Sun Nov 10 07:10:10 UTC 2024: ## Mauritius Holds Tense Election Amidst Cost of Living Crisis and Wiretapping Scandal
**Port Louis, Mauritius** – Mauritians went to the polls today in a parliamentary election marked by a cost-of-living crisis and a recent wiretapping scandal. Over one million registered voters are choosing 62 members to the National Assembly, with the outcome determining who will lead the island nation.
The election, the 12th since Mauritius gained independence from the UK in 1968, is particularly tense. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s Militant Socialist Movement party is facing a strong challenge from the opposition, who have promised to address the soaring cost of living. Jugnauth’s party has touted the country’s economic prosperity and promised to raise minimum wages, increase pensions, and reduce taxes on essential goods. However, the government has been damaged by a scandal involving the illegal recording of phone conversations of politicians, diplomats, and journalists.
The opposition, led by the Alliance of Change coalition, has also promised to address the cost of living with measures like free transport, internet access, and fuel price reductions.
The election comes just a month after a historic agreement saw the UK cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a long-standing dispute. Jugnauth’s government plans to use payments from the UK under this agreement to further address the cost of living issues.
The African Union has sent a 30-member observer mission to oversee the election, which is seen as a test of Mauritius’ stability. Despite being a prosperous nation with a flourishing tourism and financial sector, many Mauritians are struggling with rising costs and feel the benefits of economic growth are not being shared equally.
Results of the election are expected on Monday.
First Piper 