Mon Nov 11 11:32:49 UTC 2024: ## Mauritius Opposition Leader Navin Ramgoolam Poised for Third Term as Prime Minister

**Port Louis, Mauritius** – Opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam is set to become prime minister of Mauritius for the third time following the recent parliamentary elections. Incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth conceded defeat on Monday, acknowledging his political alliance, L’Alliance Lepep, faced a “huge defeat.”

“I have tried to do what I can for the country and the population. The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country,” Jugnauth said, who has served as prime minister since 2017.

While final results are pending, Ramgoolam, at the head of his Alliance of Change coalition, is projected to secure a majority in parliament. Voters went to the polls on Sunday to elect 62 legislators for the next five years from a pool of 68 parties and five political alliances. The party or coalition achieving a majority secures the prime minister’s position.

The election campaign was dominated by an explosive wire-tapping scandal, where secretly recorded phone calls of politicians, diplomats, and journalists were leaked online. Despite celebrating a historic deal with the UK last month to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, this scandal overshadowed Jugnauth’s campaign.

Both camps promised measures to improve the lives of Mauritians struggling with the cost of living, despite robust economic growth. Voter turnout was strong, reaching about 80%, according to provisional estimates by the election commission.

The election results mark a significant shift in Mauritian politics, with Ramgoolam, son of independence leader Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, returning to power. He previously served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014.

While Mauritius enjoys stability and economic growth, analysts have raised concerns about governance and corruption. The island nation, renowned for its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters, attracted over 1.3 million visitors last year.

Ramgoolam’s victory suggests a desire for change among the Mauritian people, ushering in a new era of governance in the nation.

Read More