By Zweli Martin Dlamini

LOBAMBA: Incarcerated pro-democracy Member of Parliament(MP) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza allegedly clashed with King Mswati after he influenced a vote of no confidence against the then sitting Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini.

It has been disclosed that in 2012,MP Bacede Mabuza allegedly lobbied MPs and subsequently passed the historic vote of no confidence against the then PM for switching-off the ONE gadgets distributed by the Telecoms company, the popular mobile gadgets were affordable and reduced communications costs for Swazis.

But shortly after the vote of no confidence, King Mswati refused to follow the Constitution and approve the dismissal of Barnabas.

Political tactics were then adopted by the regime to ensure that Bacede who was first elected as Hosea MP between 2008-2013 did not win elections during the 2013-2018 term.

Reached for comments, Sicelo Mngomezulu, the lawyer representing the incarcerated pro-democracy MPs confirmed that MP Bacede was dynamic and effective even in his first term.

“Yes, Bacede was very dynamic and effective even in his first term as an MP. He was instrumental in getting a Motion of no Confidence passed by Parliament on former Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini,which resulted in a Constitutional crisis, because the King did not act on the decision of Parliament, as required by the Constitution.This serves to demonstrate the limitations of the current Constitution, in that since the King is above the law, how can he then be bound by decisions taken in terms of the Constitution and what remedies are available to the citizenry in the event that he doesn't comply with Constitutional prescripts?”he said.

A questionnaire was sent to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

On another note, the lawyer said what happened in 2012 when the King overruled Parliament should be a lesson to those think they could change the system from within.

“This should also serve as a lesson to those who think they can change the Tinkhundla system from within Parliament. It’s a fallacy, the plight of my clients right now clearly demonstrates this.Swaziland needs a new Constitution,in terms of which the Monarch will merely serve a ceremonial role and nothing more,” said the lawyer.