Mauritius prime minister concedes defeat in legislative elections

Staff members count ballots in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
PORT-LOUIS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) — Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on Monday conceded defeat of his alliance in legislative elections, before the announcement of final results of the polls Sunday.
“It is clear that the Lepep Alliance is heading for a big defeat,” Jugnauth told reporters shortly before 2 p.m. local time.
“I did what I could for the country and for the people. The people have chosen another team to lead the country. I respect that choice,” he said. “I wish my country and the people good luck.”
Full results of the elections are expected Monday. The leader of the majority party, or alliance, will be appointed prime minister afterward.
Partial results in five constituencies showed that candidates from the Change Alliance, led by former prime minister Navin Ramgoolam, were well ahead and heading for a clear victory.
According to observer estimates, the trend should be the same in all the 21 constituencies.
Mauritius’ unicameral parliament has 70 seats. Voters directly elect 62 members of the National Assembly, while the remaining eight will be appointed. ■

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (3rd L) waits for election results in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Staff members carry a box with ballots in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam (C) waits for election results in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam waits for election results in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (3rd L) waits for election results in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Staff members wait to transport boxes with ballots in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)