Mauritius’ opposition coalition, led by Navin Ramgoolam, achieved a near clean sweep in the country’s parliamentary elections, securing a decisive victory and his fourth term as prime minister.
The Alliance du Changement (ADC) coalition garnered 62.6% of the vote, according to the election commission, prompting incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to resign.
The ADC secured 60 out of 62 seats in the National Assembly, as reported by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation.
Ramgoolam, 77, pledged to dismantle what he described as the country’s surveillance system, allowing Mauritians greater freedom of expression. He also promised to tackle the rising cost of living by better managing the rupee, removing VAT on basic goods, and addressing issues of nepotism, corruption, and repression.
Despite guiding Mauritius to a 7.0% economic growth last year, Jugnauth’s popularity was eroded by a cost-of-living crisis and corruption allegations. He conceded defeat on Monday, acknowledging his coalition, Alliance Lepep, was headed for a significant loss.
President Prithvirajsing Roopun accepted Jugnauth’s resignation on Tuesday, along with that of his government.
Jugnauth, in office since 2017, had recently negotiated an agreement for Britain to cede the Chagos Islands while keeping the U.S.-UK Diego Garcia airbase. His Alliance Lepep received 27.8% of the vote, while the Organisation du Peuple de Rodrigues (OPR) won 50.0% of the vote on Rodrigues Island.
Earlier, Jugnauth’s government had blocked access to social media platforms until a day after the election, citing national security concerns after leaked conversations involving public figures, though the ban was lifted the following day.
