The on-going political crisis in Swaziland shows ‘the king continues to
enjoy almost absolute control over the country,’ Freedom House has said.
The
House of Assembly passed a vote of no-confidence in the government and
according to the Swazi Constitution King Mswati III should have sacked
the government, but he did not. Instead, pressure was put on members of
the House and after 12 days of uncertainty they reversed the decision in
a controversial vote.
Freedom House in a statement
said the actions of the king, who is sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute
monarch, and the government he appointed, ‘demonstrate a lack of
consideration for the rule of law and the authority and independence of
Swaziland’s governing institutions, including the House of Assembly, as
written in the Constitution’.
It added, ‘This repeal, and the
blatant disregard by the king for country’s constitution, epitomizes the
increasing deterioration for the rule of law and respect for democratic
governance in the country.’
Freedom House said civil society
throughout Swaziland has condemned the vote, accusing King Mswati III of
ignoring his constitutional responsibilities and unlawfully supporting
his political ally, the prime minister.
See also
POLITICAL CRISIS: FACTS REMAIN HIDDEN
http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2012/10/political-crisis-facts-remain-hidden.html
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