AFRICA

Mauritius Opposition Secures 60 Of 62 Parliamentary Seats In Landslide Victory

In Mauritius’ recent general election, the opposition Alliance du Changement (ADC) coalition, led by seasoned politician Navin Ramgoolam, claimed a sweeping victory with 62.6% of the vote, securing 60 of the 62 seats in the national assembly. This result positions Ramgoolam, a three-time former prime minister, for a historic fourth term.

Ramgoolam, 77, announced that his administration’s first priority would be dismantling the country’s surveillance system to promote greater freedom of expression. He also pledged to address Mauritius’ cost of living crisis by stabilising the rupee, removing Value Added Tax on essential goods, and tackling issues of nepotism, corruption, and repression.

Outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who had led the country since 2017, acknowledged defeat and stated he had done his best for the 1.3 million citizens of Mauritius. Despite achieving 7.0% economic growth last year, Jugnauth’s Alliance Lepep coalition garnered just 27.8% of the vote, a result attributed in part to rising living costs and corruption allegations. Last month, Jugnauth also faced criticism after temporarily blocking social media access, citing security concerns due to leaked conversations involving public figures. The block was lifted the day after the election.

Meanwhile, the island of Rodrigues, which holds two seats in Mauritius’ parliament, saw the Organisation du Peuple de Rodrigues (OPR) capture 50.0% of the vote.

Ramgoolam’s decisive win marks a major shift in Mauritius’ political landscape and signals a new era focused on transparency, economic reform, and government accountability.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

Melissa Enoch

Recent Posts

Government Should Conduct Forensic Audit Before Funding Power Sector; NNPC Probe Long Overdue, Says Abdullahi Shinkafi

Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has called for overdue NNPC investigation and forensic audits in the…

3 hours ago

Sudan War Death Toll Significantly Much Higher Than Recorded, Researchers Say

Researchers have suggested Sudan’s war death toll may be significantly underreported, indicating a graver humanitarian…

3 hours ago

Bomb Blast Outside Brazil’s Supreme Court Sparks Security Fears Ahead of G20 Summit

A man detonated explosives near Brazil’s Supreme Court in a suspected suicide bombing, raising concerns…

4 hours ago

In Bid To Fight Brain Drain, Portugal Introduces Tax Relief and Housing Aid

Portugal has introduced tax relief for young workers to curb brain drain, yet doubts remain…

4 hours ago

Plateau State Approves Immediate Implementation of N70,000 Minimum Wage for Workers

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved a N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, promoting…

4 hours ago

Protests Break Out in Paris Against Pro-Israel Gala Organised By Far-Right Figures

Demonstrators in Paris have gathered to protest a pro-Israel gala organised by far-right leaders, expressing…

6 hours ago