Avinash Teeluck : “It is important for a rejuvenation in the political system” 

We have embarked on a remarkable year with general elections just behind the door. Other occurrences this year will be the final verdict regarding the court case against the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on the hearing at the Privy Council. Accidents, crime and violence are constantly on the rise. The president of Solaris and an active citizen, Avinash Teeluck is summing up the current situation in this interview. 

On Tuesday, the case of Pravind Jugnauth was heard in the Privy Council and it was a very interesting session for both parties. Will this be a political turning point?
It is difficult to predict. If the final verdict is in favour of the Prime Minister, this will reaffirm his leadership position, which will enable him to enhance his image as politician, to be more focused and to bring forward more appropriate policies. We need to wait for the verdict to see. 

2019 is considered to be an electoral year. Can we expect a lot of changes in the political arena?
As usual, when elections are approaching, the game of alliance will start. The political parties will start to look for alternatives. It is unfortunate that during the election period, parties advocate for certain ideologies to get elected but later, they take a different stance. I highly believe that before any election, there should be no alliances. Each party should highlight their own ideologies and come forward with their own programmes, simultaneously demonstrating their own strength. Nevertheless, there can be a post-electoral alliance. Around the world, electoral systems are seeing changes. In Mauritius, it is important for a rejuvenation in the political system. It’s time to work on new ideologies. The way politics were being done ten years ago has become obsolete for this current era. We need to blend economic and social development along with technology. There should be a balance between experience and dynamism.  

The Government is yet to propose an Electoral Reform in due form. Why this resistance for change?
People are always apprehensive towards anything that’s new and different. It is natural. When we refer to the Electoral Reform, the concept of the Best Loser System comes to mind. Demographically, our society consists of various communities and hence, each will ponder on their representatives as well as interests. Each community will want to be represented in parliament. Today in 2019, it has become more important to develop “Mauritianism” so that we can overcome communalism and create a system where we are characterized by patriotism. This should be one of the main reasons for a reform. We need to educate the young generation so that we are able to put aside communalism.     

The Prime Minister wishes to tackle the problem of corruption and money laundering by reviewing political financing. Is it really achievable?
It is achievable if the objective behind is authentic. The procedure should be in phases. For a simple entity, there are loads of procedures. So, why not for a political part? Political parties should register as legal entities. Audited accounts should be deposited at the MRA. All political parties must be accountable for all money coming in and going out. Each and every penny should be explained. There should be transparency prevailing. A first step is indeed crucial. 

Otherwise, free education at tertiary level is the talk of the town. Will this measure add to the burden of the country’s budget?
I look at it from a different perspective. Primary and secondary education are already free. A full cycle will be achieved with free tertiary education. Thirty years back with an HSC, you could get a job. Today, the minimum qualification is a first degree. Modest families do not have the means to finance their children’s education at tertiary level. Now if it is free, it will be accessible. However, at the same time, there is a need to create jobs as well. The Government should try to develop different sectors so as to create more jobs for the graduates. 

Do you believe that this measure helps youngsters to have better career prospects?
Of course. With HSC, there is no more much career prospects. This measure will definitely give an opportunity for the lower class youth to become professionals. Our strength is our human resources, so we need to mold them so that they can progress.  
l On the other side, crime rates and other social ills have escalated over the past years. Is there a need to review our Law and order?
Since the Road Traffic Act has been amended, whether you believe in it or not, facts and figures show that there have been less accidents. Severe sanctions deter carelessness of some drivers. Our laws should be reinforced and this could make the population conscious about their behaviour. All acts of violence must be punished. But at the same time, our children and youth should be empowered. Immorality should be discouraged. There is still room for improvement. 

What explains the rise of indiscipline among youngsters?
Lack of time and empowerment are the main reasons. Today, children have more freedom and exposure to the internet. They face peer pressure and live in more materialistic world where money, pleasure and instant gratification of their desires matter the most. There is a major divergence between the youth’s desires and those of their parents. Moreover, parents dedicate less time to their kids.  Civic education must be compulsory in schools, to allow the children to have a smooth transition from adolescent to adulthood. 

How can we encourage our young people to be more socially active?
If we start validating social work and the contribution of NGOs, this will eventually drive the youth towards social work. Unfortunately, the work of NGOs is not appreciated. Once we start appreciating their work, others will follow. As a citizen, social engagement is obligatory and we need to help our communities.