Young Professionals: Political parties: Should they make alliances?

There still remains about two and a half years until the next general elections but the formation of alliances is already on the agenda. Rumours are rife that major alliances will be split and new alliances will be formed. It is no surprise for Mauritians to witness the advent of new alliances or old alliances taking rebirth. In almost all elections that have taken place, alliances have been made and broken and remade. Should political parties make alliances or go alone for elections? Our youth expresses their views.

Subeer Basdeo: “There is no harm in joining hands”

Event Coordinator Subeer argues that everyone is free and has the right to choose his affiliation – be it political or otherwise. “If someone is joining X or Y party, believing that he will be able to bring his utmost contribution in the interest of the country, then why do we have to object to that, as long as it is for the wellbeing of our nation?  There is also no harm in joining hands and collaborating together towards the same objective.  What really counts is that this person is true in his intentions and actions, being in X or Y party, is fighting for a bigger cause, larger than himself.  It does not matter if we do not belong to the same party, as long as we all share the same vision and strive to achieve that same objective: the progress of our country and nation.  This should be our aim, prioritising it over our personal interests!”

According to him, it is easy to criticise and express disagreements but only a few really try to look for solutions and act upon them. “Criticisms have to be constructive, and we should all try our best working on solutions together for creating a better future for our country. What is essential in all aspects of life, wherever we are and in whatever we do - whether it is in politics or not - all our works have to be based on our values, integrity and honesty; that is, choosing to do the right thing based on our principles without being corrupted.”

Aadil Jhumka: “Coalitions allow new leaders to emerge”

Leader of LVM and director of MAAAJ Enterprise, Aadil Jhumka says that political parties play an important role, as they include people who share the same political opinions, their aim is to help the public in choosing the right candidate for election. “The constantly changing of partners benefits the nations in so many ways. They identify the public’s need and try their best to achieve them. Their priority is the need of the citizens. They allow the public to voice out their opinions especially when partners change their plans frequently.” He further adds that “changing partners allows the emergence of new potential leaders. New alliances prefer to have members with good leadership skills and hence give other people the opportunity to participate in an election. Mauritius needs alliances to work better.” 

Moozafar Cheergally: “Coalitions for their personal interest” 

Moozafar Cheergally maintains that whenever the general elections are closing in, we usually hear about political parties joining forces to form a coalition. “In Mauritius, most political parties join forces to contest the general elections. In some cases, these coalitions do not last long. By doing so, these political parties tend to keep on changing partners at any given time. When two political parties join forces, it takes time to establish a plan of work, to delegate work, to set up policies and for members to get along in the team. Thus, it takes much longer time to find their rhythm of work whereas if the same political parties have worked together in the past, communication becomes more efficient.” According to him, in various cases, political parties make coalition for their personal interests. “They believe by doing so they would become more powerful and win. In these types of coalition, there is neither a plan of work nor a shared vision. There are always rifts going on between members or leaders and it is the population in general who suffers the most. On the other hand, by changing a partner, political parties can also integrate new blood in the group. Political parties that keep changing partners for elections have more an adverse effect than a good effect. Political parties should change partners only when they find themselves in a situation where they share the same vision for the country and is working towards the vision they shared.”

Abhishek Fowdur: “It is a good initiative to change politicians”

Abhishek argues that there are famous faces and names that can be remembered due to their repeated participation in elections over years but such would not have been the case if they were allowed to stand for elections only one time. “Short-lived politicians do not really have a brand image in the political era in Mauritius. Being in a modern times, in order to maintain the survival of the political party, it can be a good initiative to change participants in every election. The recent election in the year 2014 is an example where in the main political parties, there were certain new faces and they got elected change is a matter of risk because of the impact it might have on the voters.”  He believes that all depends on the demand of the public because certain voters want some new blood to be injected in the political party they support. “Unpopularity of a specific candidate can be identified during the tenure of the mandate. When such is the case, then definitely the option to change participants can be envisaged. Nevertheless, if the performance of a politician is still being judged by the public, then such amendments can have an adverse effect on the results. Same as a soft drink with a brand image, a politician also has a life cycle… It is just a matter of choice for the public.” 

Nicolas Frichot: “The country’s interest should come first”

Nicolas Frichot says that political alliances are so common in Mauritius that we tend to forget its significance. “There is no harm in forming alliances consisrting of one or several parties. Each political party has its own share of responsibilities. However, issues arise when the alliance is not done in the interest of the country but just for personal interests, that is to be in power without a proper vision, agenda or plan for the country.  Do not forget that the ultimate goal of politicians is to serve the country, and for that, the interests of political parties should not exceed those of the country.” For him, an alliance should be made when the parties can form a strong partnership and have the same ideology, same mission and vision.