Two major subjects that the ruling parties must understand in the wake of their mandate are to give priority to ‘changement et rupture’, which was their ‘cheval de bataille’ during the last electoral campaign. Therefore, the application of such policies must be done and be seen.
The population, fed up with the politics of the previous government, was aspiring to see real change in the country by the advent of the ‘Alliance du Changement’ government. The new government should shun the blunders committed by the previous government and take bold and wise decisions when it comes to nominating people to highly responsible posts. Otherwise, it will be analogous to pouring old wine into a new bottle. Compensating the inner circle is a thing of the past, profoundly abhorred by the people. The outcome of the 60-0 may be attributed to such abominable policies practiced by the previous regime.
A crack occurred in the government, between the two major parties, that is the MMM and PTR, on several differences recently. But due to repeated negotiations, there was a patch-up between the two parties. It is understood that at the beginning there is the marriage followed by the honeymoon, and when the apple of discord starts to dawn upon them, then things take a bitter turn. Our expectations are that this bitterness will disappear forever from their confusing minds. It leaves people in lingering suspense, thereby jeopardizing the smooth running of the government.
Paul Bérenger must understand that each break from the government has cost him the loss of several intelligent and capable members of the MMM. Likewise, it is time for Navin Ramgoolam to take decisions in collaboration with his partners in the alliance government and not to be influenced by a clique who can put the government at stake.
Some major issues are to be addressed in order to give the economy a boost. Works should be carried out as per their electoral manifesto, which outlined their core ideology, policy positions, goals and promises. Electoral reform is a fundamental issue that requires agreement among the ruling parties and the acceptance of the population so that nobody will be left frustrated. The tourism industry is doing pretty well and we expect to receive 1.4 million visitors this year with colossal revenue of 100 billion rupees. Competent people at Air Mauritius will certainly help to generate high revenue from our airline industry.
Other burning issues are to be tackled with iron will. Drugs are ravaging the country, putting the youth, old people and even some neglected women at risk. This government should mean business when dealing with drug traffickers. As the ruling party is facing criticism regarding the universal pension, it is therefore imperative for them to enhance their lost popularity by taking drastic measures in dealing with the problem of drugs in our country. The Commissioner of Police must be more dynamic in the discharge of his duties. Positive measures taken by the police force or some of their successful achievements in dealing with drug mafias, reckless drivers and reducing road accidents must be announced in the form of press conferences by the Police Commissioner sporadically.
The importance of communication
To make the political activities more alluring, the PM and his deputy must organize press conferences very often. People want results in almost all walks of life. A quarterly joint meeting on TV, announcing some of their lofty achievements and lucrative measures taken in the interest of the people, will certainly highlight their image. It is to be noted that in the absence of communication people tend to say “sa gouvernement-la pa pe fer narien”.
Everybody needs a stable government so that the country can forge towards rapid development. A break in the ruling party happens to divide people politically and brings more constraints in their achievements. Your covenant with people is sacred and it is your duty to respect it.
Cassam Tupsy
