The Nouveaux Démocrates party in Mauritius has put forth 15 proposals for constitutional and institutional reform, aimed at modernizing the country's governance structure. The proposals, submitted to the Constitutional Review Commission, focus on four key areas: the foundations of the Republic, more accountable exercise of power, strengthened rights with effective remedies, and participatory democracy beyond elections. The party's leader, Khushal Lobine, emphasized the need for a long-term perspective in reforming the constitution.
One of the key proposals is to limit the Prime Minister's term to two mandates, or a maximum of 10 years. The party also suggests reducing the size of the executive to 20 ministers, without junior ministers, and capping the number of Parliamentary Private Secretaries at five. Additionally, the Nouveaux Démocrates propose strengthening the independence of various institutions, including the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Assembly. A Constitutional Appointments Committee is also suggested to ensure more balanced and merit-based nominations.
The Nouveaux Démocrates also advocate for the creation of an independent constitutional court comprising seven judges, as well as enhanced remedies for citizens to enforce their rights. The party proposes abolishing provisional charges and establishing a new legal framework with strengthened judicial oversight. Protection of fundamental rights is a central aspect of the proposals, including modernizing the Bill of Rights, preserving essential public services in education and health, and safeguarding the universal pension.
The party's proposals also focus on modernizing the electoral system and increasing citizen participation. A new electoral system with 42 seats elected in constituencies and 20 seats allocated proportionally is suggested. The Nouveaux Démocrates also recommend strengthening participatory democracy through referendums, petitions, and public consultations. Furthermore, the party advocates for greater autonomy for regional and local authorities, with regular elections and adequate resources.
According to Khushal Lobine, the goal of these reforms is to consolidate rights, better regulate the exercise of power, and preserve institutional independence, while adapting the constitutional framework to the realities of future generations. The Nouveaux Démocrates aim to contribute to the discussion on the country's institutional future, defending a constitution that better protects citizens and promotes democracy beyond electoral events.
The proposals have been submitted to the Constitutional Review Commission, and the Nouveaux Démocrates invite citizens, the media, and civil society to review and comment on the document, particularly through online platforms. The party plans to continue consultations to enrich the debate on Mauritius' institutional future. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage stakeholders in the reform process.
The Nouveaux Démocrates' proposals reflect a comprehensive approach to constitutional reform, addressing various aspects of governance and citizen participation. The party's emphasis on accountability, transparency, and institutional independence aligns with international best practices in democratic governance. As the Constitutional Review Commission considers these proposals, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how they shape the future of Mauritius' democracy.
Key points
- The Nouveaux Démocrates propose a 10-year term limit for the Prime Minister.
- The party suggests creating an independent constitutional court with seven judges.
- The proposals aim to strengthen citizen participation through referendums, petitions, and public consultations.
