Holding an election without "the machine"

Sunday they held an election for nominees to run for the 30% of the parliament the king doesn't appoint plus 2 important local officials: chief's assistant ( "indvuna", who seems to handle all administration), and the "development official."  Our Make invited us along. 

It was scheduled for 9 to 4. We arrived at the Chief's home, the center of local government, up on a beautiful hillside, with the best kraal in the county, arriving far too early, at 9:15. We separated, women in the back (where there was shade!), men closer to the kraal, (pictured, after folks moved later) the source and location of wealth. 

Our Make always gets a "boy" (in their 20s) to be with me on such situations, so I don't mess up, like by putting my hat on, which would have been disrespectful.  When I wanted to talk to KUF I was to go " indirectly" with head slightly bowed, out of respect for the event (not the women).  Hope i got it right. 

My friend saw me writing this note and wanted to see it in siSwati:

Namuhla sibambe luhetfo ekudzeni emphakatsini lukhetfo lwephalamende. Bantfu beba baningi.  

(got that?)

 10:15 many people from the edges started to gather in and a man stood up and said a prayer.  Pause. 20 minutes later the indvuna said the Elections Commission had forgot "the machine" (computer) and they would be there with it in an hour or so. 

People then moved to another part if the hillside, now around 300 people, all visiting cheerfully, patient, none hunched over iPhones. One other PC trainee was there.  Women on 1 side, men on the other 2, tables for the Commision officials at the front. The women sit with their legs straight out on front; when KUF crossed her legs under her long skirt our Make said she should not. 

 Another man stood and prayed.    Then a woman from the Elections Commission reviewed eligibility requirements, orally, for 45 minutes.   And reported the people bringing the "machine" were lost, but would be there. A man asked and was assured that people with disabilities could serve as long as they could do the job. 

We got this one picture, but many people here don't like having their picture taken, so KUF snapped fast. 

"The Machine" arrived  around noon. My friend Shedrack Johnson, a prosperous local farmer whom I know from my runs and from around, sat with me and interpreted till he had to go up front to support a nomination. After 5 nominations the Election Commission lady asked if that was enough, and lively discussion and show of hands ensued.  5 was enough. 

The Chief does not sit with the crowd. Results will be reported to him. He inherited his position from his father. The people are embarrassed by their chief who can't even call a meeting of his Inner Council to get anything done. 

  I was interested in the amount of interest in running. A man told out Make he planned to nominate her (didn't happen). My farmer friend was interested in either MP or indvuna. But no one seemed to have lined up any support. Nor did the seem to have a platform, or know when the next round would be. 

Around 1 pm our Make had had enough, and we went home. We have since heard they did not finish by dark; don't know what they'll do. 

These people would like to participate in their government. Our Make and my farmer friend indicated the conduct of the Elections Commission may have been a little discouraging for them. The PC wants us to leave diplomacy to the embassy, and blogs are public, so I'll leave it at that.