“Trust in politics and politicians must be a national priority…

Interview: Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic

…we need to commit ourselves to the emergence of a new political culture which is in sync with the expectations and values of the upcoming generations”

* ‘The new government is only a few months old. Give them time to prove that the choice the people made in November was not just another mistake’

* ‘Nation-building is always a work in progress, requiring the involvement and commitment of every citizen’

Throughout his long career as an academic, politician, and Cabinet Minister, Dharam Gokhool has been a keen observer and contributor to national discourse on governance, education, and social progress. Now serving as the President of the Republic of Mauritius, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to democratic values, transparency, and nation-building.

In this interview with Mauritius Times, President Gokhool reflects on how his perspectives have evolved over the years, the progress and challenges Mauritius faces as an independent nation, and the crucial reforms needed to strengthen democracy, foster inclusivity, and restore public trust in governance. From economic transformation to political ethics and the fight against drug proliferation, he shares his vision for the country’s future and the role of leadership in shaping a prosperous, united, and just Mauritius.

Mauritius Times: Throughout your career as an academic at the University of Mauritius, a politician, and a Cabinet Minister in previous administrations, you have consistently shared your insights on various issues impacting Mauritian society, politics, and the economy. In your current role as President of the Republic, have your perspectives evolved in any way?

Dharam Gokhool: I have been a University academic since 1975 and I retired in 2011.Thereafter,I continued as a Part-Time Faculty for several universities. Alongside, I assumed various academic positions like Dean of the Faculty at the University of Mauritius.

At that time, faculty members at the University of Mauritius were allowed to actively engage in politics, which I considered an opportunity to better connect with and serve society. My experiences varied with positions like MP in the Opposition, MP in government, Minister of Education and Minister of Industry in government, as well as Secretary-General of the Mauritius Labour Party.

The functions I assumed inevitably brought me in contact with the youth and the public at large. Right from the beginning, I took the utmost precaution in adopting highly principled positions on issues and events after careful reflection. As I progressed in my career, I always paid attention to the advice of my peers and the valuable guidance of my seniors.

I am strongly attached to such core values like integrity, honesty, responsibility, discipline, equity and inclusion. I am very allergic to any form of discrimination, and I strongly believe in the philosophy that those who have been historically marginalized should be given additional opportunities and resources so that we can have a fairer and more equitable society.

Above all, I am always guided by a deep sense of humility and attach a lot of importance to the human touch in interpersonal relations. My passion for learning has never wavered, and I remain on a continuous learning curve, always open to new ideas.

As Head of State, I approach issues from a broader perspective. Rising above party politics, I adopt global strategies to support and oversee initiatives, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders while upholding the distinction between the government and the permanence of the State.

Against this backdrop, my perspectives have continued to evolve, yet I have always strived to live in harmony with my core values, as mentioned earlier. My goal is for people to live better, happier, and more united. Overall, my outlook has progressed in a positive and optimistic direction.

* Let’s address the issue of Independence. Mauritius has since 1968 made remarkable strides in improving the living conditions of its citizens. From a sugar-dependent economy to a diversified one, encompassing sectors such as textiles, tourism, and financial services, this economic diversification has contributed to political stability and social cohesion. But debates persist on whether we have achieved our full potential. What do you think?

Since our independence in 1968, we have progressed a lot and I take this opportunity to pay my tribute to all our ancestors-descendants of slaves and indentured labourers who, through their blood, sweat and tears have contributed to the progress and prosperity of our country. We are proud of their sacrifices.

I also pay my tribute to our visionary political leaders like late Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and his government, Sookdeo Bissoondoyal and Sir Gaëtan Duval who all took the full measure of the significance of our independence and its challenges and put their heads together to work for the welfare and well-being of our people.

We have a well-established Welfare State where Education, Health services and Public Transport are free. We have a universal old-age pension scheme. A people-oriented public sector and a vibrant public-private sector partnership. A parliamentary system of democracy with regular elections, with separation of powers between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary and the President acting as the protector of the Constitution, the guardian of democracy, the defender of citizens’ rights, and a unifying figure for the people.

