The law banning candidates from campaigning in the forthcoming primary election is being broken across Swaziland. And, police are trying to clamp down on public gatherings, social parties and food distributions. A meeting aimed at sensitising people to the need to elect more women to parliament was abandoned after a warning from the Swazi Elections and Boundaries Commission. Candidates for the primary election to be held on 24 August 2013 were chosen nearly two weeks ago, but they are forbidden by law from campaigning for votes. Allegedly illegal activities reported over the past few days include the distribution of water, clothes and food at a church gathering at Nhlambeni.
Elsewhere, residents from Ngwemphisi reported former MPVeli Shongwe for allegedly campaigning in a community meeting. He is alleged to have promised residents that he would give them free electricity and build boreholes and a massive water tank that would service the area and neighbouring communities.
Police were called at Nhlambeni when a South African organisation donated 100 bags of rice to residents. The donation was suspected by some residents to be a campaign strategy by former Nhlambeni MP Frans Dlamini.
In a separate incident, police stopped a party for Health Minister Benedict Xaba to campaign for election as MP for Shiselweni II Inkhundla. The function at Edwaleni High School had attracted about 2,000 residents who were to enjoy performances by award winning gospel group Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors. Rival candidates complained to police that Xaba was about to launch his election campaign.
Full Article: allAfrica.com: Swaziland: Election Law Broken Across Kingdom.
