King Appoints Political Party Leader to Senior Advisory

UNCLAS MBABANE 000274 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S (MHARRIS),DRL (NWILETT) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM WZ SUBJECT: King Appoints Political Party Leader to Senior Advisory Council ¶1. SUMMARY: On September 21, Obed Dlamini, most senior member of the executive committee of the legally unrecognized Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) "opposition" political party, took his seat on the Swaziland National Council (Liqoqo),the king's advisory council and one of the most powerful political bodies in the country. The king appointed Dlamini, who served as prime minister for Swaziland from 1989 to 1993, to the Liqoqo. NNLC leadership stated that its former leader had betrayed its cause by crossing sides, and expelled him from the party. Dlamini stated he could address issues of democracy and governance from within the Liqoqo and presented his vision for change. Opinions differed on whether the appointment indicated that the king was using appointments to co-opt opposition, whether the selection reflected a desire by the king to be more inclusive, or whether the king was using the appointment to placate criticism by appearing to embrace a progressive leader. END SUMMARY. ¶2. On September 21, Obed Dlamini, senior leader of the executive committee of the "opposition" political party Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC),took a seat on the Swaziland National Council (Liqoqo),the king's advisory council and one of the most powerful political bodies in the country. Although political parties exist in Swaziland, they were outlawed in 1973 with the suspension of constitutional law, and are not specifically addressed in the new constitution that went into effect in 2006. The constitution does say, however, that candidates for office must run as individuals (not as party members). Appointed to the Liqoqo by the king, Dlamini had served as prime minister for Swaziland from 1989 to 1993, a period remembered as calm and reasonable. NNLC leadership stated that its former leader betrayed its cause by crossing sides, and expelled him from the party. Other NNLC members have remarked in the press that they believe this decision was a mistake. ¶3. In a meeting with PolOff, Dlamini indicated he was not certain himself why the king selected him at this time, but said his own views on democracy, labor, and political parties were well known. He stated he wanted to work with other progressive members of the Liqoqo to encourage dialogue and move Swaziland towards a pluralistic democracy. Recognizing the strong support for the monarchy among much of the populace, he stated that the first step would be for Swazis to realize there is a need for political change, and that such change can be beneficial for all without dissolving the monarchy. He believes that repealing the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act and "unbanning" political parties would be a basis to motivate discussions among all stakeholders on the future of Swaziland. Building off of the constitution as a "working document," or work in progress, he believes negotiations among political parties, civil society, and government need to result in political change and advancement of a multi-party constitutional monarchy. Mr. Dlamini stated he wanted the Embassy to encourage the progressive movement in Swaziland, and looked forward to speaking further with Embassy officers on how to best do so. ¶4. Opinions differed whether the appointment indicated that the king was using appointments to co-opt opposition, whether the selection reflected a desire by the king to be more inclusive, or whether the king was using the appointment to placate criticism by appearing to embrace a progressive leader. Although some in civil society, including those in Dlamini's former party, have called the move "selling out," others see the value of having a progressive leader participate in the Liqoqo and serve as a conduit of information and opinion. ¶5. COMMENT: Although the king's motives remain unclear, Obed Dlamini's appointment does provide progressives a window into the "inner sanctum" of royal power, as well as a platform for Dlamini's stated goals of a Swazi multi-party democracy. His royal lineage, strong labor movement involvement, and experience in negotiations and government could provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between progressive and traditional leaders. END COMMENT. MORRISON