“We cannot simply sit back and watch. We must go the extra mile to save our country”

Interview: Sheila Bunwaree

* Political financing: ‘The ‘Kistnen Papers’ could have indeed lifted the lid, but there does not seem to be genuine interest in uncovering the lid’

* ‘We must develop a multi-pronged strategy to stop any kind of evil collusion between donors and political parties’

* ‘Mauritius 2024 cannot continue with the usual ‘casteist and ethnic calculation’

In this in-depth interview, Sheila Bunwaree discusses her reasons for departing from the MMM, highlighting the issues she perceived within the party and her broader political motivations. She addresses the urgent need for a unified opposition, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and a coherent societal project to guide Mauritius forward. She also offers a critical analysis of the current political environment, calling for greater inclusivity, particularly for women, and a departure from entrenched practices of division and corruption. Her vision includes electoral reform, enhanced political literacy, and a revitalized political system that serves the common good. As the country approaches a critical election, her insights provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Mauritius Times: You may have had valid reasons for leaving the MMM, but the timing of your decision, right before the upcoming elections, does not appear to benefit the opposition to the current government, especially if you still align with this opposition stance. How do you respond to this?

Sheila Bunwaree: It would have been a scar on my conscience and an insult to my political and emotional intelligence, if I were to stay on.

The forthcoming elections are a determining and defining moment for the future of our country. The opposition has the moral obligation to stand united around a common Societal Project in the interest of the common good. Positioning candidates- women (many more) and men who have the ethics, the competencies, the conviction, the drive, the passion from the broad opposition spectrum is absolutely necessary if we truly want a new direction. I recall being on one of the private radio plateaus together with Ashok Subron, Ritesh Ramphul some months back, where we spoke of the urgency of changing the system and a government of transition. Revisiting the Constitution was also on the agenda. But how do we do this if we remain divided?

I am afraid that the opposition – parliamentary and extra parliamentary — is taking too long to give us the right signals for a unified new direction. I have for a long time now, been in favour of a United Opposition — an opposition which has innovative ideas, around a meaningful societal project for the common good. I am determined to assist in uniting the opposition, with many more women in the equation. A new social contract, informed by human dignity, opportunity, meritocracy as well as gender lenses, is absolutely necessary.

56 years after independence, the country is craving for a new political system, for a plurality and diversity of ideas. We must move fast, we owe it to our children and grandchildren. Mauritius 2024 cannot continue with the usual ‘casteist and ethnic calculation’.

Your question seems to encapsulate the idea that small, emerging parties will play into the hands of the current regime- but this thought should be deconstructed. The ball is in the court of certain politicians, who keep asking emerging parties to make sacrifices. More so, in the absence of an electoral reform which looks as if it would be stalled for a long time to come. If these very politicians are true patriots, they can start making the necessary sacrifices themselves, to allow new blood, credible people to enter the political arena. In this way, regain the trust of the population.

We must come as One to liberate our Republic from multiple forms of oppression and allow our institutions and people to breathe afresh. Nelson Mandela’s words resonate: “It always seems impossible until it is done…”

* You should have been aware, given your earlier resignation from Ivan Collendavelloo’s party, of how parties are run and the influence that leaders exert over them. Did you expect that the situation would be any different with the MMM, or for that matter even with the Labour Party or the MSM?

Ivan Collendavello’s Muvman Liberater (ML) was just a splinter group driven by one man. A small party without an anchor. We all know what has become of the ML today- it could be foreseen. I choose not to comment on the MSM since it is a party without much of a history, born within the corridors of power. That said, no one can deny SAJ’s immense contribution to the development of the country. The entire nation should be grateful. Today’s MSM however is a different kettle of fish altogether.

You are right to point out that those heading political parties can exert a lot of influence but when such influence is tilted towards dynastic, casteist, ethnic, misogynistic and money politics in certain cases, then those aspiring for a new Mauritius, cannot stay quiet. Mainstream political parties in Mauritius have become increasingly leader-centric and authoritarian, with little room for debate. For a number of people, politics has been reduced to being constantly in a campaign mode rather than working at developing policies, programs and appropriate legislative frameworks, relevant to enhancing our institutions and the quality of life for our people.

* Given your experiences with both the Muvman Liberater and the MMM, what have you learned about the factors influencing the functioning of political parties and the decisions that leaders may impose on the rank and file, often at the expense of considerations such as merit and experience?

I have commented on the ML being a small, insignificant party in my earlier response but perhaps I should simply add that within just a few weeks of being with the ML, I could read its true agenda and realized that I could not be a part of it. I left to set up my own party – Parti Justice Sociale. As we very well know, small emerging parties have little chance given the nature of our electoral system. Many people in constituency No 20 where I live, told me that they wish to see me in parliament and advised me to join a mainstream party. I joined the MMM in 2017.

