The Swazi Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by the king, is reporting that the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), whose members were chosen by the king, will have no problems conducting the primary elections that take place on Saturday (24 August 2013).
This is after thousands of people were unable to vote on Thursday (22 August 2013) because voting officials turned up late and ballot papers were not available.
The EBC had
decided that its own workers and members of state security forces should vote
early because they would be on duty on the day everyone else was expected to
vote.
Up to 7,000
people were affected by the shambles and the EBC was forced to close polling
venues and ask people to return the next day.
The
newspaper described the election process as ‘well planned’.
Now, the Observer has reported categorically
that, ‘All
material needed to run the primary elections have been delivered to the (EBC)
and no delays and disturbances, like those experienced [on Thursday], are
expected [on Saturday].
It quoted an
EBC source saying, ‘All my polling stations have now been supplied with their
ballot papers and we expect to begin as early as 7am, helping voters to cast
their votes.’
It also
quoted EBC’s Programme Director Richard Phungwayo saying, ‘the delays
experienced would not be repeated. He said the nation must be prepared to vote
smoothly and without delays.’
It remains
to be seen what happens at polling stations on Saturday, but at least the Swazi
people will be able to judge the EBC’s performance against the clear promises
it has made to them.
See also
KING’S PAPER
IN PROPAGANDA OVERDRIVE
ELECTION
GRINDS TO A HALT
ELECTION NOMINATIONS CREDIBILITY DAMAGED
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