The main partners of the ruling alliance seem to be smiling again. Paul Bérenger has finally lifted the veil on his famous ?winning formula? by discussing it with his deputy Pravind Jugnauth. ?The atmosphere is a lot better between the two partners since the prime minister discussed the winning formula with Pravind Jugnauth,? according to sources around the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM).

The issue had led to much upheaval within the MSM after Paul Bérenger announced at the Mayday rally in Rose-Hill that he would soon inform the deputy prime minister of ?his winning formula?. They felt that their leader had been snubbed and treated with condescension as he was not even aware of the electoral formula to be used for the next elections in less than two years? time.

Though it is not official yet, it is rumoured that it would be the same formula as that of 2000 : Paul Bérenger would be prime minister for three years and Pravind Jugnauth would take over for the remaining two years. This formula seems to satisfy all the present stakeholders but it could mean that Paul Bérenger will retire from party politics in four years.

The famous winning formula contains much more than the sharing of the prime minister?s seat. It is a package that includes some ten items. It involves how the posts of speaker, deputy speaker and the number of ministries will be allocated between the two partners. Until the formula is made public, some speculations are allowed.

The prime minister could well replace Sir Anerood Jugauth at the State House in three years. And this does not seem to cause any worry in MSM circles : ?In four years, Sir Anerood will be 78 years old.? Unless Paul Bérenger decides to stay in the cabinet as a Senior minister. As for Pravind Jugnauth, the formula should suit him well: he will finally be prime minister but he has four years ahead of him to mature politically.

The prime minister has already proved that he wants to appease his partner over the question of electoral reform. Although the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) secretary, Ivan Collendavelloo, strongly opposed the formula advocated by the MSM, Paul Bérenger has given in to pressure, to some extent. The MSM formula is now under study at the State Law Office for a draft bill.

However, a few MSM members remain sceptical of the chances of victory for the present alliance if it goes together for the next elections. They are thus quite uncertain about the winning formula. ?It will be hard to market Paul Bérenger as prime minister for three years. The Labour campaign will be ruthless. It would be easier to have a formula with two and a half years to Paul Bérenger and the same period for Pravind Jugnauth.?

Will Paul Bérenger?s own political career and pride win over the risk of breaking the alliance?