Africa-Press – Mauritius. January 30, 2026, has been set as the deadline for the first phase of consultations on the electoral reform project. Indeed, the government—through an Electoral Reform Desk—will collect input from political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public on this critical aspect of our Republic’s life.
In parallel, Le-Mauricien has decided to regularly open its columns to all stakeholders wishing to express their views or defend their positions on this crucial element of democratic practice and space.
Thus, the democratic debate is broadening. The “Tirs Croisés” (Crossfire) section launches a series of exchanges in which parliamentarians, experts, and civil society actors will confront their visions for a system that must be re-founded. The goal: to give voice to those who shape democracy.
Accordingly, Le-Mauricien brought together three parliamentarians deeply involved in constitutional matters: Kushal Lobine, leader of the Nouveaux Démocrates; Ashley Ramdass of the Labour Party; and Chetan Baboolall of the MMM. All three consider this a historic opportunity to finally implement an electoral reform that truly reflects voters’ wishes and strengthens parliamentary democracy.
The debate—the quintessential democratic tool—has thus been launched around electoral system reform, a vital component of everyone’s participation in a key pillar of our Republic.
Kushal Lobine, Nouveaux Démocrates
“A reform truly reflecting our people’s aspirations”
How did you react to the opening of consultations on electoral reform?
I welcomed this initiative with great seriousness and openness. It is healthy for a nation to reach a point in its history where it can reassess its democratic structures. After nearly 60 years of independence, it is entirely natural for Mauritius to engage in a national dialogue on the evolution of its electoral system. We will gladly participate in these consultations and contribute constructively. We are already preparing a comprehensive policy document to submit in due course, and we also hope that the wider population will be able to participate fully in this process, so the reform truly reflects the aspirations of our people.
In your view, what are the priority objectives of electoral reform?
The priority objectives must be to modernize our system, ensure more faithful representation of the country’s diversity, enhance transparency, and strengthen electoral fairness. Electoral reform should also help consolidate our institutional stability while giving greater space to all political sensibilities. It must respond to the expectations of a society that has evolved and now seeks a more inclusive and coherent model.
Which elements of the current system must absolutely be reviewed?
Since electoral reform is a national exercise, it is important that all components of the system be examined carefully and with a listening spirit. Several aspects are regularly raised in public debate—especially how constituencies function, mechanisms to better reflect voters’ will, and the representation of women and youth in elected bodies.
The Best Loser System (BLS), part of our institutional history and instrumental in maintaining certain balances, could also be examined calmly and respectfully. The goal is not to prejudge outcomes but to create a space for reflection to identify what could strengthen our democracy as a whole.
What should the priority objectives be—governmental stability, representativeness, fairness, modernization…?
I believe electoral reform must precisely strike a balance among these concepts, as none should be pitted against the others. Governmental stability is essential, but it must go hand-in-hand with representativeness that bolsters citizens’ trust. Fairness and modernization must guide the system’s overhaul so it better reflects today’s society. The challenge isn’t to prioritize a single objective but to build a coherent model that combines effectiveness, justice, and transparency.
What shortcomings and flaws need to be addressed?
This question recurs because it’s fundamental. The current system, in some of its structures, belongs to another era. How constituencies operate, the absence of a proportional component, difficulties certain groups—especially women and youth—face in accessing political office, and historic mechanisms like the BLS are all elements requiring thorough analysis. Any revision must always respect social cohesion and aim constantly to preserve national representational balance.
How can we reconcile community representation with rejection of institutionalized communalism?
It is entirely possible to ensure representation of the country’s diverse components without institutionalizing communal divisions. We must move toward a model that recognizes Mauritius’s diversity but doesn’t encourage identity-based retreat. This reflection must be conducted with great respect and sensitivity, ensuring every Mauritian feels represented while avoiding the rigid categorization of identities into official boxes. The key lies in modernizing inclusion mechanisms and achieving broad national consensus to safeguard our social harmony.
Are you in favor of introducing a degree of proportionality? If yes, at what percentage and under what conditions?
We are open to introducing a reasonable dose of proportionality for the sake of modernization and fairness. A proportional representation component of around 10% appears a plausible starting point, as it could enhance representativeness without compromising governmental stability. Exact modalities should, however, be defined through consultations and technical analyses, with the sole aim of strengthening trust in the electoral process and ensuring every vote counts more.
