By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security who doubles as Matsanjeni North Member of Parliament(MP) has been reported to the police for illegally campaigning ahead of the Tinkhundla Primary Elections.

Reached for comments, highly regarded human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi said, the constitution empowers the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC) to oversee the elections but seemingly, the Commission is selective in its decisions.

“You will recall that former MPs Timothy Myeni and Esther Dlamini were disqualified by the same EBC but, now here is a Minister who is accused of campaigning, we are not seeing the EBC taking action. This then undermines the credibility of the elections and the principles of free and fair elections,” said the human rights lawyer.

A questionnaire was sent to Mbonisi Bhembe, the Elections Commission Spokesperson, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

On Wednesday, the Eswatini Observer reported that Nosipho Mnguni, the Deputy Police Spokesperson confirmed that the police were investigating a case of illegal campaign by a Minister but, the State owned publication did not reveal the identity of the Cabinet Minister.

As reported by this Swaziland News earlier, Buthelezi was attacked by his campaign cow and rushed to hospital a few weeks ago, the cow was to be slaughtered and be feasted by voters.

After recovering, the Minister allegedly intensified his illegal campaign in Chiefdoms such as Maphungwane under Matsanjeni North Inkhundla, Maphungwane is largest Chiefdom.

The Labour Minister had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments, former MP Nkululeko Mbhamali said, he was aware of the illegal campaign but declined to comment.

“I am aware of this illegal campaign but I don’t want to comment about it, kutawukhuluma livoti”, said the former Matsanjeni MP who is competing with the Minister.