Navin Ramgoolam, the leader of the Labour Party in Mauritius, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister for the fourth time by the President of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun. This marks a significant milestone in Ramgoolam’s political career, as he returns to power at the age of 77. His appointment follows a major victory by his coalition, Alliance du Changement, in the parliamentary elections held in November 2024.
Navin Ramgoolam’s Return to Power: A Historic Landslide Victory
On 10 November 2024, Mauritius held its parliamentary elections, and the results revealed a sweeping victory for Navin Ramgoolam’s opposition alliance, Alliance du Changement. The coalition secured a dominant 62.6% of the vote, winning 60 out of 62 seats in the National Assembly, decisively defeating the incumbent Lepep Alliance, which was led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. This victory comes 10 years after Ramgoolam’s previous term in office, marking his comeback to lead the nation once again.
Mauritius Parliamentary Elections: The National Assembly Explained
The Parliament of Mauritius, known as the National Assembly, consists of 70 members. Of these, 62 are directly elected by the public, while 8 are nominated by the Electoral Supervisory Commission. The Alliance du Changement, led by Ramgoolam, was able to secure a significant number of seats, signaling the public’s strong approval of his leadership. The victory also highlights the power shift in the country, as Ramgoolam’s Labour Party coalition has gained control of the majority in the parliament.
Navin Ramgoolam’s Political Journey: Four Terms as Prime Minister
Navin Ramgoolam first became the Prime Minister of Mauritius in 1995 and served until 2000. After a gap, he returned to power in 2005, leading the country until 2014. As the head of the Labour Party, a major constituent of the Alliance du Changement, Ramgoolam has remained a prominent figure in Mauritian politics for nearly three decades. His political career has been marked by significant reforms and leadership during both prosperous and challenging times for Mauritius.
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Mauritius’ Political System: A Parliamentary Democracy
Mauritius operates under a parliamentary system of governance, where the President serves as the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the National Assembly. The parliamentary term in Mauritius lasts five years, with elections held periodically to ensure democratic representation.
About Mauritius: An Island Nation with Strong Ties to India
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is an island nation with a vibrant and diverse population. Politically a part of Africa, Mauritius maintains strong cultural, economic, and political ties with India. Approximately two-thirds of the country’s population is of Indian descent, contributing to the close relationship between the two nations. The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis, and the official currency is the Mauritian Rupee.
Conclusion: A New Era for Mauritius Under Navin Ramgoolam
Navin Ramgoolam’s appointment as Prime Minister of Mauritius for the fourth time marks a new chapter in the country’s political history. His leadership is expected to continue guiding Mauritius toward progress, with a focus on further strengthening the nation’s governance, economy, and international relations. As Mauritius embarks on this new phase under Ramgoolam’s leadership, the Alliance du Changement is poised to implement key reforms and policies for the benefit of its citizens.
