Towards independence (1968) and the Republic (1992)

A colony awakening to politics

In the 20th century Mauritian society was still largely dominated by the sugar economy and an elite of large landowners. The descendants of enslaved and indentured people, who formed the majority, gradually demanded a place in political life. The Mauritius Labour Party, founded in 1936, became one of the main vehicles for these social and political demands.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam

The central figure in the march to independence was Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. Born on 18 September 1900 at Belle Rive in the Flacq district, he went to London at 21 to study medicine at University College and also attended lectures at the London School of Economics. Back in Mauritius, he became active in the Labour Party and took on growing responsibilities in the colonial administration, including as Chief Minister.

The price of independence: the Chagos

Negotiations with London had a painful side. In 1965, before independence, the United Kingdom separated the Chagos Archipelago from the colony of Mauritius. In 2019 the International Court of Justice found, in an advisory opinion, that the decolonisation of Mauritius had not been lawfully completed because of this separation (see our article on the islands of the Republic).

12 March 1968: independence

On 12 March 1968 Mauritius became an independent state within the Commonwealth, as a constitutional monarchy. Ramgoolam became the first Prime Minister and held the post until 1982, when his party lost the election. He then served as Governor-General, a largely ceremonial role, from 1983 to 1985, and died in Port Louis on 15 December 1985. Many places now bear his name, including the international airport and the botanical garden at Pamplemousses.

The young state faced serious challenges. At independence sugar accounted for about 30% of GDP and 90% of export value, and cane covered 90% of arable land. Diversifying the economy would become a top priority in the following decades.

12 March 1992: the Republic

For almost a quarter of a century Mauritius remained a constitutional monarchy. Several attempts to become a republic failed for lack of the three-quarters majority required in Parliament: one bill was defeated in 1983 and another withdrawn in 1990. After the October 1991 election, the new majority was large enough to amend the Constitution.

On 12 March 1992, exactly 24 years after independence, Mauritius became a republic. The President, elected by the National Assembly, is head of state, while executive power remains mainly with the Prime Minister. Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo served as transitional President from March to June 1992, then Cassam Uteem became the first elected President, from 1992 to 2002.

12 March, National Day

12 March therefore celebrates both independence and the Republic. It is National Day: four-colour flags (red, blue, yellow, green), official ceremonies and festivities across the country. For visitors, it is a chance to see Mauritius celebrate its unity in diversity.