By Jean Paul Arouff
PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Mauritians voted on Wednesday in a closely fought parliamentary election dominated by how to secure the recovery of the Indian Ocean island's economy.
Both the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) rivals have campaigned on strengthening the welfare state and social justice in one of Africa's most stable and prosperous economies.
Analysts say Mauritius weathered the financial downturn better than expected. But nonetheless some voters said they had based their choice on who they considered best placed to sustain the recovery of an economy vulnerable to external shocks such as global oil prices and demand for key exports such as textiles.
"This time is more important than ever because our country is at a crossroad. We just came out of an economic crisis and we need a government that can take our country to the next level of development," voter Jeannick Khidabaccus told Reuters.
Economic analysts expect reforms designed to diversify the almost $10 billion economy away from the traditional sugar, textiles and tourism sectors to continue regardless of who wins.
Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam told reporters he was confident he would be returned to office as he cast his vote at the same polling station as his main rival, Paul Berenger who heads the MMM.
Mauritius has pitched itself as a bridge between Africa, India and China, with a flourishing offshore financial sector, that has allowed the island nation of 1.3 million people to pack an economic punch above its weight.
By midday, a third of the electorate had voted, with tackling poverty fighting crime and increasing the purchasing power of the Mauritius rupee the main expectations on the next government.
"The next government has the responsibility to upgrade law and order in the country," 19-year-old university student Anaelle Apollon told Reuters at one of the 302 polling centres.
One thing certain in the close race is that incumbent Finance Minister Ramakrishna Sithanen, widely accredited with implementing a timely $340 million stimulus package in December 2008, will not return to the cabinet.
Sithanen -- who cut red tape and simplified taxes to lure foreign investors -- was denied a ticket to contest the elections.
Ramgoolam's Labour Party has formed an alliance with the Militant Socialist Movement, led by Pravind Jugnauth. There has been speculation Jugnauth's support comes on the understanding he will become finance minister if they win.
Reuters Africa
