EBC DECLARES SOMPISI RIGHTFUL MP

PIGG’S PEAK – Sifiso ‘Sompisi’ Magagula has once again been declared the legitimate Member of Parliament (MP) for Ntfonjeni Inkhundla.

Since the announcement of the 2018 parliamentary election results, Magagula did not have it easy as some of the voters protested, making allegations of malpractice against him. Yesterday, a meeting was held by representatives from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), chiefs from seven chiefdoms around Ntfonjeni and members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Among the attendees were the chairperson of EBC, Prince Mhlabuhlangeni, Richard Phungwayo, Princess Nkhosimenzi and former Minister Winnie Magagula. Magagula is now the deputy chairperson of EBC. For several months, some voters of Ntfonjeni have been at loggerheads with the MP whom they accused of malpractice.

Protests

Protests were staged outside the Inkhundla Centre with some of the residents vowing that they would not allow the MP to proceed with his duties. At some point, police officers from the Operation Support Services Unit (OSSU) camped outside the Inkhundla to ensure safety of property during a protest. At the time, the MP also expressed concern that he was not able to work effectively because he was receiving threats. He also recently showed up at a soccer event with people who are said to have been bodyguards. However, yesterday, Prince Mhabuhlangene, when reached for comment at the end of the meeting said the aim was to engage with the tripartite, meaning EBC, REPS and the chiefs. The prince said the aim was also to highlight concerns regarding areas where people had grievances about the elections. Prince Mhlabuhlangeni said the concerns had been forwarded to EBC by the residents.

Investigation

He said after thorough investigation, the EBC did not find anything amiss regarding MP Magagula’s victory. Some of the residents had expressed concern that projects had stalled because of the problems regarding the legitimacy of Sompisi.

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