Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government has confirmed September 29 to be a holiday for the national elections.
Acting Minister of Home Affairs, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, said this was in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.
The minister said the holiday had been established with the primary purpose of ensuring that the electorate, regardless of their employment status, had sufficient time to exercise their right to vote.
Ndwandwe added that this measure was crucial to guarantee the smooth running of the election process and fostering a truly participatory democracy.
“In accordance with the Public Holidays Act, I am pleased to inform you that Friday, 29th September 2023 is declared a national elections holiday in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” said the minister.
He made the announcement during a press briefing at the ministry yesterday.
Adding, the minister said voting was the cornerstone of the country’s democratic society and it was essential that every eligible citizen had the opportunity to cast their ballot.
This, the minister said was with understanding that the demands of work and other commitments could sometimes pose challenges for individuals to find time to vote.
By designating this day as a national elections holiday, he said their objective was to remove these barriers and provide the electorate, both the employed and unemployed, with ample time to fulfil their civic duty.
The minister said the declaration of a national elections holiday would have a significant impact on the electoral process and would enable working individuals to visit their respective polling stations without the constraints of their daily schedules.
Likewise, he said it would allow unemployed citizens the opportunity to engage in the voting process without the added pressures of seeking employment, ensuring that no eligible voter was disadvantaged due to their employment status and promote a fair and inclusive election.
“We, therefore, encourage all eligible citizens to take full advantage of this national elections holiday. It is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard, to shape the future of our nation, and to exercise your democratic rights,” the minister said.
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