The Political Situation in Mauritius

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The political situation in Mauritius is in ebullition with the Labour Party (MLP) holding on to power with a slim majority in Parliament. The defection of the Movement Socialist Mauricien (MSM) from the government, it is believed, could endanger Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's rule. The ongoing crisis maybe the chance for Paul Berenger to grab power for the last time.

As a backdrop of the crisis, is the sale of a private medical institution, the MedPoint. MedPoint is where a historic meeting in 2000 sealed an unlikely alliance that defeated the MLP. Berenger, a Mauritian of European descent has clear chances of becoming Prime Minister again. The burning question around the 'Government House' in Port Louis is for how long will Ramgoolam hold on to power?

The 'MedPoint affair' as it is called in Mauritius, remains at the forefront of the events that has stirred the crisis. The implications of this affair may or may not send the country into darker days. How the PM handles the situation from here, amid claims of abuse of power from the opposition, is vital. It all started in 2010 when the MLP joined the MSM in an unlikely alliance that routed the MMM and its allies. The MMM was in talks with the MSM with a 'natural' alliance between the two parties almost finalized. The seats allocation were to give the MMM a larger number of representatives than the MSM. The surprise was enormous when the MSM decided instead to join the MLP. The MLP had offered the MSM more seats that the MMM would offer.

Nevertheless, political insiders in the opposition are privately suggesting a 'plot' was always in the air. They insist that the MSM joined the MLP to uncover a certain 'scandals', exposing Ramgoolam's leadership. Observers believe an allianc...

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An investigation in India indicated that the EKS, a Mauritius-based private consultant firm, is responsible for alleged wrongdoings. Contracts for "consultancy services" have been entrusted to EKS June 2009. Another company in the offshore sector in Mauritius, the Delphi, a subsidiary of Mavi Investment, is in the sights of the Indian authorities. They too are accused of being involved in money laundering having to do with the lucrative telecommunications sector. However, in Mauritius, the talk is that the India-Mauritius treaty will not be on the agenda, citing lack of evidence.

It is disclosed that authorities in India are waiting for things to settle in the Mauritian political scene before initiating talks on the Treaty. New Delhi and Port-Louis is yet to reach an understanding on the renegotiation of the treaty.

Works Cited

Le Mauricien, L'ex press, Le Defi

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