... how? – Dr PQ

MBABANE – “It is not possible to say one country’s government system is similar to another.”

This was said by Political Analyst Dr PQ Magagula when he was asked about the view stated as noted from ChatGPT. He said this was a broad view and that, while it was possible to say one government system was similar to another, it was also possible to say there were also many differences. He said as a political scientist, it was not possible to say that.

Magagula also wanted to know what the statement, ‘similar to Tinkhundla System meant’. He said one could also say that even the United Kingdom statement was similar to that of America. He said decentralisation was not just unique to one government such as Eswatini but in most modern systems. “It is all over,” he stated,

However, he said the question he could ask was: “Which of the systems was different?” He said even such as was difficult to answer because each country would say their democracy was the best. However, Magagula said democracy had to have rule of law and that there should be separation of powers. Further, he said a democracy should have a Bill of Rights. “Even the media should be free,” said Magagula, who referred to it as the 4th Estate.

Below are some similarities between Tinkhundla and the US governance system:

Democratic principles: Both systems claim to be democratic in nature, although the extent of democratic practices may vary. Constitutional framework:

Both the US and Eswatini have established Constitutions that outline the structure and functions of their respective governments.

Legislative bodies: Both systems have legislative bodies responsible for making laws and representing the interests of the people. In the US, it is the Congress, while in Eswatini, it is the House of assembly.

Executive authority: Both systems have executive branches responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. In the US, it is the President, and in Eswatini, executive authority is vested in the King.

Judicial system: Both countries have a judiciary system that interprets and applies the law, ensuring justice and resolving disputes.

Local governance: Both systems recognise the importance of local governance and have structures in place to coordinate and promote relationships between the government and local communities.

Devolution of power: Both systems emphasise the devolution of power from the central government to lower levels, such as states in the US and Tinkhundla areas in Eswatini.

Representation: Both systems aim to provide representation for the people, whether through elected officials or other mechanisms.

Political stability: Both the US and Eswatini have enjoyed a degree of political stability, although the nature and extent of stability may differ. Blend of traditional and modern governance: Eswatini’s Tinkhundla system blends traditional governance with modern principles, while the US system combines democratic practices with a constitutional framework.