3 DAYS TO GO; PPA, MSF CLASH OVER ELECTIONS

MBABANE – Polarised!

Two big organisations in the mass democratic movement (MDM), the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) and the Political Parties Assembly (PPA) are clashing over a stance regarding the political parties’ participation in the upcoming national elections. The much anticipated general election process was pronounced to begin in the next three days with the voter registration process on Wednesday. For a period close to a year, the MDM engaged in a robust online debate as other political parties declared their interest in participating in the national election process, while others felt they were betraying the struggle for democracy. The PPA, an umbrella organisation for all political parties in the country, found itself in the middle of a brewing squabble as the polarisation of political ideologies between its membership threatened its unity.

The MSF on the other side, another umbrella organisation under the MDM, which houses political parties and the civic society, took a stand not just to boycott, but to also engage in a robust campaign to discredit the election process. PPA Deputy Head of Secretariat Thami Hlatshwayo said the organisation was composed of diverse members. He said some of their members decided to take internal positions to participate in the election process while others were strongly opposed to the process. Hlatshwayo said the PPA leadership took a neutral position on the issue of the election to allow all ideologies to exist. He stated that the organisation was not in a position to choose or make decisions on behalf of the members on issues of ideology. He emphasised that each of their members were bound by the respective parties’ resolutions and it would not be democratic for the PPA to take a stand that could divide the organisation.

establish

“First we need to establish that the PPA is constituted by different political parties and these parties are autonomous organisations and have the power to make their own decisions. Each party has its own congress, where they develop their charter and make their own resolutions. Some of the parties under our umbrella made congress decision to participate in the upcoming election while others made resolutions to oppose the election. If we were to take a stand then, against one or the other, we would risk dividing the organisation. We encourage our members to stand by their congress resolution so that we are not seen to be meddling within the party lines,” said Hlatshwayo. He emphasised that the stand by the PPA was based on the principle of respect for the different political parties and their ideologies. The PPA is made of different political parties including the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), Economic Freedom Fighters Swaziland (EFFSWA), Sive Siyinqaba and Inhlava Political Party. Some of the same political parties form part of the MSF.

declare

Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) President Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane was the first to declare that his political movement would be participating in the general elections. Simelane said their aim was to participate in the elections provided the dialogue continued to be elusive. He said their intention was to fight the system from inside Parliament and to use the available structures and clauses in the Constitution to influence the reforms. He mentioned that they would begin their drive by participating in the local government elections. The registration process for the local government elections has already been closed and the nomination process is expected to start soon. SWALIMO Secretary General (SG) Futhi Msibi, said they welcome the stance of PPA as they always insisted that every political formation should be at liberty to employ various strategies for the benefit of liberating people. She said participating in elections was one of the strategies that SWALIMO wanted to use in fighting for democracy.

influence

“It would be unfortunate if there would be conflict arising from this position. However, SWALIMO is confident that emaSwati have embraced this stance as one of the winning strategies to enable them to exercise their right to influence democratic reforms inside Parliament,” she said. The clash of polarised ideologies regarding the elections among the MDM became evident during a memorial service of politician Muzi Mmema, where MSF launched the ‘Akuyiwa, Asiyi, Ungayi’ campaign. Long-serving activist Mphandlana Shongwe, who wore a T-shirt bearing the same message at the back, led demonstrators as they carried Mmema’s casket into the church hall at Ntondozi Assemblies of God. A song was composed to amplify the message of defiance and the song dominated the afternoon during the service. Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) President Sakhile ‘Awuviva’ Nxumalo carried a placard with the same message. When quizzed on the message he said it was deliberate and a reflection of what the MDM was calling for. “We are clear and resolute on the message and it doesn’t matter who tells us otherwise. This is deliberate,” he briefly said.

legitimate

Announcing the dates of the 2023 General Election, EBC Chairperson Prince Mhlabuhlangene encouraged the nation to go to the polling station for registration. He said it was important for everyone to utilise their right to vote for a legitimate government without fear or favour. He stated that the commission was committed to delivering a free and fair election process.
“The registration process will begin on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 and run until June 14, 2023. Their Majesties have approved for us the dates and, therefore, it is up to us as a nation to stand up and be counted as we build our own,” said the chairperson. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is currently conducting a nation-wide civic and voter education exercise. This will be followed by the voter registration and validation process before the nomination process. Primary elections will start on August 22, 2023 with a special voting and run until September 27, 2023. Secondary elections will be in September 29, 2023.

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