How can we guarantee better participation of women and youth in elected bodies?
It is essential to create a framework where women and youth can more easily access political responsibilities. This requires an electoral system that institutionally values their candidacies, encourages their presence, and a political culture that recognizes their essential role. Electoral reform is the ideal opportunity to correct a historic imbalance and build a truly inclusive, intergenerational political landscape.
Are you willing to abandon the BLS or replace it with another inclusion mechanism?
The BLS issue deserves respectful handling, as this mechanism has served—and continues to serve—our country’s representation logic. We are fully open to a calm national debate on its future. If, after broad and sincere consultation, a popular consensus emerges in favor of an alternative system that ensures—at least as effectively, if not better—the presence of all national components, then it would be legitimate to consider that option.
In this reflection, introducing a reasonable proportional component of around 10% appears as a frequently cited pathway that could help preserve balance and inclusion without undermining social cohesion. Any evolution must above all protect the representativeness to which Mauritians are deeply attached.
Proportionality could reduce the dominant weight of large parties. Is the majority ready to accept this redistribution of power?
A strong democracy should not fear more balanced representation. The issue isn’t whether certain parties will lose or gain, but whether the system better reflects the people’s will. A limited, well-designed proportional system can enhance institutional legitimacy, foster long-term stability, and improve citizens’ trust in the electoral process. The goal isn’t to redistribute power among parties but to ensure the system serves the country more fairly and transparently.
Chetan Baboolall (MMM): “A historic initiative”
How did you react to the opening of consultations on electoral reform?
This is a historic initiative. We’ve waited for this for years. I commend the two leaders of the governing alliance, Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger, for having the courage to move forward with consultations, a matter long discussed in Cabinet. This extraordinary measure aims to further consolidate democracy in Mauritius.
What are the priority objectives of electoral reform?
The primary objective must be strengthening national unity—one we all desire. Fifty-seven years after independence, we must replace an old system that, while having served us well, needs updating. I especially refer to the Best Loser System, which has both advantages and disadvantages. We all know that while the BLS ensures representation of all communities in the National Assembly, it is also used to divide the country along communal lines, perpetuating communalism. I am convinced that a meaningful dose of proportionality would ensure better parliamentary representativeness—a guarantee of national stability.
Which elements of the current system must absolutely be reviewed?
Party leaders must consider gender balance. We are already heavily criticized by international bodies for the underrepresentation of women in Parliament. The debate is open on what method to adopt—should we amend laws to ensure a minimum of 20% women in Parliament, as is already the case in municipal councils?
Could we envision having a woman in every constituency?
One woman—or more. We’ve already seen constituencies where two women were elected. A minimum must be respected. It’s clear that partial proportional representation works well in many countries. We are clearly building a solid foundation for our children and grandchildren. We’ve discussed electoral reform for decades, yet no one had the courage to turn this dream into reality. Our two leaders and the entire government now possess the necessary political will to move this project forward.
We’ve spoken about women’s participation—what about youth?
When we engage in a national debate, everyone must fulfill their patriotic duty and reflect. Youth, women, and persons with disabilities must take interest and have their say. The government believes in youth and the country’s future—hence the importance of meaningful electoral reform.
What should be the top priority of reform?
The top priority is building a new Mauritius that promotes national unity. To achieve this, we need a new electoral system where everyone is represented and can be heard through Parliament. True democracy means allowing all voices to be heard in the assembly. We’ve repeatedly seen that after general elections, the opposition is severely underrepresented. Electoral reform will allow democracy to function as it should.
We say reform must ensure stability, representation, fairness…
I fully agree.
Beyond the BLS, what other elements deserve review?
As mentioned earlier, we must determine how to better represent women. We also need to review electoral campaign financing. We should establish a code and operational framework. A sense of patriotic duty must prevail. Voters shouldn’t expect money before going to the polls. Building a modern Mauritius starts now.
Everything suggests we’re heading toward an increase in the number of MPs. Can we afford the financial cost?
The number of MPs has remained unchanged since independence in 1968, yet our population—and constituency sizes—have grown dramatically. In my constituency, No. 10, there are 60,000 voters for three MPs. All three of us work diligently. A fourth MP wouldn’t be excessive. If the country benefits from more parliamentarians, why not?
