Opinion
Observers’ Dramatic Analysis of the New Government’s Opening Actions

Three months have passed since the sweeping electoral victory of the Alliance of Change, marking a pivotal moment for the nation. As we take stock of these initial days, a myriad of questions emerges: What progress has been made? Which challenges remain? Amidst fulfilled promises and growing anticipation, observers dissect the early actions of the government and the signals being sent to the public.
A hundred days have gone by since the Alliance of Change triumphed with a resounding 60-0 in the elections.
What can we glean from these early months of governance?
While the electoral promises continue to inspire hope, their actual implementation remains a formidable challenge. Observers are here to shed light on this crucial start.
For Laura Jaymangal, Executive Director of Transparency Mauritius, these hundred days have proven to be “very interesting,” filled with notable transformations.
“We have experienced a regime change after a decade. The new government has taken the helm, undergoing a phase of assessment and adjustment to various management aspects,” she explained.
A pivotal moment, according to Jaymangal, was the highly ambitious policy speech delivered by the Prime Minister, which emphasised democracy and good governance.
“Within this discourse, we find the campaign commitments laid out clearly.
There are many promises that were made and are now expected to be acted upon,” she said, highlighting the urgent need to convert these pledges into tangible, sustainable actions.
Respect for institutions is paramount. Among the significant measures mentioned is the revision of the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) Act, restoring “full power to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).”
“This marks a positive and significant shift, reminding us of the importance of reinforcing and respecting our institutions,” Jaymangal asserted.
Another notable innovation is the introduction of junior ministers, a move she believes will invigorate governmental action.
“It will take time to gauge the impact. We will see in a few months, but it is a fascinating decision aimed at injecting more dynamism into governance,” she added.
She also mentioned that further institutional reforms are in the pipeline, particularly at the Bank of Mauritius and the FCC. “The most interesting developments are yet to come,” she assured.
Subash Gobine, another observer, noted a shift towards more “civilised” practices within the National Assembly.
“There has been a cleansing of behaviour in Parliament. The rules are being adhered to overall,” he observed.
He cited the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation as a reborn institution, stating, “Unlike in recent years, it has now reached an acceptable standard.”
On the front lines of the anti-corruption battle, Gobine applauded the major decisions and initiatives currently underway.
However, he prudently warned about the complexities involved in achieving tangible legal outcomes.
“It will take time for legal proceedings to bear fruit, as some cases are particularly intricate,” he cautioned.
Regarding economic recovery, he acknowledged that promising initiatives have been launched but asserted, “Let’s now await the results, even as the difficulties remain immense.”
As the nation oscillates between euphoric hope and impatience, Rajen Valayden observed that the excitement surrounding Navin Ramgoolam’s return to power “has quickly faded.”
However, he noted a silver lining for the Prime Minister: “He still has 1,725 days to prove himself.”
While acknowledging the challenging context, he pointed out:
“The first signs of discord within his close circle emerged just a week after his swearing-in, complicating matters. At least Pravind Jugnauth had seven years of stability before his team unravelled.”
As Ramgoolam strives to regain public trust, Valayden believes that the nation yearns for bold leadership.
To achieve this, he suggested the Prime Minister must send clear signals through decisive actions to alleviate the sense of confusion left by his initial hundred days.
“Reassuring entrepreneurs about his commitment to change and ensuring better security for citizens should be at the top of his priorities,” he argued.
Ultimately, Valayden contended that the true measure of the government’s success will come only at the end of its term.
“As he strolls through Jardin de la Compagnie at the close of his mandate, will he see a real transformation compared to the situation he encountered upon taking office?” he wondered.
“No more street children, no more homeless individuals, no more drug traffickers, no more women forced into prostitution… only smiles on people’s faces. That would be a real legacy, a mark worthy of remembrance,” Valayden concluded.
Source: Defi Media