Set to lose MP seat after 60 days

MBABANE – From April 14, 2023, Lobamba Member of Parliament (MP) Allen Stewart will lose his status as an MP.

After this date, Stewart will no longer be an MP. According to Section 99(1) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, an MP vacates his seat in the House 60 days after being sentenced to six or more months, including a suspended sentence.

Stewart, who was convicted of attempted murder on January 31, 2023, was sentenced to three years imprisonment without an option of a fine yesterday. This means that from April 2023, the Lobamba MP will not receive a salary and the allowances he was entitled to while he was an MP.

MPs get a monthly salary of E46 318. Some of the perks that Stewart will lose when he is no longer an MP, which he benefitted from courtesy of Finance Circular No.2 of 2013, included medical aid through an approved service provider; full medical cover for himself, spouse and dependants while in office.

Others are insurance as part of the pension fund against accidents and death in terms of a

contract concluded by government with an insurance company. The insurance benefits include a group life insurance of two times the annual salary in the event of death of a member while in office; disability cover for a member while in office and funeral assistance of E20 000 for member, spouse and children while the member is still in office and E20 000 for the member thereafter. MPs are also entitled to car and housing allowances. Stewart will also not take part in the national elections later this year unless he successfully appeals the sentence.