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Mauritius
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Demarcation every 10 years.
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Article 39(2).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:17:46 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
e. Geographic size of district
g. Other
Comments: The "... number of inhabitants of each constituency is as nearly equal as is reasonably practicable to the population quota: Provided that the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or less than the population quota in order to take account of means of communication, geographical features, density of population and the boundaries of administrative areas."
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Article 39(3).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:19:47 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
Comments: The Electoral Commission reviews the constituencies and proposes changes to the National Assembly. The National Assembly can either accept or decline the suggested changes, but can not alter the Electoral Boundaries Commission's submission (The members appointed are usually the same as those appointed to the Electoral Supervisory Commission).
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Article 39 (2-5). Electoral Commissioner's office 2007, [www] http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/eco/menuitem.c0abeb461219a34a9459d9a365d521ca/
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:51:25 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr. Ludeki Chweya
b. Job Title: Research associate
c. Organisation: African center For Economic Growth Aceg
g. Email: [email protected]
Comments: Information added by Hanna Berheim, Research Assistant, International IDEA, in December 2006. Information added by Melida Jimenez, Research Assistant, International IDEA, in May 2007, with information provided by Mauritius Electoral Management Body.
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Comments: C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:04:35 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3)
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:04:35 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
a. All signatures checked
Source: determination of procedure for expansion by electorate of loss of mandate of deputies National Electoral Board regulations no. 2/1999
Last updated: 2005-04-05 07:59:29 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
f. Not applicable N/A
Source: Questionnaire, Electoral Management Body
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
f. Not applicable Not Applicable
Source: Questionnaire, Electoral Management Body
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Questionnaire, Electoral Management Body
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: Questionnaire, Electoral Management Body
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3) C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3) C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
Last updated: 2007-06-01 08:01:44 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-30 15:00:33 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: determination of procedure for expansion by electorate of loss of mandate of deputies National Electoral Board regulations no. 2/1999
Last updated: 2005-04-05 08:05:02 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Commissioner's Office
b. Full Address Cnr Louis Pasteur & Remy Ollier streets, 4th Floor, Max City Building, Port Louis.
c. Telephone +(230) - 241 - 7000
d. Facsimile +(230) - 217 - 0967
e. Email [email protected]
f. Website Address http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/eco/menuitem
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President MIA Rahman (Electoral Commissioner)
h. Information Officer BK Pudaruth (Senior Electoral Officer)
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Source: Official web site of Electoral Commissioner's Office, [www] http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/eco/menuitem.5f6e09e4e488706ca4aae2a565d521ca/.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 07:55:21 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Electoral Commissioner and the Electoral Supervisory Commission are two distinct Electoral Management Bodies. The former is appointed by the Legal Services Commission and the latter by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Between them, they are responsible for all governmental elections.
Source: The Constitution, Article 38, 40, 41.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:39:31 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
b. The Prime Minister
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Article 38.
Last updated: 2007-09-28 07:14:09 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
g. Other
Comments: The Audit Department.
Source: Mr B K Pudaruth, Senior Electoral Officer
Last updated: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 13:48:05 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: Five years.
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Article 38 (4a).
Last updated: 2007-09-28 07:17:06 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: approx. : US $ 3,600,000
Comments: 3 600 000 USD
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:39:40 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 779,431
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:39:40 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President is the ceremonial Head of State and is elected by Parliament.
Source: Constitution 1968, Article 28(1), (2), 29(1), (2).
Last updated: 2007-10-05 07:07:28 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The President appoints as Prime Minister the member of the National Assembly who appears to him best able to command the support of the majority of the members of the Assembly. The Prime Minister may be forced from office by a vote of no confidence by the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution 1968, Article 59-60.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 07:10:39 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The President is the ceremonial Head of State and is elected by Parliament.
Source: Constitution 1968, Article 28(1), (2), 29(1), (2).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 07:12:55 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: Mauritius has a unicameral Parliament consisting of the President and the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution 1968, Article 31(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 07:14:25 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
c. Block Vote
Comments: The National Assembly consist of up to 70 members, 62 of which are elected by universal adult suffrage in a secret ballot from multi-member constituencies by a plurality. Up to eight seats can be allocated by the Electoral Supervisory Commission according to a complex formula to "best losers" to ensure "a fair and adequate representation of each community, members serve five year term.
Source: Constitution 1968, Article 31(2), First Schedule Article 1; First Schedule Article 5.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 07:14:25 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) 11%
Last updated: 2007-09-14 11:23:45 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Key legislation governing elections are: Constitution of Mauritius, 1968 Representation of the People Act, 1968 National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968 Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act, 2001 Local Government Act, 2003
Source:
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:10:56 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Comments: Some provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1968 govern aspects of Local Government elections (eg voter registration, section 8) the bulk of the legislation is to be found in the Local Government Act, 2003. The Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act, 2001 governs Rodrigues elections.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:10:56 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Last updated: 2007-09-14 12:15:56 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: In the event of electoral disputes, petitions are heard by a court with at least two judges sitting on the bench. Election petitions must be submitted to the courts within 21 days after the date of the return of results.
Source: The Representation of the People Act 1968, 45-48A.
