“The people have spoken. I would like to extend my congratulations to the newly elected leaders who will form the next government,” the Local Ordinary of Port Louis says.
He notes that “the democratic process has worked, thanks to the Mauritian people, who set an example of democratic maturity by going to the polls in an orderly manner to exercise their right to vote.”
“Through their vote, Mauritians have expressed a desire to reinvigorate the effective functioning of the institutions for which the State is responsible, such as the judiciary and the police,” the Mauritian Catholic Church leader, who was consecrated Bishop of Port Louis Diocese in August 2023 says.
He goes on to thank officials of the country’s Electoral Commission for overseeing peaceful polls and the law enforcement agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace amid “sometimes tense conditions”.
“I also commend the officers of the Electoral Commission and the police, who carried out their duties in sometimes tense conditions and helped maintain social peace in a context of tension,” the Catholic Bishop says.
Looking into the future, Bishop Durhône expresses the Catholic Church’s commitment to collaborating with the newly elected leaders in addressing the pressing issues the people of God in Mauritius face.
“The Catholic Church will responsibly collaborate with the elected authorities to address the major challenges facing Mauritian society, such as education, meritocracy in the workplace, the fight against poverty, drugs, and communalism,” the Catholic Church leader says.
He adds, “It is the Church’s responsibility to act, with its convictions, for the common good of all.”
“We expect the next government to restore confidence in our institutions by guaranteeing their independence,” the Catholic Bishop goes on to say, adding, “I think also of those who were not elected but who respected the verdict of the polls according to democratic principles.”
Bishop Durhône assures the new government his spiritual solidarity, saying, “On behalf of Catholics, I extend my best wishes and the assurance of my prayers to the new government.”
