The dissolution of Parliament has been announced for Saturday 23rd. About time, some would say as memories of the unprecedented cheap shots and meanness that have characterized recent parliamentary sessions come back to mind. This decision was announced not in Parliament, as many would think, but at a night meeting of the majority last Friday to launch the beginning of its electoral campaign. An announcement was also made to the supporters that the election date would be revealed? at the MMM\MSM Mayday political gathering in Vacoas.

Foreign minister Jayen Cuttaree had already set the tone in an interview given to weekly newspaper WeekEnd that the ?government machinery hasn?t yet been set into motion?, while talking about the electoral campaign. Already there is some confusion as to who will actually take part in the electoral campaign; the MMM\MSM or the government? But maybe we should not worry too much; after all, we have been given guarantees that upcoming general elections will be free and fair.

In any case, whatever many may say, the campaign has indeed begun. The opposition may have had a headstart on the campaign but they do not have the means now (they did five years ago) to give freebies to the people. The ruling majority does and they have already started. The budget opened the way. One-off payment of Rs 6000 to redundant people, reduction of customs duties on many items, fiscal measures for dependent spouses, and so on. And, a few days later, we are told the Muslim community will eventually get what they have been asking for. Not quite, but nearly: a watered-down version of the Muslim Personal Law. And now, surprise, surprise, reports suggest that the elderly, students and disabled people might soon be able to travel free on buses. To crown it all, consumers have, in the person of the minister of Commerce and Consumer protection, a most honourable policeman going round supermarkets to defend their interests and make sure prices of commodities do go down as promised in the budget. A caring government indeed. Rendered so by the forthcoming elections no doubt but, as they say, this is the name of the game.

The opposition, on the other hand, after the blow of a budget qualified as ?knock-out? by the prime minister, is now back on track. After a few inconsistencies about whether to say they would cancel the entire budget or just a few measures, they are now more or less speaking with one voice : they will not have anything to do with the budget and they don?t have much interest in Parliament either. And they are getting ready for the elections. The tone has also changed; it is one of humility now. ?You judged Navin Ramgoolam in 2000. Do the same for this government now,? is the message. The opposition reckons that recent parliamentary sessions showed that their voices cannot be heard there and so to quote Rama Sithanen, ? we go and talk to the people?. Meetings are thus held with the people in different constituencies. The message is: ?Do not be fooled. They don?t care about you, we do. So give us another chance.?

The duel between Ramgoolam and Pravind Jugnauth seems to have come to an abrupt end as well. The rivalry between the two came to the forefront practically straight after the Budget speech. The deputy Prime minister and minister of Finance seemed to have gained in confidence and did not miss one opportunity to hit out at the leader of the opposition. Most of it took place in Parliament as well as a few allegations outside. And Ramgoolam decided to retaliate and take the matter to court. He is now suing Jugnauth for defamation.

The latter decided to get even a day later and said he also had been slandered by insinuations made by Ramgoolam. And just as it had all started, it stopped just as suddenly. Ramgoolam announced: ?The little one is out and the battle is between Bérenger and myself? thus dismissing Jugnauth. The latter paid no heed and refused to be dismissed. ?Upcoming elections will be the last round between me and Navin,? he told a newspaper referring to the challenge he took- and lost in December 2003 for the by-election in constituency n° 7.

We are also witnessing the ?payback time? episode. Some unease during negotiations between the Labour party and Xavier Duval has been capitalized on by the MSM\MMM. Reports suggest that the PMXD leader is not satisfied with the deal offered by the Labour leader. These rumours have not been confirmed by Navin Ramgoolam who says that he is ?not aware of any unease? whereas Rama Valayden of the MR admits that there ?are some problems but that things should be sorted out soon?.

<B>The duel between Ramgoolam and Pravind Jugnauth seems to have come to an abrupt end as well. The rivalry between the two came to the forefront practically straight after the Budget speech. </B>

On the other side, the MSM is jubilating. ?If Bachoo can reunite with Ramgoolam, there?s no reason why Duval and Allet can?t,? said MSM secretary Nando Bodha last Sunday. Rumours also say there has been some contact between the MSM and Duval and that the MSM is trying to convince him to reunite with Allet?s PMSD.

It is a matter of honour now for the MSM. After five of its members left for Labour, they have to undermine the alliance sociale at all costs. Will they succeed? Duval is expected to make his stand known soon.

Meanwhile, Ramgoolam has altered his tone. ?Bérenger did not want Duval back in 2000,? he said in Goodlands on Sunday. And, at the MMSM anniversary congress on Saturday, he highlighted the need for partners ?that will not betray us.?

Speculations are rife about the date of the poll and, while it will be announced on 1st May, two dates already keep coming up. 12th June, say sources close to government, as it is on that particular date in 1982 that the MMM beat Labour, while others are of the opinion that D-day will be on 26th June.

As from the 23rd of this month, there will be no MPs, no opposition, in short no representation of the people. Just a caretaker government that will manage the country until the people have spoken and a new government is formed and takes over.

As from next Saturday, the race will be officially on. Even though it has already started. Almost as if everybody was in a rush to hear ?the voice of God??