Government System of Swaziland

Vol 1 Issue 1
BACKGROUND
Even before Swaziland was its own country, it was ruled by a monarch with the
British government overlooking it. Once it became independent from Britain on the 6
September 1968, the government was officially an absolute monarchy. As the country
has seen the abuse of power over the decades, more and more people try to form
political groups to run for election, but are threatened and abused by the kings men
each step of the way

ABSOLUTE
MONARCHY
The constitution of 2006 allows for an absolute
monarchy. The monarch then choses who the
Prime Minister will be. He also approves the
cabinet, can veto legislation and dissolve
Parliament. As of July 2005, the monarch
cannot rule by decree.

TINKHUNDLA
Introduced in 1978. All of the 55 tinkhundla use
the process of nomination by show of hands.
Only three candidates per tinkhundla will be
considered for the final general election.

ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Swaziland has an electoral system that was

introduced in 1978. It is a bicameral Parliament.
The monarch appoints ten of the 65 members
of the House of Assembly and 5 of those must
be women.

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND

SENATE
In October of 2003 the House of Assembly and
Senate held elections for the pre-selected
candidates. The turnout was less than desired,
but this should be expected when the
Parliament is not given power and when
political parties are discouraged and
threatened.

Sources: http://thecommonwealth.org
http://www.gov.sz