Will you submit an individual proposal, or stick to party discipline?
I will follow party discipline. Within the party, we freely express our views through various bodies—the Central Committee, the Political Bureau. Everyone can voice opinions openly. Our leader, Paul Bérenger, has always said he wants electoral reform for a better Mauritius. I fully agree with him.
Final thoughts…
We must build a new Mauritius—one that is a strong, united nation in Africa, ready to face upcoming challenges.
Ashley Ramdass (Labour Party): “Parliamentary seat distribution must reflect the country”
How did you react to the opening of consultations on electoral reform?
I see this as very positive. I welcome this initiative launched by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger. As decided by the Council of Ministers last Friday, consultations are now underway. This is a long-awaited, historic decision—electoral reform has been promised for far too long.
More than 57 years after independence, we can no longer settle for an electoral system that, while proven, is far from fair and fails to reflect contemporary Mauritius. Electoral reform is among this government’s priorities, as outlined by the President in January. I’m confident it will be realized through the vision and determination of the two great democrats now leading our country.
What should be the reform’s top priority, in your view?
Two priorities come to mind. First, the electoral system must faithfully reflect voters’ will. As the saying goes: “Vox populi, vox Dei”—the voice of the people is the voice of God. Thus, parliamentary seat distribution must reflect voters’ choices—i.e., actual election results.
It’s unacceptable that, as seen repeatedly since 1976, significant portions of the population are ignored by the First Past the Post system. In 1982, the Labour Party suffered a crushing 60-0 defeat—yet we likely secured around 30% of the vote. Despite this, we earned zero seats.
This is the core problem: a system that penalized us then, still penalizes us today, and will penalize us tomorrow. We can’t claim it benefits us—it’s a system we must revise. Let’s be honest! Even in the 2024 elections, we won decisively 60-0… yet the MSM secured roughly 30% of the national vote. Is it normal they have no elected representatives? This isn’t fair representation.
Additionally, there’s the requirement to declare ethnic affiliation when running for legislative elections—a practice challenged by Rezistans ek Alternativ before local and international judicial bodies.
For years, we’ve made numerous commitments to electoral reform, yet it never materialized. I don’t believe this was due to ill intent. Several reports exist—the Sachs Report, the Carcassonne Report, even the Sithanen Report—that we can draw upon. Many consultations have occurred, but unfortunately, reform never happened. Now, with our absolute majority, we have no excuse not to deliver real electoral reform for the benefit of all citizens—and especially future generations.
And regarding the Best Loser System?
I have no fixed stance. The BLS followed its own logic. At independence, guaranteeing representation of all Mauritian communities was essential. But is it still appropriate today? I’m unsure. I must acknowledge my father, Motee Ramdass, entered Parliament as a Best Loser. Still, I support ensuring all ethnic and communal sensibilities are represented in Parliament. We live in a multiethnic, multicultural, multireligious country—it’s vital every community feels included.
In an ideal, secular world, I’d wish MPs were chosen solely for their skills and intrinsic qualities. But the reality of a multiethnic nation demands maintaining a certain balance—as in South Africa. We must ensure all ethnic communities are present in the National Assembly.
Imagine a 60-member Assembly composed of a single community: this would create instability. That’s not what we want. We must do everything to protect our social fabric, harmony, and national unity. If we abandon the BLS, we must find an alternative—proportional or otherwise—to guarantee balance and representation of all national components.
What about women’s representation in Parliament?
It’s well known that women are severely underrepresented in Parliament and government. Regional and international bodies often criticize us for this. The government has a duty to act. After consultations, authorities must find the ideal formula—perhaps the one used in village or municipal elections? Time will tell.
This balance could also be achieved through political leaders within a proportional system…
That’s a possibility. We must listen to experts and consult all stakeholders so everyone contributes to this decision. After so many years of independence, this major reform must involve everyone and reach consensus on a just, representative system that ensures national harmony.
Final thoughts…
Ultimately, I hope to one day tell my children I helped achieve this electoral reform. I sincerely wish we accomplish it during this term so I can say I helped shape our electoral system, championed voting rights, and contributed to successful reform. As I’ve said, I’ll leave my mark—for posterity.
lemauricien
