People's United Democratic Movement
|
People's United Democratic Movement
Insika Yenkhululeko Yemaswati |
|
|---|---|
| President | Mario Masuku |
| Secretary-General | Mlungisi Makhanya |
| Founded | 7 July 1983 |
| Youth wing | Swaziland Youth Congress |
| Ideology |
Socialism Social democracy |
| Political position | Left-wing |
| International affiliation |
Progressive Alliance Socialist International (consultative) |
| Colours | green, yellow, red and black |
| Party flag | |
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|
| Website | |
| http://www.pudemo.org | |
The People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) is the largest opposition political party in Swaziland. It is a Socialist party. Formed in 1983 at the University of Swaziland, it is led by pro-democracy activist Mario Masuku. The Swaziland regime has been watching PUDEMO closely since it launched the Ulibambe Lingashoni ("Don't Let the Sun Set") campaign, which is aimed at a "total liberation" of Swaziland, and has recently clamped down heavily on even small manifestations of support for PUDEMO. An example of this is the death in custody of PUDEMO member Sipho Jele - arrested for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt in May 2010.
The People's United Democratic Movement was formed in 1983 at the University of Swaziland.
Its 1985 manifesto stated that it was
‘fully dedicated to creating a democratic Swaziland’, that ‘the countries wealth shall be enjoyed by all citizens and shall be shared equally’, that ‘the land shall be given to all those who work it’, that there shall be ‘free, compulsory, universal and equal [education] for all children’ and that ‘human rights shall be observed and respected’.
PUDEMO called for democratic reforms in 1988, 1990, and 1991. PUDEMO rejected King Mswati III's 1991 commission to review the tiNkhundla system, and the King's 1992 commission on electoral reform. King Mswati III responded by suspending the legislature, and began to rule by decree.
The Swaziland Youth Congress claimed responsibility for a Feb. 6, 1995 fire in the House of Assembly.
PUDEMO held a campaign of strikes and civil disobedience in 1996.
In 2000, PUDEMO President Mario Masuku "was arrested for "insulting the king, sedition and treason."
Pro-democracy protests took place in Swaziland in 2002, with "40% of Swaziland population believed to be on verge of starvation following poor harvests."
At the 2003 elections in Swaziland only non-partisans were elected. In March 2005, the Swaziland High Court ruled that "political parties can not exist."
In March 2006, PUDEMO members, including Bonginkosi Dlamini, the PUDEMO secretary-general, were charged with petrol bomb attacks. In April 2007, "Six PUDEMO members [were] charged with sedition following protests on the anniversary of King Sobhuza II's royal decree banning political parties."
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Wikipedia