By Mduduzi Hlophe

MBABANE: Alec Lushaba, the editor of the State owned Swazi Observer said the conduct of the three Members of Parliament(MPs) who are calling for democratic reforms amounts to treason, he wants them arrested and charged as a matter of urgency for what he described as challenging the King's powers.

The three MPs who are calling for democratic reforms  are Mduduzi 'Magawugawu' Simelane(Siphofaneni), Mthandeni Dube(Ngwempisi) and Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza from Hosea.

In an article published on Monday, the editor alleged that the calls for democratic reforms particularly the issue of an elected Prime Minister appeared to their preference not the Nation.

"From where I stand, I find their conduct to be inconsistent with the Constitution which they are enjoined to uphold at all times and have now placed themselves in danger of being charged with treason.The issue of an elected prime minister at this stage appears to be their preference and not necessarily a call from the wider populace. The meeting in Hosea over the weekend was more about justifying themselves about their stance, than one where the constituency was directing them what to do. Constituencies know how such calls are made. It does not just become an agenda at inkhundla, where the MP given the size of his or her pocket becomes king, but discussed at umphakatsi level. At umphakatsi is a chief seat, who according to Swati law and custom is foot-stool of the King’s reign.In fact, other than the people expressing themselves through their elected MPs, the chief also has the obligation to communicate the same message to the King to confirm that indeed such a call is coming from the people on the ground.The notion that the King does not act in the Nation’s best interest is void of truth. In fact, if it was the case, we wouldn’t have a country known as Eswatini had our King’s acted to serve their personally interest. The narrative that the people’s best interests are served well when they have elected their own prime minister is not entirely true" said the editor in the article.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is facing growing calls for democratic reforms from both inside and outside the Tinkhundla system of Governance that was widely criticised internationally as undemocratic, in eSwatini, political parties are banned from participating in elections.

As the calls for democratic reforms intensify, Princess Sikhanyiso, the Information Minister allegedly summoned editors into a private meeting last week at Hilton Hotel where they ordered to defend the country. As a result, State controlled journalist have gone all out to attack pro-democracy activists including MPs who are advocating for democratic change.