From 1976–2022, Mauritius’s GDP per capita averaged $5,814.73. In 2019, Mauritius’s GDP per capita was $10,956.95. According to the World Bank data, the per capita income of Mauritius in 2023 stood at approximately $11,613 USD. These figures bear testimony to the efforts that the country has been making to improve the quality of life of our people.

However, we must acknowledge that we live in an interconnected and highly competitive world, confronted with numerous global challenges such as global warming, food security, and technological transformations. These challenges continuously test our ability to refocus, reset, and restart. We must continue to be creative, innovative and entrepreneurial to keep moving up the value chain from a global perspective. As part of the global village, the true test of Mauritian ingenuity will now take place on the world stage.

* If it’s true that the well-being of the population has generally improved since Independence, inequality has also been on the rise over the past several decades and so has economic concentration. Is this model of progress sustainable, or does it inherently create conditions for future instability?

The post-independence economic model that ensured our prosperity was labour-intensive, export-oriented and protected with quotas and tariffs. Globalisation has redefined investment flows and trade patterns. We are now a global village, and we operate in a context of global competition. The economic ecosystem has undergone a sea change with technological transformations and geopolitical considerations. We are living in an entirely different world order. The challenges are more complex, and the world is full of uncertainties.

As the world-renowned scientist Albert Einstein famously stated, to solve complex problems, we cannot use the same mindset or approach that created the problem in the first place; we need new perspectives and innovative thinking to find solutions.
There is no standard formula or recipe. To survive and thrive, a nation will have to be creative, innovative and resourceful. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as free lunch.

As mentioned in the Government Programme, the Mauritian ingenuity works best when we all act together and advance in the same direction

* Beyond the decline in living standards for low-income households and the middle class, the rampant proliferation of drugs and drug trafficking is wreaking havoc across all strata of Mauritian society, permeating every corner of the island. This crisis seems intractable. What are your thoughts on this issue and how should it be tackled?

Drugs is a major problem in the country. The limited economic opportunities may have partly driven people towards cheap money but also the contrast between the affluence of the rich and dire poverty may be another factor. Government is fully conscious of the tragedy and disaster that the rampant proliferation of drugs and drug trafficking represents.

As spelt out, it will be a major national priority. To combat this scourge, a multi-pronged strategy is the only solution with foreign assistance where necessary. Government is determined to adopt bold measures in its fight against drugs. A Select Committee of the National Assembly will be appointed, and a National Drug Policy and Monitoring and Coordination Agency will be set up to address the rampant proliferation of drugs and drug trafficking.

Civil society and NGOs engaged in the fight against drugs must join forces with the authorities. As for our young leaders and citizens at large, they possess the expertise to tackle new challenges, but they must be given the opportunity and resources to do so, as they are resourceful and innovative.

* As regards Mauritius’s journey toward nationhood, do you believe that a cohesive Mauritian identity has fully developed, or are there systemic issues within our governance structures and legal frameworks, such as electoral laws, which are hindering our nation-building efforts?

We are a multicultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic society. Over time, through living and working together, we have come to understand that while our ancestors may have arrived on different ships, we are now all in the same boat and must row together toward a common destiny.
From a DNA of diversity, we have cultivated a psyche of unity — unity in diversity. Building national unity is an ongoing process, and every citizen should feel a strong sense of belonging while experiencing and enjoying the freedoms and rights enshrined in our Constitution. However, we must also ensure that our diversity does not translate into systemic inequality.

Our governance structures and legal frameworks, such as electoral laws should be so crafted and administered that they reflect both the spirit and the letter of our Constitution. This responsibility lies with our citizens, lawmakers, law administrators, and courts of justice. Nation-building is always a work in progress, requiring the involvement and commitment of every citizen to forge an authentic Mauritian identity—one that we can all be proud of.

* As the Head of State, how do you see the role of the Presidency in upholding democratic values in Mauritius as well as transparency and good governance, which are key to national progress?

