The Constitutional Review Commission in Mauritius has completed its public consultation phase, marking a significant step towards reforming the country's constitution. The commission's chair, Me Vinod Boolell, announced that the next step is to analyze the proposals and compile them into a report, which is expected to be submitted in December or January. The commission was established to examine and recommend constitutional reforms on various aspects, including the protection of fundamental rights, democratic institutions, environmental protection, access to justice, and electoral reform.
The commission has been consulting with the public, political parties, and civil society organizations, and has received several proposals for constitutional reform. One of the key proposals comes from the Nouveaux Démocrates party, which has submitted 15 proposals organized around four pillars: the foundations of the Republic, power with responsibility, rights with effective remedies, and democracy beyond elections. The party proposes, among other things, to limit the prime minister to two terms, establish an independent constitutional appointments committee, and strengthen the autonomy of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Another organization, Lavwa Lavenir, has proposed that the constitution should enshrine integrity, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law as founding values of the Republic. The organization also suggests extending the right to access information, a right to fair administrative action, and the possibility for citizens and civil society organizations to bring public interest cases. Lavwa Lavenir also proposes that the territorial integrity of Mauritius, including the Chagos archipelago and Diego Garcia, should be protected from any government majority, with a ban on ceding or leasing any part of the territory to a foreign power.
The Structure Citoyenne Œuvrant pour le Progrès de l'Endroit (SCOPE) has also made proposals, including the insertion of a new article 16A into the constitution, guaranteeing the right to education. SCOPE proposes that the state should provide free and compulsory basic education, at least one year of free preschool education, and quality education in all public and subsidized schools. The organization also suggests that the state should prioritize the allocation of resources to schools and students in disadvantaged socio-economic situations.
The Constitutional Review Commission's report is expected to be submitted in December or January, and the final report is due in March 2028. The commission's proposals will likely have a significant impact on the country's constitution and its democratic institutions. The commission's chair, Me Vinod Boolell, has emphasized that the proposals will be analyzed and compiled into a report, which will be submitted to the government.
The public consultation phase has seen a significant response from various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and individuals. The proposals submitted to the commission reflect a wide range of perspectives and ideas for constitutional reform. The commission's report is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the proposals and recommendations for constitutional reform.
The Constitutional Review Commission's work is seen as a critical step towards strengthening Mauritius' democratic institutions and protecting the rights of its citizens. The commission's proposals and recommendations will likely have a lasting impact on the country's constitution and its people.
Key points
- The Constitutional Review Commission in Mauritius has concluded its public consultation phase, with a report expected in December or January.
- The commission has received several proposals for constitutional reform from various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations.
- The commission's report is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the proposals and recommendations for constitutional reform.
