Masuku, Speaker welcome
Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku says it is refreshing that the legislators were running their last mile in Parliament and they were now returning to their communities.
LO BA MBA–Acting Prime Minister (PM) Them ba Masuk uh asw elcomed 2023 as a year of national elections as declared by His Majesty King Mswati III. Masuku was reacting to the Speech from the Throne delivered by the
King during the State Opening of the 5th session of the 11th Parliament. He made the declaration at the luncheon hosted by His Majesty for his guests at the Parly opening.
The acting PM said it was refreshing that the legislators were running their last mile in Parliament and they were now going back to their communities. He said the election was one way of proving that the Tinkhundla System of Government was democratic in its nature.
He stated that since each member was only eligible to come back to Parliament through the vote of the people, it was proof that the power to enact a government was on the shoulders of the people.
“We are very grateful Your Majesty for such a profound speech and one cannot even begin to interpret what the King has declared. We are excited at the prospect of the upcoming national elections and as the King pronounced that the MPs would be going back to the people, I saw some of them sweating.
“We are ready for the elections and we welcome the King’s comments and direction that the country will be putting in place a new government this year.
“Indeed, this will be a big year and we will all meet at the polling stations,” said Masuku.
His Majesty in his speech said it was gratifying to note that the country’s monarchical democracy had evolved over the years.
EvidEnt
He said the fact that elections were being held every five years was evident enough that Eswatini was one of the most democratic States.
The King said members of Parliament were carrying the mandate and voice of the people as they were voted into office freely based on individual merit and from their constituencies.
“We look forward to the incoming Members of Parliament to carry on our national development agenda that seeks to elevate our country to a First World status.
“Nobody should be left behind in playing their part towards addressing the social, economic and political challenges and tapping into the opportunities for growth and development that lie ahead of us,” said the King.
His Majesty said Eswatini was a country capable of achieving great things when working together.
The King further encouraged the spirit of dialogue to address differences and to find lasting solutions to all challenges.
The Monarch cautioned the nation against the use of foul play, bribery and false promises to gain a seat in Parliament.
He said such acts were aimed at achieving selfish ambitions at the expense of national development.
“I wish the election process all the success it deserves. Go all out and exercise your right to cast your votes and let it count.
“Let each of us be reminded of our slogan which says: ‘ Ngete
“I wish the election process all the success it deserves. Go all out and exercise your right to cast your votes and let it count.”