dc.contributor.author |
Fessha, Yonatan
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Nam, Nora Ho Tu
|
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2016-05-05T12:31:40Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2016-05-05T12:31:40Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2015 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
As Mauritius was moving towards independence, one contested issue was the electoral system to
be adopted. Minority groups were wary of any electoral system which would allow for a Hinduhegemony
and which would leave them unable to access power. To respond to this anxiety, Mauritius
adopted the best loser system (BLS), a unique system of ethnic representation in the national
parliament. This contribution examines how the adoption of BLS, has over the years, contributed
to the management of ethnic diversity. More importantly, it examines the current debate regarding
the contemporary relevance of BLS to today’s Mauritius. At times heavily criticized for its communal
and ethnic undertones, BLS has ensured continued minority representation in parliament. The
article argues that one must be cautious about dismissing the relevance of inclusive institutions
such as BLS as such an attitude might well undermine the move towards a more united Mauritius. |
en_ZA |
dc.description.department |
Centre for Human Rights |
en_ZA |
dc.description.librarian |
am2016 |
en_ZA |
dc.description.uri |
http://www.afrikafocus.eu/ |
en_ZA |
dc.identifier.citation |
Fessha, Y & Nam, NHT 2015, 'Is it time to let go? The best loser system in Mauritius', Afrika Fokus, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 63-79. |
en_ZA |
dc.identifier.issn |
0772-084X (print) |
|
dc.identifier.issn |
2031-356X (online) |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/52483 |
|
dc.language.iso |
en |
en_ZA |
dc.publisher |
Gents Africa Platform (GAP) and Afrika Brug |
en_ZA |
dc.rights |
Gents Africa Platform (GAP) and Afrika Brug |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Parliamentary representation |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Minorities |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Mauritius |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Best loser system (BLS) |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Ethnic representation |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
National parliament |
en_ZA |
dc.subject |
Ethnicity |
en_ZA |
dc.title |
Is it time to let go? The best loser system in Mauritius |
en_ZA |
dc.type |
Article |
en_ZA |