Democracy moves ahead

And it's 38-22.

For the first time in Mauritius history, the elections results are rather tight, as opposed to previous victories of 52-8 or 54-6. This gives rise to an active opposition, and to a government that will be kept on its toes every step of the way. The Alliance Sociale struggles into power, led by the Labour Party. Now comes the time to take stock of what they inherit from the previous government, and to assess how they're going to keep this gelatinous coalition together: it is slippery, mobile and could soon morph into a very demanding monster.

The case of a minority government in Canada right now shows that it can be very hard to move ahead with policy when internal dissent poses a threat to governmental stability. Still, two-thirds of the seats is strong enough that there should be no excuse for inaction.

Mauritian politics just reached a new level of maturity. I'm not exhilarated: with politics, I'm always apprehensive but hopeful. Let's watch this.