Ashok Radhakissoon’s contract as the president of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has been renewed, to the surprise of quite a lot of people. The president of the Republic, Aneerood Jugnauth, has so decided in spite of strong disagreement from the opposition leader, Navin Ramgoolam.

After the expiry of Ashok Radhakissoon’s contract last April, there were rumours that the prime minister, Paul Bérenger, was dead against its renewal. However, during a press conference, the prime minister made it clear that the president was the one to make the final decision after reaching a consensus with the prime minister and the opposition leader.

<B>A lot on his plate</B>

Aneerood Jugnauth looked really determined to reach this consensus but things suddenly turned out to be different. Navin Ramgoolam was not even notified that Ashok Radhakissoon would keep his job. Navin Ramgoolam was dead against this renewal because he thinks that “Ashok Radhakissoon is not as independent as he appears.”

As for the person concerned, he says he is really happy that the president has decided to maintain him in his post. He says he does not know what led to this sudden decision. In any case, he will “resume his job in a responsible way.”

He may have a lot on his plate for the three coming years before the end of his contract. He is conscious that “next year will be really rich in events. Some radios will have to renew their licenses, there will be major political and social events, liberalization of television, the ADSL launched by Mauritius Telecom. All this will be done within a legal framework.” Best of luck to the IBA president!