The bitter taste left by the defeat of last 3rd of July is no longer there. Disappointment has given way to a fighting mood. The Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) is convinced that there will be general elections before 2010 and wants to be ready for that eventuality. The leader, Paul Bérenger, is expecting proposals from party members for a new configuration. He seems to be considering the possibility of presenting another candidate than himself as shadow prime minister. He also looks eager to prepare the party’s future leadership. He explicitly spoke of Steve Obeegadoo, Deven Nagalingum and Leela Devi Allear, who have all lost the elections but who are likely to be called upon to take new responsibilities at party level.

The MMM held its first assembly of delegates since the elections. The respite seems over and the new prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, is in for a rough time. Paul Bérenger does not hesitate to castigate the PM saying his attitude is “childish” when referring to the present conflict between the PM and the president of the Republic.

Moreover, he openly speaks in favour of the latter and reassures his flock that the MMM will not become an ally of the Labour party. Otherwise, he is adamant that the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) and the MMM will still be allies in the next general elections. He has thus put an end to the rumours of a possible rapprochement with his opponents.

This assembly of delegates was also an opportunity for the MMM to explain the defeat of the alliance. The communal nature of the campaign, the short memory of the people and organisational shortcomings are some of the problems to be faced. In the future, there will be “more targeted actions.” This was enough to cheer up the MMM partisans.

The MSM also brought some changes to its political bureau last weekend. Pravind Jugnauth remains the party leader. The new bureau involves 25 members, including all the MPs - Joe Lesjongard, as president, Nando Bodha, as secretary general and Ashock Jugnauth… Some candidates that have not been elected have also secured a seat. Some seats are still empty but they should be filled in the near future.