LOBAMBA: Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo’s motion that seeks to force government to respond to the people’s petition on democratic reforms was blocked by Speaker Petros Mavimbela on Thursday.
The motion that further seeks to demand answers regarding Government’s failure to fulfil social obligations was to be seconded by pro-democracy Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni.
It was blocked at the time when government and King Mswati were urging those calling for democratic reforms to use proper channels, it appeared that the head of Parliament was long ordered to deal with anyone who raised a voice in demand for democratic reforms.
Addressing the MPs, Speaker in the House of Assembly Petros Mavimbela said he would have to analyse the motion and apply his mind first before it could be circulated in the House.
“I haven’t seen your motion Mhlonishwa. I will have to analyse it first and apply my mind before it could be circulated in the House”, said the Speaker.
But MP Khumalo clarified that it was not the first time he submitted a motion to the House and reminded the Speaker that motions were registered through the office of the Clerk to Parliament.
“It’s not the first time I submit a motion Mr Speaker, we normally do so through the office of the Clerk to Parliament, we have done it before. I did made a follow-up with the Clerk to ascertain if he informed the Speaker about the motion and he said yes. So Mr Speaker, as a responsible Legislator, I did my part, we submit motions to the Speaker through the office of the Clerk”,said the Lobamba Lomdzala MP.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is facing growing calls for democratic reforms, citizens are protesting demanding an end to King Mswati’s dictatorship.
Speaker in the House of Assembly Petros Mavimbela