Politics as a Reflection of Shared Values

Editorial

The recent elections in Mauritius have provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of local politics and Mauritian society as a whole. If one were to assert that the massive failure of the Alliance Lepep is primarily the result of rejecting a political culture incompatible with the values shared by Mauritians for decades, it is essential to explore the deeper implications of this state of affairs. This phenomenon sheds light on the tensions between a marketing-driven political strategy, supported by new technologies, and a Mauritian society that is both complex and multicultural, demanding more from its leaders.

The defeat of the Alliance Lepep, while multifaceted, highlights a crucial reality: a significant portion of the population rejected a form of politics that seemed disconnected from daily realities and the core values that should underpin a democratic state.  The political approach of the previous regime seemed to focus on “state capture” of key institutions, image-building and electoral promises that lacked substance in the eyes of a population weary of hyper-political marketing. Concepts such as transparency, accountability, and fairness, at the heart of democratic life, were overshadowed by practices and institutional communication that prioritized form over substance.

This disconnection also reflects a rejection of political practices perceived as authoritarian, at odds with a society that, despite its multicultural makeup, has evolved towards stronger demands for inclusive and transparent governance. Mauritians, regardless of their backgrounds or political affiliations, share a history of coexistence, solidarity and dialogue, compromise, and adaptability. Thus, a politics focused on division, control, and manipulation failed to capture the attention of the majority of voters.

Mauritius is a multicultural and multi-ethnic society marked by remarkable diversity. However, despite its growing openness to the world, it would be premature to claim that the country has fully abandoned its traditional conservatism. This conservatism is evident in a strong adherence to family values, social stability, and respect for time-honoured norms and institutions. These elements are particularly visible in the management of inter-ethnic conflicts, the roles traditionally assigned to women, and intergenerational relationships. While Mauritius has modernized in many ways — particularly in governance, economy, and foreign policy — parts of society remain attached to an established order that privileges the respect for traditional values and structures.

The conservatism present in Mauritian society can be seen as a force of stability. One may see that quest in the constitutional safeguards for certain key posts (CP, DPP for example) or in the Best Loser seats in the National Assembly to compensate for minority under-representation. It acts as a safeguard against political, social and economic turbulence, particularly in times of crisis. However, it subsumes that those key posts are manned with integrity and moral values, while the Best Losers, forces candidates to declare their sub-group identity. Excessive conservatism may also hinder progress, especially when it becomes an obstacle to political or social reforms necessary to ensure fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of their group affiliation.

New technologies and social media

On the other hand, the advent of new technologies and social media has profoundly reshaped the political landscape worldwide. In Mauritius, the “Missié Moustass” videos have embodied this shift, representing a disruptive force that undermined the political marketing strategies relying primarily on the MBC-TV and other technological tools used in recent years by the past regime with allegedly help from outside the country. The “Moustass” videos proved far more effective and, not surprisingly, outclassed and outflanked the MBC-TV’s daily electoral propaganda. While the public broadcaster focused on classic electoral marketing, the “Missié Moustass” videos offered a sharp critique of the outgoing government, highlighting the failure of certain attempts to manipulate public opinion. Whoever was behind the ‘Moustass’ videos, which revealed tapped phone conversations among senior figures within the MSM establishment, both inside and outside its ‘Kitchen Cabinet,’ leveraged this powerful tool to challenge the established order and, crucially, present evidence of wrongdoing that had long been suspected but never proven. What remains to be seen is whether such evidence, obtained through illegal means, will be considered admissible in a court of law.

This phenomenon raises questions about the role of MBC-TV and traditional media in political communication. In an era where social media dominates, MBC-TV, with its monopoly on public broadcasting, seems increasingly irrelevant. A liberalization of the audiovisual space, although supported by some, could introduce new political and commercial actors, each with their own agenda. The question is whether the role of MBC-TV should be revisited, and whether increased pluralism, with private and independent actors, would benefit democratic discourse.

 Governance Issues

Regarding governance, PM Navin Ramgoolam has succeeded in forming a government that represents the various sensitivities of Mauritian society. However, the challenges ahead are immense, particularly after the “scorched earth” policies of the previous regime. While this effort to form a “social pact” among different communities may provide political stability, it will likely not be enough to resolve the underlying issues related to economic management, social justice, and education. The discourse on inclusivity must go beyond words and translate into concrete actions that address equity and fairness.

As for the Opposition, with the MSM securing around 27% of the vote in the last elections, it is still premature to declare the party’s political demise. However, the future of Pravind Jugnauth and some of his associates will largely depend on the outcome of forthcoming audits of the financial issues left behind and legal developments. On the other hand, Xavier Duval, by jumping aboard the MSM ship, appears to be one of the biggest losers of these elections. Under his leadership, the PMSD has seen its influence weaken, making it difficult to envision a viable political future for the party in its current form. The PMSD’s failure to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional support base suggests a political deadlock. It remains to be seen whether Xavier Duval has the resilience and vision to engineer a revival of the Gaetan Duval legacy

The evolution of the Mauritian political landscape over the next five years will undoubtedly be marked by multiple challenges: a need for deep economic and social reforms, while attending to immediate campaign pledges, and a political game being reinvented through the impact of new technologies. Political parties will have to adapt to this new reality by revising their communication strategies and, reconsidering their alliances. But beyond electoral battles, it is essential that political leaders recognize the need for a more inclusive and responsible approach, far from the old clientelist and populist practices.

Among the many pressing “chantiers” that the new government has to attend to, all parties may have their own opinion. But certainly, a full Audit of the real financials of Mauritius, its external debt burden, its yet unpaid infrastructure projects (eg the Metro line), the commitments and guarantees the previous government may have undertaken, and, of course, the billions forked through the MIC to now healthy conglomerates, including the Maradiva as well as to a motley collection of cronies. How to prevent such financial mismanagement, forcing ordinary taxpayers to foot the bill of largesses through the VAT and custom duties, particularly on fuel prices, may be one area government should look at through a Fiscal Responsibility Act and/or a strengthening of audit mechanisms.

If the financials are a priority, so is the necessary revamp within the Mauritius Police Force, with a new Police and Criminal Procedures Bill, to make sure that opponents are not hounded, phones and internet are not blithely tapped without judicial supervision, to ensure that CCTV surveillance systems fall under broader quasi-judiciary monitoring, and to ensure that abuses are severely dealt with. The general population recognizes the immense difficulties and challenges faced by officers on the beat who are trying to do an honest job and ensure law and order on the streets, despite the higher ranks contributing to the institution’s tarnished reputation. Related to this is the equally vital need to take strong action against drug peddlers, importers, and their financial backers. It is understood that the long-recommended reorganization of the ADSU is now underway.

Mauritius appears to be at a crossroads: a nation that is globally connected, yet firmly grounded in its history and values. The crucial question is whether, beyond electoral victories, political parties will be able to fulfill the evolving expectations of Mauritian society, which may be undergoing gradual transformation through the rising generations, without undermining its unity. The coming years will determine whether today’s leaders can rise to this challenge and foster a more cohesive, just, and inclusive society for all Mauritians.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 29 November 2024