By Zweli Martin Dlamini

LOBAMBA: Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, the newly appointed Prime Minister has promised to be loyal to King Mswati, his children and heirs.

Dlamini was appointed on Friday by King Mswati, an absolute Monarch with Executive, Judicial and Legislative powers at the time when banned political parties, the civil society and pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) are calling for democratic reforms.

“I,Cleopas Sipho Dlamini do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to King Mswati III, his heirs and successors according to law, so help me god” ,said the PM when sworn in by Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo in Parliament on Monday.

Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini was contacted by this publication on the matter, however, he had not shared a comment at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, the pro-democracy Hosea MP said swearing allegiance to the King instead of the Nation proves that the country was not democratic adding that such things would change in a democratic Swaziland.

“It proves that the country is not democratic when people holding such a public office are expected to be loyal to the King instead of the Nation. These are things we need change once we attain democracy, people holding  public offices must be loyal to Swazis not the King ,” said the Hosea MP.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, political parties are banned from participating in elections. The King appoints the Prime Minister from the ruling Dlamini clan, Ministers, a majority of Senators, Judges and all members of the various Governing Councils.