ELECTION DAY - WEEKEND OBSERVER

Weekend Observer

20 September 2008

(This file contains several reports from the election day)

RAIN COMES DOWN AS NATION VOTES
By Staff Reporters

The secondary elections were for a large part smoothly conducted yesterday, showing a marked improvement from the chaos of the primary elections.

At some areas, voting was over after three hours because the polling were scattered at each Inkhundla.

At most polling stations, there were no reports of disturbances. But a fight nearly broke out at Lobamba Lomdzala when supporters of Marwick Khumalo clashed with those of Lynette Charles. DJ Nice, who lost a court case against Marwick, was said to have thrown his weight behind Lynette Charles and was her agent.

At Zombodze Emuva, an impi of supporters of defeated Titus Thwala tried to stop the elections – but heavy army and police presence stopped them dead on their tracks.

At Dvokolwako, a snake was killed after it proceeded to vote against the wishes of the majority.

On the eve of Cabinet being dissolved and Bheki Dlamini taking over government operations – yesterday’s vote was a mixed bag of expectations, even from those who do not support the Tinkhundla system.

Even former Prime Minister Themba Dlamini had nothing but praise for the EBC for a job well done.

This morning at 8 o’clock counting will start at the various tinkhundla centres and for some it will be the beginning of their five-year parliament term whilst others are still going to contest the results in our courts.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46984&section=mainweek

Cobra snake ‘votes’ at Dvokolwako
By Calsile Masilela

A snake went to the polls yesterday. Although it tried hard to cast its vote at Dvokolwako polling station, the other voters cornered and killed it before it could vote.

The drama first unfolded on Thursday afternoon when Presiding Officer, Sotja Dlaminiu was at Dvokolwako High School to prepare for yesterday’s election. He had just parked his van when the snake came running, fleeing attackers who were chasing it. It got under a back wheel of Dlamini’s car and disappeared. The people who were chasing the one-metre cobra snake alerted Dlamini that there was a voter hiding in his car.

Efforts to make it get out of the car failed – and a worried Dlamini then drove to Manzini Fire Station plead with firemen to remind the snake that voting starts Friday (yesterday), not Thursday afternoon. The firemen sprayed the car with some substance and when the snake did not come out, they told Dlamini not to stress – saying the snake probably fell on the wayside from Dvokolwako to Manzini. “I left the fire station for Mbabane and filled up petrol for today’s journey to Dvokolwako,” Dlamini told our reporter. But he took the car and parked it at his workplace, because he had an uneasy feeling about parking at home.

Yesterday morning, he went to his workplace, took the car and drove to Dvokolwako. After he had parked the car at Dvokolwako to supervise the vote, the snake slithered out of the car and was killed by a Magagula voter. The Dvokolwako people said they are still wondering how the snake stayed for 17 hours in Dlamini and even survived the Manzini firemen’s muti.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46988&section=mainweek

No hiccups in Southern Hhohho
By Fanyana Mabuza

The secondary elections in the Southern Hhohho region proceeded well and recorded little or no drama at all.

In polling stations from Lobamba Lomdzala right up to Sigangeni no glitches were witnessed and the voters behaved so well that by the afternoon, most stations were seeing a trickle of voters, as most people had voted in the morning.

Polling officers stated that they opened from as early as 6pm, and by then queues had already formed with anxious voters itching to affix their crosses on their favourite candidates.

In other stations where a huge turnout of voters was witnessed, the officers decided to separate the people according to alphabetical order of surnames, and this did the trick as the process moved faster than usual.

From as early as 8 o'clock, voters had converged at Mahlanya Primary school, where the elections for the Lobamba Lomdzala constituency were held.

There were no hiccups recorded here and by the time the Weekend Observer crew left, people were happy with the proceedings, while the presence of foreign election observers was visible with their marked half-jackets.

They refused to comment though, saying a summary statement would be released after the whole process was through.

At Lobamba, posters belonging to one of the candidates beseeching people to vote for him was seen, and when this anomaly was reported to the presiding officer, he stated that this was wrong and quickly dispatched a police officer to remove the poster and tear it up.

