Rewriting the Rules: Will the LP-MMM-ND-ReA government deliver meaningful electoral reform?

The “Rupture” Agenda

By M.K.

One can well understand that it is nearly impossible to satisfy all interest groups in a multi-racial and complex society like Mauritius, particularly when it comes to electoral reform. The question of reform has been raised time and again, yet meaningful change has remained elusive. The newly elected Labour Party-MMM-ND-ReA alliance, elected on a platform of “rupture” with past dysfunctions, now faces the challenge of delivering on its various promises and also implementing long-overdue reforms that will ensure a fairer and more.

Breaking the Cycle of Inefficiencies

When politicians attempt to change electoral rules, interpretations of their motives vary. Opposition parties often critique such moves, attributing ulterior motives. However, the fundamental issue at hand is the pressing need to dismantle the structural inequities of a system that risks perpetuating itself. Without genuine reform, politics in Mauritius will continue to be plagued by the same fragilities that hinder good governance and stifle capable leaders from emerging. It is not in the country’s best interest to maintain a political renewal system that results in third- or fourth-best solutions when we should be striving for first-rate governance led by true reformers.

A comprehensive electoral reform must address critical issues such as political party financing, the skewed delimitation of constituencies that undermines the principle of one-person-one-vote, and the democratisation of political parties. However, achieving these reforms requires strong political will — something that has historically been lacking. The recent proposals from the new government regarding political financing will serve as an early test of their commitment to real change.

Political Financing: The Root of Many Ills

Past attempts to introduce legislation on political financing, such as in 2019, were widely criticized for favouring established parties and failing to ensure true transparency. That proposal notably exempted donations made to Trusts, thereby placing political parties on an unequal footing. Moreover, the legislation would have formalized corporate influence on Parliament, essentially allowing powerful business entities to determine public policies through strategic financial contributions to political campaigns.

It is an open secret that the private sector plays a significant role in financing electoral campaigns. The correlation between political donations and government endorsements of business projects is undeniable. As economist K. Parapen pointed out in an earlier interview, major economic decisions — from the privatization of power production to the allocation of Smart City development permits — raise serious questions about the influence of financial contributions on political decision-making. Tax exemptions for certain private projects, the granting of major public works contracts to specific firms, and the controversial approval of environmental impact assessments for hotel developments in ecologically sensitive areas further underscore this troubling trend.

A glaring example of government largesse was highlighted by Mrinal Roy regarding the Victoria Terminal project. Built by a private sector consortium under the Metro Express scheme, it benefits from significant tax exemptions, including an eight-year corporate tax holiday, VAT exemptions on capital goods, and Customs Duty waivers. Even more concerning is that this project was granted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) exemption despite being located on reclaimed land. Such preferential treatment raises valid concerns about the motivations behind these decisions and the extent to which political financing influences them.

Legislating for Transparency and Accountability

Albie Sachs, in his 2001/02 report on Constitutional and Electoral Reform, noted the dangers of corporate influence in politics, arguing that many democratic countries have outright banned corporate political patronage. He cited the testimony of a former minister who recommended banning political contributions by corporate executives using shareholder funds, noting: “They never give something for nothing.” This statement remains relevant today, emphasizing the need for stronger legislative measures to eliminate undue private sector influence on governance.Read More… Become a Subscriber


Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 31 January 2025

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