In Mauritius, social networks blocked following a telephone tapping scandal a few days before the legislative elections

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean country plagued by a large-scale wiretapping scandal, blocked Friday 1^is November access to social networks, a few days before the legislative elections, scheduled for November 10. The measure was announced by the telecommunications operator Emtel, which said it had received an order late Thursday from the Information and Communications Technology Authority to block access to all platforms of social networks. The blockage is expected to last until November 11, the day after the election.

According to Emtel, the order refers to “illegal publications that may have an impact on national security and public safety”. This decision follows the scandal that erupted recently, when extracts of telephone conversations of politicians, members of civil society, diplomats and journalists were recorded and leaked on social networks.

NetBlocks, an internet governance watchdog, confirmed that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X were not accessible. The former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, Sherry Singh, was arrested Friday evening with three other suspects as part of the investigation into these leaks, police sources told Agence France-Presse. The government did not immediately comment on the ban.

“It is shocking, revolting and unacceptable. It's a sign of panic.”said Paul Berenger, one of the leaders of the opposition Alliance for Change coalition. “We are dealing with people who are dangerous for the country. Lawyers work on what can be done legally. We will act very quickly on the legal and political level”he added.

“Regime in disarray”

“This is the last desperate act of a failed regime”said Nando Bodha, leader of the opposition group Linion Reform. “It attacks head-on the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of expression”he added, calling for intervention by the electoral commission to ensure that the ballots are “free and fair”.

Mauritius, one of Africa's most stable democracies, holds legislative elections on November 10. In this election, the militant Socialist Movement of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will seek to maintain its majority in the National Assembly and grant Mr. Jugnauth a new five-year mandate. The latter became prime minister following the resignation of his father in 2017, before ensuring the victory of his coalition in the 2019 legislative elections.