By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson has congratulated King Mswati, the Queen Mother and the entire eSwatini Nation for the successful Tinkhundla elections that were described as free and fair by the African Union(AU), the Southern African Development Community(SADC) among other Observers.

In a press statement sent to this Swaziland News on Tuesday, the Government Spokesperson described the whole process of the elections as historic.

“Government would like to congratulate His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and the entire Eswatini Nation for the successful election process that began with the registration phase, followed by nominations, primary elections and culminating in the secondary elections on Saturday, 29 September 2023.Government would like to commend emaSwati for exercising their universal and constitutional right to vote and be voted for in a peaceful and calm manner. This year, history was made as we witnessed a record-breaking 91% registration of the eligible population registering, something that remains a dream for many countries across the globe.These figures affirm what we have always been telling the world; that our Tinkhundla system of governance is a participatory democratic system, where each and every liSwati has a say in the kind of Government they envision”, he said through the statement.

 The Government Spokesperson then thanked diplomatic and development partners from various blocs and countries for their support in ensuring that the elections were a resounding success.

“We recognise the African Union, the European Union, the SADC Secretariat, the Commonwealth, the United States Embassy in Eswatini; and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Maputo for sending their elections observations missions to the country.

Government notes your reports that affirm that indeed our national elections were free, fair and peaceful and we want to assure you that this is how it has been ever since we held our very first Tinkhundla elections in 1978. We also note your recommendations, particularly on the importance of a dialogue and the fair representation of the youth and women in Parliament, which we also advocate for as a country. We look forward to the Sibaya national dialogue that has been called by His Majesty King Mswati III scheduled for Monday, 23 October 2023”, said the Government Spokesperson.