All the recent allegations against people, supposed to be above suspicion, have finally led to an atmosphere of uncertainty among the population. Sectors of society that should be beyond doubt ? in the sense that there should be no reason whatsoever to suspect them ? are now in the limelight. From the judiciary to the police and even politics, all of them are highly suspect.

Of course, the population has never believed that its leaders or those who detained some power were totally clean. However, one could not have imagined that such scandals would shake the country and particularly the VIPs. Was it pure naivety or a way of protecting oneself by misting over possible fraud or crime that would inevitably rock all the institutions in which one had more or less faith?

Actually, when we look more closely at the unfolding events, we are forced to recognize that it is not the institutions ?per se? that are being questioned. A poll conducted by Straconsult for the Independent Commission against Corruption in October 2003 made it clear that the police was still the favourite institution to denounce crimes for most Mauritians. This is a clear sign that people still trust their institutions.

The ones really questioned when we examine all these scandals ? in whatever sector be it banking, judiciary or the government itself ? are in fact individuals. No one has ever thought that anybody is or should even be perfect. Before working in any institution, they are human beings above all.

But the fact remains that they have to keep a certain standing, which requires that they do not go beyond a certain limit. However, it is clear that this limit has been exceeded by far.

Although none of the allegations have been proved so far, some members of the ?elite? have indulged in ?excesses? that would be enough to condemn them. Not only out of respect for other citizens but also to erase the growing perception of a two-speed justice. The comings and goings of a famous MP from one hospital to another without being disturbed for at least two weeks are indeed an indication of these ?excesses?.

But these ?anecdotes? have become even more serious when politicians ?actively support? those same ?excesses?. In spite of Mr Collendavelloo?s denials, the fact remains that he gave the impression he was threatening the judiciary while protecting his party colleague.

We should therefore not be astonished if there is a public perception that impunity for the ?powerful? is the norm in our society. The assurance of the prime minister that there will be ?no cover-up? in the Deelchand affair sounds ironical. By the way, what he proudly reckons as a positive achievement of ?his government? is the norm in any State of Law?

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that there is a positive sign in the emergence of all these scandals. It shows that there is a certain awareness and questioning that will automatically ? ideally ? lead to a better society. The population and the politicians cannot pretend anymore that we are living in a perfect world. It is our duty to avoid despondency in the face of these scandals and to actively support the institutions designed to fight all the aspects of crime in our society. It is certainly very painful but it may be the only means to reach the goal.