Cabinet gets worst elections results since 2003
MBABANE – The Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini-led Cabinet (2008-13) recorded the worst results during the Primary Elections since 2003. Statistics show that the rejection rate of Cabinet ministers was the highest in 2013 closely followed by the 2003 elections.
Out of the total nine Cabinet ministers who were nominated to stand for the 2013 General Elections, five ministers were voted for by the electorate to battle it out during the Secondary Elections slated for September 20.
The Cabinet ministers who lost in the Primary Elections are Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Hlobisile Ndlovu, Minister of Public Works and Transport Ntuthuko Dlamini, Minister of Agriculture Clement Dlamini, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Rodgers Mamba and Minister of Education and Training Wilson Ntshangase.
In 2008, only Minister Sigayoyo Magongo did not make it into the second round of the elections process out of six Cabinet ministers who had been nominated to stand for the elections.
The five ministers under the leadership of Absalom Themba Dlamini who were voted for by the electorate to compete during the Secondary Elections in 2008 were: Njabulo Mabuza, Elijah Shongwe, Mtiti Fakudze, Hlobisile Ndlovu and Lutfo Dlamini.
In 2003, out of the seven Cabinet ministers who had been nominated, four ministers made it to the second round of the voting process.
Only three Cabinet ministers failed to win the hearts of the electorate under the Cabinet that was also led by the current PM.
The ministers who were successfully voted to compete in the Secondary Elections were: Roy Fanourakis, Stella Lukhele, Mahlaba Mamba and Mntonzima Dlamini.