MBABANE: Prince Mhlabuhlangene,the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC) says criticizing Government is allowed in eSwatini but not King Mswati or the institution of the Monarchy.
King Mswati rules eSwatini as an absolute Monarch with Executive, Judicial and Legislative powers, political parties are banned from participating in elections.
Speaking at the Pigg’s Peak Hotel on Monday during a meeting with Chiefs, the Prince warned those who normally utter sentiments calling for the fall of the King that they were committing treason.
“You can criticize the Government the way you want but not the institution of the Monarchy or the King. Sentiments such as ‘King Mswati must fall\' are treasonous and demonstrate that the person is fighting with the status quo,” he said.
The Elections Commission Chairman said people must stop hiding in the name of fighting for democracy while committing treason.
Reached for comments, Mlungisi Makhanya,the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) said the EBC Chairman was clueless, he consistently maintained that Mswati would eventually fall.
“The Chairman of the EBC is completely clueless and doesn't know what he is talking about. We are however, not surprised because we know that he is not occupying that position on merit but purely on the basis of royal patronage.Here are the facts; there’s is nothing illegal or unlawful in criticizing the King including uttering the statement that says Mswati must fall. In actual fact,when we utter the agitational statement that Mswati must fall, for us it is not just rhetoric, it is a commitment to something that we are dedicated in ensuring that it happens.Indeed, Mswati will fall,” said the PUDEMO President.
King Mswati(pic: int).