ELECTION TIME; BOYCOTT OR NOT?

Maybe one should be honest and say that one has never seen as beneficial the idea of boycotting the various political exercises in Eswatini, as from the vuselas led by Prince Guduza to the constitutional review committee that was led by Prince David.

I think it was a lost opportunity, particularly in the formation of the Constitution. The progressives’ contribution was lost to the nation simply because there was a strong feeling that they would not have made a meaningful difference but would have only served to authenticate a flawed and predetermined Constitution. His Majesty the King was surrounded by very wise emaSwati who could anticipate the future. The quality of men, like Mario Masuku, and Zombodze Magagula, to mention a few, whom were invited to participate but boycotted, showed us the wisdom in our leadership of the time. The country owes a great debt to Prince David for producing one of the best constitutions under those circumstances. He was attacked by the royalists and progressives alike, and we are told he had to be briefly admitted to a hospital for stress-related conditions. I can only imagine what would have happened to him if progressives had not boycotted.

Our Parliament has been accused of having a poor quality leadership year after year because, I would suppose, the political activists with greater progressive national and political aspirations shunned Parliament. They have continued the narrative that real political change from within does not work. Thus, it is alleged that the whole process of elections has been left to emaSwati simply seeking ‘easy’ employment for five years and possibly 10 years. If these employment-seeking individuals are voted into certain portfolio committees and earn themselves a few sitting allowances, that is even better. And there is the possibility of a Cabinet position that comes with prestige, responsibility and an even bigger salary; one gets to travel the world and stay in expensive hotels. This is, of course, if you have some qualifications or unique life experiences to earn you the more prestigious positions, preferably chairperson or deputy chair, to benefit from that appointment.

Evolution of Eswatini politics

With the evolution of Eswatini politics, elections have become very expensive. The campaign process is way too expensive, with the electorate’s expectations moving away from hard work, principles and policies to cash for the votes. The situation is just as bad for Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators who come in through votes from the elected MPs. They have to pay big. This effectively means parliamentarians have to spend to win, and then to maintain their position as practically the local undertakers, social security officers (looking after the poor of the area), paying school fees and spending on their own families. This means most MPs are already highly indebted and their salaries have to offset the debts. They are highly compromised, hence they can’t be bothered by contentious political challenges that could put their jobs at risk. One may ask why a very impotent ministry, energy, has no minister at a very critical time. Basically, it is to keep the MPs in line as they all hope to be appointed into Cabinet.

To boycott or not

With the brief analysis I have attempted to give, joining the elections and campaigning for Parliament with the hope of real political change is absolutely useless if there is no funding. Political parties, internationally, organise and fundraise for political campaigns. This burden is not left to an individual, as is the case in Eswatini. At the same time boycotting elections year after year and hoping for a different result politically is also not wise if there is to be political change. The answer is very clear.

Political party funding, support

Those who have followed my writings know that I am, unfortunately, not a great believer in multiparty politics. I have witnessed my continent bleed real African blood as fellow Africans kill each other in the name of one political party or another. I have seen bloodshed in my own Eswatini as new political parties square off against each other and blame the State’s security forces. However, I have been persuaded that the world has shifted strongly towards multiparty democracy. If my country is to achieve greatness, we need to adapt while considering our own version, which takes into account our culture and traditions. Maybe we will not kill each other as we jostle for power. Our Constitution allows political parties to exist and operate freely; this is despite many who will say otherwise. The truth is that they are allowed. The late unionist and former MP, Jan Sithole, opened the offices of The Swaziland Democratic Party at the SNAT building in Manzini and it is still there even today. The issue is funding and it must be done legally. This will produce MPs who are not burdened by debt and are free to challenge issues relating to the Constitution and can bring about meaningful political change.

Narrative

There is the narrative that His Majesty can disregard the Constitution and refuse to accept whatever amendments the people have decided through Parliament; as his gatekeepers would block any such moves. One would like to believe that the King respects Parliament and the Constitution, knowing very well that even his own power is given to him by the Constitution through Sibaya. We are all emaSwati and citizens of Eswatini because the Constitution says so. If changes are really coming from emaSwati, not individuals hiding behind curtain groupings, he has to respect them. This means if emaSwati, represented by 55 MPs, vote in 10 members, as per the Constitution, they become 65 members in the lower House. The Constitution then says the people vote in another 10 in the upper house of Senate, and the total becomes 75 members for both houses. His Majesty the King then appoints 10 in the lower House and 20 members to Senate, which means he appoints 30 members against 75 members from the people. Both houses can sit and vote using the two-thirds majority as per the Constitution to make political changes without bloodshed. It is NOT easy but possible. Comment septembereswatini@gmail.com

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