Distance, it’s sometimes said, makes the heart grow fonder. And although this adage doesn’t usually apply to dentists or National Transport Authority offi cials, it is undeniably germane when it comes to democracy. Historically, people who’ve been deprived of the right to choose their governments for any length of time have almost always exercised that right zealously once it’s been obtained. Will Mauritians, who’ve seen their right to elect their local representatives undermined twice in the most grotesque fashion imaginable make up for lost time by turning out in their droves for the upcoming village and municipal elections? The answer to this question has ramifications that far surpass the outcome of these local elections. A low turnout will in effect signal a disengagement from the political process that bodes ill for the future of Mauritian democracy but is brilliant news for our current crop of kleptocrats.

Government’s campaign strategy for the municipal elections largely consists of thinly-veiled threats to urban dwellers that by voting for the opposition, they run the risk of condemning their towns to a state of neglect for the next five years. Sadly, this is not a hollow peril. Indeed, thanks to the new Local Government Act, the central government now enjoys more sway over the decision-making process and finances of municipalities than ever before. This should not however, cow voters from exercising their right in the way they say fit. On the contrary, that the double postponement of these elections served not to reinforce but to weaken local democracy only adds insult to the legitimate injury of the serial mismanagement that has plagued municipalities these past few years.

For you see, irrespective of the outcome, a low turnout will send out the signal that the population has finally reached a point of no return, a state of apathy so advanced that practically nothing will stir it. From then on, it’ll be open season on what few rights we still enjoy. Without wanting to indulge in hyperbole, these local elections could very well come to define our democracy in the near future. A strong statement of intent by Mauritians one that says loud and clear that for all their passiveness, their right to vote is not something that can be fiddled with  will give democracy a bit of breathing space. If on the other hand, Mauritians choose to voluntary disenfranchise themselves by not doing their civic duty, well, it’s not a stretch to state that the general elections could be next. After all, democracy is democracy, be it at local or national level disdain for the former could easily translate in contempt of the latter. Mauritians can rage about the problems afflicting the country until they’re blue in the face, but if they shirk their opportunity to actually exert the only power they have, they’ll deserve everything they have coming to them.

Nicholas RAINER