MBABANE: King Mswati’s agents are visiting various communities,indentifying loyalists who will stand for Tinkhundla elections.
Reached for comments,Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson said elections fall under the jurisdiction of the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC) hence they were better positioned to comment on this matter.
“We are not aware.Elections are an exclusivity of the Elections and Boundaries Commission.Kindly take it up with them.They are autonomous and no one responds on their behalf,” said the King’s Spokesperson.
Responding to our questions on the subject matter, Prince Mhlabuhlangene,the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC) said there was nothing wrong with people mobilizing to identify a candidate who would stand for elections.
“Even if this is done by political parties or supporters of the Monarchy, there’s nothing wrong with mobilizing for a candidate who will stand for elections.Maybe,we can come-in if there are allegations suggesting that they are bribing people for votes because votes are not for sale,” said the Chairman of the Elections Commission.
But a pro-democracy Member of Parliament(MP)who spoke to this Swaziland News said the royal agents normally visit strategic crowded places in communities and ask for known loyalists who supports the Monarchy.
“Bafike batibutise batsi ngubani lenimatiko lana lotsandza Bukhosi longasitwa awine lukhetfo(meaning: They normally ask for a person loyal to the King who could be assisted to win elections).Some Bucopho(Development Officers) have been approached to stand against MPs who are no longer wanted in Parliament,”said the MP whose name cannot be revealed for ethical reasons.
Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko,the Chairperson of the MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF)wondered if it was the right time to campaign and or identify candidates.
“The question would be; is it the right time to campaign or identify candidates?. I believe,the reason they are identifying the candidates is that they want to sponsor them.Let’s assume Tinkhundla is democratic,is it the right time? Secondly, as the Mass Democratic Movement(MDM),we believe the environment is not conducive not just for an election,but any activity. We need to sit down and agree how we can create a conducive environment, then we can speak about elections,” said the MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) Chairperson.
King Mswati is highly expected to dissolve Parliament in the next few months to give way for Parliamentary elections.
Swazis are only allowed to elect Members of Parliament(MPs), Constituency Headmen(Tindvuna tetiNkhundla) and Development Officers(Bucopho).
King Mswati.