Mauritian Elections coming up in a week's time exactly. The Mauritian Labour Party/PMXD is facing tough competition against the MSM/MMM alliance (which form the current government). Today, there were the biggest rallies organised by both sides since the campaign started. Estimates of the crowds were 40K for the MLP/PMXD and 20K for the MSM/MMM but these do not guarantee anything on election day. I'm just hoping the population will vote for the government that will best serve their interests.

For the past 5 years, our economic stability has been undermined with increasing national debt and the loss of major assets to the private sector. Hopefully things will change when the new government comes in. They will obviously make mistakes (since there are bound to be some numb nuts who will become ministers) but at least i hope they will build the future of the country with serious and intelligent measures. Right now, Mauritius could become the most efficient ethanol producer in the area, the most sophisticated IT hub, and the most efficient freeport in the region. Also, we could become nearly self sufficient if sugar-cane land were properly converted to farmland or vegetable growing. Hopefully, some of these will happen.... let's see.

Some good news to share with you! I passed my Driving Test last Thursday (2nd June 2005). Made 3 minor mistakes and got through. I did the test at Forest Hills test centre in Southampton. Claire was my examiner and we had a good 40 mins drive around the town. I kept winging about different things about the road and conditions of traffic all along (probably attracting some pity... :P). But in the end it was a great relief to know i had passed. I have to say i have a very good and experienced driving instructor (Colin Pritchard) from the AA.

So the next step is to get a Pass Plus certificate and buy a new car.... probably going for a low insurance car.

To those wanting to learn how to drive, I strongly recommend the AA driving school. It's not that much more expensive and you get really good advice. Also, for a good review and some driving tips - try www.2pass.co.uk. It's a great web site with lots of animations, tips about driving and other stuff, which you can use to revise before going to your practical or theory test!