Swaziland Democracy Watch is fighting for democracy in Swaziland, through solidarity work with democratic movements in the country.  It is important to point out, that we want democracy on the people of Swaziland´s own premises, and not necessarily democracy in the western or Scandinavian sense of the word.

In our opinion, the understanding of the word democracy has developed in a rather unfortunate way here in the western world. It is being used carelessly, and this means, that, as it is right now, even the most undemocratic actions can become legit in the name of democracy. Recent cases in Denmark such as the expulsion of supposedly terrorists are good examples of this, but it happens all over the world, again and again.

Furthermore we believe that it is problematic that democracy is regarded as the only right way to govern a country, without taking into consideration the different ethnicities, cultures and the history of the specific country. Instead it is our conviction that one has to take all these factors in account, when considering and subsequently deciding the governmental form of a country, if one wishes to meet the needs of the people.

These are the reasons why we cannot support the ways developed countries are trying to create democracy in developing countries and politically unstable countries, when the sole purpose is putting a democratic label on them. When USA initiated the war with Iraq in 2004, they used democratization of the Middle East to justify their actions. We want to make it clear that we take a strong stand against the abuse of the term. Democracy should give the people more influence and not suppress them!

Meanwhile, the people of Swaziland possess an actual wish for democracy. We know from our contacts in Swaziland, NGO´s as well as civil figures, the majority of Swazis desires a multiple party system with a constitutionalized monarchy, something close to what we have in Denmark. Again, it is crucial for us to say that it might not be for the best, but we will fight for people of Swaziland´s right to choose.