Ahead of its general election scheduled to be held on November 10, the Mauritius government has reversed its decision to block access to social media amid a wiretapping scandal.
The government had argued that a wiretapping scandal last month in which conversations, including politicians, were leaked on social media was a threat to national security and integrity.
Among the most shocking was that of a police commissioner asking a forensic pathologist to alter the autopsy report of a suspect beaten in police custody.
An investigation was opened following the leak.
The ban, which impacted Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, was to have lasted until the day after the polls.
However, the authorities had a change of heart following widespread anger from Mauritians at the decision, with many describing it as setting a dangerous precedent.
There was an uproar from opposition parties and local media groups who rely heavily on social media.
Civil society groups, businesses, and individuals also criticised the ban saying it would not only stifle democratic processes but would also harm the economy.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth is reported as saying that an inquiry into the leaked recordings is underway and that there have already been several arrests.
