| The President of the Republic is the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Mauritius. He upholds and defends the Constitution and ensures that -
(i) the institutions of democracy and the rule of law are protected; (ii) the fundamental rights of all are respected; and (iii) the unity of the diverse Mauritian nation is maintained and strengthened. The Office of the President issues writ of Elections, organises the protocol to put in place the Government of the day and the Leader of the Opposition, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and the Executive Council and also for the opening of the National Assembly and the prorogation or dissolution thereof. It holds various activities/functions to mark events such as National Day celebration, Open Day etc., processes files for the proper functioning of institutions as provided for under the Constitution (Public Service Commission, Electoral Supervisory Commission, Electoral Boundaries Commission and others), the petition of prisoners to be considered (Commission on the Prerogative of Mercy), the presentation of credentials by Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Mauritius and the appointment of Principal Representatives of Mauritius abroad. The Office is also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the official residence of the President comprising some 240 acres of grounds.
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