The Prime Minister of Mauritius has acknowledged that his coalition, L’Alliance Lepep, has faced a “huge defeat” in the recent parliamentary elections held on Sunday.
“The population has chosen a different team,” Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, 62, stated to reporters on Monday.
Jugnauth was vying for a second five-year term, but his main competitor, Navin Ramgoolam, 77, leader of the Alliance of Change coalition, appears poised to take over leadership of the Indian Ocean nation.
Mauritius, recognized as one of Africa’s most robust democracies, experienced controversy during this election due to a phone-tapping scandal involving leaked audio recordings of public figures shared online. In reaction, the government imposed a temporary social media ban until after the election, which sparked public backlash and was rescinded within 24 hours.
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While final results have yet to be confirmed, it seems Ramgoolam’s party is on track for victory.
Ramgoolam, a former doctor, expressed to reporters that his party is “heading towards a huge victory,” but refrained from providing specifics until all votes are counted.
“We must respect this choice… and we wish the country and its people all the best,” Jugnauth remarked.
The mood in the capital, Port Louis, highlights this shifting political landscape, with crowds gathering in excitement as they await results that promise a new direction for the country. Celebrations included dancing, singing, and the sound of vuvuzelas, alongside display of national flags and firecrackers.
Ibrahim, a supporter of the Alliance for Change, told the BBC that “increasing public dissatisfaction” contributed significantly to the ruling party’s defeat.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has been a primary concern for many Mauritians, coupled with rising worries about governance and corruption.
On the campaign trail, both parties made pledges to enhance the quality of life for residents of the islands. Ramgoolam, whose father was a national hero and who has served as prime minister twice before, promised to raise pensions, implement free transport and internet, and lower fuel costs.
Former Foreign Minister and member of the opposition coalition, Arvin Boolell, described the election as a “victory of the people.”
Voter turnout was approximately 80%, according to the electoral commission. Citizens cast their ballots for lawmakers to fill the 62 seats in parliament for the upcoming five years, with an additional eight “best loser” seats designated to ensure fair ethnic representation.
This election follows a historic agreement in which the UK relinquished sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
