Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Elections and Boundaries Commission has applauded the election of a woman in Siphofaneni.
This follows the election of Nomalungelo Simelane, also known as LaZwide on Saturday.
EBC Chairperson Prince Mhlabuhlangene, during a press conference held at the commission yesterday to officially announce the Siphofaneni by-elections eventual winner, applauded the fact that the winner was a woman.
He said this would also increase the numbers of women parliamentarians.
Congratulating Simelane, the chairperson urged her to familiarise herself with the Constitution and other laws.
The prince said her work was attached and connected to the Constitution.
He said as EBC, they were concerned by community councillors who he said at times did not coordinate well.
He said those who were elected should not forget the electorate.
“Ungasikhohlwa lesive lesikukhetsile nalelive lonkhana.
In doing that, follow the country’s statutes and the Constitution that govern how different sectors and ministries work.
This is where our road ends as EBC.
“After it is gazetted that Simelane is the winner as we have announced, you move to another level.
We are happy for you and may God be with you,” he said.
Prince Mhlabuhlangene further stated that elections were meant to bring the nation together and not to cause strife, conflict or create division.
Instead, he said elections were meant to bring order, peace and stability.
He said there would be something wrong and amiss if people became enemies during elections.
Adding, he said such conduct would indicate that there was no proper knowledge of elections’ goals in the country.
“Elections aim to bring life, bring peace and stability in any community as the United Nations also stipulates; if division takes place, then it means there is a lack of education.
Therefore it is imperative to understand that elections are not meant to cause conflict,” said the chairperson.
Mandate
He said it was their mandate to truthfully implement the mandate because if they did not, welfare, peace and stability would be negatively affected.
“We might not be perfect in implementing this but we try our level best as we evolve as we progress,” he added.
He emphasised that such national occasions should unify the nation, adding that it was pleasing to see that the Siphofaneni by-elections played a role in bringing the nation together.
Further, he appreciated the different stakeholders who worked with them including chiefs, who look after the nation on behalf of the King, Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the Royal Science and Technology Park for their expertise, health workers and the media.
Prince Mhlabuhlangene also thanked EBC staff, the secretariat who he said performed exceptionally well, working with dedication and the commission as well.
He said the by-elections seemed like a mammoth task when the processes started, but they made it by God’s grace.
Respect
He appreciated the Siphofaneni community for their respect and coming out in numbers.
This, he said, showed that they fully understood that this was a mandate by Their Majesties, giving powers to the people to elect their own government.
He praised the community of Siphofaneni for being receptive of the by-elections regardless of a few concerns and complaints.
He said they trusted the EBC to work with diligence and transparency.
“It wasn’t an easy exercise at the beginning but it was worth it and the secretariat have been unsung heroes as they are the ones on the ground making things possible.
As commissioners, we work in one accord as much as we have different mindset.
Officially
“With joy, may I officially announce that Nomalungelo Simelane is the eventual winner for the Siphofaneni Inkhundla by-election, from KaMkhweli community.
She obtained 2 612 votes.
“We congratulate her and it shows that Siphofaneni people have chosen, this is democracy,” he said.
He noted that there were independent observers who would compile a report of the by-elections and submit their findings to their authorities and the commission.
Adding, he said there were no absolutes when it came to Monarchical democracy.
The prince said this might be an example to other countries in the near future.
However, every country has a right to self-determination.
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