2010-03-31
PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam dissolved parliament on Wednesday and said the Indian Ocean island would hold elections on May 5.

The country, one of Africa's most stable and prosperous nations, holds general elections every five years. By law, the country has between 30 and 150 days to organise elections after the prime minister dissolves parliament.

"I have advised the president of the republic that I have dissolved parliament today," he told reporters. "I am calling the nation to vote on the 5th of May."

Analysts believe Ramgoolam, 62, will seek another term. He served as prime minister for five years from 1995 and won another five year mandate through his Labour Party in the last elections held in 2005.

The leader of the winning party will automatically become prime minister.