First and foremost the Ministry would like to extend its appreciation to all the urban residents who have taken their valuable time to go and register for the upcoming local government elections. This is a clear indication that the nation fully appreciates the space provided by the country’s legislation for civic participation. Indeed the elections are a vehicle for property owners and urban dwellers to exercise their civic rights to elect people who would be entrusted with the tasks of ensuring that their rights as urban dwellers are enhanced. The hard facts of local government are that it provides residents direct access to in the running of their affairs through their democratically elected representatives.
The Ministry has noticed that due to work and business commitments the trend has been that a number of people come to register on weekends. The weekends during the registration were too few to allow everyone the opportunity to register. The Ministry is happy with registration for all the towns particular the small towns. The major concern is on the cities and the two recently upgraded municipalities including Matsapha and Ezulwini. The registration in these towns is lower than the previous elections. The question is whether there is an increase in people who are free riders. Such culture is strongly discouraged at its earliest possible opportune. All the services provided by the local authorities should be an effort by all residents through their civic obligations such as appointing their representative into government through the elections and paying their dues.
To this end the Ministry had decided to extend the registration period to 20th August 2012. We hope that this will give an opportunity to every urban resident the opportunity to register for the elections.
I would like to conclude by re-emphasising the Ministry’s position that local government elections are for the benefit of the residents, not government.
Government only ensures that the elections are conducted periodically in line with good governance.
We thank you all for your attendance.
CS MAMBA
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY