Presidency: End of Prithviraj Roopun’s Term on December 2

Prithviraj Roopun’s term as President of the Republic will officially conclude on December 2. Likewise, Vice President Eddy Boissézon’s tenure will also end on that same date. Both leaders completed a five-year term as mandated by the Constitution.

As they approach the end of their term, the incoming government has decided to allow Roopun and Boissézon to fulfill their full five years in office.

They were elected by a parliamentary majority that consisted of the Mauritian Socialist Movement (MSM), the Muvman Liberater, the Militant Platform, and the Muvman Patriot Morisien.

This coalition secured victory in the general elections held on November 7, 2019.

However, Article 28 (5) of the Constitution states: “The President, at the expiration of his term, shall continue to perform his duties until another person assumes the office of President.”

Reports indicated that Prithviraj Roopun may not have the opportunity to continue in this capacity, as it is anticipated that the partners of the Alliance for Change will have already reached an agreement on who will succeed him as head of state by that time.

In its electoral manifesto, the Alliance for Change promised that “the President of the Republic will be elected by an electoral college and will no longer be merely a nominee of the Prime Minister.”

For this commitment to be realized, a constitutional amendment would be necessary.

Therefore, it is likely that this time, the appointment will proceed in the traditional manner.

Article 28 (2) (a) specifies: “The President must be elected by the Assembly upon the proposal of the Prime Minister and supported by the votes of the majority of all members of the Assembly.”

Source: Defi Media