Last updated: 2007-09-14 12:17:38 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr.Ludeki Chweya
b. Job Title: Research associate
c. Organisation: African center For Economic Growth Aceg
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-05-09 07:51:19 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
a. Public radio
b. Private radio
c. Public television
d. Private television
e. Print media
Source: http://freedomhouse.org/pfs2004/pfs2004.pdf
Last updated: 2005-05-09 08:01:07 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. mauritius broadcasting commissions act
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. mauritius telecommunications act 1998
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Source: http://electoral.gov.mu/ecofaq.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-09 10:12:45 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x
Comments: The law does not place limits on party spending, but does on candidate spending. In the 2005 National Assembly election this limit was Rs150 000 on each candidate sponsored by a party and Rs250 000 by independent candidates.
Source: The Representation of the People Act, 1968, 51 TSHIYOKO, D 2005, EISA Election Observer Mission Report: Mauritius National Assembly Elections 3 July 2005, 23.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard x
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
b. The law does not specify any limits x
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
b. None x
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Mauritius Election Observation Mission Report, 2000
Last updated: 2005-05-09 10:44:36 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... no legal requrement
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:44:48 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
f. Other
Comments: Parties and/or coalitions must register for each election with the Electoral Supervisory Commission. a: Signature of President, Chairman, Secretary or Leader of the party f: Other- extract from Minutes of proceedings regarding name and symbol of the party
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 7,8, Form 3.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 10:34:54 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliament
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:20:01 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: Must be able to speak and read English well enough to perform the job. "33. Qualifications for membership Subject to section 34, a person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the Assembly if, and shall not be qualified unless - (a) is a Commonwealth citizen of not less than the age of 18 years; (b) has resided in Mauritius for a period of, or periods amounting in the aggregate to, not less than 2 years before the date of his nomination for election; (c) has resided in Mauritius for a period of not less than 6 months immediately before that date; and (d) is able to speak and, unless incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause, to read the English language with a degree of proficiency sufficient to enable him to take an active part in the proceedings of the Assembly. "
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Section 33
Last updated: 2007-10-08 10:34:54 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliament
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:28:25 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: " Every candidate for election at any general election may at his nomination declare in such manner as may be prescribed that he belongs to a party that is registered as such for the purpose of that general election and, if he does so, he shall be regarded as a member of that party for those purposes, while if he does not do so, he shall not be regarded as a member of any party for those purposes." This only relates to National Assembly elections. The other options are not applicable since there are no presidential elections and there is no chamber 2.
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, First Schedule 2. F
Last updated: 2007-10-08 10:34:54 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:43:17 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: Parties receive no public funding in Mauritius.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 10:34:54 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Comments: Sealed ballot boxes are taken to counting stations under police and agents' escort and guarded by them overnight. The following day counting the votes are counted under the eyes of the party agents and observers.
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 45, 47.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 11:53:45 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
e. Court order
Comments: A candidate or his election agent may, if present when the counting is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes recounted or again recounted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his opinion the request is unreasonable. In the event of electoral disputes, petitions are heard by a court with at least two judges sitting on the bench. Election petitions must be submitted to the courts within 21 days after the date of the return of results.
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 51 The Representation of the People Act 1968, 45-48A.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 12:28:19 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
l. No voter education and information campaigns conducted
Comments: Neither electoral management bodies nor civil society organisation engage in voter education, nor is any need for it felt.
Last updated: 2007-09-27 12:01:35 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
d. Not applicable
Comments: Mauritian democracy is long and well established and the population is educated and highly politicised. Consequently little need for voter education is felt.
Last updated: 2007-09-27 11:49:07 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Comments: Mauritian democracy is long and well established and the population is educated and highly politicised. Consequently little need for voter education is felt.
Last updated: 2007-09-27 12:19:22 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 25.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:58:31 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
f. Diplomatic staff
g. Other
Comments: Public Officer undertaking duties on behalf of the Government of Mauritius. Family members of such diplomats and public officers are entitled to vote outside the country.
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 38(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:06:46 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
d. By proxy
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 38(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:06:46 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400 to 500 Electors per Voting Room in each Polling Station
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:58:31 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: The voter must put a cross cross opposite the name of each candidate for whom he wishes to vote.
Source: National Assembly Elections Regulations, 1968, 32, 33.
Last updated: 2007-10-08 09:04:49 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: four to each room
b. The largest polling station: four to each room
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:58:31 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: "a person shall be entitled to be registered as an elector if, and shall not be so entitled unless - he is a Commonwealth citizen of not less than the age of 18 years;"
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Section 42, 1 (a)
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:22:14 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: The Constitution states that a person shall be entitled to register as an elector provided that: "he is a Commonwealth citizen of not less than the age of 18 years; and either he has resided in Mauritius for a period of not less than 2 years immediately before such date as may be prescribed by Parliament or he is domiciled in Mauritius and is resident there on the prescribed date."
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Section 42, 1 (a) and (b)
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:22:14 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: "The Electoral Supervisory Commission shall have general responsibility for, and shall supervise, the registration of electors for the election of members of the Assembly and the conduct of elections of such members and the Commission shall have such powers and other functions relating to such registration and such elections as may be prescribed."
Source: Constitution of Mauritius 1968, Section 41 (1).
Last updated: 2007-10-08 08:22:14 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
