King Mswati III of Swaziland has instructed his subjects
to only vote for Christians in the forthcoming national election.
The king, who rules Swaziland as sub-Saharan Africa’s
last absolute monarch, said only Christians would be humble enough to serve the
kingdom.
The election due at a time still to be revealed by the
king is for a parliament that has no powers. It is widely recognised as being subservient
to the wishes of the king.
There are two chambers of parliament, the House of
Assembly and the Senate. Of the 65 members of the House, 10 are chosen by King
Mswati and 55 are elected by the people. In the Senate, King Mswati chooses 20
of the 30 places. The other 10 are chosen by members of the House of Assembly.
None are elected by the people.
Many prodemocracy organisations within Swaziland and outside
have called on people to boycott the elections because political parties are
not allowed to take part.
King Mswati, preaching at the Somhlolo National Stadium
at Easter weekend, said his subjects should vote for people who were ‘God
fearing’. ‘We can learn that we should be humble. Even those who come to parliament,’
local media, who enthusiastically supported the king’s view, reported him
saying.
The king was also supported by the Swazi Conference of
Churches President Bishop Stephen Masilela. He said, ‘We fully support the king’s
statement and we are getting ourselves ready to take up the challenge. Very
soon, we will be mobilising men and women who are Christians to be ready to
compete successfully during the upcoming elections.’
See also
EU TELLS KING, ‘FREE PARTIES’
CALL TO BOYCOTT ELECTION GROWS
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