“Pravind Jugnauth Underestimated Public Frustration”

In a recent broadcast of the program “Electoral Tsunami: The Day After,” political analyst Lindsay Rivière shared his insights on the recent elections, asserting that the coalition government led by Ramgoolam and Bérenger is poised for longevity.

Rivière described the public protests seen in the lead-up to the elections as both historic and remarkable, marking a significant moment in Mauritius’s political landscape—one that has emerged for the third time since the nation gained independence.

Initially, many expected the electoral battle would be closely contested.

However, as the campaign progressed, a wave of accumulated frustration among the populace began to surface.

Paul Bérenger, a seasoned politician, even forecasted a sweeping victory, which ultimately came to pass.

“There was a notable alignment between the people and the opposition for various reasons,” Rivière noted.

He pointed to a surge of anger and discontent fueled by the revelations of the “Moustass Leaks,” which underscored the severity of the political crisis in the country and prompted a call for civic engagement.

This unique engagement, marked by disciplined voting and a collective desire to oust a government that had lost touch with the Mauritian people’s aspirations, played a crucial role in shaping the election outcome.

Rivière emphasized that two key factors influenced the election results: governance and the proposed political agenda.

Ultimately, he believed that governance was the decisive factor, highlighting a disregard for checks and balances, the Parliament, the media, and the judiciary under the current administration.

Additionally, he noted that clanism and cronyism contributed to public dissatisfaction, leading voters to reject the prevailing model of governance.

The “Moustass Leaks” confirmed widespread suspicions regarding internal power dynamics, propelling the Alliance for Change to a victory that secured nearly two-thirds of the votes, while the outgoing government saw its support plummet to just 27%.

Turning to the implications of the election results, Rivière argued that Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth must first acknowledge that his leadership style and direction did not align with the expectations of the Mauritian people.

He critiqued the government’s drift towards a more authoritarian model reminiscent of some South American and Asian regimes, asserting that Jugnauth and his team had misinterpreted the public sentiment, remaining insulated and unresponsive to the needs of citizens.

The core lesson, according to Rivière, is the necessity for governments to remain attuned to their constituents.

“A government cannot act as if it holds 70% of the vote when it secured only 37% in 2019,” he stated.

He referenced a concerning statement from former minister Anil Gayan: “Government is Government, Government decides,” indicating an emerging trend of intolerance and increased authoritarianism that has since been reinforced.

Addressing the challenges ahead, Rivière stressed the importance of restoring democratic norms to ensure the Parliament functions effectively with a Speaker who abides by established standards.

He called for the reinstatement of the Parliament’s dignity and the proper functioning of institutions as stipulated by the Constitution.

The current economic landscape poses further challenges, with the financial situation remaining worrisome.

He pointed out that the recent electoral victory (60-0) could give rise to tensions within the Alliance for Change due to the absence of a true opposition.

With a government comprising 26 ministers and 10 parliamentary private secretaries, backbenchers are expected to play a critical role in holding the government accountable by raising pertinent questions rather than simply offering blind support.

Rivière added that Joe Lesjongard, as the opposition leader alongside Adrien Duval, will embody the role of opposition to the government following the appointment of corrective deputies.

He also underscored the media’s role as a counterbalance, advocating for greater freedom and the establishment of a Freedom of Information Act.

In conclusion, Rivière asserted that the Ramgoolam-Bérenger coalition must maintain a cohesive discipline within the government to avoid internal conflicts, reminding that “everyone will have a part to play” in ensuring effective governance moving forward.

Source: Defi Media