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the kingdom tries to find its way in what I choose to call political crossroads, I ponder sometimes about the kind of future some of us who are proponents of a different trajectory envisage. The dominant call among those calling for change is that elusive concept of democracy. Democracy, they insist, is the answer to all Eswatini’s socio-political and economic ills.

The common understanding of what democracy should be, in our context, predominantly seems to be the presence of or legitimising of political parties, which remain technically outlawed in the country, so that like in most normal democracies, they participate in the known business of contesting for political power. This, as we know it, allows for a menu of political agendas, commonly packaged in the form of manifestos, to be sold to an electorate which then makes a choice through the ballot. The winning political party will then typically take up the governance of the country for a specified number of years.

As competitors, the losing political parties are interested players throughout the duration of the political reign, keeping the government of the day in check, exposing its shortcomings and positioning themselves as ‘better’ alternatives so that perhaps

Sin the next elections, the voter will consider them as better stewards of the nation’s interests. The government of the day is under pressure to deliver services in a satisfactory way to the people and by so doing, it hopes to maintain its grip of political power and endear itself to the electorate, enough to secure another term in office. If it fails to live up to its promises and expectations of the electorate, it becomes unpopular and risks not being voted in, come the following regular election. This is my simple way of understanding multiparty democracy.

This is a tried-and-tested system that the overwhelming civilised world has given a thumbs up to facilitate how the populace gives proxy to govern. No doubt, it has its roots in the Western world, but has gained widespread popularity and acceptance in many parts of the world. It is arguably the one singular hallmark of an open and democratic society. It is undeniable that this system is fraught with shortcomings.

Affirms

However, it has many advantages as well. One of the things I personally love about it, is how it affirms meritocracy as the basis for leadership. This, as an antithesis for leadership, is a birthright, as seen in most African countries. This system also gives citizens the right to choose who governs them and in so doing, affirms the notion of government being a product of a social contract. The transfer of power from one political party to another, more often than not, is not always without controversy or conflict. This is particularly evident in Africa, where former liberation struggles see State power as an entitlement and engage in all manner of machinations to maintain their grip on power. Any system, though, needs functionaries to work.

A beautiful system can be failed by its own functionaries and lose popularity and relevance. I’m sure

the reader has heard how it’s always been said politics is a dirty game. I hold a different view; that politics has been spoiled by the players themselves who themselves are dirty, if the analogy of a game is to be used. The game, in and of itself, is not necessarily dirty. As we call for democracy in Eswatini, it is vitally important that we educate ourselves about what it is that we desire. Beyond the ideological debate, our people must understand what change in their material conditions does democracy offer.

The total unbanning of the infamous 1973 Decree and ushering of multiparty democracy is not an end in itself and does not, in my humble view, bring democracy in its fullness. While that would be an important step, emaSwati must understand that it is not the definitive goal of democracy, in our context.

Promised

A functional democracy is one that ultimately improves the material conditions of the people. The people must be promised a democracy that transcends ideological realms and speaks to their lives in concrete terms. True democracy must promote stewardship of State resources; it must deal decisively with corruption and promote peace. The democracy I want must ensure quality education at all levels and prioritise human development.

It must promote inclusivity and consultation at all levels. It must be people-centred and people-driven and be based on a value system that promotes the respect for human rights. Institutions that support this democracy must be strengthened through adequate human and financial resources. Politics, or colloquially government, in this democracy I wish for, must not be a place for wealth creation and entitlement but a medium to serve the people and improve the quality of their lives. Let’s hear more of this from the people agitating for change.