**Mauritian Prime Minister Admits to Election Defeat Amid Rising Public Discontent**

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has conceded a "huge defeat" for his coalition, L'Alliance Lepep, in the recent parliamentary elections. On Monday, Jugnauth acknowledged that the population had opted for change, and his main opponent, Navin Ramgoolam of the Alliance of Change coalition, is poised to become the next leader of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The election has not been without controversy. A phone-tapping scandal, involving leaked recordings of public figures that were circulated online, marred the process. The government responded with a brief social media ban, which was reversed within 24 hours following public outcry.

While final results are still pending, Ramgoolam's party appears to be on the brink of victory. Ramgoolam, a former doctor, expressed confidence in their lead but stressed that a complete vote count was necessary before making definitive statements. “We must respect this choice... and we wish the country and the population good luck,” stated Jugnauth.

In Port Louis, the capital, the mood was filled with anticipation as citizens awaited the results. Ibrahim, a votary of the Alliance for Change, attributed the ruling party's loss to "growing public dissatisfaction." Key issues cited by voters include a cost-of-living crisis, concerns about governance, and corruption.

On the campaign trail, promises abounded. Ramgoolam, who has served as prime minister twice and is the son of a liberation hero, pledged to increase pensions, provide free transport and internet, and reduce fuel costs. This message seemed to resonate with many voters, as approximately 80% of the electorate cast their ballots, according to the electoral commission.

The elections were not just a test of political wills but also a momentous occasion following a historic agreement where the UK relinquished sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The voters went to the polls to elect lawmakers for 62 parliamentary seats, with up to eight "best loser" seats allocated to ensure fair ethnic representation.

Arvin Boolell, Mauritius' former foreign minister and an opposition coalition member, described the election as a "victory of the people" during an interview with the BBC Newsday programme. With a clear mandate for change, it remains to be seen how the new leadership will shape the future of one of Africa's most stable democracies.