JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES DIDN’T VOTE

MBABANE – Over 5 000 Jehovah’s  Witnesses members did not vote in the recent elections as their religion considers elections a pagan activity.

They neither voted nor allowed to stand as candidates.
They believe that governments are founded on pagan principles ruled by Satan and, hence they only recognise the ‘heavenly government’ ruled by Jesus as King. The above number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the country represents only those who attend regional conventions. Information gathered is that the number is much more than 5 000.

Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia reveals that the figures sometimes reach 7 400 and that there are about 90 Jehovah’s Witnesses branches in Swazi-land.
Their ability to knock from door to door has earned them the title of the world’s fasted growing movement with over 19 million members worldwide.

In Swaziland, the right to vote is enshrined in the constitution although there is no penalty for those who choose not to exercise that right.
Jehovah’s Witnesses who are popularly known for their magazine, ‘Watch Tower’ deprive themselves of the right to vote basing this on the bible. They believe that their highest allegiance belongs to God’s Kingdom which they view as the only government.

This is according to information obtained from the Watch Tower magazine, which states that members are prohibited from being politically affiliated. Some who were interviewed claimed that they were not forced to stay away from politics but warned that this was ungodly and sternly discouraged.

In one of the editions of the Watch Tower magazine, they claim that many political activities have their origins from non-believers.
 “They believe that some of these customs or affiliations have pagan origins,” according to a November 1999 Watch Tower magazine.

Bartholomew Mbuli, a senior member of the church was reached to shed light on the matter.
Mbuli acknowledged that members did not involve themselves in politics but declined to discuss the matter, asking to be called later so he could consult with others.

He was contacted a week later but said he still had not managed to get the other members together to discuss and compile answers.
Mbuli, however, said he was out of the country when called again.
Abednego Dlamini, another member, referred questions to Mbuli whom he said was the rightful person to comment.

The Watch Tower magazines cite biblical verses which state that even Jesus was against political affiliation. One of these verses is Luke 4:8 which states that, “It is Jehovah your God you must worship and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” This is one of the scriptures they claim reminds them that they should not participate in political activities such as voting. They also believe that as Jehovah’s Witnesses, they should not be part of the world system as this would mean they are paying allegiance to Satan and not God.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also do not salute flags, sing national anthems or pledge allegiance to any state or nation.  Those who were interviewed, however, said this was not intended as disrespect for any particular nation or government.

Mandla Mkhwanazi, a renowned human rights lawyer said it would be wrong if members were prevented from voting. He, however, said while voting was a right, freedom of religion is also equally a right adding that Jeho-vah’s Witnesses had the right to practice their religion.
Mkhwanazi said if their faith prevented them from participating in elections or politics, no one should force them otherwise.

“It would only be criminal if someone was forcing people not to vote under the pretext that they are practising a religion,” he said.
He added that if avoiding elections was something members were doing freely, no one had the right to criticise or condemn them.

...Christians beg to differ

MBABANE – Bill Snaddon, a researcher at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) says in Australia, voting is compulsory.

He said those who did not participate in elections could face fines or at least be sentenced to community service.
The freedom of religion, however, still protects Jehovah’s Witnesses and in a situation where they are forced to vote, they can still cast a blank vote.
Grace Masilela, a senior Pastor of the Nazarene Church, said there was nothing ungodly about taking part in elections.

She said thousands of congre-gants took part in the elections this year adding that the Nazarene was one of the largest churches in the country.
Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini is a member of the Nazarene Church. Masilela said the Bible encouraged Christians to pray for those who are in authority such as politicians so that there may be peace in the country.

“Paul in the Bible reminds us of the importance of praying for our leaders,” she said.
She asked why God would encourage Christians to pray for their leaders if it was ungodly to be involved in politics.
She said if Christians were in authority, they would ensure that they did not make policies which later frustrated the gospel.

“We have always supported the elections and we will continue to do so,” she said.
Father Sakhile Ndwandwe of the Manzini Roman Catholic diocese was also reached for his view.
He initially said he was reluctant to speak against other churches but said he would only mention what he believed in as a Catholic.

“Voting is for everyone, whether they are Christians or not,” he said. The priest said it was important for Christians to take part in the elections so that they may contribute in formulating policies or laws. He said it was important for a person to respect the laws of the country they live in.
The priest warned, however, that people should be careful of bad politicians who lacked integrity and only wanted to advance their interests. He said good politicians respected the principles of God as well as the values of the people who voted him into power.

Ndwandwe said it is possible for one to be a politician at the same time a strong Christian as long as he followed Christian principles.
He also criticised politicians who bought food to influence people to elect them yet they lacked integrity.
Ndwandwe referred to such people as bad politicians.

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