We have undoubtedly witnessed one of the most important, thrilling and breath-taking elections in our Republic Island a while ago. After months of ‘on’ and ‘off’ non sense and the endless period of ‘koze kozer’, the nation has eventually made a choice. The election result shows the intensity of a sanction imposed on what was described as an unhealthy and un-natural political alliance from its infancy. The electorate has made a clear choice and indeed conveying a very strong message. Although the time is right for defeated leaders to take stock of their performances and those of their alliances, it is most certainly time for some self-reflection and mea culpa. Rolfe et al (2001) describe ‘reflection’ as a positive way to enhance self-awareness and suggest reflection has become an integral part in the lives of many individuals. A moment of reflection and evaluation seem to be an appropriate exercise while the endeavour is to pave the way forward. Unavoidably during the process of reflection there will be opportunities for self-criticism but sadly there appear to be a lot of blame shifting. The blame culture is well engrained in our political system unlike other countries. Politicians always find a scapegoat. The famous ‘pas moi sa’ is still a well versed statement in contemporary political scenarios.

Paul Berenger has criticised Navin Ramgoolam for his arrogance, which he claims was the catalyst to the defeat at the general election. Surely our classy ex-Prime Minister could not be solely responsible for the fate of the PTr/MMM alliance. While he may be right to a point, Berenger himself has to assume full responsibilities for this own shortfalls, misjudgement and the deaf ears he has stubbornly turned when he was being advised by many and some even within his inner circle. Instead Paul Berenger has, over the last few months, been very critical of those opposing his views often treating people with contempt. His language and tone of speech at times were not the most welcomed. As a party leader and an aspiring Prime Minister the lesson is that humility and respect are both essential qualities to possess when in the public domain. Clearly some of our politicians do not have these qualities. Paul’s arrogance and greed for power particularly need a moment of reflection.

Many wished for a change of government but nobody genuinely expected such a strong vote against the two most ‘biggest’ parties in the country.  From the onset there were reservations around the Ptr/MMM coalition, which many had either ignored or minimised. Politicians are now well aware that the electorate cannot be taken for granted. We also know that people are fed up with the state of affairs in this country. The population in general has shown their anger against arrogance, has expressed their discontent against mismanagement of public money and the lack of equal opportunities in this country. However, the results of the election is mostly about acknowledging that many faithful and loyal ‘militants’ have deserted the MMM because of their unforgiving misjudgements and numerous inconsistencies of their leaders. Both Alan Ganoo and Paul Berenger are fully responsible for what the MMM has become and in the way they have led the party to suicide. In the interest of the party both should have stepped down by now. This is what political leaders do when they get things so badly wrong. No individual can be bigger than a party. Nobody is irreplaceable.  

In the absence of a fair television system in our democracy, the role of private radios and written press have been crucial in creating awareness. The power of social Medias can no longer be underestimated. It is however unfortunate that there has never been real debates around important issues during the electoral campaign. It was miscalculated for the Ptr and MMM to shun these debates.