Mohamed Mahgoub, Board Director of Transparency Mauritius

“Voting is a fundamental way to express your voice, but it doesn’t stop there”

Mohamed Mahgoub, Board Director of Transparency Mauritius, emphasized the important role of youth in democracy. He highlighted the fundamental rights of freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to vote, encouraging young people to express their voices and actively participate in civic activities. Organized in collaboration with the European Union, the event underscored the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future of democracy. Mr. Mahgoub also acknowledged the challenges young people face, and stressed the need for education, mentorship, and inclusive platforms to overcome these barriers and foster a vibrant democratic society.

“You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are also the change-makers of today,” Mohamed Mahgoub remarked last Thursday. The Board Director of Transparency Mauritius outlined the fundamental rights of freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to vote, empowering young people to express their voices and make a difference. “However, with these rights come responsibilities,” he cautioned, urging young people to be informed voters, engage in civic activities, and uphold values of respect and tolerance.   

Mohamed Mahgoub was addressing the young audience attending a workshop on “Youth and Democracy: Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation”, a joint initiative of Transparency Mauritius and the European Union.

In his opening remarks, he underscored the significance of the event, emphasizing the value of the European Union’s collaboration. “We are truly grateful for their partnership and collaboration in this endeavour,” he said. Acknowledging the essential role the EU plays in supporting their mission, he later added that, “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Union for sponsoring this event and for their continued support towards promoting good governance in Mauritius.”

Addressing the core theme of the event, Mohamed Mahgoub explained that democracy is fundamentally a system of government where power is vested in the people, built upon principles of participation, equality, and freedom. The Board Director of Transparency Mauritius, in highlighting the importance of active participation, stated that it is “the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, and civic engagement is vital in strengthening our democracy.“

We believe that democracy is about ensuring that every voice is heard, every vote counts, and every citizen has equal access to participate in the decision-making process.

He encouraged the youth to explore various ways to participate, such as volunteering, joining civic groups, and attending public forums. “Voting is a fundamental way to express your voice, but it doesn’t stop there. Consider other forms of participation, such as campaigning, advocacy, and even running for office,” he advised.

Recognizing the challenges that often hinder youth participation, Mr. Mahgoub acknowledged that “there exist barriers such as the lack of interest, lack of information, and political disenchantment.” He emphasized the need to overcome these challenges through education, mentorship, and active exchange with the youth. “Creating inclusive platforms for youth engagement is crucial,” he said, adding that technology and social media are powerful tools for civic engagement and raising awareness in today’s digital world.

The event is in line with the foundational beliefs of Transparency Mauritius. “At Transparency Mauritius, we believe that democracy is not just a political system, but a way of life. It’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, every vote counts, and every citizen has equal access to participate in the decision-making process,” a Director highlighted.

Explaining the role of Transparency Mauritius in promoting transparency and accountability, Mr. Mahgoub detailed the organization’s efforts. “Our team works tirelessly to monitor electoral processes, raise awareness about democratic rights and responsibilities, and advocate for reforms that strengthen democracy,” he said. Through initiatives like voter education campaigns and advocacy efforts, Transparency Mauritius strives to empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold their elected representatives accountable.

One of the organization’s key achievements is its extensive work with the youth through ‘Youth Forums’ which provide a platform for young people to express their views on socioeconomic issues. “These forums foster a new generation of informed and engaged citizens,” Mr. Mahgoub explained. Transparency Mauritius also engages in advocacy in schools, universities, and social centres across the island to promote civic rights, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to participate fully in democratic processes.

Mr. Mahgoub also highlighted Transparency Mauritius’s ongoing advocacy for freedom of information and whistle-blower protection, noting several upcoming activities focused on these crucial areas.