Now let me come to what I have learned about the functioning of the MMM. I cannot comment about the other parties since I have not been privy to their functioning. Let me start with what someone who has been part of the MMM told me when I first joined:

“Be careful, Berenger is a dictator – he will treat you as a queen when he needs you and then will not hesitate to dump you…” But the call to serve was so strong (and still is) that I decided that I would still join, assess the situation for myself and work to make things change for the better for ALL. Some people spoke of the values of the MMM, but I can today confirm that these values have eroded and are only good on paper.

The functioning of the party cannot be dissociated from the kind of leadership that prevails. Authoritarian leadership, coupled with verbal violence that borders on dictatorship, is what the MMM has become today. There is no true debate, no engagement-it is only the ‘Master’s Voice’ which prevails. An obsession with power and ‘realpolitik’ characterizes the party. No wonder that many of the brains and stalwarts have left the party.

When I joined in 2017, I worked very hard at trying to reconstruct the party, brought a number of young talented people, including a few women to the party, with the hope of reconstructing it, but this has sadly gone unrecognised. I have also worked very hard at the level of the Policy Council and more recently on the party’s constitution which Berenger wanted to be reviewed.

Paul Berenger does not like to be reminded of certain truths. But I have right from the very start chosen to engage in a Politics of Truth. The strength of a party depends largely on its coherence and its brainpower -but there are too few brains left within the party. None of its commissions are functioning except for the ‘Commission Développement Durable’. I wish, en passant, salute the work of the young people in that commission – they are trying very hard and hats off to them.

And every now and then the Education commission met, since I was part of it and somehow forced my way through. When I came up with the proposals of setting up some new commissions, directly relevant to the new direction that we wish for the country, including one on the “Constitution and constitutionalism”, there was absolutely no support.

Party members who turn into ‘Berengistes’ with a readiness to distort the truth, to simply please the leader and protect their vested interests, are sadly doing a lot of harm to the party.

Another factor impacting the functioning of political parties is the ideological vacuum we find ourselves in. Ideologies usually encourage political parties to work hard to push their agendas but absence of same often means political parties’ functioning being reduced to organising people to acquire and exercise political power. When this takes the upper hand, it is often at the expense of merit and experience. Under these conditions, obtaining a comprehensive vision of politics oriented toward a new social contract becomes extremely difficult.

* Isn’t it true, however, that ultimately it is the electorate that calls the shots, particularly in closely contested electoral battles, and consequently the consideration of ‘electability’ takes the upper hand in light ofwhat is referred to here as “les réalités mauriciennes”?

The electorate is not static. It evolves with time – not only in terms of demography and geography but also in terms of its engagement with politics and critical thinking. What informs and sustains this so-called “réalités mauricennes’’ are the diverse stakeholders who have particular interests to defend. They are often not sufficiently conscious of the multiple crises and challenges that the country is confronted with.

We need the best brains to tackle the various problems arising out of this increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world we live in. But certain politicians thrive on dividing people and further polarizing the nation. They also fail to recognize the positive impact that a more equitable representation of women in the legislature could have on society. However, competencies alone are not enough; they must be accompanied by integrity and other relevant values.

‘Electability’ in contemporary Mauritius demands much more than what is generally perceived as important by some. The Mauritian electorate is slowly becoming more discerning, with a potential of factoring in other considerations, when they go to the polls, particularly at this critical juncture.

* The issue of party democratization has been a topic of discussion for some time, especially in forums outside traditional party structures. Why do you think there has been almost no progress in this area within the MMM, the Labour Party, or the MSM?

I cannot speak for the Labour party or the MSM since I do not know their internal dynamics, but I do for the MMM. Credit goes to the latter that it has been able to establish well-organised structures but what is their worth if they do not allow for “Voice’ and Agency”to be exercised.

Democratisation of political parties demands that decision making be done through an honest open process where consensus is truly obtained, rather than some kind of manufactured consent. Processes and structures camouflage a lot, particularly in parties where people do not have the space to express their views. Party structures have become platforms for relaying the Voice of the leader ‘ad nauseam’. Repetition of the same stuff – from Bureau Politique to comité central, from comité central to Régional.

People, particularly the young people, are fed up with such processes. This has been reported in many instances as well as in the context of a study that a research team, led by myself, just completed for the EU and Gender Links. Large segments of Mauritian youth argued that such interventions are boring and fail to capture the imagination.

