Through this traditional system, the nation is free to elect people from their constituencies to represent them in parliament. However, given the complexities of modern politics, some critics say the system of election and governance is primitive and produce MP’s who are political dwarfs.
Swaziland has a style of democracy that has a deep mistrust of political organisations. Previous attempts by banned pro-democracy movements in the kingdom to address social issues such as workers rights and the country’s constitution brought severe beatings on those taking part.
The weekend elections were conducted through the traditional Tinkundla System or chiefs kraal. This allow any Swazi National to be nominated and canvass among his people. However, that person must do it as an individual merely because political groups are not allowed to contest or nominate candidates for the elections.
Fight system from within
Though opposed to the system, Obed Dlamini, the former prime Minister and member of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), decided to stand for elections. After almost a decade of fighting the system through the NNLC, Dlamini secured a seat in parliament and believes he will strategically fight the system from within.
Dlamini is among the 52 new MP’s soon to be sworn into parliament. Some of the MP’s are young people, sports commentators whose understanding of modern politics is either limited or non existent. For the next five years, they must effect change in a country where the Monarchy has absolute powers.
Dlamini charges that Swaziland policies lack depth on how to better people’s lives. High on his goals is to formulate ways to curb the spread of HIV/Aids and food security. Jan Sithole, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions, described the elections as nothing more than an advert for job opportunities in a country plagued by high levels of unemployment.