The Constitution, Constitutionalism and the Economy of Mauritius: An Assessment of Their Interactions Critical to the Relative Economic Success of the Country

Abstract

The success of Mauritius as an economy, despite a rather dismal prediction by Nobel Prize recipient James Meade in 1961, has been appealing to many local and international researchers who have written extensively the subject. However, what role have the Constitution of Mauritius and the broad notions of constitutionalism played in this economic success have been critical questions that have been left unanswered. The article discusses firstly how, despite the Mauritian Constitution not being one which is economy-oriented in a direct way, has contributed immensely through the concept of constitutionalism. Secondly, the role of constitutionalism and its impact on the Mauritian economy is also assessed with particular reference to the three arms of government and the judiciary. Finally, the article argues that, as a way forward and to further bolster the Mauritian economy, it is essential now for the Constitution to directly devote a chapter on economic development through relevant and necessary amendments. The main argument to this proposition is that enshrining the concept, methods, and directions that the economy should take in the Constitution confers more constitutional protection and guarantees that no regressive measures are allowed in future.