By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) announced that it would now register voters annually as part of its civic voter education initiative.
This initiative is designed to take place in constituencies and chiefdoms to sensitize the nation about the essential roles they must play to ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible. This information was conveyed by Mbuso Dlamini, the legal adviser to the EBC, during a meeting with chiefs from the Lubombo Region on February 13, 2025, held at Simunye.
Dlamini informed the traditional leaders that voter registration would be ongoing throughout the civic voter education. He emphasised that this registration process would aim to ascertain the accuracy of existing registrations and provide an opportunity for new voters to enroll on the voters’ roll.
In his presentation, Dlamini urged the chiefs to collaborate closely with the EBC team. He indicated that there would be occasions when they would visit chiefdoms to allow members of the public to register. He reassured the chiefs that if such events occurred, the EBC would have facilitated them, stating, “We plead with chiefs not to be surprised when our team visits chiefdoms across the country because that will be authentic.”
Dlamini further stated that the EBC would provide proof to the public following registration. This proof would serve to confirm that a voter is authentic and eligible to participate in elections, thereby enabling them to vote and be voted for.
The EBC is tasked with managing elections in the country. According to Section 90 of the Constitution, the King, on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), appoints a five-member Commission (EBC) consisting of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson, and three additional members. The appointed individuals must possess qualifications equivalent to those of a Judge of the superior courts or exhibit high moral character, proven integrity, relevant experience, and demonstrable competence in public affairs.
The vision of the EBC is to deliver credible elections through transparent and impartial processes while promoting equitable representation. Its mission is to function as an independent, distinguished, and professional Electoral Management Body (EMB) that ensures credible elections.
Values of the EBC
– Integrity: To conduct our functions ethically.
– Equity and Equality: To create balance by treating individuals without discrimination.
– Respect for the Rule of Law: To uphold the law.
– Responsiveness: To listen to, respect, and respond to the electorate and stakeholders.
– Teamwork/Collaboration: To work together with the EBC and other stakeholders to achieve the Commission’s objectives.
– Inclusivity: To engage with stakeholders in electoral processes without discrimination.
– Innovation/Innovativeness: To transform electoral processes to meet the needs of citizens adequately.
– Professionalism: To demonstrate acumen in fulfilling our mandate and promote self-development.
– Impartiality: To remain impartial in conducting EBC business.
– Excellence: To provide technical competence and skills to stakeholders in a timely and responsive manner.
