule. Reports indicated that several officials had faced harassment overnight.

A call has been made for political leaders to ensure that their supporters respect and safeguard the election staff.

Tension has escalated in the aftermath of the elections, with outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth placing blame on opposition leaders Bérenger and Ramgoolam.

Speaking at the Quartier Militaire SSS (Girls), a counting center for constituency number 8, Jugnauth stated, “Prior to November 10, the opposition claimed this election would be rigged.

They incited their supporters and spread doubt. What happened yesterday is unacceptable.”

He condemned the violence, obstruction of counting centers, and attacks on vehicles, candidates, and election officials involved in the process.

“This has never occurred before; even the Electoral Commissioner had to appeal for calm.

These individuals refuse to respect democratic procedures and regulations, seeking to disrupt the electoral process,” he continued.

Safety Protocols & Arrangements:

To ensure the safety of all involved—workers, candidates from all parties, and the public—appropriate measures have been put in place by the police.

At Bel Air SSS, final instructions were issued ahead of the counting, and processes began to move the ballot boxes to counting rooms.

At Bon Accueil State College, counting agents, presiding officers, and senior officers gathered by 8:50 AM to check seals and prepare the ballot boxes.

Candidates from various parties, including Anil Bachoo, Raviraj Sinha Beechook, and Chandraprakash Ramkalawon from the Alliance of Change, as well as Mahen Saulik, Dharmanand Chukooa, Khevansingh Kawal from Linion Reform, and Vijaye Ramchurn from Alliance Lepep were also present, monitored by police to ensure a smooth operation.

As the counting day unfolds, election officials and representatives from major political groups are mobilized for this critical phase.

In constituency number 17, at Forest-Side SSS, candidates such as Géraldine Hennequin from the Idéal Démocrate are already on-site.

Activity is picking up across various constituencies; for instance, in Vacoas-Floréal (constituency number 16), votes are being sorted in batches of 100, with counting agents positioned at the sealed entrance of the counting center, ready for the process to proceed.

As the day progresses, the eyes of the nation are on the counting centers, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the elections that may shape the political landscape for years to come.

Electoral Counting Centers: Gathering Banned Within 200 Meters

The police department has announced that the transfer of sealed ballots from polling stations to counting centers has been completed under strict security measures, with accredited agents from the Electoral Commission present throughout the process.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, the counting operations will be conducted in accordance with Regulation 38A of the National Assembly Elections (Amendment) Regulations 2024.

To ensure a smooth counting process, the police remind the public that no gatherings will be permitted within the vicinity of the counting centers, which includes a radius of 200 meters, until the official results are announced by the Returning Officer.

Candidates, accredited agents, and supporters are urged to adhere strictly to the existing legal provisions.

The police are counting on the cooperation of all parties involved to maintain security and public order during this crucial electoral day.

Source: l’Express / Le Mauricien