The poster was hanging on one of the rooms next to the main polling hall, emahhulumba.

At Ezulwini polling station, a young woman was also spotted wearing a T-shirt with the message Khetsa Make (Vote for a woman).

This was quickly reported to the EBC's Ncumbi Maziya who was the returning officer here, and he also stated that this was wrong and dispatched a police officer to remove the young woman from the line. The officer briefly interviewed her, and she was later seen marching away from the line.

When interviewed by this newspaper, she stated that she was not aware that wearing such a t-shirt was against the rules. She mentioned that she had chosen it as it matched well with her jeans.

"In fact, such T-shirts came with my mother from her work place. I just selected it today since I found it matched well with my jeans. I was completely unaware that it was wrong wearing it here today.”

According to the election rules, campaigning of any kind ended on Thursday.

At Mbabane Central High school polling station posters of the candidates were seen emblazoned on the school walls.

When this anomaly was highlighted to the presiding officer, Prince Nhlanhla, he washed his hands off the matter, saying this would have offended the election rules had the posters been pasted inside the hall where the voting took place.

"This is outside our jurisdiction. The community police and the candidates themselves should have removed the posters. We are only concerned with what goes on inside the voting hall, and nothing more," the prince said. All went well in other stations like Sigangeni, Luhlendlweni, Motshane, and other stations under this region. The results of the secondary elections are expected this morning, if all goes according to plan.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46989&section=mainweek

All quiet on the eastern front
By Ackel Zwane

KaLanga polling station stood out with a major turnout of voters in the entire Lubombo region yesterday.

The secondary election was earlier on marred by controversies but international observers from the Commonwealth and the Southern African Development Community, among others.

Presiding Officer Boy Sihlongonyane said by 7a.m the crowd could not be contained but thanks to the police presence who had to control the entrance of voters by groups of 10. Commonwealth Observer Rajith Tennakoon from Sri Lanka declared that he had not seen any activity out of the ordinary.

KaShoba Presiding Officer Victus Hlophe also reported calm in his domain and by the afternoon voters were coming in small numbers.

Africa Hadebe, Returning Officer in the same area was all smiles as opposed to the pandemonium that ensued in the primary elections.

Thabane Dlamini and kaNdzangu was bored stiff with the slow movement in the afternoon after a large crowd earlier in the day.

Again in this area, there were no reports of disturbances.

Daniel Shongwe, Presiding Officer in Maphungwane reported that international observers also visited his polling station and witnessed calm proceedings. The election process here started at 7a.m.

At Sitsatsaweni, Presiding Officer Jimson Mahlalela said by midday, he had registered more than half of those who voted during the primary, being over 300, by the end the day he was expecting not less than 500.

Dudu Hlophe, presiding at Tikhuba, received SADC observers after registering a high turnout.

She content with the conduct of voters by saying she had expected 1116 registered and 600 had voted and more were still coming by 4p.m yesterday.

Robert Motsa at Mambane echoed similar sentiments.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46991&section=mainweek

Long queues eliminated
By Timothy Simelane

Election officers managed to beat the long queues at the polling stations, subsequently finishing their jobs much earlier that the stipulated closing time.

The Election and Boundaries Commission had stated that voting would begin at 7a.m and end at 6p.m.

However, by 3p.m, voters were coming in drips and draps in most voting stations.

Ephraem Zikakala, the presiding officer at Nkhaba, said three queues were formed for voters. This was a departure to the one queue formed during the primary elections.

"We had no incidents, and queues were eliminated. We also appreciate that the EBC gave us more staff this time, which enabled us to bring the queues to a minimal."

By 3pm, voters were coming in small numbers and election officers were lying idle. If it was not for the stipulated closing time, the officers said they would have left much earlier. Zikalala said observers were also impressed with the smooth flow of the elections.

One of the candidates, Shainah Maseko, said she was also pleased with the manner the queues were handled. She said transport problems forced some candidates to use own means to bring voters to the polling station.

