Monday, September 15, 2008

'ILLITERATE JIBE' GOES TO COURT

Swazi Observer


12 September 2008


Lecturer allegedly tells voters competitor is illiterate

LECTURER at University of Swaziland, Mbabane Campus Dr. Mildred Mkhabela, who won the primary elections at Mbangweni Umphakatsi in Shiselweni, is being challenged at the High Court following allegations that she publicly described her competitor as an illiterate person.

Sipheshula Solomon Mthethwa,in court papers, says Dr. Mkhabela and Themba Dlamini prior to the primary elections were going around the homesteads and business areas informing voters he had been excluded from the list of candidates for the position of MP "because of my lack of education."

Mthethwa alleged that the voters were informed that government had taken a stand that he should be eliminated from the race "because I would not be able to cope with Parliamentary business as I could not understand the English used by parliament when conducting its business."

He says he received the information from three voters during the primary elections on August 23, 2008.

As a result, Mthethwa is seeking an order declaring the primary elections at Mbangweni under Shiselweni Two constituency null and void.

He says other than de-campaigning him, Dr. Mkhabela would also give voters E50 each as a way of soliciting votes for her.

Mthethwa has attached confirmatory affidavits of Dumsani Mkhonta, Sandile Khumalo and Siphiwe Mlotshwa.

Mthethwa is being represented by Bongani Dlamini.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission has filed opposing papers.

The case will be heard today.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/main.php?id=46807&section=main

No comments: