By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini must initiate pre-dialogue preparations before the scheduled September 2023 elections.

This is contained in the United States(US)Congress resolution tabled last week by Senator Christopher Coons,the Chairperson of the US Congress on Foreign Relations.

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

The resolution is expected to be debated and adopted by the US Congress Senate and soon thereafter, a decision on eSwatini would be taken.

“Expeditiously initiate pre-dialogue preparations and announce a firm date by which a credible,inclusive dialogue on constitutional and political reform will begin starting prior to scheduled September 2023 elections.Engage in good faith in a credible,inclusive national dialogue to address long-standing demands for democratic reforms.Staff and empower a full complement of Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability(CHRPA)human rights investigation staff, install an appointed Commissioner,make CHRPA fully independent from the Ministry of Justice and other government interference in line with commitments to treaty conventions and the Paris Principle,and take action to address CHRPA’s recommendations,” reads the resolution in part.