Mauritius
Mauritius is home to an open, multiparty system that has allowed for the regular handover of power between parties through free and fair elections. Civil liberties have historically been upheld but have increasingly been called into question.
Research & Recommendations
Mauritius
| PR Political Rights | 35 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 51 60 |
Overview
Mauritius is home to an open, multiparty system that has allowed for the regular handover of power between parties through elections. Civil liberties have historically been upheld, but political leadership is dominated by a few families, and ethnic divisions remain prominent in politics. Among other concerns, corruption persists, long-discussed electoral reforms have not been enacted, journalists report limitations on their work and occasional harassment, and the integration of women into the political system has been slow.
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.