Press Statement: 13 August 2012 – CONTINUED ACTION FOR A REAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT NOW!

Press Statement: 13 August 2012 – CONTINUED ACTION FOR A REAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT NOW!

The Swaziland Diaspora Platform would like to commend the people of Swaziland for boycotting the local government elections currently under way.  The low voter turn out is a clear sign that the majority of the people of Swaziland want a multiparty democracy now!

The political farce of the Cattle Kraal (Sibaya) consultative forum or People's Parliament as conducted by King Mswati III last week under the guise that it is an example of the kind of direct democracy practised in Swaziland has ended and with it any hopes that steps towards true democracy will ever be initiated by the King and his government. 

It has never been a more indicative time to keep up the pressure for a real people’s government, this means all people of Swaziland and the world taking action in every corner of the country and the globe, starting with participating in the Global Week Of Action On Swaziland 03 -07 September 2012.

The Mswati’s forum was open enough to permit anyone from any background to speak about any issue and make recommendations, however none of those recommendations were taken seriously.  The King closed his Sibaya by saying he will consult experts about issues raised and adopted none. 

Off course nothing will ever happen because the majority of submissions require for him to democratise the country and relinquish the absolute powers he has over the executive, legislative and judicial spheres of Swaziland. 

Proof of this, is the fact that the last time Mswati III held what he calls a People's Parliament was in 2005.  He held this one hastily to divert attention and criticism over the protracted teacher's strike and to pretend at democratising to the international community, especially South Africa, which is preparing to loan Mswati III and his government R2.4 Billion.  

South Africa and other international donors should withhold support until concrete actions towards multiparty democracy are in place, starting with unbanning political parties and holding off the 2013 elections until they are held under the auspices of a multi-party democratic system.

The Swaziland Diaspora Platform would like to call on the people of Swaziland to reclaim their government and country and participate fully and nationwide in the Global Week Of Action On Swaziland (GWOAS) taking place all over Swaziland and the world from 03 - 07 September 2012 under the theme "A Call For A People's Government NOW!"

The Global Week Of Action On Swaziland has been taking place annually for a few years and this year will be the biggest action as more and more partners around the world join in support for a democratic Swaziland.  

A democratic Swaziland means no more poverty, no more hunger, better education, better healthcare and more jobs!

ISSUED BY:

The Swaziland Diaspora Platform

Contacts:

Email:                      swazidiaspora@gmail.com

Twitter:                    @swazidiaspora

Spokesperson:      Ntombenhle Khathwane

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