In Eswatini, a country in Southern Africa, the Tinkhundla electoral system has been a subject of debate among progressives and conservatives. The system, introduced almost 50 years ago, has undergone significant changes, transitioning from an electoral college system to direct representation. The number of constituencies has increased from 22 in the 1970s to 59, with each constituency having a direct representative. This development has deepened democracy in the country, according to David Dlamini, a writer for The Conservatives.
The concept of regime change, popular during the Cold War era, has been tried globally with mixed results. History shows that regime change efforts have often led to chaos rather than democratic outcomes. In Eswatini, progressives have been pushing for regime change, but this approach has been criticized for being unrealistic and unproductive. Instead, the Tinkhundla system has been presented as a project that requires continuous development and intellectual engagement from citizens.
The Tinkhundla system was never presented as a perfect system, but rather as a work in progress. The previous monarch explicitly stated that the system would require steady maintenance, much like the traditional beehive headgear worn by Swazi women. Over the years, the system has evolved in response to the people's desires, with direct representation forming a core of representative democracy.
Regime change efforts have failed in many countries, including Iran and Afghanistan. In Iran, a coup engineered by British and American intelligence services in 1953 led to the 1979 Islamic revolution, which ushered in a regime accused of sponsoring terrorism. In Afghanistan, the US-led intervention in 2001 failed to establish a modern democratic state, with the Taliban storming back into power in 2021.
The consequences of failed regime change efforts are far-reaching and devastating. In Libya, the collapse of the Muammar Gaddafi regime led to a civil war, resulting in over 500,000 deaths and 13 million displacements. These examples demonstrate that regime change is not a viable solution for creating a sustainable democratic state.
In contrast, Eswatini's Tinkhundla system has made significant progress in deepening democracy. The system has transitioned from an electoral college system to direct representation, with 59 constituencies having direct representatives. This development has been hailed as a measure that deepens democracy in the country.
Ultimately, it is clear that democratic processes are essential for delivering democratic transitions. Efforts to deepen democracy must respect both the means and the ends. The 2021 riots in Eswatini reflect an inclination by progressives to undermine both the means and the ends, seeking a brutal power grab rather than a peaceful and democratic transition.
Key points
- The Tinkhundla system in Eswatini has evolved over the years, with progressives pushing for regime change.
- Regime change efforts have failed in many countries, including Iran and Afghanistan.
- Eswatini's Tinkhundla system has made significant progress in deepening democracy.