"People should vote for women because men have failed to bring change to society," she said. Maseko had beaten former MP Thulani Dlamini hands down during the primary elections.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46992&section=mainweek

Voting by candlelight at Sandleni
By Mfanyana Magongo

Voters at Ka-Lomfa and Ngololweni Imiphakatsi under Sandleni Inkhundla were yesterday afternoon forced to use candles to vote, following a power blackout.

Lights went out at Ngololweni High School where voters had to cast their votes.

The blackout was caused by thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The blackout did not have much effect because many people had voted by then. Polling officers lit candles for the remaining few people to cast their vote.

The Elections and Boundaries Committee vice chairman Mzwandile Fakudze when called about the matters yesterday stressed that the power blackout did not pose any threat to the voting process.

Fakudze highlighted that there were no electronic materials that required the use of power.

“The elections according to all reports received reflected that everything went as planned. There are no incidents of misconduct reported so far. On the issue of electricity blackout, it didn’t have any negative impact in the whole process.

The voting process continued smoothly without the use of electricity. On the whole, we are impressed that everything went well,” said Fakudze.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46994&section=mainweek

Gundwane confident of victory
By Mfanyana Magongo

Former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament, Gundwane Gamedze is upbeat the people will send him to the Honourable House for the third consecutive time.

Gamedze, speaking yesterday at Madlenya polling station, stressed that the latest awards presented to him by His Majesty for his outstanding work for his people has been a plus factor during the campaign to parliament.

He highlighted that community members have demonstrated confidence in his capabilities, hence increased the chances to win in the National Secondary Elections.

“I have the strongest feeling that feeling that I may return to the House.

“I am very aware of the tight competition posed by the rest of the nine candidates from the various chiefdoms, but I am still confident that I will make it even this time around.

“This is, however, to say that I undermine the capabilities of the rest of the competitors.

“The way to parliament is no longer full of roses but very challenging.

“Nowadays people are wise and they know what they want, hence you can hardly make empty promises to them,” he stated confidently.

He nonetheless assured that he was ready to support any of the candidates to emerge as the eventual winner in the race.

“I will support whosoever wins in this year’s elections.

“The winner will come back and work hand in hand with the community members for the betterment of the area as a whole and the nation,” he mentions.

He further stressed that given the chance to represent Siphofaneni in parliament for the next five years; he will work together with the people to fulfill what they believe is their priority.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46995&section=mainweek

E50 for a vote
By Bheki Gama

Voters who arrived early to queue at Hillside High School polling station went home with bulging pockets.

This was after a Manzini-based charismatic Bishop, Dr. Nash Shongwe, had allegedly dished out E50 notes to those who promised to vote for his son, Bongani Shongwe.

The leader of the Divine Healing Ministries, which has a huge number of followers, has been the chief campaigner for the young man who was hoping for a seat in the next parliament.

A group of women from Kakhoza said they raised a few hundred Emalangeni each after tricking the philanthropist by sending relatives and friends to claim the money using their voting identity cards.

The man of the cloth was watching the distribution exercise a few metres away where he was welcoming arriving voters. Two hired young men were too busy dealing with extended hands to notice the quickly hatched plot to defraud him.

A lady proudly brandished three notes a while later. When asked whether or not she had voted for the ‘right’ man, she answered to the affirmative and admitted that the generosity of the church leader was the main motivator. In response, the Bishop said he had been informed about the allegations earlier in the day. “Someone called me to say he had just heard that I was offering voters E50 notes,” he said, mentioning that the caller said he was aboard a bus.

He mentioned that there were observers and police at the particular polling station who could have arrested him if he contravened the law. He added that the news might have been sparked by those who saw him giving E150 to one of his son’s campaign assistants who wanted to fill fuel in his son’s car.

Organ for

peace, security

An elections observer and Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security has urged those calling for political changes not to give up.

However, Tanki Mothae advised the progressive movement to respect structures like the country’s constitution when advancing their arguments. He also said whatever is in their agenda should be tabled in a manner that is sensitive to acceptable norms.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46996&section=mainweek

LaMgabhi polling station switched, candidates see red
By Njabulo Dlamini

LaMgabhi candidates including former MP Ntuthuko Dlamini saw red when the polling station was changed at the last minute.

