What first appeared as a crisis in the opposition could finally become an internal crisis in the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM). After a clash with the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) on a joint rally for Mayday, the MSM has decided to go it alone both for that event as well as in the opposition as from now. With the recent announcement of the Parti Mauricien Socialiste Mauricien (PMSD) that it was interested in joining government, this means the end of the opposition front as we have known it since July 2005. And with it, one question: who will replace Paul Bérenger as opposition leader?

After the opposition lost both the general and municipal elections, the three parties thought they needed some time alone to reflect on their weaknesses and rebuild their parties ? but they intended to remain together in Parliament as the official opposition. However the decision of MSM leader, Pravind Jugnauth, to go it alone for the Mayday rally, has angered Paul Bérenger. And he may well have decided to take his revenge?

The MSM has the majority of seats in the opposition compared to both the MMM and the PMSD. As the three parties will no longer be one entity in Parliament, it would be logical that Paul Bérenger resigns from his post as opposition leader and leaves the seat to a MSM MP.

Even though he has not definitely announced his intention to resign, Paul Bérenger is meeting the president of the Republic, Anerood Jugnauth, this week to discuss the issue. Pravind Jugnauth, has expressed his surprise on hearing that Paul Bérenger may resign. ?The MSM has never thought that there was a need to question the post of leader of the opposition. We have always supported Paul Bérenger and intended to support him again this year.?

Two MSM members have been named on several occasions this week as potential replacements for Paul Bérenger. As Pravind Jugnauth is not an MP, he can?t compete for the post. As a result, some other member would have to be appointed by the president should Paul Bérenger confirm his decision to resign.

Endangered prestige

Nando Bodha, leader of the MSM parliamentary group, is one possible successor to Paul Bérenger. However, he is not the only pretender. The present leader of the opposition is said to favour another MSM member, Ashok Jugnauth. Although the MSM leader is said to support the faithful Nando Bodha, some party members would prefer Ashok Jugnauth. The latter has met the president as well as the opposition leader and this could indicate his willingmess to play a more important role in the future.

In any case, Pravind Jugnauth may lose some of his relative prestige within his party, as the next opposition leader would become ?the? man of the party ? the direct candidate for prime ministership.