Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This week, the MMM (Mauritian Militant Movement) Central Committee appears to have betrayed their party members, partisans, and faithful by voting to re-ally or re-align with the MSM (Mauritian Socialist Movement) in the guise of “a re-make of the year 2000”. Back in September 2011, Paul Beranger, the leader of the party, made his rhetorical razzle dazzle about no alliance with the MSM or any other political party very effectively. Unfortunately, it has had no effect. But we take comfort that the proposal was put to a vote. It would have been better to do a referendum involving all party members throughout Mauritius and undoubtedly the results may have been different. It would appear that the very voters who put them in office have been betrayed by these politicians. It would also appear that these politicians may not have a clue or really do not seem to care about the common citizens of Mauritius. Seemingly, it may be seen as a repugnant act or a deliberate act of a double-cross, of perfidy - an act of violating faith or allegiance, violation of a promise or vow, or of trust reposed.

The argument is that this is being been done for the good of Mauritius. How many times have we heard this same old tune before? Although, this may be accepted by some, many will know it goes beyond that. Paul Beranger or any other politician of the MMM may never be Prime Minister without Ramgoolam or Jugnauth Senior even though Beranger himself, an honest and righteous person, has never thought of it in that manner. Jugnauth junior likewise will not be prime minister within a Ramgoolam’s coalition. Neither could Ramgoolam if he were to contest an election on his own .Therefore it is in their interest to join forces with each other when it suits them and it is the same old sour wine in a new bottle syndrome.

Mauritius has a history of coalition governments because it is difficult for one party to have an overall majority. But most of the coalitions have never worked because they were not true alliances as such, but only to help one come into power. The bubble has always burst, and we all know that when we turn alliances into a gambling casino or “lakaz zouzou”, the feel good and speculative bubbles produced by such a system before an election always eventually go bust leaving ordinary working people stuck with the mess. The various parties should contest a general election on their own.

It is, therefore, time to re-generate a democratic re-awakening among MMM partisans and even among the Mauritian populace. This means raising their voices, very loud and strong, bearing witness, individually and collectively, to galvanize attention to the plight of the less fortunate communities. They must never give up and never allow hope to be eliminated or suffocated. The old MMM did that in the early 1970s. It can be done again and it will be done. Get rid of the dead woods, deconstruct and reconstruct with new blood, vigour, and enthusiasm but with Mauritius’ interest at heart and not our own interest, where everyone can achieve and flourish and live in peace, justice and liberty.