Anaëlle Jean
Mauritians did not reach a 60-0 decision lightly. Years of frustration, feeling disregarded, humiliated, and outright disrespected, culminated in this decisive choice to unseat the previous ruling party entirely. Over the past decade, citizens raised concerns over corruption, lack of accountability, and a system increasingly detached from the daily struggles of the people. Governance issues had become endemic, eroding public trust.
The revelations by Missié Moustass were a tipping point; a stark reminder of the government’s disregard for ethical standards, showing how comfortable those in power had grown within an opaque system, far removed from the people they served. This incident made it clear that systemic changes were urgently needed to restore integrity in governance. This rage-fueled vote came from all corners of society: single mothers grappling with soaring living costs, low-income families squeezed by economic policies that left them behind, and the youth, disillusioned by limited opportunities, seeking growth abroad that seemed out of reach at home. The elderly and disabled, often exploited with empty promises of support, saw little change. Middle-class families felt their standard of living erode as prices spiraled out of control. Parents impacted by drug crises, environmentalists, human rights advocates, and small business owners; all had reached a breaking point. And, in a moment that will go down in history, they all voted as one people, as one nation, sending an undeniable message for change. The result? A 60-0 victory for L’Alliance du Changement; a powerful testament to the public’s desire for a new, fair, and level playing field. This is only the third time in Mauritian history that such a victory has been achieved, following similar outcomes in 1982 and 1995. However, this unprecedented power shift now puts the Alliance in a unique position: the unchecked control over Parliament brings as much risk as it does opportunity.
The Alliance du Changement overwhelming 60-0 majority, grants it the power to initiate profound reforms, but it also gives them near-total control over the Constitution. With no opposition voices, the Alliance holds the power to alter laws almost unilaterally. To understand the extent of this power, we must look at Section 47 of the Constitution, which defines the voting thresholds required for amendments. Most provisions need a two-thirds majority, requiring at least 43 out of 64 members of Parliament. With their 60-0 majority, the Alliance can amend these sections without opposition support.
For the Constitution’s most critical sections, i.e. those related to fundamental rights and governance, a three-quarters majority of at least 48 votes is required. Even with these heightened requirements, the Alliance’s sweeping majority still enables them to make amendments in these crucial areas, further limiting any opposition influence. Such unilateral power raises essential questions about accountability and the risks of unchecked governance.
Fortunately, there are protections for the Constitution’s most essential provisions, such as Section 1, which establishes Mauritius as a sovereign state, and Section 57(2). To alter these sections, the government would not only need a three-quarters majority in Parliament but also the approval of at least 75% of voters in a national referendum. Despite the Alliance’s commanding majority, these provisions cannot be changed without unanimous MP support and the explicit consent of the Mauritian people, safeguarding the foundational principles of the Constitution.
However, while these protections remain in place, the absence of a powerful opposition raises critical concerns about democratic balance. A healthy democracy relies on the balance of power, where an effective opposition plays a vital role in challenging, questioning, and ensuring transparency in governance. Without this check, the risk of unchecked authority grows exponentially. Democracy is not only a goal but an ongoing process, demanding vigilance, and commitment to strengthening democratic institutions. We must strive to uphold these institutions and prevent power from becoming overly concentrated.
The crucial question now is how the Alliance du Changement will balance its sweeping mandate with the ongoing demands for a fair, transparent, and inclusive government. The real test of this victory lies not in its ability to change the system, but in how the government uses its power to protect the very democratic processes that made this victory possible.
While the government leans left, this does not diminish the essential role of opposition principles. A democratic system thrives on diversity of opinion and meaningful debate, especially when policies with long-term impacts on national well-being are at stake. The absence of strong opposition might stifle necessary debates on reforms, the environment, healthcare, education, and other critical issues that demand thorough scrutiny.
In this new political landscape, even backbenchers in the Alliance bear an unprecedented responsibility to ensure accountability. With the 60-0 sweep, backbenchers must step up to question ministers, scrutinise policies, and act as vigilant watchdogs. Their role is now crucial to maintaining a balance, as they are some of the only internal checks left in this one-party system. This election is a call to action for these MPs to move beyond passivity and embrace genuine engagement and accountability. A renewed commitment from backbenchers would strengthen our democracy at a time when it is most vulnerable to the risks of unchecked power.
Let it be remembered that the people’s vote was not swayed by promises of monetary incentives or short-term benefits. Instead, they rejected these offers, signaling a desire for something far more valuable: a new, just, and balanced society. The election was a powerful statement against token gestures and empty promises; a call for real reform, transparency, and equity in governance. Through their vote, the people declared they would no longer settle for superficial gains, demanding the groundwork for a truly fair and balanced society.
With this wind of change, citizens are no longer passive. They are now waiting for the newly elected government to fulfill its promises and deliver real reform. The power to shape the nation’s future remains firmly in the people’s hands. It was with a pen and paper that they reclaimed Mauritius, and it will take the same vigilance to hold those in power accountable if they fail to honour this trust.
The work does not stop with voting; it is an ongoing process of scrutiny, engagement, and participation. Now is the time for every Mauritian to actively shape the nation’s future through civic engagement and supporting independent watchdog groups. By staying vigilant, demanding transparency, and fostering open dialogue, Mauritians can ensure that today’s hopes are not lost to tomorrow’s indifference. This election may have granted the Alliance du Changement the authority to govern, but it is the people’s continued watchfulness that will ensure Mauritius remains a true democracy.
