POLITICAL LANDSCAPE : New Mauritian Order

A new world order in political terms is defined as “any new period of history evidencing a dramatic change in world political source and a balance of power” (Wikipedia). What we are witnessing today in our country requires no less than that. We are experiencing the kind of thing that could be a turning point for our country’s political landscape, which could become our New Mauritian Order. People all over the place, be it on interactive websites, on social networking sites, journalists, young, old, educated, less educated agree on one point: how can we go on trusting people who obviously are not working towards the betterment of the people, that is us, but who seem to be working towards their own personal gains?
Can we turn this cacophony of voices into one single voice, since we are all admonishing the same thing? Being aware and talking about what is wrong about our country is one thing, but constructively working against it is another. Ever since this saga has been unfolding, the common popular consensus was that we need a new movement, we need a breath of fresh air in our political arena. It might be solution but there are also others to be considered: like revamping the system we have in place.
For starters, how do we change the mindset of an electorate who is so used to certain political parties? We have big chunks of the population who are either red, purple, orange or blue ‘la gorz’ as they would proudly say.  They would not change their allegiance no matter what. Do we ask for the “aile jeune” of these parties to come forward? The ‘aile jeune’ might be the new progressive movement that we need but how much say do they have in the running of the party?  Do the leaders listen attentively to their words? There are some brilliant minds that enter the “aile jeune” of political parties in order to bring a change, to bring something new, to make their mark. But when comes the time for them to shine, do they have free rein or are they under the grip of whatever the leaders or founders of the party decide?
There have been talks of electoral reforms hovering in the air for some time. Now might be the time for the mass to also consider how they can be part of a new way so that everyone can benefit. For one thing, when we elect our leaders every five years, we decide on who and what party to elect, sometimes barely glancing at the electoral manifesto. Our decisions are rarely based on what is being proposed but rather what party to vote for. Another modification that we can bring in our way of voting is to stop ‘vote blok’. We are encouraged every election to ‘vote blok’ for political parties. However, if we want a fair representation in Parliament, we should choose the candidates whom we are willing to vote for very carefully. We should not put all our eggs in one basket just as we witnessed in the past elections in the No. 3 Constituency where the three elected candidates where from three different political parties. Whether they are pulling their weight is another question but it is one step forward. We must make sure that we have a fallback in case something goes awry. 
Secondly, once we have cast our vote on Election Day, we have no say in the running of the country for the next five years. A way forward towards a progressive democratic Mauritius would be the introduction of referendums whereby people get a say in whatever constitutional amendment or law is being debated or even the recall of an elected official. Naysayers will say that referendums cost a lot of money. Of course they do, but since it is our money, taxpayers’ money, we have a right to be involved in major decisions being taken for our country. 
Thirdly, we could take the USA as an example, where someone is allowed to serve for only two terms as head of the state and then leave the chance for someone else. This would ensure rejuvenation in the way that the country is led as each person brings forward a personal touch. Moreover, political party leaders should also consider rethinking the way they want to lead. They might consider the fact that even though the parties they belong to have been founded by their families; it is not a personal inheritance. Maybe it has come the time where parties should consider choosing who would lead them in the elections rather than having the same person leading all the time. 
Politicians are not the only ones to be blamed in our outdated system. They are only part of the problem; after all they emerge from the people. We, the people, should also assume our responsibilities. It is time for politicians and ourselves to work collectively if we want a better Mauritius. We should all be aware of our responsibilities and work towards one aim: the betterment of our country, nou zoli pei.

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