The switching of venue did not go down well with the parliament candidates who noted that such had greatly inconvenienced their supporters.

"I had to fill up two times since I had to use my own transport to take supporters to the polling station.

“This is despite that we had agreed with Returning Officer Polycarp Dlamini of the venue for the elections.

"It was not until Thursday when he informed us that the venue had been changed such that voters would be at their respective chiefdoms. I'm totally disappointed with such poor organisation," he said, adding the voters indeed turned up at the agreed central location (Nyandza High School).

He said they had met with the Returning Officer, other MP candidates as well as those standing for the post of Constituency Headman.

In all there were 12 candidates at the said meeting.

For the last three elections (since 1993) voting was done at Nyandza High School, which is a central location for the six chiefs under LaMgabhi constituency according to Ntuthuko.

Another concern he highlighted was that people tend to disregard whatever they were told by the candidates, listening instead to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

"I think the EBC should have consulted Robert Thwala (former Chief Electoral Officer) on how to run the elections," he said.

In response Dlamini (Polycarp) confirmed they had agreed on the venue with the candidates on the Saturday meeting.

"I drafted an announcement that was to run on air about the central location which had been agreed upon between us. However, the EBC would have none of it and ordered that instead the various chiefdoms under the constituency be used.

"But the EBC mitigated the inconvenience that would have been suffered by the residents as kombis were arranged to transport the voters from Nyandza High School, where a majority of residents went to, and to the different chiefdoms," the Returning Officer said.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46997&section=mainweek

Some candidates not happy with multiple polling stations
By Hlengiwe Ndlovu

Fears of vote rigging and other forms of malpractice and sabotage in this year's elections have been fuelled by the staging of elections at umphakatsi (chiefdom) polling stations in some areas.

In past years, it has been a norm that secondary elections were held at the Inkhundla centres, but this year some constituencies including Lubulini, Somntongo and Matsanjeni held their elections at polling stations in their chiefdoms.

Interviewed candidates, who preferred to comment on condition of anonymity, raised their fears with the fact that some votes may go missing as it is not possible for both candidates and agents to monitor all the polling stations at the same time.

One of the interviewed candidates in the Lubulini constituency said:. "It would have been better if the whole elections process was held in the same polling station, it would have been easier for one to monitor and be satisfied with the whole process," he said. But interviewed presiding officers shared completely different sentiments on this concern, saying that if anything, chances of rigging were zeroed down now that the elections were held at the umphakatsi level.

Elphas Shiba, polling officer at the Somntongo Inkhundla, categorically stated that the people themselves had requested that elections be staged closer to their home areas.

He said the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) had acted on that consideration, coupled with the people's pleas for the voting process to be brought closer to their vicinities.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with the separation of polling stations. The process has been made simpler instead because now the voters can easily access their polling stations," he said.

Nature Shabangu, the presiding officer at Matsanjeni constituency, when interviewed on this concern, also predicted that there would be no cases of rigging.

Shabangu said this is because throughout the voting process, the candidates themselves and their agents (bogalajane) were allowed inside the polling stations to satisfy themselves that the process went well.

Moreover, he added that it is ensured that with the sealing and locking away of votes, both agents and candidates are also present to confirm that no foul play occurs during the process

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=47000&section=mainweek

Nine voters turned back
By Sabelo Mamba

Nine people, who wanted to vote at Mafutseni Constituency were yesterday turned back because their names did not appear on the voter's roll despite having registered.

The constituency's Presiding Officer, Sabelo Nhlengethwa, said the nine voters were those who registered next to their work stations, but could not proceed to their Umphakatsi or Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to secure confirmation letters.

Nhlangethwa said such failure to secure the letters attributed to their names not appearing in the voters.

"We are aware that these people are residents of Mafutseni Constituency, but the law requires that we must disqualify them," he explained. At the time the Weekend Observer arrived at the polling station, the nine people had already left without casting votes.

Nhlengethwa said other short-comings were that some residents lost their voter's card, hence they had to provide them with temporal voter's card "so long their names appear on the voter's roll."

