This will cause confusion - MSF

MBABANE – 7he confusion deepens within the mass democratic movement (0'0) as the national elections kicks-off on Wednesday.

0ulti-Stakeholder Forum’s (0SF) reaction toward the Political Parties $ssembly’s (PP$) neutral position on the election was that the decision by PP$ will cause confusion in the 0'0.

Secretary *eneral (S*) Sikelela 'lamini said though they respected the PP$ as an independent group, they were cognisant of the fact that the organisation’s sentiments highlighted the differences that were existent within the 0'0.

+e said it was true that the position taken by the PP$ was going to cause confusion and was proof that the 0'0 was not moving forward in unison.

³7he PP$ is an independent organisation that is made up of several independent affiliate political parties. We cannot, therefore, comment on their unclear position regarding the elections.

HIGHLIGHT

³+owever, such sentiments highlight the differences that exist within the 0'0. %ut be that as it may, the 0'0 is resolute in saying that 7inkhudla elections were not democratic and that, it is necessary to fight for a system overhaul to realise the attainment of democracy in our lifetime.

+e emphasised that the 0SF was not a political party and was not driven by any ideology except for embracing democracy as a political system of society that should be put in place in the country to allow political pluralism and participation by citi]ens in matters of their own governance.

'lamini said their mandate was to open up the political space to allow people to speak freely on their political right to elect office bearers through a transparent system.

+e stated that they were aware that the election process had begun and that the registration process was starting on Wednesday.

DISPENSATION

³7he majority of our members resolved not to participate in the elections, hence the position and campaign by the 0SF in that regard. $s an organisation we are only a platform that houses different other organisations that are in pursuit of attaining the objective end of a democratic dispensation. 2ur stand has been mentioned at all material times. It is the people who need to take proper decisions insofar as participating in the elections is concerned. We have done a lot inasfar as educating emaSwati about the ills of the upcoming elections. 7hat is how far we could go,” he added.

PP$ 'eputy +ead of Secretariat 7hami +latshwayo told the 7imes S8N'$< that the organisation’s main goal was to attain freedom and democracy for the people of Eswatini. +e said they were not particular on the manner in which such a goal was achieved, but encouraged their members to use possible ways to fight the current system.

³$s PP$ we know that our members want the same goal of freedom for the people. Some want to fight the system from within some want to use external methods while others use strategic litigation. 7his and many others are all strategies used to fight for the same thing so as an organisation, we are united in our diversity,” he said.

PRACTICE

9eteran politician, former minister and 0P 0fomfo Nkambule applauded the PP$ for their stance and said it was paramount for political parties to make their own decisions regarding the election process.

³I am of the view that suddenly this organisation called PP$ is waking up and coming to international norms that it cannot do what the international community has been urging political parties to do for some time now. /et us all remember that political parties (by law and practice) do not exist in this country. It has been a standing practice by PP$ affiliates never to try and establish a common ground on an issue that is likely to polarise the affiliates,” said the Inhlava chairperson.

Nkambule said those who would participate in the elections should be those who care about community development.

(Courtesy pic) MSF Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini said political parties participation in the national election will cause confusion within the mass democratic movement.