Navin Ramgoolam Prepares to Form Cabinet Following Transition

Former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam is poised to assemble his Cabinet after the resignation of Pravind Jugnauth, who stepped down during his last cabinet meeting. Suresh Seebaluck, the former Secretary to the Cabinet, has been designated to facilitate communication with the State House regarding the transition process.

During a council of ministers meeting held yesterday, November 12—the final one for the outgoing government—Jugnauth confirmed his resignation to President Pritvirajsing Roopun, who subsequently appointed Ramgoolam as the new Prime Minister.

This appointment marked the start of the procedures for a new government to take office.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Alliance for Change has tasked Seebaluck with the important role of liaising with the State House as the new administration prepares to take over.

The focus within the Alliance for Change is currently on finalizing the list of ministers and other key appointments, including the Speaker of the National Assembly.

The immediate agenda includes a leadership meeting scheduled for this afternoon, followed by a gathering of all elected officials within the Alliance for Change.

Additionally, a meeting to express gratitude to supporters will take place this Sunday outside the Government House.

Following the meeting, Ramgoolam is expected to address the media for the first time since his appointment.

As of last night, November 12, details regarding the timeline for the new government’s inauguration had not been confirmed.

However, it is anticipated that the new National Assembly will convene by mid-December, culminating in a swearing-in ceremony for parliamentarians and the election of a new Speaker to succeed Adrien Duval.

Meanwhile, Jugnauth presided over his last meeting with the caretaker government, which has been in place since the dissolution of the National Assembly on October 4.

Referring to his party’s recent electoral defeat, Jugnauth commented, “We will see how they manage things going forward.”

The outgoing council meeting was part of the formal handover of government responsibilities to the incoming regime led by Ramgoolam, leader of the Labour Party.

According to Le Mauricien sources, the meeting did not include a detailed review of the recent election results but allowed ministers to reflect on their tenure and express gratitude to Jugnauth for the opportunity to serve.

Prior to the meeting, former ministers were seen at their offices gathering personal belongings and documents, with many having already made preparations for this transition in anticipation of a change in power.

Several vehicles were observed at the Government House and Treasury Building, facilitating the transfer of items.

In a separate development, Anil Kumar Dip submitted his resignation as Commissioner of Police, effective midnight Wednesday, November 13.

ACP Mohunlal Madhow, who is currently overseeing police operations, is expected to be appointed permanently in the coming days.

Madhow previously headed the National Security Service under Ramgoolam’s administration from 2005 to 2014 and has been with that unit since 1990.

Dip’s resignation comes after significant public backlash, particularly following the “Missie Moustass Leaks,” in which comments attributed to him disparaged the Virgin Mary.

His handling of several high-profile cases, including the investigation into the assassination of Soopramanien Kistnen, has also drawn criticism, along with controversies surrounding alleged drug planting and clashes involving the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Dip, who is 63, was appointed Commissioner of Police following Khemraj Servansingh’s departure.

He had been acting in the role since August 2021 before his permanent appointment in February 2022. By resigning while the Jugnauth government was still in office, Dip can leave the Police Headquarters without complications and retain all associated benefits.

Source: Le Mauricien