Incumbent Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth Admits Election Defeat

Monday 11 November 2024 - 13:50

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has acknowledged defeat in the recent parliamentary election, indicating that his political alliance, L’Alliance Lepep, is facing a substantial loss.

"Our alliance is headed for a major defeat. I did my best for the country and its people, but the voters have chosen a new team. I wish the nation all the best,” Jugnauth, who has been in office since 2017, announced to reporters on Monday.

Although final results have not yet been published, opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam appears likely to assume the role of prime minister for the third time, leading his Alliance of Change coalition.

On Sunday, Mauritians cast their ballots to select 62 parliamentary representatives from 68 political groups and five alliances. The party or coalition securing more than half of the seats will also attain the prime ministership.

Jugnauth, 62, had celebrated a milestone agreement with the United Kingdom just last month, reclaiming sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. However, the election campaign was marred by a wiretapping scandal, with leaked recordings of politicians, diplomats, and journalists surfacing online.

Both political camps pledged during a heated campaign to address rising living costs, which have affected Mauritians despite consistent economic growth.

Voter turnout was notably high at around 80%, according to provisional data from the election commission. The election allocated 62 seats through a first-past-the-post system, while the remaining eight seats will be awarded under a "best loser" mechanism.

Mauritians had expressed concerns over the country's political and economic resilience, as the island nation, one of Africa’s most stable democracies, faces new challenges.

Both Jugnauth and Ramgoolam belong to prominent political families that have shaped Mauritian politics since the nation gained independence from the UK in 1968.

Ramgoolam, 77, the son of independence leader Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, previously held the prime minister’s office from 1995 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2014. Ahead of the election, he voiced confidence in a victory for his coalition, stating, “The people are waiting for this liberation.”

Since gaining independence, Mauritius has experienced significant growth and stability, developing a diverse economy that includes tourism, financial services, and textile manufacturing. With a GDP per capita exceeding $10,000 in 2022, according to the World Bank, the country is one of the wealthiest in Africa. However, analysts have noted rising concerns around governance and corruption.

The island nation’s appeal as a tourist destination remains strong, drawing 1.3 million visitors last year to its scenic beaches and turquoise waters.