Dr. Zaheer Allam
The recent electoral landslide, a staggering 60-0 victory in the National Assembly, is more than a political shift; it is a resounding declaration from the people. With a voter turnout nearing 80%, according to the Electoral Commission, this was not a vote cast for detailed programs or articulated visions; it was a collective vote against the old regime, and this cannot be ignored. The magnitude of this victory carries with it both a mandate and a moral imperative to chart a bold new course.
Such a sweeping victory dismantles the usual political calculus, erasing the lines that often constrain ambition and dampen the appetite for substantive change. The opposition, having been made redundant by the people, provides the new government with an unparalleled opportunity—and a responsibility—to enact reforms that were previously deemed too contentious or disruptive. The absence of a strong parliamentary opposition removes roadblocks, but also places the responsibility on the governing party to self-regulate and to act with integrity.
The lack of opposition scrutiny can be a double-edged sword. It can tempt those in power toward complacency or worse. The ‘Corruption Perceptions Index’, by Transparency International, ranks Mauritius at 55, out of 180 countries. This underlines concerns about governance and transparency, impacting on both reputation and business. To remedy and build trust, the new government must urgently engage with civil organizations, industry experts, community leaders, and, importantly, the youth who will ultimately inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.
The first few years of this new mandate are critical. It is widely understood that governments implementing key reforms within the first 100 days often set the tone for their entire term. It is during this window that bold actions can send a clear message that the government is serious about addressing the systemic issues that have long hindered our nation’s progress.
One area where transformative action is both possible and urgently needed is urban development—my field of passion. Cities globally contribute up to 80% of the global GDP, and here too, they are the beating hearts of Mauritius. Yet, they are also where the symptoms of our nation’s challenges are most visible. Traffic congestion costs the economy around 4 billion annually, and last year there were 36,400 road accidents, including 130 fatalities. There is inadequate public transportation especially in last mile connections, alongside issues linked to environmental degradation and a lack of affordable – not just ‘social’ – housing. These issues are not just inconveniences, but impediments to social equity and economic efficiency.
The government’s strong mandate provides the political capital needed to implement comprehensive urban planning reforms. This should begin with reviewing our planning policies and guidelines to prioritize sustainable and inclusive growth. Some of our guidelines date back to two or three decades, while our climate evolved, leading to fragmentation and inefficiencies. A cohesive policy must address this fragmentation, ensuring that projects are pursued within a strategic framework that maximizes synergies and resource utilization.
Consider the potential of overhauling our public transportation system. Our public transit system should be expanded, modernized in a way as to increase daily ridership and reduce road traffic and, in effect, vehicle ownership. Integrating this with a network of feeder buses, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian pathways would create a multimodal system accessible to all segments of society. Doing this will require completely overhauling the transport system, and we need to be bold. Perhaps we should contemplate the compulsory acquisition of all private bus operators, transforming them into a state-owned enterprise. This would leave us with an opportunity for structural and route reforms, servicing more people more effectively at less cost. This is not just an infrastructural upgrade but a catalyst for social and economic transformation, connecting people to jobs, education, and services in ways that are currently constrained.
Moreover, we need to rethink our approach to housing, as urban sprawl has led to a decrease in agricultural land and biodiversity hotspots. A bold housing (or living) strategy should focus on mixed-use developments that are both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Global best practices support the implementation of policies mandating at least 20% of units in new developments be allocated for affordable housing. Importantly, we need to quantify what stands as ‘affordable’, otherwise units may remain unaccesible to most middle income earners.
However, we need to develop our own ‘green’ metrics to avoid falling into the pitfalls of using indicators tailored for the wrong regions, as most existing standards are developed for the Global North.
On a common issue, implementing stringent regulations, and investing in green infrastructure—such as urban parks, green roofs, and rain gardens—can reduce urban runoff by a large margin, improving water quality and enhancing residents’ quality of life. The government’s strong position enables it to enforce these measures without the usual pushback from vested interests that might otherwise derail such initiatives.
Restoring trust in public institutions also requires immediate action. Afrobarometer supports that only 34% of Mauritians trust their government to do what is right most of the time. Our folk hero, ‘Missie Moustass’, unveiled credible concerns about potential corruption and nepotism within the previous regime, eroding public confidence and undermining governance effectiveness. The new government must differentiate itself by committing to transparency and accountability. Appointing qualified individuals to key positions based on merit rather than political affiliation can improve public service delivery efficiency, according to the world bank and the OECD. Additionally, empowering emerging leaders, particularly millennials who make up approximately 30% of the population, is essential for injecting fresh perspectives into policymaking. Despite high levels of education—youth literacy rates are over 97%—their unemployment rate stands at around 23%, more than triple the national average. The government should create pathways for young professionals to assume leadership positions, not as tokens but as integral contributors to national development.
The absence of a formidable opposition should not equate to the absence of dissenting voices. Engaging with NGOs—of which there are over hundreds, academic institutions, and independent think-tanks can provide diverse perspectives. This inclusive approach will enhance policy formulation and ensure that reforms are robust and considerate of our society’s diverse needs.
Now is also the time to address the long-standing issue of land use and zoning regulations that have hampered efficient urban development. Streamlining these regulations can accelerate project implementation while maintaining necessary environmental and social safeguards. The government can leverage its strong mandate to cut through bureaucratic red tape.
The boldness required at this moment extends to economic diversification as well. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities to our economic fabric, and particularly to our tourism economy, which accounts for around 8% of our GDP. We need to invest seriously and extensively in emerging sectors such as information technology, not limited to BPO, and expand into high-value areas like biotechnology, light manufacturing, renewable energy, and others. On this, we need policies that support research and development, and innovation, while attract foreign investment, and ensuring the appropriate support ecosystems. It’s about developing local solutions to local problems, and creating products aimed at the emerging African market and tropical belt and cultivating talent for export. We need a second wave of innovation of thought and create the opportunities we seek to tap into.
At this turning point, the new government must be courageous and be open to challenge the status quo. This will surely be met with resistance, but the long-term benefits to our nation far outweigh any short-term discomfort. In fact, failure to act could be interpreted as perpetrating the very issues that led the electorate to reject the old regime. However, decisive and bold actions can lead the country in a new era of prosperity, equity, and sustainability.