Mauritius’ Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has acknowledged a significant electoral loss after his coalition, L’Alliance Lepep, suffered a defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Jugnauth, who sought re-election for a second five-year term, admitted that ‘the population has decided to choose another team,’ signalling a major political shift on the Indian Ocean archipelago known for its democratic stability.
Navin Ramgoolam, leader of the Alliance of Change, appears poised to assume leadership as the final results solidify his coalition’s win. The electoral campaign, however, faced controversy due to a phone-tapping scandal where recordings of prominent figures were leaked online. In response, the government imposed a temporary social media ban, which sparked public outcry and was reversed within 24 hours.
As votes were counted, Jugnauth expressed respect for the people’s choice, wishing ‘the country and the population good luck’ in the face of impending leadership changes. The election follows a historic agreement in which the United Kingdom agreed to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a milestone in Mauritian-UK relations.
While official results have yet to confirm the exact distribution of seats, the momentum remains firmly with Ramgoolam’s coalition. Mauritius is now preparing for a new chapter as the political landscape transforms under its incoming leadership.
