The President’s Address

Editorial

By the time this paper is published, President Dharam Gokhool will have already delivered his address outlining the 2025-2029 programme. Expectations are running high for a transformative agenda. Drawing inspiration from the Alliance du Changement’s manifesto, the speech is anticipated to address urgent issues and announce policies that promise meaningful and positive change. Central to this address will be a commitment to break decisively from the entrenched culture of corruption and unethical practices that have plagued Mauritius in recent years. The nation is not simply looking for policy proposals but for a “véritable rupture”—a true break that will restore public confidence and set a clear path toward transparency, justice, and inclusive development.

The November 2024 elections served as a watershed moment, reflecting the electorate’s profound dissatisfaction with the status quo. The resounding rejection of the previous administration underscored a collective demand for a new era of governance — one rooted in accountability and public interest. Patronage, secrecy, and systemic corruption have no place in this new political chapter. The people of Mauritius have sent a clear message: they expect leadership that prioritizes the common good over personal gain.

Balancing Accountability and Reform

One of the new administration’s most pressing challenges will be to balance the pursuit of justice for past wrongs with fostering constructive political dialogue and meaningful reform. While addressing corruption and holding wrongdoers accountable is vital, this must be done within the framework of fairness and the rule of law.

Encouragingly, there is now a healthier relationship between key institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police, and the Financial Crimes Commission. This renewed collaboration offers hope for cleaning up what has been likened to the Augean stables, signalling a potential new era of institutional integrity. Justice must be swift but impartial, ensuring that it strengthens democracy rather than becoming a tool for retribution.

A Test Case for Accountability

Among the many areas requiring urgent reform is the management of public funds, particularly in the operations of the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC). Recent disclosures have raised critical questions about the MIC’s activities, particularly its allocation of Rs 56.8 billion to 60 companies by September 2024. While this transparency is a step forward, it also underscores the need for greater scrutiny.

Public funds are a national asset, and their use demands the highest levels of accountability. Questions about the criteria for selecting beneficiaries, the mechanisms for monitoring fund usage, and the recovery of investments must be answered. Much has been heard about the “small fries” that have benefitted from the MIC’s funds. Not much, or none at all about the “big fries”. Democracy demands that public money be spent in ways that are transparent, fair, and consistent with the public interest. Unfortunately, the MIC’s track record has fallen far short of these expectations. Despite assurances that the MIC would operate with full transparency, its operations have remained shrouded in secrecy, with officials often citing confidentiality clauses as a reason for non-disclosure. This lack of openness is not only counterproductive but also fundamentally undemocratic.

When secrecy prevails, and oversight is weak, it not only undermines governance but also fuels public disillusionment. The new administration must commit to proactive transparency, ensuring that institutions like the MIC operate in alignment with the public interest. Until it is put to rest permanently one way or another.

The Justice System and Institutional Reforms

Beyond financial accountability, reforms in governance and the justice system are crucial for restoring faith in Mauritius’ institutions. The public expects swift action against white collar crimes: money laundering, unethical practices, and the abuse of public resources. This is not merely about addressing past grievances but about creating a system that upholds the rule of law and protects citizens’ rights.

The appointment of Rampersad Sooroojbally as Commissioner of Police is a step toward revitalizing the police force. His leadership offers an opportunity to restore the integrity of law enforcement and address long-standing issues, such as the unresolved murder of Soopramanien Kistnen. Other suspicious deaths in public procurement like the Kanakiah affair, only now under a public judicial enquiry, and the subservience of the police medico-legal department are matters of concern. Cases like these and others, have symbolized a failure of justice, which must be addressed to rebuild public trust in the justice system.

Justice must not be seen as a tool for retribution but as a foundation for a more equitable society. By strengthening the judiciary and anti-corruption bodies, the government can ensure that accountability is pursued within the bounds of the law, avoiding the risks of politically motivated actions.

We expect the Presidential address to clarify what new structures, with independence and credibility, will replace the FCC whose constitutionality is being questioned at the Supreme Court.

A Vision for Transformation

The President’s upcoming speech is expected to outline a comprehensive roadmap for the nation’s transformation. Some of the key priorities will likely include:

Purchasing Power: Implementing measures to address the rising cost of living and ensure that economic policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Re-energising the export industries: The widening commercial deficit has become unsustainable and authorities need to gather sectoral operators to identify palliative and longer-term measures to boost our exports, while controlling imported labour.

The Green Economy: Transitioning to sustainable practices that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

Governance Reforms: Establishing robust mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance to rebuild trust in public institutions.

Additionally, electoral reform and the regulation of political financing must be high on the government’s agenda. Revisiting the electoral system and ensuring greater transparency in campaign financing will strengthen democratic norms and restore public confidence in Mauritius’ political processes. Opaque financing practices must be replaced with mechanisms that uphold the principle that political power exists to serve the public interest. Ideally these should not be left for the second half of the mandate.

Meeting Public Expectations

The new government faces a daunting but not insurmountable challenge: balancing immediate public demands with the need for long-term structural reforms. The electorate, having ousted the previous administration for its failures, will expect swift action on a range of issues, from economic recovery to governance. Communication will be critical in managing these expectations, ensuring that citizens are kept informed about both ongoing enquiries and the progress of reforms and the challenges ahead.

While the road ahead will be difficult, it is also filled with opportunities. The Alliance du Changement has a clear mandate to implement transformative changes. By addressing systemic corruption, fostering transparency, and prioritizing inclusive development, the government can set a new standard for governance in Mauritius.

The President’s speech is more than a policy address; it is a moment to inspire confidence in a brighter future for Mauritius. It is a milestone against which progress will be ascertained. The electorate has placed its trust in the Alliance du Changement, and the onus is now on the administration to deliver. By committing to transparency, justice, and inclusive governance, the new government can lead Mauritius into an era of prosperity and equity.

The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but with decisive leadership and a collective will, Mauritius can rise to the occasion. This is a pivotal moment for the nation — a chance to turn the page on a troubled past and write a new chapter that fulfills the aspirations of its people.

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Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 24 January 2025