Mauritius government suffers electoral wipeout

The Alliance of Change in Mauritius, led by Navin Ramgoolam, has won a decisive victory in the general election, claiming 60 out of 64 parliamentary seats.

Ramgoolam, 77, now returns as prime minister, succeeding Pravind Jugnauth, who acknowledged his Lepep alliance’s “huge defeat” after securing just two seats.

The election, noted for a high 80% voter turnout, was marked by a phone-tapping scandal and temporary social media restrictions.

Ramgoolam, who previously served as prime minister from 1995 to 2000 and 2005 to 2014, pledged to address cost-of-living concerns by increasing pensions, reducing fuel costs, and expanding free transport.

His victory reflects public dissatisfaction with the ruling party and a desire for improved governance and economic relief.