Power will transfer to opposition leader and ex-president Anerood Jugnauth.

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Anerood Jugnauth and Navinchandra Ramgoolam have alternated posts since 1982.

However this is the first time veteran politician Ramgoolam has lost his own seat.

He says the electorate has made its choice and he I humbly accepts its decision.

Debate over constitutional reform – which would strengthen presidential powers — made the election one of the most crucial since the country gained independence from Britain in 1968.

Ramgoolam had wanted to run for the presidency.

As head of the SADC observation mission, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashebane says the election were peaceful, transparent, free and fair, and credible, thus reflecting the will of the people of Mauritius.

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