I assumed office as the 8^th President of the Republic of Mauritius. As I had mentioned during my very first interaction with the media on the same day that I assumed office, I had deeply reflected and meditated about the duties and responsibilities of a President.

Chapter Four of our Constitution, article 28, clearly spells out the overriding functions of the President, namely:

• The President must uphold and defend the Constitution
• The President must ensure that the institutions of democracy and the rule of law are protected
• The President must ensure that the fundamental rights of all are respected
• The President must ensure that the unity of the diverse Mauritian nation is maintained and preserved

I am fulfilling the functions defined in our Constitution and performing my roles and responsibilities as expected by the population: Un Président du Peuple, un Président de proximité (a President of the People, a President of proximity).
I shall continue to do so).

* Fifty-seven years after Independence, if we acknowledge the need to refine and strengthen our democracy and constitutional framework, what roadmap should we follow, and which foundational elements require immediate attention?

On 24^th January 2025, I had the honour to present the Government Programme to the Nation.

The mission of Government as spelt out is: “to reconstruct our democracy, restore good governance and implement constitutional reforms.”

In that respect, a number of measures have been outlined. Our Parliament is the temple of democracy. A Standing Orders Committee of the National assembly will be set up to revisit and modernize the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

After 57 years of independence, our Constitution needs to be reviewed and updated. A Constitutional Review Committee will be set up, with terms of reference to propose constitutional and electoral reforms as well as measures to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens. Other measures envisaged are:

• The setting up of an electoral college for the election of the President
• The inclusion of « une dose de proportionelle » in our electoral system
• The removal of the mandatory declaration of community affiliations by candidates.

Already, Government has initiated a number of measures that go in the direction of strengthening our democracy and constitutional framework. For example, a clearer demarcation of the roles of the DPP and the Commissioner of Police, with amendments to the Financial Crimes Commission Act.

* Instead of serving as a force for good, politics in the past years has resulted in a marked decline in democratic values, a suppression of transparency, and a deterioration of effective governance. Restoring public trust in Mauritian politics and political parties as agents of positive change should not be an insurmountable challenge. But what would it take to achieve this?

When I interact with people, I perceive a growing concern about the erosion of societal values. This decline has invariably impacted our governance system, weakening the safeguards that ensure transparency and accountability in public life. Consequently, many young individuals seem to have distanced themselves from active politics.

To address this issue, we must restore ethics and morality in our political ecosystem. Trust in politics and politicians must be a national priority, and we need to commit ourselves to the emergence of a new political culture which is in sync with the changing aspirations, expectations and values of the upcoming generations.

The political leadership of our country bears a significant responsibility to redefine politics and serve as models of change. We must be the change we want to see.

* The 1960s and 70s saw the emergence of leaders who guided the nation through its transition and early socio-economic development. In the current complex landscape, marked by contemporary challenges like climate change, technological disruption, social inequality, etc., do you think we possess today leaders, both men and women, with the vision and capacity to address these issues effectively?

Circumstances and challenges force nations to rise up and take their destiny in their own hands. As I mentioned during my delivery of the Government Programme:

“The 10^th of November 2024 was a defining and pivotal moment in the history of our country.”
The people of Mauritius decided to take their destiny in their own hands and vested their trust in a new government. The new government, made up of a team which combines “the energy and vitality of youth and the experience and wisdom of age”, is only a few months old. Give them time to prove that the choice the people made in November was not just another mistake, but rather a defining moment in the history of the Republic of Mauritius.

* Looking ahead, what is your vision for Mauritius in the next decade?

Let us continue to be guided by values of justice, unity, harmony, and freedom – the foundations of a prosperous Mauritian nation. Much like the different colours of our national flag – Rouge, Bleu, Jaune, Vert.

Anou ress ni dan nou diversite kouma enn sel pep, lame dan lame pou kontign batir nou nasion morisien – As one people, As one nation, In peace, justice and liberty.

This should be the vision of our Republic.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 7 March 2025