Mauritius
New government sworn in

afrol.com, 18 September - Yesterday, the new Mauritian government was sworn in. The change of government on the Indian Ocean island state came under one week after the election. The new socialist Prime Minister, Anerood Jugnauth emphasizes on" re-launching the economy".

The 11 September elections gave a landslide victory for the opposition alliance of Anerood Jugnauth's Militant Socialist Movement and Paul Berenger's Mauritian Militant Movement, winning 54 of the 62 seats in parliament. The party of outgoing Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam only won six seats. Tturnout on the elections had averaged 80 percent of the island's 779.431 registered voters. 

The new prime minister, Anerood Jugnauth, said the government's priority would be to give confidence back to local and international investors, and to re-launch the economy. The economy had been a key issue in the election campaign. Sir Anerood pledged to bolster the economy, create new jobs and combat fraud, and corruption and improve the health and education services.

To the Mauritian daily, Le Mauricien Sir Anerood stated: "This victory will enable the MSM-MMM to keep our electoral promises on a new government programme. This large victory will also enable us to guarantee the political stability of this country for the next five years." 

The new Government of Mauritius has the following composition:

Prime Minister, Interior: Anerood Jugnauth 
Deputy Prime Minister, Finance: Paul Berenger 
Commerce, Industry and Trade: Jayen Cuttaree 
Agriculture, Food Technology, and Natural Resources: Pravin Jugnauth 
Social Security: Samioulah Lauthan 
Regional Administrations and (the island of) Rodrigues: Joe Lesjongard 
Public Works: Alan Ganoo 
Tourism: Nando Bodha 
Environment: Ragesh Bhagwan 
Public Infrastructure and Transport: Anil Baichoo 
Civil Service and Administrative Reform: Ahmad Jeewah 
Labour: Showkatally Soodhun 
Women's Rights: Arianne Navarre-Marie 
Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation: Anil Kumarsingh Gayan 
Education: Steve Obeegadoo 
Health: Ashok Jugnauth 
Arts and Culture: Motee Ramdass 
Fisheries: Sylvio Michel 
Economic Development and Financial Services: Sushil Kushiram 
Housing and Lands: Mukeshwar Chonee 
Information Technology and Telecommunications: Pradeep Jeeha 
Justice and Human Rights: Emmanuel Leung Shing 

Source: Based on IRIN

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