SADC Summit: Ramgoolam Advocates for Strengthening Electoral Commissions to Ensure Free and Fair Elections

At the SADC Summit, Navin Ramgoolam emphasized the need to strengthen electoral commissions within member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure free and fair elections. Speaking on Sunday, August 17, during the 45th ordinary meeting of the SADC heads of state and government in Madagascar, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining democratic values and staying vigilant.

Ramgoolam noted that SADC member states can take pride in having achieved peaceful democratic transitions but reminded everyone of the need for constant vigilance. He referred to comments made by the President of Mozambique regarding the challenges of his transition, underscoring the necessity to reinforce democratic values and the role of SADC observers.

He quoted an Irish surgeon, Mr. Murphy, who said, “Remember one thing: what should not happen will happen,” drawing a parallel to the importance of vigilance in the realm of freedom and democracy.

After the summit, Ramgoolam was set to return to Mauritius and then head to Tokyo for the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), scheduled to take place in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. In his absence, Paul Bérenger would act as Prime Minister.