Rumors about the elections are floating in the air in Rodrigues. The mandate of the elected members of the Regional Assembly is coming to an end. Of course the dissolution of the Regional Assembly is a prerogative of the Prime Minister who advises the President of the Republic to issue the “writ of elections.” But this is done in consultation with the Chief Commissioner. Nevertheless, the visit of the electoral commissioner Irfan Rahman to Rodrigues on December 28 and 29 suggests that things are going to get busy with the opening of the airspace in a few days. Irfan Rahman’s visit was to meet with the officers of his office in Rodrigues, as well as local politicians, regarding the upcoming regional elections scheduled for early 2022.
However, this visit is not at all unanimous among the population, because, following a waiver that he obtained from Dr. Gaud, he did not pass the quarantine. This creates anger among the population. Moreover, the members of the ‘Mouvman Sitoyen Anti COVID’ (MSAC) were present with signs in front of the office of the electoral commission this morning to demonstrate their discontent. They find it unacceptable and unforgivable that Irfan Rahman did not do a quarantine, while all the Rodriguans who are repatriated have to go through a mandatory quarantine period of 7 days before being able to return home. A double standard, according to some.
The electoral commissioner Irfan Rahman met with five political parties. Working sessions were held and field visits were scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday. Irfan Rahman said that the counting of ballots on election day is under consideration. There will be the establishment of 4 new voting centers. For Irfan Rahman it is necessary to make sure that everything is ready to organize this election at any time. He speaks of very positive and interesting exchange with the leaders of political parties, he says that all political parties have been informed that all sanitary protocols will be observed during the whole election in that it is sanitizer, barrier gestures must be respected by each voter. He said that an important decision will be taken in the electoral commission to carry out the counting on the same day of the elections and according to him all political parties are excited to go in this direction and there was a consensus by all political parties. This action will be taken after an important meeting at the electoral commission in Mauritius. This decision will be implemented due to several factors and to avoid contacts with officials, candidates and agents.
