By Khulile Thwala
Residents of Nkhanini have requested the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to consider invoking a law that allows them to recall elected Members of Parliament (MPs) if they fail to fulfil their mandate.
They said this during a civic education exercise at Nkhanini.
Nkhanini is one of the imiphakatsi under the Lobamba Constituency. The constituency’s current MP, Allen Stewart, has recently been convicted and further refused bail by the courts.
“If we are not happy as constituents over the behaviour of the elected MP, without wanting to wait for the stipulated five years, can the EBC not help us with a law that allows us to recall the reigning MP,” questioned one resident.
The residents further wanted assurance from the commission that their safety would be prioritised during the upcoming elections due to the current circumstances in the country.
Other concerns raised included favouritism demonstrated by MPs. “Usually, an MP has its people who they specifically assist. How is EBC following up to ensure that MPs are doing their mandate of assisting everyone?” queried one resident.
In response, Buhle Dlamini from EBC said in terms of MPs who commit crimes during their tenure, what was clear is that a person can run for elections when they are still a suspect in a criminal case because the courts will determine whether that person is innocent or guilty.
Constituents want the power to recall Members of Parliament invoked
