Mauritius president resigns in a bid to keep his word

Mauritian President Rajkeswar Purryag resigned on Friday from his ceremonial position in accordance with an agreement with Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth, Purryag's office said.

Purryag said in a statement he had agreed with the Prime minister in January that he would step down in May.

"The President is honouring his commitment by submitting his resignation to the speaker of the national assembly this afternoon," his office said.

The President is elected for a term of five years. Purryag was appointed in July 2012 by the country's former Labour party government.