He said, in overall, the voting process went smoothly under the constituency. The candidates for the Member of Parliament position are lawyer Clement Simelane, Joseph Madonsela, Ntandoza Malinga, Austin Mathunjwa and Simon Mtsetfwa.

Nhlengethwa said voting was supposed to be closed at 6 p.m and counting done at 8 a.m this morning.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=47001&section=mainweek

Candidates fetch voters from home
By Nelsiwe Ndlangamandla

Hlane Candidates took it upon themselves to fetch voters from their homes to the polling stations.

Most of them were not found on the stations and they were reported to be out scouting for voters.

The only candidate found on the station, Mduduzi Magagula, who was making calls arranging transport, said he was in a hurry to fetch voters. He said Hlane had no transport so it was upon them to make sure people get to the polling stations. “As you can see everyone running for this position is not here, we have to find transport and bring people here.” Cars were hired to transport people from the area to the polling stations. Despite the shortage of transport the presiding officer, Sam Tsabedze, said people were at the polling station as early as 7am.

He said they found five people at the station who were eager to choose their rightful candidate. Tsabedze stated that they started operations at around 7:30am. This area had a fairly high number of votes and people were seen on the roads heading for the polling station. Police officers made sure that no one enters the polling station unless they had come to vote. The winningcandidate will replace the late Mandlenkosi Dlamini who did not make it to the secondary elections.

The candidates for Hlane are Dlamini Africa, Magagula Mduduzi, Mngomezulu Charles and Ntshalintshali Alfred. Meanwhile, in Mhlume Inkhundla, there was slow voting. People were coming to the polling station in few numbers. They were also brought by kombis to vote. The presiding officer, who did not want to give her name, stated that even though the voting was slow they encountered no problems.

“As the day grows, we have seen a rise in the number of people who come to vote.” she said.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=47002&section=mainweek

Mliba elections turnover impressive
By Calsile Masilela

A huge voter turn-out was again witnessed at Mkhiweni to determine who becomes Member of Parliament and Indvuna Yenkhundla.

Candidates for MP are Gideon Dlamini, Rodgers Mamba and Zamokuhle Dlamini. The polling stations where the three aspiring Members of Parliament came from are Ekutsimuleni, Mliba and Mbelebeleni. People were transported from their places to the polling stations and back home because the polling centres were far away from the homesteads.

Both Kutsimuleni and Mliba polling stations were packed to no capacity. It was noticed that this time around the voting process was faster than during the primary elections. The candidates were moving from one poll to another monitoring the progress. Also noticed was that there were more officers this time making it a bit faster for the residents. At Mliba, the elderly people were given first preference to voting, rather than standing in long queues. The presiding officer at Mliba police station Phuza Mabuza stated that the there were over 3 000 people who registered for the elections. He mentioned that everything was well and organised.

Maseko stated that the exercise was now better understood and that was why the process was a bit faster. He mentioned that they were expecting to finish the same day and start preparing to count the votes today at Mkhiweni Inkhundla together with all the other officers from the three polling stations, including Mliba.

Link http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=47004&section=mainweek

SWAZI EBC MUST BE INDEPENDENT

Times of Swaziland

16 September 2008

Comment

EBC must be independent!

By Mbho Shongwe

Is it benefiting the elections proc-ess when the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), faced by problems always, tries to hide be hind the name of the king?

The elections should be about the people and not the king.

What does the constitution say about the EBC? Clause 90(1) says, "There shall be an independent authority styled the Elections and Boundaries Commission ...". Where is the independence when EBC keeps on dragging the name of the king any time they come out with problems in its operations? Clause 90(2) says "The members of the commission shall be appointed by the king on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission". Is the composition of EBC the product of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), itself not constitutionally constituted? Any person still in doubt must read clause 159(2) of the constitution and further refer to Industrial Court judgements.

Why is the Law Society of Swaziland mum about this irregularity? Where are the learned friends of this noble profession hiding, because the ball is in their court? Let us look at the quality of the EBC.

Clause 90(6) says "The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and the other members of the commission shall possess the qualification of a Judge of the Superior Courts or be person of high moral character, proven integrity, relevant experience and demonstrate competence in the conduct of public affairs". This is a pregnant sentence indeed, but shows that the person should not be holding a public office at the time of appointment as stated in clause 90(3c).

