GDP growth was seven per cent in 2023, but analysts say Mauritius needs to diversify its economy and concerns are rising about governance.

“In the last five years, the institutions that provide checks and balances are not working and corruption has increased,” said democracy researcher Roukaya Kasenally.

He drew attention to the procurement scandals during the Covid-19 pandemic, the harassment of opposition parties in parliament and the use of police against political opponents.

Last month, Mauritius fell from the top spot to second place in the Ibrahim Index, which tracks governance across Africa.

“The only real concern remains the economic, political and geopolitical stability of the country,” said Sheila, a 29-year-old academic who did not want to give her full name.

– ‘Decolonization’ –

The island nation’s leadership has rotated among just three families since independence.

Jugnauth, 62, took over the premiership from his father when he died in 2017, before his alliance won the 2019 elections, gaining 42 seats.

77-year-old Ramgoolam is also the son of the country’s first leader.

Established politicians are facing a challenge from the Linion Reform alliance, which is campaigning under the slogan “Neither Navin, Nor Pravind”.

He criticized corruption and nepotism while calling for greater transparency.