We all know how parliament works in Mauritius. Some people, carelessly elected by all of us, scream at each other for sustained amounts of time until the speaker suspends the session. For many years, we cared little about what was happening in parliament, mainly because of the world class coverage by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). We should definitely care now. 

Regardless of how we felt about our past MPs, it is safe to say that even those who were not seasoned politicians made an effort in parliament. We let them decide on how to shape this country, with the knowledge that if anyone wanted to do something stupid, there would be someone else to call them out. Well, not anymore. 

While some politicians argue that they don’t have time to come to parliament, others just come to sit and take in the view. Sure, we wanted to punish the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) and the Labour Party for their pitiful performance in 2014 but now the cost is becoming prohibitive. With their majority, the Alliance Lepep can change the constitution. To be fair, only the elite few will push for changes while the backbenchers nod in agreement in front of their leaders. Democracy at its very best.  

It is absolutely baffling that our MPs get to talk about critical issues like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PoTA). We can all agree that terrorism is a major problem in the world today but the amendments to the PoTA serve no purpose except creating even more paranoia in the island, when the reality on the ground is that we don’t have a terrorism problem in Mauritius. The very few — they can probably be tallied up on one hand — that have joined terrorist organisations, have done so outside of Mauritius, something that we have no control over. 

By that, we don’t mean that MPs should not talk about the PoTA or any other important matter. What we mean is that we don’t want it to be this sorry bunch of wannabes, except for very few that stand up and express themselves in parliament. Unfortunately, these are mostly in the opposition and cannot in any way or form change the outcome of a vote in parliament due to the absolute majority of the government. 

Here are some names which will vote. Alain Aliphon. Dan Baboo. Showkutally Soodhun. Sandhya Boygah. Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus. Thierry Henry. Marie Claire Monty. Sharvanand Ramkaun. Rajcoomar Rampertab. Kalyan Tarolah. Malini Sewocksingh. They are our MPs and they will decide — and obviously side with their own majority — how to shape our country.  Think of these people and who they are. Some speak too much, some speak too little and some should never speak. Remember their names. Not only those mentioned above but all those currently sitting in parliament. Our country is in their hands and there is no one to hold them accountable until the next general election. In the meantime, we are at the mercy of their madness. 

What have we done?

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