Since its independence, Mauritius has seen a series of leaders who have shaped the nation’s political landscape. Below is a detailed overview of all the presidents who have served Mauritius. Let’s know them.
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| No. | President | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo | 1992 - 1992 |
| 2 | Cassam Uteem | 1992 - 2002 |
| 3 | Karl Offmann | 2002 - 2003 |
| 4 | Sir Anerood Jugnauth | 2003 - 2012 |
| 5 | Kailash Purryag | 2012 - 2015 |
| 6 | Ameenah Gurib-Fakim | 2015 - 2018 |
| 7 | Barlen Vyapoory (Acting) | 2018 - 2019 |
| 8 | Prithvirajsing Roopun | 2019 - Present |
The First President: Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo
Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, the first President of Mauritius, was born on October 20, 1920, in Port Louis, Mauritius. Coming from a modest background, Ringadoo pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, where he studied accountancy and law.
Before becoming the President, Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo had a distinguished career in politics and public service. He was appointed Minister of Finance in 1968, shortly after Mauritius gained independence. He also served as the Governor-General of Mauritius from 1986 until the country became a republic in 1992.
Notable Achievements:
- Transition to a Republic: Ringadoo’s presidency marked the transition of Mauritius from a Commonwealth realm with the Queen as the head of state to a republic. This was a significant milestone in the country’s history.
- Political Stability: His short tenure as president ensured a smooth transition and maintained political stability during a critical period.
Downsides:
- Short Tenure: Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo’s presidency lasted only a few months, from March 12, 1992, to June 30, 1992, limiting his impact in the role.
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The Current President: Prithvirajsing Roopun
Prithvirajsing Roopun, also known as Pradeep Roopun, was born on May 24, 1959, in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius. He hails from a family with a strong educational background, which influenced his early life and career choices.
Before becoming the President of Mauritius, Roopun had a long career in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, Minister of Arts and Culture, and Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Reform Institutions.
Notable Achievements:
- Social Reforms: During his tenure as a minister, Roopun was instrumental in implementing social reforms aimed at reducing poverty and improving the standard of living for underprivileged communities.
- Cultural Promotion: As the Minister of Arts and Culture, he played a crucial role in promoting Mauritian culture, both locally and internationally.
Downsides:
- Limited Visibility: While Roopun has been involved in numerous initiatives, his presidency has been marked by limited visibility on the international stage.
The Current Vice President: Eddy Boissézon
Eddy Boissézon was born on May 4, 1951, in Mauritius. His background is rooted in public service, and he pursued studies in law and public administration, which laid the foundation for his career.
Boissézon has held several key positions in the Mauritian government, including as Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms. His extensive experience in public administration made him a suitable candidate for the role of Vice President.
Notable Achievements:
- Public Service Reform: As Minister of Civil Service, Boissézon was instrumental in implementing reforms that modernized the public service sector in Mauritius, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the citizens.
- Administrative Leadership: His leadership in administrative reforms has been praised for bringing about positive changes in the government’s functioning.
Downsides:
- Limited Public Engagement: Despite his significant contributions to the public service, Boissézon’s role has often been more administrative, leading to limited engagement with the public and media.
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Conclusion
The Presidents of Mauritius have each contributed to the country’s development in various ways, from establishing the republic to implementing crucial social and cultural reforms.
While some leaders had shorter tenures, others left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the nation today. As Mauritius continues to evolve, the roles of its leaders will remain crucial in guiding the country towards a prosperous future.