On Monday, November 11, the day of counting of votes, various sectors of activity in Mauritius exceptionally adapt their schedules and modes of operation. In private companies, as Business Mauritius indicates, this special day is well integrated into practices. “Many will offer some flexibility to their employees, and those with a teleworking policy will encourage working from home.” Some businesses will operate as normal, while others may adjust their schedules throughout the day or opt for hybrid approaches, as needed. Flexibility will depend on the nature of the activity and the sector. Everyone will adapt to find a fair balance, we are made to understand.
In the public sector, employees – except those in essential and emergency services – will be allowed to leave at midday. For example, National Identity Card Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, with reduced staff. These centers include that of Port-Louis, located at the Emmanuel Anquetil Building, that of Rose-Hill, at the NPF Building, and that of Flacq, at the Customer Service Center (formerly the fire station).
In the retail sector, the opening hours of Ascencia shopping centers (Bagatelle Mall, Phoenix Mall, Riche Terre Mall, Bo’Valon Mall, So’flo, Kendra and Les Allées) will be exceptionally adjusted until 3 p.m. on the day of counting. Tenants wishing to remain open beyond this time will be authorized to do so. As for supermarkets, they also plan to close their doors around 3 p.m. Regarding pharmacies, they should remain open normally, according to the latest information.
For banking transactions, establishments will remain open to the public until 1 p.m., and the Central Bank’s interbank check clearing and electronic settlement services will be accessible until 1:45 p.m., to ensure the completion of operations of the day. Furthermore, the counting day coincides with certain Cambridge exams, notably for the HSC, with tests such as Design and Technology. If the educational establishments concerned are requisitioned for the electoral process, the students will exceptionally be redirected to other schools.
