Mauritius holds election with cost of living on everyone's minds

Mauritius parliamentary election: Economic promises, alliances, and voter expectations in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Mauritius holds a parliamentary election on Sunday (November 10, 2024) with incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his main rivals all promising to tackle a cost-of-living crisis in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The country of about 1.3 million people markets itself as a link between Africa and Asia, deriving most of its revenues from a flourishing offshore financial sector, tourism and textiles.

It has forecast 6.5% economic growth this year compared with 7.0% last year but many voters are not feeling the benefits.

Mr. Jugnauth’s Alliance Lepep coalition has promised to raise minimum wages, increase pensions and reduce value added tax on some basic goods.

It says it will use payments from the U.K. under an October agreement for Britain to cede the Chagos Islands while retaining the U.S.-U.K. Diego Garcia air base.

Mauritius also receives aid from China.

“The alliance led by the Prime Minister is selling the economic prosperity card, with promises of more money to different segments of the population,” said political analyst Subash Gobine.