Pravind Kumar Jugnauth Faces Controversy Amid Election Campaign

On November 10, 2024, voters in Mauritius are participating in a parliamentary election, which is the 12th since the country gained independence in 1968. The election is heavily influenced by an ongoing cost of living crisis, with around one million registered voters tasked with selecting 62 members for the National Assembly. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth's party is promising to address economic issues in hopes of retaining power. The election comes after a significant political scandal involving leaked phone recordings that implicated various politicians, diplomats, and journalists, which damaged Jugnauth's campaign. In response to the fallout from the scandal, authorities imposed a temporary social media ban, which was reversed shortly after public outcry. Security concerns regarding electoral fraud have been raised, prompting the deployment of police at polling stations. Observers from the African Union are present to monitor the electoral process in a country regarded as one of Africa's more stable democracies. Despite the government's prediction of economic growth, many voters report not feeling its benefits, leading to promises from both political alliances to raise wages and pensions while addressing taxes. The outcome of this election could significantly impact the management of Mauritius’s economy and social policies.