ROYALS WRONG ON WOMEN AT ELECTION

From Swazi Media Commentary Tue Feb 19 2013, 09:23:00

Swaziland's Indlovukazi (the mother of the king) has joined a growing chorus of misinformation about the kingdom's forthcoming undemocratic national election.

She called upon all Swazi women to participate in the election and said she would be happy if they dominated top positions during the upcoming national elections. The Times of Swaziland reported her saying the active contribution of women was critical to ensure sustainable and effective development of the nation.

But, while one of the top Royals is telling women they are valued, the king's behaviour tells a different story. The Swazi Constitution states that 30 percent of the members of parliament should be women. But the king has ignored this and declined to appoint enough women to parliament.

In Swaziland's election only 55 of 65 seats in the House of Assembly are chosen by the people. King Mswati, who is sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch, chooses the other 10. He also chooses 20 of the 30 seats in the Senate. The other ten seats are chosen by members of the House of Assembly. No members of the Senate are elected by the people.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Afrique de l'Ouest:  Crise du constitutionnalisme ? (analysis)
allAfrica.com
28 March 2024

L’Afrique de l’Ouest est aujourd’hui traversée par une vague de « contestations » ouverte ou diffuse, violente ou non violente des pratiques ... [read more]

South Africa:  Former President Jacob Zuma Barred From Running in Election (news)
Deutsche Welle
28 March 2024

The former president has been expelled from the ruling ANC and has been campaigning for the newly formed MK party. An MK spokesman said the party will appeal the decision made by the Independent ... [read more]

South Africa:  Girl, 8, Thought to Be Sole Survivor After Bus Goes Over Cliff (news)
Deutsche Welle
28 March 2024

A bus went over a cliff in South Africa's northern province of Limpopo. South Africa's transport minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims. A bus carrying worshippers from Botswana ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!