The previous position(s) of this person must speak volumes of his/her reputability beyond disputes. What is the significance and importance of the sequence of the sentence in clause 90(6) ? What would have happened if it started with "The person ... or the qualifications of a Judge" ? How does one acquire high moral character and have proven integrity and relevant experience without a qualification ? These items can only be obtained by first having a qualification. Relevance here refers to elections and boundaries issues.

The power and quality referred to in clause 90(6) "Shall possess the qualifications of a Judge ..." shows that these individuals would be people who may be trained as attorneys or advocates or some legal training. It must be understood that it is not all people who qualify to be judges are also reputable. Therefore, the constitution should have mentioned the other qualifications to avoid linking the rest of the sentence to the qualification of a judge. The constitution is never meant to confuse the nation, but help clear any doubt.

Clause 90(7) tabulates the functions of the EBC. Of interest is clause 90(7a) which says "Oversee and supervise the registration of voters and ensure free and fair elections at primary, secondary or other level".

The registration process and primary elections cannot be said to have gone well, hence were never free and fair. Clause 90(7b) says "Facilitate civil or voter education as may be necessary in between elections".

Many people in both the urban and rural areas still do not understand the purpose of the elections, thus associate elections with employment, what a pity and shame.

Clause 90(13) says "In the exercise of its functions under this constitution, the commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority".

On numerous occasions, EBC has shown that it depends on instructions and powers from some authority, hence no regard with the constitutional power bestowed on it by the constitution. Then, can it be said that EBC is capable to prepare and run a free and fair elections? The challenges that are before the High Court are speaking volumes of the mess created by stupid ill preparedness on the side of EBC. In addition, the rumour that EBC should move from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to the King’s Office is creating another problem and confusion, thus putting pressure into the door of the king.

Besides, clause 90(14) says "There shall be a secretariat of the commission provided by the ministry responsible for elections". Or is this true that the constitution only works on paper and have no effect and force in the operations, especially of the EBC? Furthermore, what could be said of the Estimates for the years from April 1, 2008 to March 31 2011 which depicts the unknown role of EBC?

EBC is appearing under Head 44 which says "To promote public confidence in the conduct and management of the electoral processes" and "Administration of constitutional affairs and running of national elections". This Head has two activities, 11 Elections and Boundaries Commisson and 12 Constitutional Affairs. According to this arrangement, EBC is in charge of the Commission and the Constitutional Affairs - the constitution. This is further compounded by the confusion in the EBC operations.

Is it the question of having the cake and eating it? However, the elections are drawing near the close and have many interesting things, worthy noting.

Those elected are supposed to represent their physical area and community. One will soon learn that some of the elected, in fact, do not represent the above but themselves and their interests.

The problem originated from the registration process where there was no water tight procedure. The local runners tried their best but had limitations and shortcomings. The protection of the registration books could not be checked at the start and end of the day’s registration, hence many things could happen after work.

There was no verification of the registration process. Some of the would be candidates used this window to register voters who did not belong and or reside in the community. Another way was the registration in other communities and requesting for transfer and the checking there had a layer of grey areas, thus having a number of voters who are, in fact, not belonging and or residing in the community. Some of these wrong registrations started in the local government elections conducted in 2007 and now has spread to the national elections. There are those who claim belonging to the community by showing graves of their grand-grand parents, dwelling ruins, khontaed, pitched up mobile zozos, tents, you name it for the purposes of the elections. One should not be surprised this time around to find the elected Bucopho, Tindvuna Tetinkhundla and members of parliament who do not belong and reside in these Tinkhundla they represent.

What could be said of those who reside in that community due to employment conditions? What happens when he/she is transfered or fired yet was elected into these positions? It must be understood that Bucopho is a springboard of development initiatives of the community. An initiator, stimulator and visionary of development goals. In addition, Bucopho is a team builder who is always with the community, thus establishing sub committees to address special needs of the community. However, some would be candidates were rejected at the nomination because did not have and or produce the relevant papers. Others were accepted eventhough did not have the necessary documentation.

