CHAPTER THREE 66 3. DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE 3.1 Introduction: Challenges to democracy and political governance 65. Democracy and political governance are very important. They are necessary for successful economic, corporate and socioeconomic governance. This is so because they deal with fundamental issues, questions and problems about the very existence of the state. Governance issues need to be rigorously identified, listed, categorised, analysed and addressed effectively and efficiently, preferably proactively, otherwise the very existence of the state is likely to be threatened and the lives of its citizens affected or disorganised, as has been seen in weak and/or failed states in and outside Africa. 66. The tasks of building and maintaining democracy (including good political governance) are not easy. This is true even for the most developed or stable countries. It is also a continuous process. Indeed, it is untrue to say that there are countries that are too stable or mature (because they are ‘old’ democracies) to be politically shaken or, worse, forced to collapse. All countries, despite their past and present strengths and credentials, are therefore exposed to political risks. It is consequently necessary for a country to identify its major strengths, challenges and risks in order to decide what it needs to be aware of as it moves along the path to democracy and good governance. 67. This introductory note gives a background to democracy and political governance in Mauritius. Mauritius can proudly claim to be democratic and well governed. However, it has its challenges and faces some risks. 68. Mauritius’s greatest strength is her people. Most of the 1.3 million Mauritians are immigrants fromAfrica (Madagascar and Mozambique), China, France and India. They immigrated, or found themselves in the country, for various reasons and in different circumstances. Many, for example, came to Mauritius from India as labourers. Others (theAfricans, found mostly in Rodrigues) found themselves in the country against their will – as slaves. Yet others (French and English) were conquerors or rulers. In time, the former labourers (Mauritians of Indian origin) became rulers or masters, especially after 1968, although economic 67