Municipal Elections: Prime Minister Announces Voting Rights for Diaspora

The political landscape of Mauritius is on the cusp of change. The Prime Minister, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, has announced his intention to grant voting rights to the Mauritian diaspora.This decision, revealed on Sunday, February 16th, during a meeting with Mauritian professionals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marks a historic shift.

For the first time, a head of the Mauritian government has openly embraced this possibility.

Kovilen Narsinghen, President of the Mauritius Global Diaspora, welcomed the announcement, stating:

“This is the first time as Prime Minister that Dr. N. Ramgoolam has expressed a desire to grant the diaspora the right to vote.”

He highlighted discussions held since 2020, adding, “We welcome the opportunity to participate in elections.”

The move contrasted with past resistance.

Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, and his predecessor, sir Anerood Jugnauth, previously opposed the idea.

However, implementing this policy requires careful consideration of the legal framework.

The diaspora, estimated at 300,000 to 400,000 Mauritians, largely residing in countries like France, England, and Australia, has long sought this right.

A census will be needed to determine the proper voting methods.

In the past, Dr Ramgoolam noted difficulties with previous voting methods on Radio 230 in Paris, explaining that the diaspora did not have the means to vote.

Now the Prime Minister expressed that “When we arrive, we will change that, but we must look closely”.

The president of the Mouvement Solidarité Mauricienne in Paris, Mario Peertum, stated the request for the right to vote for Mauritians abroad dates back to 1996.

“For nearly thirty years, I have been advocating for Mauritians living abroad to be able to exercise their right to vote.

This is a demand that, I hope, will succeed under the impetus of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam,” said Peertum.

Some have even suggested having a dedicated Member of Parliament to represent the diaspora.

Kovilen Narsinghen supported this notion, suggesting that “A member of parliament for the diaspora is not an option to be ignored.”

Source: Defi Media