MONARCH NO-GO AREA FOR MPS - EBC

PIGG’S PEAK – The Monarch is a ‘no-go area’ for parliamentarians as their powers are limited to government matters.

This was said by Prince Mhlabuhlangene, the Chairperson of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). He was speaking during a meeting with traditional authorities yesterday at the Pigg’s Peak Hotel and Casino. Prince Mhlabuhlangene’s presentation received a thumbs-up from the traditional authorities, who now want this to be taken to the rest of the country. The prince made a presentation on elections, in readiness for the 2023 general elections. He said parliamentarians were elected to represent the people but that their powers were not absolute. He said their authority was limited to the government section of the country and this excluded the Monarch.

Separate

The prince said it should be noted that government was separate from the Monarch and that the Members of Parliament’s (MPs) authority ended at government level, as such, they could not cross over to the side of the Monarch. He said the MPs could say whatever they wanted about government but not the Monarch. “That’s a no-go area for them,” he said, adding that their immunity was limited. The prince stated that though MPs had parliamentary privilege, this did not mean they could say whatever they wanted to anyone. “You cannot get that immunity if you are now canvassing things that are out of your authority,” he said, giving examples of statements such as ‘King must fall’.  Also, he warned that saying the Monarch must fall was treasonable as it meant that the person was fighting with the status quo. He said Eswatini was a Monarchical Sovereignty, meaning that the Monarch was protected by the law.

Criticise

Prince Mhlabuhlangene said it was wrong for parliamentarians to use their forum to criticise the Monarch. “You can say whatever you want about the government, but not about the Monarch,” he warned. Prince Kekela, Chief of Mvuma, commended EBC chairman for the presentation. He said it was very informative and hoped that it could be compiled and handed over to the traditional authorities, so that they could be able to deliver the message to the communities. Chief Kekela also wondered why parliamentarians who were supposed to work for the government interfered in matters of royalty. “Bangenelwa yini, ngumoya webusathane yini?” he asked. He said the section of government and that of the Monarch were different. Prince Kekela expressed hope that they could also be taught about this so that they understood their limitations. He warned that while parliamentarians were elected, kingship was acquired by birth. “These are two different things,” he stated. Also among the attendees were Prince Mphatfwa, who is the Chief of Ludlawini and Chief Jubiphathi of Nyakatfo.

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