…EBC urges residents to register, participate in choosing new community leader
BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Residents of St Paul’s under Manzini North Inkhundla are preparing to return to the polls to elect a new Bucopho, giving the community an opportunity to restore its representation and choose a leader who will champion its development priorities.
The by-election follows the passing of the community’s elected representative, which left the Bucopho position vacant. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has now moved to fill the vacancy, with voter registration beginning on August 17, 2026.
EBC Deputy Chairperson Bishop Sipho Tembe announced the electoral programme on August 16, saying the Commission was prioritising the process to ensure St Paul’s does not remain without an elected representative.
Tembe also conveyed condolences to the family of the late Bucopho, community leaders and residents of Manzini North, acknowledging the loss of a leader who had been entrusted with representing the interests of the community.
“The Elections and Boundaries Commission does not take lightly the necessity of filling a seat left vacant by any elected official. That is why it is prioritising the execution of this task to fill the position,” Tembe said.
Beyond simply filling a vacant position, the election will give residents a direct opportunity to decide who should become their voice in community affairs and help advance development initiatives.
Tembe urged eligible voters to participate in large numbers and choose a candidate they believe understands the needs, aspirations and challenges of St Paul’s.
“The Commission encourages all citizens to make use of this opportunity to elect someone they deem suitable to fill this vacancy successfully and drive developmental initiatives for the St Paul’s community and the constituency as a whole,” he said.
For residents, the road to polling day begins with voter registration, which will run from August 17 to 30, 2026. Eligible residents have been encouraged to register during this period and ensure they have the required identification and proof of residence.
The voters’ register will then be opened for inspection from September 4 to 18, allowing residents to confirm that their personal details have been correctly captured before the election.
Candidate nominations are scheduled for October 3, while the official campaign period will run from October 7 to November 6.
The process will culminate in polling on November 7, 2026, when voters will cast their ballots between 7am and 7pm. Counting and the announcement of results are expected to take place immediately after voting closes.
The EBC has assured residents that the by-election will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Tembe stressed that meaningful participation should not begin and end at the ballot box. He encouraged residents to take part throughout the entire process — from registration and inspection of the voters’ roll to nominations, campaigns and finally voting.
The successful candidate will carry the responsibility of representing residents’ interests while contributing to development programmes affecting St Paul’s and the wider Manzini North constituency.
For the people of St Paul’s, the coming months therefore represent more than an electoral exercise. They provide an opportunity to choose a community leader capable of listening to residents, communicating their concerns and helping turn local priorities into meaningful development.
With the electoral calendar now confirmed, the EBC has encouraged every eligible voter to register on time, verify their details and ultimately make their voice count on November 7.
The final decision on who becomes the next Bucopho will rest in the hands of the people of St Paul’s.
(Courtesy Pic)
