PUDEMO CONGRESS POSTPONED

Harassment by Swaziland Police has forced the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) to postpone its National General Congress, starting Thursday (6 January 2011).

In a short statement, released today (4 January 2011), PUDEMO says its leaders have been unable to plan properly for the event because of ‘the constant disruptions by the royal police’ every time they try to meet.

PUDEMO said although the congress is postponed it will be held and an announcement of a new date will be made shortly.

About 250 delegates from PUDEMO branches across Swaziland were expected to attend the congress from 6 – 9 January.

In a statement issued last month, PUDEMO said the congress was expected to provide the impetus for the turning point in the history of the movement and the struggle for democracy in Swaziland. PUDEMO is presently banned in Swaziland and has been branded a ‘terrorist’ organisation by the Swazi Government.

The congress theme is, ‘Building a national momentum as we advance towards multiparty democracy.’ The congress was expected to address a number of issues, including the role of the Swaziland Monarchy in a democracy; building a strong mass democratic movement for change and the type of movement that is needed under the present political situation in Swaziland.