The cacophonies and the aftermath of the general elections are not a good sign for democracy in Mauritius... The ridiculing and humiliation of the president, Sir Anerood Jugnauth. Respect for the people of Mauritius starts from the top and begins with those in power. Those in power must discharge that duty with responsibility and the events, which followed the Alliance victory, give us outside the country a bitter taste of vengeance and intolerance.

One would have thought that Paul Bérenger would be a nasty prime minister but Navin Ramgoolam by his action has shown that the former prime minister has more clout and respect in the world than the new prime minister. Even in the agony of defeat, the former stood tall and has called for understanding and acceptance of the new government. This has earned him respect in the world press.

In the case of SAJ, he has served his country for more than 30 years as a politician, a magistrate, minister of the Crown, prime minister and president. The prime minister is barking on the wrong tree. The president is not a detriment to the republic and has been appointed to the job following all the protocol, the letter of the law and Constitution.

The prime minister has his focus on the wrong button. He should immediately put a stop to the crime spree, rape, drugs and theft, which is affecting the reputation of Mauritius and Mauritians abroad. He should focus on the creation of jobs and assure the world business investors that Mauritius is back in business. How can he assure the family next door that their children are immune from a sex predator, how can he tell the population that he will prevent Mauritian passports from falling in the hands of terrorists? How can he assure the sugar planters that their net worth is safeguarded in the time of uncertainty when there are protective measures for reasonable pricing? How can he tell the sick, the old and the poor that they have a good system of social benefits and a safety net?

The distraction of trying to ridicule the president has taken precedence of regular business. Indeed Mr Jugnauth is a sitting duck. The prime minister has his priority screwed up with the vengeance. I am pretty sure that, had he told the population that he wanted to get rid of the president before the election, the political landscape would have been different.

The prime minister should know that, when negotiating abroad with international affairs, his hands will be tied because others will know about the fragmentation of the government and non respect of the worth and dignity of his citizens. What a shame, Navin Ramgoolam! Where did you get your ethics? I am neither a fan of the president nor of Ramgoolam but have a fierce admiration for Paul Bérenger.

Krishna NAIR