In Mauritius, the atmosphere becomes electric as the legislative elections approach. The last meetings brought together supporters of the two major coalitions on November 3, 2024. An unusual fact marked this campaign in this country renowned for its democratic tradition: the controversial blocking of social networks. This decision, quickly canceled in the face of popular pressure, created a particular climate and fueled debate. Reporting.
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With our correspondent in Port-Louis, Abdoollah Earally
In front of thousands of supporters with orange flags gathered in the town of Vacoas, Mauritiusoutgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, 62, promised new popular measures if he is re-elected.
Leader of the People’s Alliance, he announced in particular a reduction in the tax on food products as well as the introduction of a 14th month salary.
This rally marks an attempt to regain control of his electoral campaign, tarnished by a telephone tapping scandal and the broadcast of sensitive conversations, which took social networks by storm.
Also readMauritius: a telephone tapping affair shakes up the electoral campaign
The situation took a critical turn when his government suspended social media on the morning of Friday, November 1, triggering a wave of national outrage and strengthening the opposition’s position.
The opposition, for its part, gathered its supporters in the capital, under the banner of the Alliance for Change, led by Navin Ramgoolam. In front of a crowd of supporters in red and purple colors, the 77-year-old former Prime Minister denounced censorship on social networks and is running for a fourth term.
More than a million voters will go to the polls on Sunday November 10 to elect 62 deputies with a five-year mandate.