Mauritius has blocked access to social media ahead of a general election, following escalating tensions over a wire-tapping scandal.

The island nation has been reeling from the release of secret recordings involving politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats, which began circulating online last month.

On Friday, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office announced that internet service providers were instructed to restrict access to major social networks until November 11, the day after the election.

The prime minister’s office stated, “Following the publication of certain audio tracks on social media, there is a real risk that the national security and integrity of our Republic and our international partners may have been compromised.”

The internet governance watchdog NetBlocks confirmed that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X were inaccessible.

Later on Friday, police arrested Sherry Singh, the former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, along with three other suspects in connection with the investigation into the leaked recordings, though specific charges were not disclosed.

The leaks were primarily disseminated by an account named Missie Moustass (Mr. Moustache) on TikTok, which has faced attempts to be shut down but continues to resurface with new recordings almost daily. Among the most shocking was a conversation in which the police commissioner allegedly instructed a forensic doctor to alter a report regarding a death following police custody. A judicial inquiry into this incident was launched after the leak.

The opposition condemned the sudden social media ban, calling it a significant blow to local media and political parties that rely on these platforms. Paul Berenger, a leader of the opposition Alliance for Change coalition, described the ban as “shocking, revolting, and unacceptable,” suggesting it indicated panic within the government. He added that legal action was being considered.

Jugnauth, who is seeking re-election as head of the Militant Socialist Movement, assumed office after his father’s death in 2017 and led his coalition to victory in the subsequent elections.

Nando Bodha, head of the opposition grouping Linion Reform, criticized the ban as a “desperate act” that undermines citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and called for the Election Commission to intervene to ensure the elections are “free and fair.”