BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– It’s all systems go for the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) as it kicks off Continuous Voter Registration tomorrow for the upcoming by-elections in Macudvulwini and Mphumakudze polling divisions.
The registration exercise will run from 19 to 28 September 2025, offering all eligible emaSwati aged 18 and above an opportunity to register and take part in the polls. The process is open not only to new voters but also to those who may wish to be nominated as candidates in the elections.
EBC Chairman Prince Mhlabuhlangene made the announcement during a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Nkhanini, Lobamba, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. He stressed that the Commission was fully prepared to deliver credible, free, and transparent elections in line with the country’s democratic principles.
November By-Elections
Eswatini will return to the polls on 22 November 2025 to elect two new Bucopho, following vacancies in two chiefdoms. According to the EBC, the by-elections will take place in:
- Mphumakudze Chiefdom, under Siphofaneni Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region, and
- Macudvulwini Chiefdom, under Ngwemphisi Inkhundla in the Manzini Region.
The positions became vacant after the disappearance of the Bucopho from Mphumakudze and the passing of the Bucopho from Macudvulwini.
Prince Mhlabuhlangene explained that replacing these representatives was critical to ensuring that communities continued to have a voice in local governance.
Election Roadmap
The EBC has outlined a clear roadmap leading up to the November elections. The first stage is the voter registration drive beginning tomorrow. Other activities, such as candidate nominations, civic and voter education campaigns, and logistics updates, will be announced in the coming weeks.
On election day, polling stations will open at 7:00am and close at 7:00pm. The Commission has assured voters that all measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
Who Can Register?
Eligibility to vote begins at 18 years of age. This includes individuals who have turned 18 since the last general elections in 2023. The EBC encouraged young people, especially first-time voters, to make use of this registration period to ensure their participation in the democratic process.
The Commission further urged women, people living with disabilities, and other marginalised groups to register in large numbers to ensure inclusive and representative elections.
Call for Participation
On behalf of Their Majesties, Prince Mhlabuhlangene appealed to the public to embrace the process, reminding emaSwati that the strength of the Tinkhundla system rests on active citizen participation.
“The EBC pleads with emaSwati to actively participate in these elections so that they are successful and representative of the will of the people,” he said.
Importance of Bucopho
Bucopho serve as critical links between communities and the Inkhundla system of governance. They work alongside Indvuna Yenkhundla and Members of Parliament to represent community concerns, mobilise development initiatives, and facilitate communication between citizens and government structures.
By filling these vacancies, the November polls will restore representation and accountability in Mphumakudze and Macudvulwini, ensuring that residents in both chiefdoms continue to have a voice in development planning and service delivery.
Strengthening Democracy
Analysts say the upcoming by-elections will not only strengthen grassroots democracy but also reaffirm Eswatini’s commitment to inclusive governance under the Tinkhundla system.
The Commission concluded by assuring emaSwati that preparations were well on track and urged all eligible citizens to register between 19–28 September 2025, so that no one is left behind when the nation heads to the polls in November.
(Courtesy Pics)
