By-election Belle-rose/Quatre-Bornes : the final Face to Face

The Défi Media Group has organised a debate with seven candidates of the upcoming by- election to be held on 17th December. The candidates Roshi Bhadain, Arvin Boolell, Nita Juddoo, Tania Diolle, Jack Bizlall, Kugan Parapen and Dhanesh Maraye were live on the platforms of Défi Media Group from Palms Hotel, Quatre Bornes.

The candidates faced questions from Ruzayna Beegun, journalist of Radio Plus, Jean Luc Emile Chief Editor of Teleplus, Jugdish Joypaul consultant at Radio Plus and Jane Lutchmaya Editor of Défi Media Group. Nawaz Noorbux was the moderator.

The implications of the by-election

The first theme debated by the candidates is on the implications of this by-election. Nita Juddoo from MMM was the first speaker. She stated that this election is to denounce the wrong doings happening and at the same time to bring a change in the country.

“It also brings us a step closer to the general election.” Dhanesh Maraye of PMSD explains that Belle Rose/Quatre Bornes needs its third MP in the parliament and on the national level, a lot of work is needed. “There have been lots of scandals and no developments. There is need for true changes.”

Kugan Parapen from Resistance ek Alternative argued that it is time to review the destiny of the country. “We now have to trust our younger generations, who can rise up to the challenge. The younger generations can take the country to new horizons. This election is a critical choice for the future of our country.”

Roshi Bhadain, on his part, confided that for him, this election will allow him to continue his work for Quatre Bornes, seek justice for the project Metro Express and continue the work in parliament. Labour Party member Arvin Boolell stated that the population has become victim of circumstances and there are more revengeful actions being conducted by the government.

Tania Diolle from Mouvement Patriotique (MP) recalled that it is time to do politics in a new way. For Jack Bizlall, he will continue to be at the service of the population. 

Metro Express

Regarding the Metro Express, the debate was quite intense. Roshi Bhadain announced that he will seek judiciary advice for the Metro Express, as there is need to review the way the Metro will be passing through Quatre-Bornes.

For Nita Juddoo, it is impossible to back down at this stage but the project can be amended. “We are not happy about the way that the project is proceeding. We have asked for a report and it has not been published yet.” Kugan Parapen declared that Mauritius needs to find its own financing. “It is totally wrong to believe that the financing from India is a gift. Because of our DTAA, our offshore sector is already at risk.”

Additionally, Jack Bizlall highlighted that the Metro Project is not viable. As for Tania Diolle, she finds that this project is causing human distress and there are lots of questions that have been left unanswered. Besides, Dan Maraye also believes that there is lack of transparency and a referendum was highly necessary.

Renewal of political class

Arvin Boolell: “The Labour party has always innovated and has always strived for change. The party has aligned 50 new candidates. Our program is based on economic recovery, job creation and sharing as well as the professionalization of young people.” Regarding the amount of the financing of the electoral campaign, Arvind Boolell said that he does not know about the amount spent or if the Labour party receives contribution from supporters. 

Nita Juddoo: “My presence itself is symbol of renewal. I am new in this part. Its good to have the youth in a party, but things cannot be done in a vacuum. This is why they need the support of the experienced persons.” Nita Juddoo said that it is the campaign manager who has the account of the expenditures.
Dhanesh Maraye: “I believe that it is people who make a party. The young have a place in the party and they bring new solutions to real problems. I believe that renewal also goes in hand with the youth.”

Tania Diolle: “Renewal is not in the change of revolution but it is in the reinvention of the political practice. Political parties have to reinvent themselves and bring in new ideas. We also need the help of those who have experience.” She said that the party has not, to her knowledge, gone over the limit of Rs 250,000.

Jack Bizlall: “When we talk about renewal, we have to talk about the Constitution and bring a mixed system to Parliament, a second Republic and a new education system.” He said that his party will spend no more than Rs125,000 for the electoral campaign.

Roshi Bhadain: “At the Reform Party, we have more than 100,000 young people all over the world namely in UK, Milan and Paris. We communicate and share ideas via WhatsApp and we have already started debates like the abolition of the pension of ministers and deputies, and the minimum wage.” Regarding financing of the campaign, he uttered that his party has received contributions from supporters.

Kugan Parapen: “Renewal is not the change of faces. The change is in the way of doing and of seeing things. Rezistans ek Alternative has not used any posters in its campaign.” He said that his party has spent up to date Rs 160,000 for the electoral campaign.

Alliances

Concerning the making of Alliances, the various candidates differ in their opinions. For Dhanesh Maraye, what is more important is implementation of projects and the electoral programmes. Both Nita Juddoo and Tania Diolle were also categorical about a future alliance.

Similarly, Roshi Bhadain has announced that he will align 60 candidates in the next general elections. However, Kugan Parapen recalls that a regrouping of the parties in the left have been advanced by many people. Arvin Boolell claimed that the Labour Party has learned a lesson from the past election and it will go alone for the next upcoming election.

For Jack Bizlall, if we want to stop the formation of alliances between different parties, a change in the electoral system is needed.   

If I am elected

Dhanesh Maraye: “Even if elected as member of the opposition, there is a lot of work that can be done. It’s the people in the parties that make the difference. The renewal is in terms of actions.”

Nita Juddoo: “The role of women in the political arena is crucial. I want us to achieve gender parity in politics.”

Jack Bizlall: “Left wing parties have always fought for the rights of citizens. Do not overshadow the work I have done for more than 40 years. ”

Arvin Boolell: “When I will enter parliament, Shakeel Mohamed will still be leading. We all want an anticipated election. My role in the parliament is to federate the opposition.”

Roshi Bhadain: “I will discuss about what should be done for the inhabitants of Belle Rose/Quatre Bornes. This is why I have left my seat in parliament, in order to defend Belle Rose/Quatre Bornes.”

Kugan Parapen: “It is important for Mauritians to question what is happening and where we are heading. Kugan in parliament will be the voice of ecology, of the youth and someone who is not attached to mainstream political parties and ideas.”

Tania Diolle: “We believe that the party has new ideas and perspectives. Our ideas and program have been inspired from around the world and we believe that we can bring this to parliament.”

Concluding remarks

During the concluding remarks, all the candidates request that the inhabitants of constituency No 18 Belle Rose/Quatre Bornes to refrain from abstention and to exercise their right to vote. For Kugan, the vote given to him will be a vote against the traditional parties.

Roshi Bhadain stated that he left his parliamentary seat for the population to defend the town of Quatre Bornes and population’s vote will be determinant in this fight. Tania Diolle also urged the inhabitants not to let their votes go waste and vote for political renewal.

Nita Juddoo, on her part, thanked all her supporters. Jack Bizlall advised the inhabitants to make their choice after having watched this debate, if they were uncertain whom to vote up till now. Dhanesh Maraye asked the people of Quatre Bornes to make a choice for their future and vote for honesty.