More join race for Parliament regional women MP’s election
In a positive development for gender representation in regional politics, a significant number of women have recently joined the race to Parliament regional women MPs.
This thrilling number of female representation signals progress towards achieving gender parity and fostering inclusivity in leadership and decisionmaking processes.
The election of four regional female members of Parliament is by the Constitution of Swaziland (2005) section 86 which stipulates that “where at the first meeting of the House after any general elections it appears that female members of Parliament will not constitute at least 30 per cent of the total membership of Parliament, then, and only then, the provisions of this section shall apply. It also depicts that “For this section, the House shall form itself into an electoral college and elect not more than four women on a regional basis to the House per the provisions of Section 95(3).” More women sweated it all out to join Parliament this year. Over seventy women participated in the election.
The increased participation of women in politics holds great potential for advancing gender equality and ensuring that diverse perspectives are taken into account in the Kingdom of Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has been championing more women in Parliament. In the recent Buganu festival in March, he pleaded with more women to join the previous election. His Majesty is of the view that with a broader range of voices at the table, crucial issues that affect women and marginalized groups can receive heightened attention and be addressed more effectively. Currently, the Kingdom is fighting the soaring cases of Gender Violence which also received the attention of the King who condemned it at the recent Sibaya.
Growth
As more women join the race to party, this reflects a growing recognition of the need to bridge the gender gap in political representation as per the Kingdom’s constitution. It also signifies a step towards building societies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all citizens. This encouraging development in regional politics not only promotes gender equality but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female leaders, paving the way for increased female participation in politics at all levels. Eswatini Network of Women has commended the high number of women who are keen to join in the political spaces. The organization further highlighted that by removing the barriers to women’s political engagement, societies can benefit from their unique insights, experiences, and contributions.
The four women will join the current legislators. In the House of Assembly, there are twelve women MPs, four of whom were appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III and eight were elected from constituencies. The Senate has thirteen women, eight of which were appointed by the King and five were elected, bringing the total number of women in Parliament to twenty-five. Eswatini Network of Women also said the progress is commendable and it is important to acknowledge that further efforts are required to ensure long-term and sustainable gender equality in political leadership. “We need such to facilitate equal opportunities, implementing supportive policies, and challenging existing gender stereotypes and biases are essential for creating a truly inclusive political landscape,” said the organization’s Public Relations Officer.
Women Nominees - Hhohho Region
Nqobile Lukhele of Mandlangempisi
Inkhundla - 349
Tengetile Mahlalela of Mayiwane Inkhundla - 253
Zanele Magagula of Mabane west
Inkhundla - 241
Dube Sizolwethu of Lobamba Inkhundla - 141
Nonhlanhla Msimango of Mbabane East Inkhundla - 77
Women Nominees - Shiselweni Region
Lindiwe Mamba - 293 Nonhlanhla Simelane - 220 Thandeka Matsebula - 153 Precious Mkhweli - 145 Nxumalo Lungile - 126
Women Nominees - Manzini Region
Angel Mavuso of Lobamba Lomdzala - 323 Lady Howard Mabuza of Mafutseni - 222 Pureen Bhembe of Kwaluseni - 183 Zodwa Vilane of Ludzeludze - 123 Nomiwe Dlamini of Manzini North - 110
Women nominees - Lubombo Region
Futhi Ngcamphalala of Nkilongo - 412 Thulisile Gama of Lugongolweni - 314 Trusty Gina of Nkilongo - 219 Hlobisile Vilane of Mhlume - 187 Dlamini Happiness of Gilgal - 65