NNCL FAILS TO GET MPS ELECTED

Swazi Observer

26 September 2008

No NNLC members elected into parliament

By Timothy Simelane

NONE of Ngwane National Liberation Congress (NNLC) members have been elected to parliament, the political party has said.

Chairperson of the NNLC Women’s League Ntombi Nkosi, who also sits in the Executive Committee, says a decision was taken by the party that members would not take part in the elections.

This despite that in the past parliament, the party’s former President Obed Dlamini was a member of parliament elected under the Nhlambeni Inkhundla. Dlamini is also a former Prime Minister.

Nkosi said in the previous parliament, there was no definitive decision on whether the party would take part in the elections. “This time we, as members of the Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF), took a decision not to participate in the elections because we do not endorse the system by which the elections are held,” she said.

The NNLC is one of political parties which met election observers and registered concern that their will is to participate in the election only as a political party. However, one political party, Sive Siyinqaba Sibahle Sinje participated in the elections and further said they were free and fair. Some members of Sive were elected to parliament.

...party calls big meet tomorrow

The NNLC has called an extraordinary meeting for members to a venue to be announced tomorrow at 10 am.

Nkosi said there were important issues to be ironed out in the meeting.

She said the venue would be confirmed today. “People who have interest in the organisation are also invited. We will also have a braai to raise funds for the organisation.” She emphasised that members from the Manzini region should attend without fail.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/main.php?id=47183&section=main

KING URGED TO ACT ON ELECTION

Times of Swaziland

31 July 2008

NNLC’s petition to king

By ARTHUR MORDAUNT

MBABANE – The Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) will today deliver a petition to the King’s Office protesting the forthcoming elections.

The petition follows failure by government through the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ministry to act on an earlier petition the political movement had sent to the ministry. In it, they had outlined several concerns regarding the electoral process in the country.

One such issue was allowing political parties to contest Parliamentary seats. This could be done, they suggested, through enacting an enabling legislation that would allow political formations to be active players in the Swazi political landscape. They further suggested that the elections should be postponed pending the enactment of the law.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has already announced the election date. Currently, although the national constitution allows freedom of assembly, political parties are still banned. People are only elected into Parliament through individual merit.

The NNLC has also written a letter to the Prime Minister, Themba Dlamini, informing him of their decision to see the king.

"The NNLC made a petition to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs dated April 11, 2008 and we never got any recognition or reply on the issues up to today. Instead of concentrating on the 40/40 celebration, please inform His Majesty that the NNLC shall be delivering a petition to him as head of state on July 31, 2008 at the King’s Office given your government to engage and address us," the letter states.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/275.html

BOYCOTT OF ELECTION 'SUICIDAL'

Swazi Observer

16 June 2008

'Boycotting elections can be suicidal'

By Njabulo Dlamini

AS the call to boycott elections intensified at the Royal Swazi Sun Convention Centre auditorium, progressive formations were asked to advance an alternative.

This came in light of the fact that over the years, new governments have come and gone - despite the calls to boycott the elections.

Thuli Makama asked the question.

The parties were unanimous that they could not 'legitimise the illegitimate' - except Africa United Democratic Party (AUDP), which is against the boycott.

The AUDP insisted registering and voting in the elections would ensure a unified government is created that would be in a position to make and amend laws, even the constitution where necessary.

AUDP's Sibusiso Dlamini even termed a boycott as 'suicidal'- a route they were not prepared to undertake since they would be denying themselves a basic right of influencing and changing policies and laws.

But he was booed for his comments.

The NNLC, PUDEMO and Inhlava all described participating in the elections as committing fraud - saying it would only serve to prolong the Tinkhundla system.

"People live in poverty and we need to provide leadership and guidance," said Thami Hlatshwayo of the NNLC.

Siphasha Dlamini, PUDEMO Secretary General, said participating would be tantamount to betraying 'our own conscience' and 'legitimising the illegitimate'.

"Change will finally be realised no matter how long it might take. We only need a round table where Swazis could decide their future, especially the poor and marginalised".

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/main.php?id=44630&section=main