Statistics Mauritius Chief Defends Transparency of New Data Release
Director Mukesh Dawoonauth says newly published statistics were released openly and in full compliance with standard procedures.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 2 hours agoπ 0 views
The director of Statistics Mauritius, Mukesh Dawoonauth, has defended the organisation's handling of recently released data, stating that all new figures were published "in complete transparency" and in accordance with established protocols.
Statistics Mauritius is the government body responsible for producing and publishing official national statistics β covering everything from inflation and population data to employment figures and economic growth estimates. Its data underpins major policy decisions and is closely watched by government, opposition politicians, businesses, and international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Dawoonauth's comments appear to come in response to questions or concerns raised about how the latest batch of data was released β though the full context of the controversy was not detailed in the original report. The director's insistence on transparency suggests the publication may have attracted scrutiny, possibly over timing, methodology, or the nature of the figures themselves.
This comes at a sensitive moment for Mauritius. The country has seen heated political debate in recent months over the state of its public finances, with opposition figures β including former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth β challenging government-commissioned economic reports and disputing official narratives around inflation, treasury balances, and the cost of living.
**Why Official Statistics Matter Right Now**
With Mauritius grappling with rising inflation β recorded at 5.7% in September, the highest level since 2024 β and ongoing debates about fuel prices, public debt, and economic management, the credibility of official statistics has become a politically charged issue.
Statistics Mauritius operates under the Statistics Act and is expected to function independently, free from political interference. Any perception that data releases are being timed or shaped for political purposes can undermine public trust β both domestically and among foreign investors and rating agencies who rely on accurate data to assess the country's economic health.
Dawoonauth's public statement is therefore not just administrative housekeeping. It is a signal that the institution is aware of the scrutiny it faces and is committed to maintaining its credibility.
**What This Means**
For ordinary Mauritians, the integrity of Statistics Mauritius matters because its figures directly influence decisions on wages, pensions, and cost-of-living adjustments. For businesses and investors, reliable data is essential for planning. And for the government, credible statistics are a precondition for maintaining confidence with international lenders and partners.
If questions about the transparency of data releases are not addressed clearly, they risk fuelling broader distrust at a time when public confidence in institutions is already under pressure.
Source: Le Defi Media
What is Statistics Mauritius and what does it do?β
Statistics Mauritius is the official government agency responsible for collecting, analysing, and publishing national statistics in Mauritius. This includes data on inflation, GDP growth, employment, population, and trade. It operates under the Statistics Act and is expected to be independent from political influence. Its figures are used by government ministries, the Bank of Mauritius, international organisations like the IMF, and private businesses.
Why is there controversy around Mauritius official statistics?β
Mauritius has seen intense political debate over economic data in recent months, with opposition politicians disputing government reports on public finances, inflation, and cost-of-living figures. In this environment, the timing and methodology of official data releases by Statistics Mauritius have come under scrutiny, prompting its director to publicly defend the transparency of recent publications.
How does Mauritius measure inflation and who publishes the figures?β
Inflation in Mauritius is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services. These figures are published by Statistics Mauritius on a monthly basis. As of September 2025, Mauritius inflation stood at 5.7%, the highest level recorded since 2024.
