In July, we will dutifully go to the ballots, hopefully unescorted by zealous goons, to democratically cast our votes and glorify a political party and its leaders. Banners are flying high, posters adorn our already littered towns, and a cornucopia of gifts is being bestowed upon the emotionally vulnerable and the easily swayed and a plethora of other lucrative prospects for the loyal voters. All that malarkey will thankfully end after the 3rd of July.

Our choice in this year?s election is not emphatically based on the candy dangling promises of the political parties or their make-belief, short lived and sugar coated ideologies. One hears the same rhetorical promises, buck passing and mud-slinging saga like a broken record, every five years. What we all want is to see changes in our socially decadent society. We collectively want to feel safe and secured. We individually want progress and prosperity. So which party can actually deliver? Who can restore safety in our crime-ridden society? Who would want to eliminate corruption? Who would ensure that we thrive in a true democracy without emasculating our freedoms? Okay, I may be a moaner but I am saying what most of you are whispering under your breath.

Mauritius is no longer considered as the postcard country with lovely virginal beaches, as we have been propelled to the island with atrocious crimes, Chikungunya et al. However, we are also regarded as a successful developing economy and the governments, past and present, have all contributed to our economic success today. Let us not glorify one party, as any economist would know that liberalisation, economic growth and development did not occur overtime. It was a gradual process aided by such erudite minds as Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, Vasant Bunwaree, Paul Bérenger, Rama Sithanen and Pravind Jugnauth, who have all made contributions towards our economic success.

Pravind Jugnauth vs Navin Ramgoolam

Our choice is between two candidates: one fairly young aspiring leader and the other one is a charming ex-prime minister. Pravind Jugnauth (PJ) vs Navin Ramgoolam (NR). One might correct my mistake for conveniently omitting Paul Berenger, but let us not forget that the tenure of the premier seat, should MMM-MSM be re-elected, will be of a duration of two and a half years after which we would be trusted in the hands of Pravind Jugnauth. Suffice to say that some of the voters naively believe that the PM post is the rightful bequest of the poised Pravind Jugnauth while others fervently support the suave Navin Ramgoolam. Both candidates can boast of their antecedents more than their political prowess. Pravind Jugnauth the reserved, self-assured vice PM has diligently managed an important portfolio but he sadly, lacks the zest of his father. Anerood Jugnauth?s leadership and magnificent victory in the early 1980?s election remains electrifying for anyone who witnessed the start of our economic recovery. We can only hope that the present vice-PM will one day show us the same passion.

Navin Ramgoolam does not even need to mention his dad?s name. No analogy can be made to the true mahatma of our tiny islands. SSR of modest upbringing had a bullfighter sense of equality and got us our freedom from the British. He was a remarkable, humble and revered ?human being?. Let us hope that Navin Ramgoolam can one day exhibit some of that remarkable trait of SSR.

Paul Bérenger

Both candidates have potentials but the real tour de force in this election remains Paul Bérenger. The backbone of this election is indisputably our present premier: Paul Bérenger, One would like to infiltrate his nimble mind and understand its manoeuvring, as we cannot help but salute the man for his insatiable political quest. He is by no means a ?Gandhi? figure but his perseverance in imposing his presence on the political front is notable and will give him a place in our political history.

Paul Bérenger is an impressionable figure of state even if his bushy trademark moustache looks rarer than the relics of the dodo. When he first emerged on the political platform, he exuded panache so alluring that everyone wanted to listen to him. He spoke passionately and touched a chord in all of us. His impassioned speeches, unlike many of other politicians, did not get us to hanker down in shame or cackle with laughter. We loved his eloquence; he evoked reveries and hit us with the blatant truth. He understood the rudiments of real politics.

The 60-0 election victory of the 80?s rested partly on his incredible charisma and hard work. He tried doggedly to carry out his duties with his beliefs intact. We initially saw in him a victim à la Mandela who because of his skin colour might be robbed of the chance of running the country. The minority communities respected him, the majority recognised his credibility. His constant disassociation with his party alliances was evidence of his commitment to his ideologies. MMM was Paul Bérenger.

When he became PM, even the Economist gave him a mention. The magazine commended us (not him), the hoi polloi, on our choice of a ?white? PM, which for the west undeniably meant that we are nice people (which we are) with no insular prejudices (mm). Yes, we accepted Paul Bérenger.

Yet the reality is a bit misconstrued. Paul Bérenger was not elected but was chosen by his party to become the PM. However, we accepted him as it was his well-deserved feat and in a way, our consolation prize. We are all aware of his occasional incendiary remarks but over the years, his polygamous unions with other parties have somewhat securely integrated his views and no one could be doubtful of his loyalty.

Paul Bérenger bluntness is still endearing if not mystifying. One cannot help but admire his individuality and above all, his political career. Whatever happens on the 3rd of July, we cannot dismiss the fact that Paul Bérenger has put himself on the who?s who of Mauritius politics. Let us put the road naming on hold, as this PM will continue to dominate our political scenes for years to come.

On the 3rd of July, let us swear allegiance to the best candidate and reflect on our past, present and future. Let us thrive in a truly democratic country without fear of reprisal for our political, social and religious affiliations.

Rubina DOOBORY, BA, MSc, LL.M