POLL IRREGULARITIES GO TO COURT

Swazi Observer

7 October 2008

Ntfonjeni MP elect challenged in court

By Sabelo Mamba

NEWLY-elected Member of Parliament at Ntfonjeni Constituency Henry Dlamini is being challenged by aspiring MPs from six chiefdoms at the High Court.

They are Mphumelelo Ngwenya (Ntfonjeni), Henry Dlamini (Mshingishingini), Lomagiwa Magagula (Lomshiyo), Sithembiso Dlamini (Mvembili), Maqhawe Gama (Vusweni) and Mazubane Dlamini (Hhelehhele).

They are seeking an order declaring the secondary elections conducted at Ntfonjeni Constituency on September 19 null and void.

Ngwenya, in his affidavit, complains about the manner in which ballot boxes were handled after the voters had casted their votes.

He argues that the ballot box for the Vusweni Polling Station was not closed and sealed after the election process.

"It was only sealed in Pigg's Peak which is more than 25 km away," he argues.

"This violates the elections process in that, there is no transparency in that a lot could have happened whilst the box was being conveyed from Vusweni to Pigg's Peak, because it was not sealed.”

He further alleges that a total of 42 votes were not accounted for.

Ngwenya also says the ultimate winner before nomination could take place visited Mshingishingini Pentecostal Church where Henry Dlamini (second applicant) is a pastor.

"He asked (winner) the church committee to help him convey a message to church members to vote for him during the forthcoming elections and he paid E2 000. His agent, Sacolo, was sent to bribe the same church with an additional E2 000," he alleges.

Caleb Motsa is appearing for the applicants while S'dumo Mdladla is defending the newly-elected MP.

The matter will heard to tomorrow.

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