MBABANE – Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini says the National Dialogue that the country will soon embark on will be guided by the Kingdom’s Constitution and that the country’s legally constituted governance structure remains in place throughout the process.
The PM has been speaking at a press conference on Thursday.
“May I remind the Nation that the Constitution is still effective and operative in the Kingdom; therefore, it will neither be suspended nor set aside even as the dialogue process begins,” said the PM.
He continued: “Should there be any amendments, these will be done in full compliance with the provisions of the Constitution. We are, however, disappointed that some sections of society are already voicing out some misgivings about this dialogue.”
The premier stated that they have heard that some people were agitating for the formation of an interim government.
He said Eswatini is a sovereign State, with a legally constituted governance structure headed by HMK and assisted by the three arms of government, namely; the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
“All these structures are legally and constitutionally established and will remain functional for dialogue to take place unconditionally. Under no circumstances can an interim government be formed and any such assertion is misplaced and has no basis in fact and in law,” he said.
The PM stated that there are also misconceptions that the team from the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (Troika) that was in the country last week and in early July had a prescription for Eswatini.
“We wish to state that SADC’s role is to mediate and offer advice but not to prescribe any direction for the country. Therefore, SADC or any international body, cannot lead the process of dialogue as it is a preserve for emaSwati as their constitutional right,” he said.
With regard the proposed strike, the PM stated that the government has been made aware that there is a proposed protest action slated for Thursday.
“One wonders what the purpose of the march is given that His Majesty has already committed to a dialogue?” asked the PM.
“We would expect all emaSwati to heed the call to dialogue and stay away from the streets as this is has led to violence and intimidation,”
He continued: “What is clear is that MPs now fear for their lives whereas in the past they feared that constituents would not vote them back into Parliament. One wonders if this is the democracy people are calling for – a democracy where people live in fear of being attacked,”
On another note, the PM has wondered that “Why are the so-called ‘pro-democracy leaders condoning this? Even as we prepare for the dialogue, the question is: will people be free to express their opinions if it is contrary to the ‘so-called pro-democracy?”
When speaking on violence and intimidation, the premier stated that “As a general principle, government strongly condemns violence, incitement, threats and intimidation that seem to have taken hold of our society, much against our values of peace and respect under any circumstance,”
He said: “EmaSwati are appreciative of the importance of Incwala. Therefore, it is expected that other national activities will be put on hold in respect of this sacred period for all emaSwati. We urge emaSwati to remain calm and united as we prepare for the dialogue,”
“Eswatini is a Nation that respects the rule of law and thus guided by the Constitution, and the procedures and structures thereof, in the implementation of any proposed changes to the national discourse,” he said.
