By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Prince Mhlabuhlangene, the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC) says he has issued a directive to Spokesperson Mbonisi Bhembe to respond to questions from this Swaziland News and clarify issues of public interest involving the Commission.

The Prince was among the first royal family members who vigorously opposed an attempt by the Attorney General(AG) Sifiso Khumalo, a royal faction and other eSwatini Government officials seeking to ban this publication.

Another royal family member who rejected the Government’s directive seeking to ban public officials from responding to this publication is Prince Makhosetive-King Mswati through his Spokesperson Percy Simelane, the directive was ‘cooked’ by individuals within Government in fear of being exposed or held accountable by this publication.

But the EBC Chairman previously stated that, “there’s no Act of Parliament or a law banning public officials from responding to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini and the Swaziland News and therefore, the directive by the Government was not legally binding and will be ignored by the Elections Commission.

The editor contacted the EBC Chairman enquiring about the upcoming Bucopho elections to be held at Siphofaneni and Ngwempisi Inkhundla.

“Sivusele Nakuwe Mntfwanenkhosi. Apologies for the delayed response Langeni on your enquiry Hlubie. Unfortunately, I’m a bit indisposed ngemkhuhlane, however, I shall once again ask our Mahlalesangweni, Communications Officer Mr. Mbonisi Bhembe to provide you with a more detailed response. Akube nakuwe Ngwane, in the meantime,” said the EBC Chairman in a message sent to the editor.

The EBC Chairman, a former Legal Advisor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini(CBE) has been very clear that, he subscribes to transparency and accountability and therefore, will respond to questions.