Pravind Jugnauth, the current prime minister of Mauritius, conceded defeat in the country’s recent parliamentary elections, acknowledging that his political alliance, L’Alliance Lepep, is facing a significant loss. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jugnauth, who has served as prime minister since 2017, expressed his wishes for the future. “The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country,” he said.
While official election results are still pending, opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam appears poised to reclaim the role of prime minister for the third time, representing the Alliance of Change coalition. This marks a return to power for Ramgoolam, who has previously served two terms in the position.
On Sunday, Mauritian voters cast their ballots to elect legislators for 62 seats in the national parliament. The winning party or coalition will secure the role of prime minister, and it appears the Alliance of Change has achieved a majority in parliament. The voter turnout was strong, estimated around 80% according to the election commission, with results determined through a first-past-the-post system alongside a unique “best loser” method, which allocates additional seats.
The electoral outcome comes amid recent turbulence in Mauritian politics. Just last month, Jugnauth celebrated a landmark agreement with the United Kingdom to reclaim sovereignty over the Chagos Islands after decades of dispute. However, his campaign was recently marred by a wire-tapping scandal that saw leaked recordings of conversations involving politicians, diplomats, and journalists circulated online, intensifying scrutiny on his administration.
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Both Jugnauth and Ramgoolam are prominent figures from influential political families that have shaped Mauritian politics since independence from the UK in 1968. Ramgoolam, 77, is the son of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the leader who guided Mauritius to independence, while Jugnauth’s family has also held prominent political roles over the decades.
Throughout the campaign, both sides focused on pledges to address the cost-of-living crisis affecting many Mauritians, despite the country’s steady economic growth. Mauritius remains one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous nations, with a thriving economy built on tourism, finance, and manufacturing. However, some analysts have noted rising concerns around issues of governance and corruption.
With a population of just over 1.3 million, the island nation is well-known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters, which drew 1.3 million visitors last year. Yet behind the idyllic landscape, Mauritians are increasingly vocal about wanting stronger governance and economic security.
For Ramgoolam and his Alliance of Change coalition, the election win signals both a fresh mandate and a significant responsibility. As the nation looks to a new government, many hope it will usher in stability, transparency, and meaningful progress for one of Africa’s most resilient democracies.
