President of Mauritius

The president of the Republic of Mauritius (French: Président de la République de Maurice) is the head of state of the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritius is a parliamentary republic, and the president functions as a ceremonial figurehead, elected by the National Assembly as set out by the Constitution of Mauritius. The current office-holder is Dharam Gokhool. He was elected by the National Assembly on 6 December 2024. The president's official residence is the State House.

Mauritius is a parliamentary republic. The prime minister is the head of government, while the president is the head of state and commander-in-chief. The president is required to uphold and defend the Constitution of Mauritius and ensure that the institutions of democracy and rule of law are protected, the fundamental rights of all are respected and the unity of the diverse Mauritian nation is maintained and strengthened. Whilst in office, the president should not hold any other office of emolument, whether under the Constitution or otherwise and exercise any profession or calling or engage in any trade or business.

The president is obliged to suspend his (or her) membership in any political party for the term in office. Upon assuming office, the authority and duties of the president in all other elected or appointed offices terminate automatically. These measures should theoretically help the president to function in a more independent and impartial manner.

The power of Parliament to make laws shall be exercisable by bills passed by the Assembly and assented to by the president. When a bill is submitted to the president for assent by the Constitution, he shall signify that he assents or that he withholds assent. In the exercise of his functions, the president shall act by the advice of the Cabinet or of a minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet except in cases where he is required by the Constitution to act by the advice of, or after consultation with, any person or authority other than the Cabinet or in his deliberate judgment.

According to Chapter VI, section 58 of the constitution executive authority of Mauritius is vested in the president, and that authority may be exercised by the president either directly or through officers subordinate to him.

The prime minister shall keep the President fully informed concerning the general conduct of the government of Mauritius and shall furnish the president with such information as he may request concerning any particular matter relating to the government of Mauritius.

The president serves as chancellor of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, the highest distinct order of merit of Mauritius. The president, on the recommendation of the prime minister, announces the list of honorees and personally decorates them. The ceremony is held on 12 March each year.

The office of the president has the mission to assist the president of the Republic in his duties to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and promote national unity.