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Narayan Jumnoodoo

Constitution & Democratic Reform

Further Amendments to our Constitution

Unpublished Article
Narayan Jumnoodoo continued his reflections on constitutional reforms, accountability and democratic institutions, expressing his vision for a stronger and more transparent Mauritius.

To begin with, more powers should be given to the President of our Republic.

He should have his “mot-à-dire” and should no longer be used as a rubber stamp or “paillasson”. Moreover, the President of our Republic shall not enjoy the privilege of immunity if ever he commits an offence; he shall be liable to be prosecuted like anybody else.

The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker should be independent and hence, we would be able to see good debates. They should not be chosen from the political party forming the majority in the National Assembly.

The posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be advertised in newspapers. Only the best candidates shall be selected upon their merits, whether be it a lawyer, an attorney or a lecturer in any university.

There should be a consensus both by the majority and minority parties upon the selection of candidates who have the potential to conduct debates impartially.

  1. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall not enjoy any form of immunity either. They shall be accountable to the population, giving every detail of their travelling expenses, together with the per diem they would have received.
  2. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, members of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, Director of Public Prosecutions and other high officials in the public sector or judiciary should also be accountable to the population.
  3. No privilege or immunity should be given to them. If ever they commit an offence, they shall be judged by a special tribunal set by the population comprising the judiciary.
  4. A legislation should be passed forbidding members of the National Assembly elected under the banner of a certain political party to cross the floor and join another political party.
  5. Amendments should also be made according to the resolutions of the UN organisation not to declare a candidate’s religion or ethnic group upon participating in legislative, municipal or village councils’ elections.
  6. A Prime Minister should be in office for only two mandates, each for a period of five years. This means that after ten years, he should no longer be eligible for prime ministership.
  7. The Electoral Commission should be vested with powers to annul the election of a candidate who has been charged with fraudulent practices during the electoral campaign.
“We are all Mauritians, so how can we be divided?”
— Narayan Jumnoodoo