Mauritius is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth as well as his rivals promising to tackle the cost of living crisis in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The country of about 1.3 million people markets itself as a link between Africa and Asia, deriving most of its revenues from a flourishing offshore financial sector, tourism, and textiles. Mauritius also receives aid from China.

It has forecast 6.5% economic growth this year compared to 7.0% last year, but many voters are not feeling the benefits.

Jugnauth's Alliance Lepep coalition has promised to raise minimum wages, increase pensions, and reduce value-added tax on some basic goods.

It says it will use payments from the UK under an October agreement for Britain to cede the Chagos Islands while retaining the US-UK Diego Garcia air base.

"The alliance led by the prime minister is selling the economic prosperity card, with promises of more money to different segments of the population," said political analyst Subash Gobine.

The opposition is also pledging to increase pensions as well as introduce free transport and internet services, and reduce fuel prices.

It is dominated by the Alliance du Changement coalition led by Navin Ramgoolam and two other parties running in the Linion Reform alliance, whose leaders, Nando Bodha and Roshi Bhadain, plan to alternate as prime minister if they win.

Voting is expected to end at 1400 GMT in the election to choose lawmakers for the 62 seats in parliament for the next five years, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances. Results are expected on Monday.

Music instructor Ivan Mootooveeren, 41, who cast his ballot at a polling centre in the capital, Port Louis, told Reuters that he was voting for the opposition because the country needed a new direction.

Another voter, David Stafford, 36, said young people would make the difference in the election. He did not say who he was voting for but added that people were looking for economic innovation and job opportunities as much as fiscal changes.

Whichever party or coalition gets more than half the seats in parliament also wins the prime minister's post.

Earlier this month, Jugnauth's government blocked social media platforms until the day after the election, citing national security concerns after telephone conversations between public figures were leaked. It lifted the ban a day later after opposition parties criticised the move.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
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Mauritius is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth as well as his rivals promising to tackle the cost of living crisis in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Mauritius is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth as well as his rivals promising to tackle the cost of living crisis in the Indian Ocean archipelago. The country of about 1.3 million people markets itself as a link between Africa and Asia, deriving most of its revenues from a flourishing offshore financial sector, tourism, and textiles. Mauritius also receives aid from China. It has forecast 6.5% economic growth this year compared to 7.0% last year, but many voters are not feeling the benefits. Jugnauth's Alliance Lepep coalition has promised to raise minimum wages, increase pensions, and reduce value-added tax on some basic goods. It says it will use payments from the UK under an October agreement for Britain to cede the Chagos Islands while retaining the US-UK Diego Garcia air base. "The alliance led by the prime minister is selling the economic prosperity card, with promises of more money to different segments of the population," said political analyst Subash Gobine. The opposition is also pledging to increase pensions as well as introduce free transport and internet services, and reduce fuel prices. It is dominated by the Alliance du Changement coalition led by Navin Ramgoolam and two other parties running in the Linion Reform alliance, whose leaders, Nando Bodha and Roshi Bhadain, plan to alternate as prime minister if they win. Voting is expected to end at 1400 GMT in the election to choose lawmakers for the 62 seats in parliament for the next five years, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances. Results are expected on Monday. Music instructor Ivan Mootooveeren, 41, who cast his ballot at a polling centre in the capital, Port Louis, told Reuters that he was voting for the opposition because the country needed a new direction. Another voter, David Stafford, 36, said young people would make the difference in the election. He did not say who he was voting for but added that people were looking for economic innovation and job opportunities as much as fiscal changes. Whichever party or coalition gets more than half the seats in parliament also wins the prime minister's post. Earlier this month, Jugnauth's government blocked social media platforms until the day after the election, citing national security concerns after telephone conversations between public figures were leaked. It lifted the ban a day later after opposition parties criticised the move. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mauritius holds parliamentary elections as politicians promise to tackle cost of living crisis

In what seems to a veiled message on Chinese development cooperation India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said New Delhi's "development cooperation does not come with any conditions. It is not influenced by political or commercial considerations."

