The people have spoken. They have made a clear-cut choice between two political blocks, both aspiring to rule this country. Whether this choice is right or wrong is for no one to question. And, as in any game, there?s a winner and a loser. The winner takes it all, they say. And the loser stands to fall. Not quite.

We have a strong opposition - as per the wishes of the people. A great thing for democracy. At least, the opposition of the Fourth National Assembly will be strong enough to defend itself, its policies and its stands and will not have to bear the humiliation of the previous opposition in Parliament and elsewhere.

Former prime minister Paul Bérenger says he lost the elections because people have been ?communal? in the way they voted. Whatever happens, ?we have to respect the verdict of the people?. But instead of respecting the verdict of the polls, Mr Bérenger is now looking for a scapegoat. And what does he do? He blames the people. He insults them. And he refuses to do a post-mortem; he refuses to reflect on what went wrong with a political party that was at one point one of the biggest in the country. A party that transcended communities and religions, a party that struck a chord in so many people?s hearts because it spoke a language that we all wanted to hear. A party that got the votes and support of the same people Mr Bérenger is now insulting.

I tell you what went wrong, Mr Bérenger. Arrogance. Being out of touch. The refusals to question oneself, to take stock, to listen. The presumptuous attitude of thinking one is always right. Ask Pravind Jugnauth. His non-election in constituency number 11 is the direct result of his arrogance. If today, the MSM leader still doesn?t realize this, then he has a big problem. If Paul Bérenger does not heed the warning of the people, his party is in danger of becoming even more marginalized. Likewise, if Mr Jugnauth doesn?t take stock and analyse the reasons why his party today has 11 MPs but that the people have given him, the leader of the party, the boot, then he?s in danger of putting his party further in jeopardy. Navin Ramgoolam learnt from his defeat; therein lies his strength. At the moment.

If there?s one lesson we can learn from these elections it is precisely this: the people do not forget and they do not forgive easily either. Let this be a lesson to all politicians - the present government included. That?s why polls are usually called the people?s tribunal; they deliver a harsh, naked judgment. And the only chance of an appeal is in five year?s time.

And those who say they believe in democracy should accept the people?s decision and hope that this government delivers. For all our sakes. If this government fails, so does Mauritius. So, let?s be patriots and give Ramgoolam and his government a chance, whatever our private feelings. If we?re still not happy in five years? time, we?ll know what to do then, won?t we? So why not give them a break and a chance to succeed? So we can all come out of it the better?