The island of Mauritius is perhaps best known as Mark Twain's model for paradise and as the land of the long extinct dodo. Despite its small size and lack of natural resources, Mauritius has become the "star and key of the Indian Ocean," touting excellent economic and democratic credential since achieving independence in 1968. Unfortunately, the "star" is now losing some of its lustre, as indicated by a number of worrisome trends such as the rise of ethnosectarianism, growing levels of inequality between the different socioeconomic groups and an extremely closed and regressive political class. If left unchecked, these worrisome trends can seriously undermine the model of social harmony and diversity that the island prides itself.

Mauritius has come a long way since independence in 1968, when observers predicted that the 'overcrowded barracoon', as V S Naipaul referred to the island, would fail to achieve peace and economic prosperity. As a result of its success in managing diversity and capitalising on protected markets and guaranteed export prices Mauritius has emerged in recent decades as a democratic and economic model for its peers on the African continent. However, with the onset of globalisation Mauritius is now entering a period of democratic stagnation as islanders confront the rise of ethnic and dynastic politics, the advent of political cronyism and patronage, the marginalisation of minorities, and growing disenchantment with and cynicism about the political class. This article highlights what can be considered the numerous deficiencies and flaws in the highly celebrated Mauritian 'picture perfect model'. Due attention must be given to addressing these if a social, economic and political implosion is to be avoided.

Mauritius has preferred the ballot to the bullet, earning its status as a democracy to be emulated within

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