Eswatini Braces for Parliamentary Elections Amidst Concerns of Autocratic Rule

The Kingdom of Eswatini, the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa, is preparing to hold its parliamentary elections on September 29. With approximately 585,000 registered voters expecting to select 59 members of the lower house of parliament, many question the value of these elections, pointing to the overarching control of King Mswati III.

While parliamentary elections are generally perceived to be a participatory political system, critics argue that, in this context, they merely play an advisory role, as ten additional members are directly appointed by the monarch himself, diminishing the impact of the public's vote.

Leaders from the student community, among others, have voiced their concerns regarding this political arrangement. Critics argue that, despite the supposed democratic election process, Eswatini continues to function under the rules of an absolute monarch, with the tri-fold arms of government under the command of King Mswati III.

Amid the existing political tension, Eswatini is also grappling with acute youth unemployment, recorded at approximately 59.1% according to the UNDP's 2021 Labour Force Survey. The King's special advisor, Moses Dlamini, however, reassures that the King is working tirelessly to create job opportunities for the country's young people.

The run-up to the elections has seen sparse political gatherings during a two-week campaigning period, in a nation where the opposition makes up a handful of candidates nominated during primaries last month. Human rights lawyer, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, has publicly stated that these elections cannot alter the way the 1.2 million people of Eswatini are governed.

Due to these limitations, most opposition groups have called for an election boycott, even though three have urged voters to participate. As the constitution allows King Mswati III to veto any legislation, appoint the Prime Minister and the cabinet, and dissolve both the parliament and the government, the monarch's authority remains unchallenged.