exist now, politicians from different camps could make their ‘voices’ heard. The radio stations hosted a number of political programs and invited candidates, including women, thus helping women candidates gain some publicity” (Yoon and Bunwaree, 2008, p. 22). What about the forthcoming 2010 Mauritian elections? In a context where the political class is reluctant to implement electoral reform (and proportional representation with gender quotas), would it be possible to field-in and continue increasing the number of women in the Mauritian legislature? To the question, Yoon and Bunwaree note that the commitment of electing more women into parliament require that women’s NGOs and the media should make continuous and unfaltering efforts. The media as a political ally and an active agent of change may raise awareness on issues of under-representation and support greater equity in the political process. (2) Freedom of Expression and Access to information: To ensure participation of minorities in the political process, it is paramount to reaffirm the link between freedom of expression, access to information and citizen’s empowerment. In Mauritius, a lack of political will has not delivered on the promise of governments to provide for a Freedom of Information Act. Anachronistic laws such as the Official Secrets Act of 1972, originally a British law, hamper the working of journalists as public officials refrain to talk to the press and frustrate possibilities of investigative journalism. The Sedition Act, also a colonial heritage, places limitations on freedom of expression and political dissent. Only a week ago, the Mauritian Attorney General has had to face accusations of sedition after he complained in a public speech of police brutality, particularly targeted at the Afro-Mauritians. Whatever the merits of his accusations, they could have provided for open debate and an enquiry on the allegations of police brutality but the Police force had recourse to the law of sedition to jam the Attorney General. Participation in the political process cannot be limited to voting every five years at the time of elections. Kasenally (2009) emphasizes the need that Mauritian politics moves away from delegative democracy – people turning out to vote but are weak to hold to account those they have voted for – and engages into deliberative democracy, a concept that stipulates that through deliberation and dialogue, citizens can make informed and better choices about collective actions and the direction of public policy. (3) Media democratization and the need for independent media: One of the challenges that journalists encounter across the world, including in Mauritius is the rapid ‘tabloidisation’ of the media. With market forces into play journalists are not encouraged to pursue their interests on