{"id":32193,"date":"2021-08-03T16:07:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T12:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/?p=32193"},"modified":"2021-08-03T16:07:13","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T12:07:13","slug":"the-bls-a-must","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/the-bls-a-must\/","title":{"rendered":"The BLS a must"},"content":{"rendered":"

Forum<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

During the turbulent political period that preceded the Independence of Mauritius, there was a great apprehension of hegemony expressed by the minority ethnic groups – Creoles, Whites, Muslims, Chinese, etc. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, leader of the Labour Party with his allies S. Bissoondoyal of the IFB and R. Mohamed, CAM were campaigning for Independence, whereas Koenig and Duval, leaders of the PMSD, campaigned for an Association with Great Britain. The contest between the Pro-Independence and Pro-Association factions was rough and tough, often carrying the country on the brink of racial clashes. Tension was high in the air. Violent racial explosions could have occurred at any time due to the existing fear, suspicion and mistrust in the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Constitutional Conference – London<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, thanks to the participation of technical advisers from the British government and other experts on constitutional matters, the Mauritian political leaders meeting in London finally reached a compromise \u2013 The Best Loser System (BLS). \u201cThe essence of politics is compromise,\u201d <\/em>says Macaulay. No doubt, the task of the participants \u2013 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, Sir Harold Walter, Sir Satcam Boolell, Jules Koenig, Sir Ga\u00ebtan Duval, Sookdeo Bissoondayal, Sir Abdool Razack Mohamed at the London Constitutional Conference, had not been an easy one. They however allowed understanding, common sense and wisdom to guide them in reaching their final decision. Mauritius, because of its diversity and specificity is in need of a specific electoral system like the BLS. \u201cJe connais les raisons pour lesquelles ce syst\u00e8me a \u00e9t\u00e9 introduit. <\/em>L\u2019histoire a d\u00e9montr\u00e9 que nous avions raison<\/em>,“<\/em> Sir Anerood Jugnauth, an extract from Le Mauricien<\/em>, Monday 24 Sept. 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

We believe that the BLS is \u2018A MUST\u2019 for the General Population, the Muslims and the Chinese. One must not forget that the BLS has also been applied in the case of Sir Kher Jagatsingh, Motee Ramdass and Ravi Yerigadoo, all three members of the Hindu community. The Electoral Commission is empowered to do the needful in regard to a minor change, just as it did after Ga\u00ebtan Duval had stood as a candidate in four different constituencies at the general elections in 1982. Since then, no other \u2018Froder Elektion,\u2019 can stand as candidate in more than one constituency at an election.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Banwell \u2013 Electoral System<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Banwell recommended (among others) 20 constituencies in Mauritius returning 3 members each and Rodrigues 2 members. At the same time Banwell divided the population into 4 sections: Hindu, Muslim, General Population and Chinese for electoral law purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The final proposal and actual electoral system is based on Banwell recommendations and modified by Stonehouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Best Loser System<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n