Electoral Reform Proposals: The Council of Religions Supports Maintaining First Past the Post and Introducing Corrective Proportional Representation

The Council of Religions submitted its electoral reform proposals on Thursday, outlining six main axes: the gradual elimination of the Best Loser System by introducing a non-identity corrective proportional representation, complementary to maintaining First Past the Post as the central electoral method, with the proportional correction strictly designed not to alter the ratio of deputies elected by majority vote; the objective adaptation of the size of Parliament to the national population; the effective establishment of gender parity; the transformation of electoral campaigns towards greater sobriety and democratic innovation; the creation of an extra-parliamentary advisory college; and the establishment of a transparent and equitable public-private electoral fund.

"This paper adopts a gradual and non-conflictual approach to reform. It neither aims to deny Mauritian history nor to weaken cultural and religious diversity, but to promote a post-communal democracy where citizens participate in political life as free and equal individuals, not as representatives of an identity group," explains the Council of Religions.

Here are its proposals:

1. Maintain First Past the Post and Introduce Corrective Proportional Representation
   The proposed reform maintains the principle of First Past the Post as the central electoral mode to preserve government stability and clarity of political responsibility. The introduction of corrective proportional representation aims solely to correct voting distortions without altering the relative composition of deputies elected through the majority vote, nor changing the balances resulting from First Past the Post.

2. Adjusted Parliamentary Size and Proportional Mechanism
   For an island state with about 1.2 million inhabitants, a moderately sized Parliament appears both functional and clear. Each constituency would now elect two deputies instead of three, totaling 42 deputies from 21 constituencies.
   In addition to these 42 deputies, seats would be allocated through a mechanism of corrective proportional representation, reserved for parties that have reached a minimum threshold of expressed votes nationally. The number of these seats would be capped at 24, bringing the total number of deputies in Parliament to 66. This mechanism would be strictly regulated to avoid altering the political balances resulting from the majority vote, ensuring clarity of parliamentary responsibility and institutional stability.

3. Gender Parity
   Women generally possess higher emotional intelligence. The electoral reform must ensure effective gender parity, conceived as a structuring democratic objective and implemented with respect for skills and merit. It will apply to all proposed electoral mechanisms to ensure balanced and sustainable representation. This approach aims to strengthen inclusive democracy and the legitimacy of institutions. The Council of Religions thus proposes the candidacy of two candidates per constituency, one man and one woman.

4. Extra-Parliamentary Advisory College
   The reform proposal encourages democratic innovation by creating an extra-parliamentary advisory college composed of representatives from unions, the University of Mauritius, the Council of Religions, the Human Rights Commission, the media, student unions, and the migrant community, among others. Including the Mauritian diaspora would also be desirable.

These members would be appointed by their respective organizations, serve as politically independent individuals, and participate in parliamentary debates without voting rights to enrich the quality of democratic exchanges. The number of members would be capped and determined gradually, respecting the size and institutional balance of Parliament. This arrangement would enhance civic skills and civil society participation.

This framework is based on a conception of democracy where the dignity of citizens is expressed not only through voting but also through participation in public dialogue. It aims to promote consultation, listening, and the pursuit of the common good, complementing electoral competition.

5. Campaign and Political Financing Reform
   To reduce the disproportionate influence of money and ensure equal treatment of candidates, the reform proposes establishing a public-private electoral fund. This fund would be financed by:

• The state through its national budget;
• The private sector, within contribution limits;
• Individuals, with voluntary contributions that are tax-deductible.

The fund would be managed by an independent authority, with public reporting and mandatory audits for each electoral cycle. Resources would be used to finance the organization of elections and support electoral campaigns equitably for all parties.
Furthermore, the reform proposes a break from the practice of large rallies and methods aimed at artificially inflating crowds, which influence voting and incur significant expenses. Campaigns should prioritize moderated public debates and interactions led by independent facilitators, fostering better voter information, direct dialogue, and thoughtful citizen participation. This approach encourages democratic innovation, transparency, and campaign sobriety while valuing informed citizen engagement.

"All these measures aim to strengthen democratic legitimacy, national unity, civic trust, and inclusive participation while fully respecting the cultural, religious, and migratory diversity of Mauritius. This gradual and innovative approach illustrates a vision of advanced post-communal democracy capable of addressing contemporary challenges while consolidating the pluralistic identity of the nation," affirms the Council of Religions.