For the first time in its history, the Labour Party has been defeated at two consecutive general elections but more importantly its leader, once charismatic and all pervading, not returned on both occasions. The electorate failed to give him initial legitimacy which is sine qua non for political durability. There should obviously be something rotten...
Author: Yatin Varma (Yatin Varma)
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam: Architect of Independence
To mark the 115th Birth Anniversary Homage to the Father of the Nation On October 22, 1959 Reuters had reported Dr Ramgoolam saying that his party wanted independence for Mauritius. No political leader had until then talked of independence. Given the socio-politico context, hardly anyone could think of it as a reality. Ramgoolam himself...
Yet he remains president of the (MSM) !
Showkutally Soodhun became president of the MSM following Joe Lesjongard’s adventure in search for fresher fields and greener pastures. Considered to be a loose cannon by many across the political spectrum and the public at large, his blundering instinct became more pronounced after the unexpected advent of the MSM led government in 2014. The list...
THE TASK FORCE ON DRUGS: A GIMMICK
After three years of continuous and relentless work, the Commission of Inquiry on drug trafficking chaired by former Puisne Judge Paul Lam Shang Leen finally submitted its report to the Acting President of the Republic and Government subsequently decided to make it public on 27 July 2018. The report had an unexpected boomerang effect, with...
THE MINISTRY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE: A FRANKESTEIN MONSTER?
Oxford dictionary of politics states that in a Westminster system where members of the executive are drawn from the legislature, ministers are generally responsible for framing government policy and for steering government bills through parliament. Following the 2014 General Elections, the Prime Minister decided to set up a Ministry of Good Governance giving to it...
The Dayal Saga: Questions to the Attorney General
On 05 March 2018, the MSM led Government discretely agreed to pay the sum of Rs15,160,782.28 to MSM member of parliament, Raj Dayal. The latter was forced to resign as Minister of Environment and is currently being prosecuted for corruption before the Intermediate Court. Shielding behind the veil of Mediation Court Rules until Saturday 02...
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and the Chagos Islands
During a press conference, upon his return from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, on 12 September 2018, Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) lashed out shamelessly against Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) over his handling of the Chagos issue. To say the least, it was a cowardly act to criticize the Father of the...
SHOULD EUTHANASIA BE LEGALIZED?
“Just as I choose a ship to sail in or a house to live in, so I choose a death for my passage from life”-L.A. Seneca Even speaking of euthanasia may spark a wave of hostility in some quarters as many will find it hard to stomach the idea. However, reason should give way to...
Rights of Suspects: The End of Private Interviews?
Cameras have recently been installed at most police stations. Private interviews between a Barrister and his client can consequently be recorded and listened to. It follows the logic of Government when we now see surveillance cameras at every nook and corner of the island. Undoubtedly, George Orwell would have said “Big brother is watching you”....
REFORM OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS
Reform of the electoral process is by far more important that reform of the electoral system. Our electoral system is over the years achieving what is expected from it in that its outcome is over the years, except for 1976 , producing a stable government. However, for unknown reasons few politicians seem obsessed with reform...