There are those who did not reveal that there were employed by government, parastatal or an organisation subvented from the Consolidated Funds. Others simply registered by using different names and that they were running business. By the way, how many civil servants and teachers employed by government are running businesses? What does the constitution say about people working for government concerning running for the national elections ? This unfortunately is only referring to the disqualifications for members of parliament. Clause 97(1c) of the constitution, says ‘Is a member of the armed forces of Swaziland or is holding or acting in any public office and has not been granted leave of absence for the duration of Parliament’. This means that these people cannot be nominated for Member of Parliament unless they have been granted the said leave of absence.

Who grants them this leave, supervisor or employer? The constitution has failed to clarify this and one can depend on Common Law, thus suggesting that issues and condititions of employment are handled by the employer. In our case in Swaziland, teachers are employed by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and civil servants and some public officers are employed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Other public officers are found in parastatals and or government owned companies, agents or where it has shares. Clause 97(1g) says "Is a party to, or is a partner in, a firm or a director or manager, of a company which is a party to any subsisting govrnment contract and has not made the required disclosure of", the contract, interest of person and company.

These people must also have the tax clearance from the Commissioner of Taxes. Any person still in doubt about the meaning of public office must read clause 254 of the constitution together with the Interpretation clause 261 ‘public office’, ‘public officer’ and ‘public service’.

Some of those still in the race were illegally nominated because did not have the necessary documentation, these include the cabinet ministers. By the way, soldiers, police officers, cabinet ministers, bishops, pastors, reverands, students, Tinyanga, Babholofindi, etc got nominated this time around.

What will happen to those granted leave, but did not make it in the nomination and primary elections? What about those who will fail to make it in the secondary elections? Let us all wait for the genuineness of the granted leave of absence for five years. Swaziland is heading for interesting and traumatic times.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/Feature/1431.html

DIRTY RACE TO SWAZI PARLY

Weekend Observer

16 August 2008

Race to Parly even dirtier

By Bheki Gama

A former Member of Parliament for one of the two constituencies making the Mbabane Municipal City is accused of plotting and executive daring schemes to be re-elected back into the august House.

The ex-legislator has employed young men and women who comb the entire constituency coercing registered people to vote for their employer.

Each pair carries a register where those who agree to vote for the former legislator have their names and voter ID PIN listed.

The Weekend Observer has it on record that several residents in one of the major slums bordering the capital city have been approached at least once and persuaded to register.

The young men meet their employee at least every Friday where they deliver reports and get paid. Members of the community are told that if they register the former MP will pay and assist them with their needs. It was said that the ex-MP distributes several thousands each week through her ‘employees’ who are required to share it with those they were able to recruit.

However, many of those who registered have complained that they have not had a cent from the former MP ever since they registered, and are not happy to see the ‘recruiting officers’ behaving like millionaires in local bars each Friday when they have nothing to show.

One of young women employed by the cunning former legislator was allegedly arrested by Mbabane police after she tried to register a woman working for a locally-based health facility. A senior police officer identified as Sihlongonyane (CID) is said to be the one responsible for the case.

Sihlongonyane allegedly took away the register used by the woman as evidence. However, the Assistant Police Public Relations Officer Stephen Dlamini said the officer refuted any knowledge of the case when ask to confirm it last night.

The Weekend Observer had been informed by a senior police officer that he was aware of the matter and revealed that Sihlongonyane was responsible for investigating it further.

Meanwhile, the same former MP is accused of trying to amass votes using a football tournament named after the ex-legislator’s name. The knock-out tournament launched and started last month, on the eve of the nominations.

Officials of the tournament said it was designed to end with the finals on September 1.

However, one of the officials said there was noise over the games in that several other parliamentarian hopefuls have since registered their displeasure, accusing the ex-MP of using tactics to have an unfair advantage over them. He added however, that the MP’s tourney will be played this afternoon at a local football ground.

When asked about the allegations the former MP denied this through a male companion, who said it was all lies designed to tarnish the ex-MP’s name and therefore get him/her out of the race to parliament.

http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=46185&section=mainweek