Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, was on Thursday appointed the first woman president of Mauritius.
Unlike Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the other female president from Liberia, Mauritius’ Gurib-Fakim, a 55 year old Chemistry Professor, did not go through the rigours of a presidential campaign as she was appointed president following the May 29 resignation of her predecessor, Rajkeswar Purhang.
Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth had moved a motion proposing Gurib-Fakim as President after revealing that he would nominate her during the electoral campaign in December.
The lawmakers approved Anerood Jugnauth’s motion and Gurib-Fakim was appointed President.
On her appointment, Gurib Fakim was quoted saying, “I take it with humility. I feel there is a consensus among members of parliament and also among the population.”
