MBABANE:Thulani Rudolf Maseko, the Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum says there is no way elections could be held next year under the current political situation without the involvement of political parties.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Thursday, the human rights lawyer said they were aware that King Mswati was trying to divert focus from the political dialogue to elections but clarified that there was no way elections could be held under the current situation.
“Possibly, depending on the agreement of the dialogue, we may need to agree that the 2023 elections be postponed to allow the process a chance. We need elections that would be meaningful and multi-party based, any other election would be a waste of time,”said the Multi-Stakeholder Forum Chairperson.
On another note, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo when responding to a questionnaire from this Swaziland News on Thursday said Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini would, in due course, brief the Nation regarding new developments with regards to the anticipated national dialogue.
“Government,through His Excellency the Prime Minister,Cleopas Dlamini, will in due course,brief the nation on any new developments in regard to the anticipated national dialogue and related matters in and around the dialogue”,said the Government Spokesperson.
It has been disclosed that the Southern African Development Community(SADC)presented a report to the King and his Government recommending the establishment of a Multi-Stakeholder National Dialogue Committee that would work with SADC in facilitating the political dialogue.
Multi-Stakeholder Chairperson(2nd from left) Thulani Maseko says national elections might be postponed.