Since Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the country has had eight heads of state. From 1968 to 1992, Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state, represented by a governor-general.
In 1992, Mauritius became a republic, and the monarchy was replaced by a ceremonial president. Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, the last governor-general, became the first president.
However, the president is chosen by the National Assembly for a five-year term. If the presidency becomes vacant, the vice-president steps in as acting head of state.
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Complete List Of Mauritius Presidents From 1992 Till Date
No. | Name | Took Office | Left Office | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo | 12 March 1992 | 30 June 1992 | PTR |
2 | Cassam Uteem | 30 June 1992 | 15 February 2002 | MMM |
— | Angidi Chettiar | 15 February 2002 | 18 February 2002 | PTR |
— | Ariranga Pillay | 18 February 2002 | 25 February 2002 | Non-partisan¹ |
3 | Karl Offmann | 25 February 2002 | 1 October 2003 | MSM |
— | Raouf Bundhun | 1 October 2003 | 7 October 2003 | MMM |
4 | Sir Anerood Jugnauth | 7 October 2003 | 31 March 2012 | Independent |
— | Monique Ohsan Bellepeau | 31 March 2012 | 21 July 2012 | PTR |
5 | Kailash Purryag | 21 July 2012 | 29 May 2015 | PTR |
— | Monique Ohsan Bellepeau | 29 May 2015 | 5 June 2015 | PTR |
6 | Ameenah Gurib | 5 June 2015 | 23 March 2018 | Independent |
— | Barlen Vyapoory | 23 March 2018 | 26 November 2019 | MSM |
— | Eddy Balancy | 26 November 2019 | 2 December 2019 | Non-partisan¹ |
7 | Prithvirajsing Roopun | 2 December 2019 | 2 December 2024 | Independent |
8 | Dharam Gokhool | 6 December 2024 | Incumbent | PTR |
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First President Of Mauritius
Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo was the first President of Mauritius, a role he took on when the country became a republic on 12 March 1992. His appointment put an end to colonial rule.
Mauritius was under British rule, with the Queen as the head of state. Ringadoo’s presidency replaced the Queen and the position of Governor-General, making him the first local head of state.
Ringadoo was born on 4 February 1920 in the village of Curepipe, Mauritius. He studied at the Royal College Curepipe and later went to France to study law. After completing his studies, he returned to Mauritius and worked as an attorney.
Ringadoo started his political journey in the late 1940s, joining the Mauritian Labour Party (MLP). This was instrumental in the fight for independence from British rule.
When Mauritius gained independence in 1968, Ringadoo was appointed Governor-General, representing the British monarch. In 1992, when Mauritius became a republic, Ringadoo was chosen as the first president. His role as president was mainly symbolic, but it was a big step for the country.
Although he served as president for only a few months, from March to June 1992, he strengthened democratic institutions and encouraged unity among the country’s different ethnic groups. After leaving office, he continued to advocate for social issues until he passed away on 3 December 2000.
The current President Of Mauritius
Dharam Gokhool has been the President of Mauritius since December 6, 2024. He was elected by the National Assembly after his predecessor, Prithvirajsing Roopun, completed his term on December 2, 2024.
Gokhool’s election was widely supported, showing his respect and popularity across different political groups. Born on October 25, 1949, Dharam Gokhool pursued higher education and later became a professor at the University of Mauritius.
His political career began in 1976, and since then, he has held many positions. From 2005 to 2008, he served as Minister of Education. Later, from 2008 to 2010, he was the Minister of Industry, Science, and Research, promoting industrial growth and scientific development.
He also gained experience in local governance as the Mayor of Vacoas-Phoenix from 1991 to 1993. Gokhool has been associated with several political parties.
He initially joined the Mauritian Militant Movement in 1980 and later became an important member of the Labour Party, holding roles such as administrative secretary and secretary general.
His election as President was through an indirect process, where members of the National Assembly voted for him based on a motion proposed by the Prime Minister.
After his election, Gokhool expressed gratitude and emphasized his commitment to serving the nation. Although the President’s role in Mauritius is mainly ceremonial, Gokhool is responsible for upholding the Constitution and maintaining unity in the country.
The Current Vice President Of Mauritius
Robert Hungley is the current Vice President of Mauritius, taking office on December 7, 2024. He was born Jean Robert Yvan Hungley on February 15, 1957, in Rose Hill, which was part of British Mauritius at the time.
He has been involved in politics for many years and is a long-time member of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), which he joined in 1975. This political party is known for its strong focus on social justice and progressive values.
Hungley once worked at Mauritius Docks and later joined local politics. He was elected as a municipal councilor for Beau Bassin-Rose Hill in both 1995 and 2001. From 2004 to 2005, he served as the mayor of Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.
Hungley also ran as a candidate in the 2010 and 2019 parliamentary elections. As Vice President, Hungley serves under President Dharam Gokhool and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Also, his role is ceremonial, but it is important for stability in the government. For his contributions, Hungley has received the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, a prestigious national award.
