Navin Ramgoolam

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Navinchandra Ramgoolam (नवीन चन्‍द्र रामगुलाम) (born July 13, 1947) is the current Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. He first held this office from 1995 to 2000, and was reappointed on 5 July 2005, after his Alliance Sociale (a coalition including his own Labour Party, the Mauritian Party of Xavier-Luc Duval, and several smaller groups) defeated the MMM-MSM coalition of the then-Prime Minister Paul Bérenger in the general elections held on 3 July.

[edit] Biography

He is the son of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the 'father' of the nation. He trained as a doctor in Dublin, Ireland and achieved full registration with the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom in 1977. He later converted into Law by achieving a Master of Laws qualification at the London School of Economics before starting a political career.

His first prime ministership (1995-2000) was marked by two bye-elections that he won and by a riot after the death of Kaya(famous sega singer) in prison. He was defeated by two political leaders,Paul Bérenger and Anerood Jugnauth who joined hands to oust him in 2000.

Between 2000 and 2005, Navin Ramgoolam was leader of the Opposition and learnt from his mistakes. In 2005, he won the elections on a plank of democratisation of the economy and by adopting a slick communication strategy,like offering free transport in the bus for elderly and student.In particular he specified deadlines for achieving his short-term populist measures. In contrast the other side did not communicate effectively and were beaten by the multi-party alliance led by Navin Ramgoolam.But he did manage to win the 3/4 of the assembly.

Preceded by Sir Anerood Jugnauth

Prime Ministers of Mauritius 1995–2000

Succeeded by Navin Ramgoolam

Preceded by Paul Bérenger

Prime Ministers of Mauritius 2005–

Succeeded by incumbent