With the general elections approaching, the political pot is overflowing. Between the electoral promises, some more fanciful than the others, the marriages of convenience, or the temporary alliances, no one seems to want to bring about fundamental changes in the country. Instead, we are witnessing an escalation of electoral gifts, in many cases bordering on demagoguery. To take stock of the political news, the Ki Nouvo Moris set of Monday, March 13, had as a guest Rajen Valayden, editor-in-chief of Liberation Moris.

The first of May that has just passed is special because it is the 86th year that this day has been commemorated in Mauritius. Every year, the different political parties hold their annual meetings. During these various congresses, several measures were announced for the next elections. This year again, the crowd war was there. Over the years, this international day, which aimed to celebrate the struggle and the workers’ force, has been monopolized and perverted by unscrupulous politicians. Between speeches stating the various scandals in which the rivals have been involved and popular promises that do not consider the country’s debt, the Labour Day for which the working class fought has become a stage for a show where the actors talk without saying anything. For Rajen Valayden, the fact of monopolizing an international day dedicated to workers for purely political needs is unacceptable.

“It is sad because the first May belongs to the workers, and once again, the working class has not been present alongside those who fight for its rights.”

Nowadays, it is more than necessary to have a large mobilization of workers because employment is threatened, job insecurity is gaining ground, and wages are no longer enough to live in this economy. Once again, we see that the mainstream parties as well as other extra-parliamentary parties have politicized the first of May. As for the speeches given at these meetings, Rajen Valayden confides that there is a total vacuum. Regarding the operation of the Metro Express during the first of May, the editor-in-chief confides that there has been so much appropriation of institutions and excessive politicization that today there is no independence in the country. Indeed, it seems that everything is done according to the party in power.

“So, it is a first May that pushes us to reflect and understand the danger that exists in the country, and it is more than ever time for the population to get moving.”

 

As far as the Political and Financing Bill is concerned, Rajen Valayden concludes that it will not pass the stages to become an act of parliament. This bill is the “height of absurdity because the current regime wants to ban everything it has done in its electoral mandate”. It is good to bring out the ineffectiveness of the people at the head of our institutions, and to give more rights to the electoral commission is preposterous, knowing very well how it has acted during the last decades.

“Two things that guarantee democracy in a country are the supreme court and the electoral commission.”

As far as the electoral commission of Mauritius is concerned, it is more than obvious that there is a big problem with independence and giving more power to these people—the risk of jeopardizing democracy and the security of Mauritians.

 

To conclude, the political situation is unstable, and with the approaching general election, the people must be ready for any eventuality. Rajen Valayden calls on the working class to get moving and reflect on the danger facing the country. With the increase in the household basket, salaries that do not increase accordingly to relieve people, and job insecurity, it is crucial to keep a clear mind and not let oneself be impressed by popular measures.

 

Watch the full debate here: