Mauritius heads to the polls on Sunday in a legislative election overshadowed by a wiretapping scandal that has raised concerns about eroding democratic rights in one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous nations.
The vote comes shortly after a historic agreement in which Britain relinquished sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a long legal battle. Despite this diplomatic victory, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth’s re-election bid has been marred by the leak of secretly recorded phone calls involving politicians, diplomats, and journalists.
Public outrage over the leaks escalated after authorities temporarily banned social media, a move swiftly reversed following backlash from opposition groups and local media.
Democracy and Freedom in Mauritius
Mauritius, with a population of 1.3 million, has enjoyed political stability and economic success since gaining independence from Britain in 1968, bolstered by tourism, manufacturing, and financial services. However, recent developments have sparked fears of democratic backsliding.
Democracy researcher Roukaya Kasenally pointed to rising corruption, weakened checks and balances, and the misuse of state institutions against political opponents as signs of declining governance. She also highlighted systemic discrimination against the Creole population and noted Mauritius’ slip from first to second place in the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
Strong Parties of the Election
Over a million voters are expected to participate in the country’s 12th legislative election since independence. Jugnauth, 62, who inherited the premiership from his father in 2017 and secured a strong victory in 2019, leads the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) alliance. He aims to extend its majority in the 70-seat National Assembly.
His main rival, 77-year-old Navin Ramgoolam of the Labour Party and the progressive Alliance of Change, is also a former prime minister and the son of Mauritius’ first leader. Both leaders face a challenge from the Linion Reform alliance, which campaigns against corruption, nepotism, and lack of transparency under the slogan “Neither Navin, Nor Pravind.”
While the government’s deal over the Chagos Islands is viewed as a major diplomatic achievement, its significance is tempered by Britain’s retention of a lease for the US military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
As Mauritius heads into this pivotal election, the outcome will not only shape its governance but also test its reputation as a democratic success story in the region.
