After much palaver around an alliance we now know the PTr-MMM alliance is ‘on’. Without much surprise anything could turn sour and the partnership could be switched ‘off’ in the coming days or months. At least this is what many political observers, think tanks and politicians are expecting to happen or even breathlessly anticipating.

In any democratic country the fear of an overall majority government remains worrying. A 60-0 win is a legitimate concern especially for the democratic and good functioning of our parliament. Recently, we have witnessed the exercise of disproportionate powers to ‘close down’ the House of Parliament during discussion around electoral reforms and there is an increasing apprehension that this could just become a norm within our sovereignty. In the event of a crashing majority of the PTr-MMM coalition at the next ballot and the absence of a forceful opposition we can only expect the worse as a society.

The MMM had no other option than to be patient and ever so accepting of Navin Ramgoolam’s conditions of an alliance. We smelt desperation from the MMM. Undoubtedly, in concluding this partnership there are indeed and unavoidably a number of winners and losers. Let’s look at them:

NAVIN RAMGOOLAM: A WINNER

By contracting an alliance, Navin Ramgoolam has in many ways weakened the MMM and anaesthetised the opposition. With added powers to his new role as President, he is definitely a winner. He has also rendered the Prime Minister’s role more fragile with diluted powers. Dr Ramgoolam knows too well that going into an election alone would have cost him some feathers so a partnership with Paul Berenger was the safest option in front of a Paul Berenger prepared for all sort of sacrifices. One stone, two birds for Ramgoolam!

PAUL BERENGER: A WINNER /LOSER

Technically, Paul Bérenger should be quite delighted to be presented as the potential Prime Minister for a 5 year mandate without having to share the premiership with no other. Having the cake for himself kind of thing. It also avoids the arguably long wait for an election and with his patience running out, Paul is personally a winner.

On the flip side, his behaviour has lost him a lot of credibility as a party leader, who endlessly promised not join the Ptr. His uncertainty and numerous U turns do not sit really well with a vast majority of militants let alone the young voters. Paul has obviously weakened his position as an aspiring Prime Minister by handing over a number of important powers to the President. With such lack of equilibrium it will become very burdensome for Paul to manage a cabinet and earn credibility as a Leader. A jelly fish will have more backbones!

SOCIO CULTURAL GROUPS: LOSERS

If it was for the interferences of socio cultural groups, Paul Bérenger would never be able to present himself as the Prime Minister of this country on a full mandate. Over the years, we have witnessed the chameleon attitude of these groups and their divisive approach. Despite the numerous attempts to segregate and to lobby, this is a welcoming win to equal opportunities. An important step towards meritocracy, may be?

DEMOCRACY: A LOSER

What do we expect from a potential Ptr-MMM government? We can never be sure. We hear a lot of good intentions from both leaders of this coalition but have we not heard it all before? There are genuine concerns around freedom of speech and freedom of the press if the Ptr-MMM comes into power. We are still not very reassured of the stability and governance under such a coalition.

SEPARATION OF POWERS: LOSER

We will never be able to combat corruption, waste, abuse of government fund and conflict of interest as long as there are no definite separation of powers and the nomination of competent people at the head of our institutions. New government but tarnished with the same old concepts of favouritism, inequality and disparity is not the way forward.

ELECTORATE: LOSER

Nearing an election we will no doubt see new faces along our streets and in the many meetings taking place in every corner of the villages and towns. Similar types of activities we have witnessed about 5 years ago and before. We will hear promises and intentions. We will however, not hear policy debates or asset declarations being made. Leaflets will be delivered to you and unknown faces knocking at your house door. They will not tell you how much they have invested in the electoral campaign and how they would recoup that investment. Electorates are to be the biggest losers unless you are connected to one of the parties or you personally know the leaders and join in one of their sega parties.