Mauritius' Electoral Showdown: Promises Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis

Mauritius is set to hold parliamentary elections with key contenders, including incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, pledging measures to ease the cost of living crisis. The election will determine control over 62 parliamentary seats, with each party promising economic and social reforms to win voters' favor.

Mauritius is gearing up for a decisive parliamentary election this Sunday, with incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and main opposition leaders focusing their campaigns on resolving the archipelago's cost of living crisis.

The nation, with a population of approximately 1.3 million, has positioned itself as a strategic link between Africa and Asia, boasting a robust financial sector, tourism, and textile industries. Despite an anticipated 6.5% economic growth rate this year, many citizens claim not to feel the economic benefits.

The Alliance Lepep coalition, led by Jugnauth, promises policies like raising minimum wages and reducing value-added tax on essential goods, partly financed by UK payments as part of a recent agreement. The opposition, meanwhile, trails with its agenda to provide free internet and transport as well as fuel price cuts, hoping to sway the predominantly young electorate.

(With inputs from agencies.)