KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1968 Population: 1,244,000 (2013) GDP p.c. growth: 3.5% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI 2014: World ranking 63 Official language: English Time: GMT plus 4 hrs Currency: Mauritian rupee (MRs) Geography Area: 2,040 sq km Coastline: 177 km Capital: Port Louis The Republic of Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean, lies east of Madagascar and the south-east African coast. Its nearest neighbour is the French island of Réunion. The Constitution of Mauritius provides that Mauritius includes the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos and the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia and any other island comprised in the State of Mauritius. Mauritius has always maintained that it has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, but has been unable so far to exercise its sovereignty. Constitution Status: Republic Legislature: Parliament of Mauritius Independence: 12 March 1968 The independence constitution established a multiparty democracy and the country became a republic in 1992. The presidency is nonexecutive; political power lies with the Prime Minister and the cabinet. The President is appointed for a five-year term by the National Assembly on a motion made by the Prime Minister and supported by the vote of the majority of all the members of the Assembly. The single-chamber National Assembly comprises up to 70 members, 62 of whom are elected (60 from 20 three-member constituencies on the island of Mauritius plus two from the single constituency of Rodrigues). Up to eight additional seats are allocated to ‘best losers’ to ensure representation of a variety of ethnic groups. The constitution provides for the appointment of a President, Vice- President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet of ministers and up to ten parliamentary secretaries. Provision is further made for an Attorney-General, a secretary to the cabinet, a commissioner of police, a director of public prosecutions and a Leader of the Opposition. Commonwealth Governance 204 Handbook 2014/15 General elections take place every five years based on universal adult suffrage for citizens over the age of 18. The constitution establishes the separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It guarantees the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual: freedom of conscience; freedom of association, movement and opinion; freedom of expression; freedom of creed and religious belief; and the right to private property. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court Ministry: Attorney-General’s Office The constitution established the separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, and guaranteed the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. The death penalty was abolished in 1989. Mauritius
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