Highlighting how "India’s approach to development is mainly human-centric", PM said, "History has taught us that in the name of development partnerships, nations were forced into dependence partnerships.&nbsp;It gave rise to colonial and imperial rule. It gave rise to global power blocks. And, Humanity suffered. "

Chinese "debt trap" programmes have been impacting countries, especially small countries with projects at inflated prices.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-47-chinese-apps-that-were-clones-of-the-59-apps-banned-in-june-316190">Also read:&nbsp;India bans 47 Chinese apps that were clones of the 59 apps banned in June</a>

He was speaking at a virtual event along with Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth during the inauguration of the new Supreme Court Building in Mauritius. The Mauritius Supreme Court Building has been built by India at the cost of $30 million under India's grant assistance.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of "service of humanity", PM said, "India is making development partnerships that are marked by respect, diversity, care for the future, and sustainable development. For India, the most fundamental principle in development cooperation is respecting our partners. This sharing of development lessons is our only motivation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/names-of-soldiers-killed-in-galwan-clash-to-be-inscribed-on-national-war-memorial-316987">Also read:&nbsp;Names of soldiers killed in Galwan clash to be inscribed on National War Memorial</a>

Giving examples of New Delhi's infrastructure development and capacity building in the region, he pointed out how India helped build Parliament building in Afghanistan, Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger, housing project and emergency ambulance services in Sri Lanka, drinking water and sanitation in thirty-four islands of the Maldives, emergency and trauma hospital in Nepal and "oil pipeline project we are doing with Nepal will help ensure the availability of petroleum products".

He also elaborated on India's cricket diplomacy in the region by making "cricket popular in countries as diverse as Afghanistan and Guyana by helping build stadiums and other facilities."

He said, "We are excited to see the young Afghan cricket team trained in India emerge as a force to reckon with" and "We are now providing similar support to develop the talent of the Maldives cricket players."

In what seems to a veiled message on Chinese development cooperation India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said New Delhi's "development cooperation does not come with any conditions.

In what seems to a veiled message on Chinese development cooperation India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said New Delhi's "development cooperation does not come with any conditions. It is not influenced by political or commercial considerations." Highlighting how "India’s approach to development is mainly human-centric", PM said, "History has taught us that in the name of development partnerships, nations were forced into dependence partnerships. It gave rise to colonial and imperial rule. It gave rise to global power blocks. And, Humanity suffered. " Chinese "debt trap" programmes have been impacting countries, especially small countries with projects at inflated prices. Also read: India bans 47 Chinese apps that were clones of the 59 apps banned in June He was speaking at a virtual event along with Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth during the inauguration of the new Supreme Court Building in Mauritius. The Mauritius Supreme Court Building has been built by India at the cost of $30 million under India's grant assistance. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of "service of humanity", PM said, "India is making development partnerships that are marked by respect, diversity, care for the future, and sustainable development. For India, the most fundamental principle in development cooperation is respecting our partners. This sharing of development lessons is our only motivation." Also read: Names of soldiers killed in Galwan clash to be inscribed on National War Memorial Giving examples of New Delhi's infrastructure development and capacity building in the region, he pointed out how India helped build Parliament building in Afghanistan, Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger, housing project and emergency ambulance services in Sri Lanka, drinking water and sanitation in thirty-four islands of the Maldives, emergency and trauma hospital in Nepal and "oil pipeline project we are doing with Nepal will help ensure the availability of petroleum products". He also elaborated on India's cricket diplomacy in the region by making "cricket popular in countries as diverse as Afghanistan and Guyana by helping build stadiums and other facilities." He said, "We are excited to see the young Afghan cricket team trained in India emerge as a force to reckon with" and "We are now providing similar support to develop the talent of the Maldives cricket players."

In veiled message on China, PM Modi says New Delhi's development partnership does not come with conditions

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-pm-modi-pay-floral-tribute-to-ambedkar-on-his-63rd-death-anniversary-266582">Narendra Modi</a> met his Mauritius counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-narendra-modi-oath-ceremony-four-presidents-three-pms-and-millions-glued-on-tv-screens-222583">Pravind Kumar Jugnauth </a>in New Delhi on Friday.

Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

PM Modi had congratulated Jugnauth over his victory during a telephonic conversation last month and extended him an invitation to visit New Delhi at his early convenience, which was accepted by the latter.

During the conversation, the Prime Minister had reiterated India's commitment to continue close and extensive cooperation between India and Mauritius for mutual benefit. 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in New Delhi on Friday. Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in New Delhi on Friday. Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. PM Modi had congratulated Jugnauth over his victory during a telephonic conversation last month and extended him an invitation to visit New Delhi at his early convenience, which was accepted by the latter. During the conversation, the Prime Minister had reiterated India's commitment to continue close and extensive cooperation between India and Mauritius for mutual benefit.

PM Modi meets Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth

PM for a second time, Narendra Modi is going to follow it up with bilaterals with five countries. The first meeting is with Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Hamid which will be followed by meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi meets Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi began bi-lateral interactions after taking oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India. Last night he met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Several BIMSTEC leaders arrived in India to take part in PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena