Green is the new black in Rodrigues. After nearly a quarter of a century of dominance, the party of Serge Clair, the ?self proclaimed emperor of Rodrigues?- as his opponents like to call him, has been defeated in the regional elections held on Sunday.

Former chief commissioner Clair?s party (OPR) did not, however, do too badly even though his successor Francisco François was defeated in the island?s capital Port Mathurin.

Both parties - the Movement Rodriguais (MR) and the Organisation du Peuple de Rodrigues - each won 6 wards. It was the party list that decided the winner; the MR having won 4 seats against 2 for the OPR from the list.

Clair did not himself stand as candidate; he chose instead to be registered on the party list. The probability is that he will be elected as a result and will be nominated minority leader. Clair, in a statement made before the final results said he was happy with them despite his claims that there had been ?electoral bribery?.

Serge Clair, first commissioner for Rodrigues, had to step down after two renegades from his party put him in minority last August. Johnson Roussety replaced him then. As he will from now on.