People's United Democratic Movement
Encyclopedia
The People's United Democratic Movement is the largest opposition party
in Swaziland
. Formed in 1983, 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.
At the 2003 elections
only non-partisans were elected.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Swaziland
Swaziland
Swaziland, officially the Kingdom of Swaziland , and sometimes called Ngwane or Swatini, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique...
. Formed in 1983, it is led by pro-democracy activist Mario Masuku
Mario Masuku
Mario Masuku is the leader of the People's United Democratic Movement , Swaziland's banned opposition party.He was born in the village of Makhosini...
. 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
Sipho Jele
Sipho Jele was a member of banned Swazi political party People's United Democratic Movement who died in police custody in Swaziland, after having been arrested on 1 May for having worn a t-shirt with a Pudemo-logo. Sipho Jele was found hanging from the rafters of a toilet at the Sidvwashini...
- arrested for wearing a Pudemo t-shirt.
At the 2003 elections
Elections in Swaziland
Swaziland elects a national legislature. The Parliament of Swaziland has two chambers: the House of Assembly has 65 members, 55 members elected out of candidates nominated by traditional local councils and 10 appointed members; balloting is done on a nonparty basis; candidates for election are...
only non-partisans were elected.