Mbabane: Political Parties Assembly (PPA) and Pro-democracy Members of Parliament have called for the defiance of the statement made by the acting Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, of banning the delivery of petitions in the Tinkhundla centers.
The acting Prime Minister on Thursday made a statement announcing the banning with immediate effect of the ongoing delivery of petitions around the country at the Tinkhundla centers, saying the petition delivery exercise has created a breeding ground for anarchy and has been intentionally hijacked to sow seeds of division.
Speaking in a press conference, pro-democracy MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza stated that people should never entertain what the acting Prime Minister has said.
Mabuza said whatever has been started should not stop. He assured the nation that there was light at the end of the tunnel. He said the statement made by Masuku was a cowardice move by the government.
He said, as an MP who is advocating for an elected Prime Minister, he urges people never to entertain what the acting PM has said. He said the government cannot just come in to stop the delivery of petitions she has never launched.
Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President, Mbongwa Dlamini said no amount of threat, and intimidation can ever stop them, adding that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly is the right of the people as spelled out in the constitution, therefore he urged members not to be shaken.
He said it was no secret that SNAT has also joined the call for the people’s government.
The PPA’s representatives said the banning of delivery of petitions was unconstitutional.
They further said they urge everyone to defy the statements made by the acting prime minister and stand firm in their rights. They went on to say emaSwati must unite and continue with the program of action which is the delivery of petitions across the country, voicing concerns to the members of parliament.
They have been noting that there were ongoing petition deliveries along with the country on genuine concerns by the citizens.
They said since COVID-19 started, the government has only been making empty promises and noting concrete was delivered.
Only when the people of the country were marching to voice their concerns, the government has banned that, they said clearly the Tinkhundla system has flailed and it has collapsed itself.
The congress of political parties said the decision taken by the government was baseless. They said the government has no right to stop emaSwati from practicing their constitutional rights. The banning of the delivery of petitions is not spelled in the country’s constitution.
They spoke in one voice saying that they want an elected prime minister who will have executive powers, elected in proper structures, not in the Tinkhundla system of government.
The PPA assemble said they can never take any instruction from the deputy prime minister who was never elected.
They said they are also no plans to arrange mass demonstrations against the royal supremacy. They said they want political freedom which will allow a free and fair democratic system.
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