* There is also the issue of the financing of political parties and election campaigns, but little is known about the amounts collected, their sources, and their expenditure. The so-called “Kistnen Papers” could have lifted the lid on how much is spent within a specific constituency. It’s unfortunate that the police investigation has not yet provided any concrete clues, isn’t it?

I am not surprised that things are moving at a snail pace, if it is moving at all. The culture of opacity that we are immersed in and the persistent absence of a ‘Freedom of Information Act’ will unfortunately impact on the nation negatively. The ‘Kistnen Papers’ could have indeed lifted the lid, but there does not seem to be genuine interest in uncovering the lid…

The electoral law has an upper limit of Rs 150,000 per candidate for the elections, but the ‘Kistnen Papers’ revealed astronomical sums that were spent. We all know that the current regime has a war chest ready for the next elections. Money politics’ is rampant in our system, and it’s no surprise that citizens are rapidly losing trust in the system.

There is at the same time a deep decline in people’s satisfaction with the way that democracy plays itself out in Mauritius, as revealed by the most recent Afrobarometer study. Also, the Kistnen affair, with an attempt to turn Kistnen’s homicide into a suicide still gives many Mauritians the shivers today. We are now in the presence of an affidavit by V. Shibchurn. Let us see how things unfold.

* It is believed that large donations and financial contributions can result in donors exerting disproportionate control over a party’s agenda and priorities, leading to policies that benefit a select few rather than the broader public. What are your thoughts on how this issue can be effectively addressed?

Money politics and the sources of donations and funding to parties remain problematic, raising numerous questions. A well-thought-out ‘Political Financing Bill’, with input from all stakeholders and civil society, is absolutely necessary. We cannot have a piece of legislation which has the potential of corporatizing our electoral system andintroducing further distortions in the system.

We must engage in a relentless fight and do everything we can to prevent donors interfering in parties’ agenda and programmes to benefit a few. There is a need for greater vigilance, and we must develop a multi-pronged strategy to stop any kind of evil collusion between donors and political parties. Education, political literacy, ethics and transparency should be at the heart of this multi-pronged strategy.

* Based on your political experiences with the Muvman Liberater, your own Parti Justice Sociale thereafter, and recently with the MMM, what key lessons have you learned that you believe are crucial for aspiring politicians and party leaders?

There are several lessons to be learned, but the main one is to uphold a ‘politics of truth’ and remain consistent with one’s principles. Mauritian politics needs role models and selfless politicians with ideas and vision. Aspiring politicians should avoid falling into the trap of becoming ‘subalterns’ to party leaders. Let us leave that for the mediocres and those merely interested in materialistic gains attached to politics.

I am out to rehabilitate and spiritualise Mauritian politics. Inspire hope in the younger generations, particularly women who continue to be marginalised within the political sphere. Let them know that we can turn Mauritius into a green, inclusive and more just Mauritius and make the nation a ‘Mindful’one.

It is in these very columns that I explained how the ‘Politics of Truth’ is central to my participation in politics and how I refuse to be a “Berengiste”. This was shortly after I joined the MMM several years ago, and I have never changed my stance since.

* Looking ahead, what changes or reforms do you envision as necessary within the MMM, the Labour party or Mauritian politics in general?

Looking ahead, it is the forthcoming elections which is on the horizon. There may be no time to reform these parties and they may never be reformed if the current mindset is perpetuated. But for now, we must be motivated by nothing other than our common humanity. We must use our vision, foresight and action to save Mauritian democracy and make it a stable, thriving and peaceful nation for all. There are many women out there, who are highly competent and are able to bring their contribution, together with like-minded men. I strongly believe in the principles of complementarity and respect of the Other’. Effective change can only occur when we come together.

* One final question: Are you concerned that the MSM might return to power and what that could entail?

How can I not be concerned when I see a rapidly growing mafioso democracy, drugs destroying our youth and families, the alienation of our young people, the sale of our lands to foreigners, a failing education system, rising debt levels, diminishing purchasing power, an economy increasingly reliant on foreign labour, and the ongoing brain drain?

The numerous scandals and alleged corruption cases, the rise in medical negligence leading to the loss of lives, the threat to the integrity of our elections, and state capture have all almost become ‘normal.’ This list is by no means exhaustive. We cannot simply sit back and watch. I am deeply concerned and will do everything in my power to get the country out of the rot that it has sunk in under the current regime.

If we are truly committed to ensuring the freedom and dignity of every individual as fundamental to human existence and development, we must go the extra mile to save our country. We need to regenerate our society and uplift our people. This is why the opposition must stand united with a well-defined projet de société. The danger of a messy denouement on the political landscape must be avoided at all costs. Our motivation should be nothing other than our common humanity.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 2 August 2024