Traditional debate opens over constitution

For the first time in two years, King Mswati summoned the nation to a "People's Parliament" on Monday to allow Swazis to express their views on a draft constitution. "Nobody must leave this place without contributing," Mswati told about 10,000 people, almost all men, assembled in an immense royal cattle kraal. The king departed before hearing submissions, which will continue throughout the week. The use of the traditional structure to discuss the draft constitution satisfied palace conservatives, who were critical because the constitutional exercise, in progress since 1996, has been conducted by commissions led by Mswati's brothers. Although commoners were permitted to express constitutional views before these commissions, the traditionalists also called for debate in the royal cattle kraal, which is used for sacred events like the annual kingship ceremonies (Incwala). Mswati said all constitutional debate must end, including parliament's review and passage of the draft constitution, by mid-November, in time for this year's Incwala. Before Mswati spoke, Prince David Dlamini, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, gave a preview of the type of submissions likely to ensue in the "People's Parliament" by listing for the king various comments made by Swazis before his commission. Many of these had no bearing on constitutionalism: farmers complained of stock theft; expatriate workers wanted government to help them secure wages they said they had not received; government stipends for the elderly should be increased; more government offices should be opened in rural areas; and Swazi chiefs should be given government salaries. In the past, senior members of the royal family have censored submissions presented to Mswati at the royal kraal and viewpoints calling for democratic reform or challenging royal rule were not presented in summation. Consequently, political parties, banned by royal decree, unions and human rights groups have generally stayed away. This time king Mswati promised he would personally review videotapes of all the week's deliberations.