The Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) seems to be losing its lustre. The resignation of Eric Guimbeau is another sign that the party might be losing hold over its members. It is a fact that there was a chill between the MMM leader, Paul Bérenger, and Eric Guimbeau that dates from before the general elections. But why has the Curepipe-Midlands MP chosen to join the Parti Mauricien Socialiste Democrate (PMSD) a few weeks before the municipal elections? (See inset) Why didn’t he leave the party before general elections?

During the electoral campaign, Eric Guimbeau had an argument with his leader in the presence of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) leader, Pravind Jugnauth, where he explained that there were conflicts between him and Sunil Dowarkasing, his fellow candidate in the constituency. However, it is said that both leaders sided with Dowarkasing and Bérenger did not hesitate to reprimand Mr Guimbeau severely. The latter did not appreciate the move.

However, he doesn’t want to express his disappointment publicly, it seems. “I resigned for personal reasons. My family has traditionally been close to the PMSD. I don’t want to start a polemic.” Since he is now a member of the PMSD, he considers that he is still a member of the opposition – under the leadership of Paul Bérenger. There is however some mystery around his resignation…

<B>PMSD leader has been clear about the rumours that he might be joining the PMXD. </B>

The relations between the MMM and the PMSD have been quite tense during recent weeks. The PMSD leader publicly announced that he has asked for 26 tickets in the municipal elections. Even if Paul Bérenger said he “understood” such a request, the MMM and the MSM have already taken 58 tickets each – which does not leave many for Maurice Allet’s party.

The MMM leader has expressed his discontent about Maurice Allet’s comments to the press. In fact, the PMSD leader took a risk in making such moves. Unless such declarations to the press were precisely aimed at annoying Bérenger.

But Maurice Allet has been clear about the rumours that he might be joining the government – more specifically the Parti Mauricien Xavier Duval. “Reunification is not on my agenda,” he said after a new attempt by his secretary general, Mamad Khodabaccus to reunite the PMSD and the PMXD.

The PMSD leader did not appreciate the fact that Mamad Khodabaccus had, once more, met the PMXD leader to try and get the two parties together. He was suspended a few months ago because he had tried to convince members of the PMSD to get closer to the PMXD. Maurice Allet was not informed of the move and did not appreciate it at the time… And it seems he still does not.

“He is still the secretary general though he was suspended. He should have waited for the end of his suspension. Now I hear that he talks in meetings organised by the PMXD. He should be decent enough to resign if he feels more comfortable with the PMXD,” declared an adamant Maurice Allet. If Mamad Khodabaccus resigns, who will replace him? Could it be Eric Guimbeau, to whom his new leader intends to give “an honourable post suited to his capacities.”

<B>Municipal elections due on 2nd October</B>

Cabinet has decided that the municipal council elections will be held on Sunday 2nd October 2005 with Nomination Day on 10th September 2005.

The village council elections are scheduled for Sunday 11th December 2005 with Nomination Day on 21st November 2005. The opposition is finalising its list of candidates for the forthcoming elections but the leader admits that it is not easy to satisfy everyone. He wanted to reassure his partisans and members saying, “Guimbeau is now part of the PMSD but remains in the opposition.

The work will be done.” Eric Guimbeau’s resignation does not affect the choice of candidates for these elections. “We will give tickets ward by ward, case by case, without being restrained into a rigid formula,” he asserts.

As for the government, preparations seem to be taking place more smoothly. The campaign manager, Christian Rivalland, is back at work whereas James Burty David, minister of Local government has already started his campaign. “Democracy has won over political pettiness. The former government had a hidden agenda as it postponed the elections three times.”