Rodrigues MP Exposes Structural Flaws in Mauritian Democracy

The constitution of the Republic of Mauritius must not be treated as a “suit tailored for Mauritius and imposed on the other islands,” a Rodriguian Member of Parliament has warned during parliamentary debates.

Speaking on Friday, 29 May, Dianette Henriette-Manan, MP for Rodrigues, argued that a constitution structured solely around the main island of Mauritius is both “unjust and frustrating.”

She insisted that the 21st-century Republic must evolve to meet modern demands, ensuring that Rodrigues is fully integrated into its constitutional framework.

Marginalisation of Outer Islands

Highlighting the political exclusion faced by the territory, Ms Henriette-Manan pointed out that Rodrigues does not participate directly in choosing the head of state.

“We should also have participated in the choice of the leader of our republic,” she stated.

Furthermore, she noted that since the establishment of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, there remains no legal guarantee that a minister from Rodrigues will be included in the central government—an omission she urged a constitutional commission to investigate.

The MP also raised concerns for other territories within the Republic, expressing regret that Agalega completely lacks a native representative in the National Assembly.

“These subjects are no longer secondary concerns. They are at the heart of human dignity.”
— Dianette Henriette-Manan, MP

Public Trust and Political Defectors

Turning to institutional reform, Ms Henriette-Manan stated that constitutional change should not be an exercise reserved strictly for legal and political experts.

Instead, reforms regarding appointments to major public institutions must promote merit, integrity, and public trust, allowing citizens to feel that the constitution reflects their hopes and future.

Addressing legislative elections and proposed anti-defection laws, she acknowledged that Rodrigues is familiar with the reality of political defectors (“transfuges politiques”).

However, she urged the National Assembly to proceed with caution regarding anti-defection legislation, emphasizing the need to preserve the freedom of elected officials to act according to their conscience and in the best interests of their constituents.

Rights for the Future

The parliamentarian concluded by arguing that the 1968 Constitution, while having served the country well, must now reflect tomorrow’s aspirations rather than yesterday’s realities.

Through the proposed bill, which she welcomed as the opening of an important national conversation to be approached with “wisdom, unity, and patriotism,” she called for:

• Enhanced protection of fundamental rights
• Social equality and access to healthcare
• Privacy protections
• The inclusion of environmental rights and the fight against climate change

Environmental protection is especially critical for Rodrigues, she added, due to the fragile nature of the island’s ecosystem.

Source: Le Mauricien