Election Date: September 19, 2008

Abstract: At stake: House of Assembly

At stake: House of Assembly

Background

The British protectorate of Ngwane became independent in 1968 under the name Swaziland. The African country has functioned as an absolute monarchy ever since.

Swaziland borders South Africa and Mozambique.

Since 1985, King Mswati III has ruled Swaziland. Political parties have been banned in Swaziland since the 1970s. The electoral process calls for primary elections, where voters choose from candidates nominated by local councils. The king appoints 10 of the 65 members of parliament as well as the prime minister. The king can also veto any law passed by the legislature and frequently rules by decree.

2002 proved to be a challenging year. Swazis faced a major threat of starvation due to a combination of factors, including droughts and failed agricultural policies. In the same year, the government was criticized for buying the king a luxurious jet plane whose value—$50 million U.S.—was equivalent to a quarter of the country’s total budget at the time.

Also in 2002, Swazi judges rebelled against the government and resigned en masse as they accused the administration of ignoring court rulings.

In April 2003, Swaziland issued a ban on criticism towards the government—especially towards the king’s new jet plane—to the national media.

Criticism of the Swazi government was also so strong because of the African nation’s major health crisis. An estimated 38.8 per cent of all Swazi adults are infected with HIV—the highest incidence in the world. Swaziland’s life expectancy has dropped to 31.9 years, and many children are now orphans.

The last legislative ballot took place in 2003. While only non-partisan candidates were chosen, pro-democracy activist Obed Dlamini—president of the banned Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC)—earned a seat in the legislature. Dlamini was later sworn in as prime minister.

Click here for Swaziland’s 2003 House of Assembly Election Tracker

In 2004, as starvation was still looming, King Mswati III announced he would build new palaces worth millions of dollars for all of his 11 wives. International organizations and donors openly condemned the Swazi government’s priorities.

Mario Masuku, president of the opposition People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDC)— banned from participating in politics—said at the time: "We are angered and embarrassed by the wanton, senseless and limitless expenditure by the monarchist government of Swaziland. [The palace construction] is typical of an autocratic regime lacking the democratic fundamentals of inclusivity and grass-root participation."

In July 2005, King Mswati III signed the official proclamation of a new constitution. The document added members to the House of Assembly, but the core of the Swazi political system remained the same—the monarch retained his right to dissolve the legislative branch at any time. Political parties remain officially banned.

2008 House of Assembly Election

Swaziland’s parliamentary was scheduled for Aug. 23 and Sept. 19. In the first round, candidates are nominated by local councils in each constituency. The top three-finishers then participate in the second round, where the winner is elected.

On Jul. 30, Prince Gija Dlamini, chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, said that out of 400,000 people eligible to vote, 50,000 have not registered yet. Swaziland’s population is one million.

In late July, the Swazi government officially invited Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe to be part of the royal celebration of 40 years of independence from British rule. Mugabe is widely seen in the international community as an oppressive ruler, and his invitation to Swaziland prompted criticism by several governments and international organizations.

The banned People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the largest opposition group, decried Mugabe’s invitation, as well as the cost of the independence festivities, estimated at $6.5 million U.S.

PUDEMO leader Mario Masuku declared: "The celebrations themselves are unwarranted, it is just a waste of money for the Swazi nation, but worse still we now believe they are all people of the same team for King Mswati to invite a dictator that has violated fundamental human rights of the people of Zimbabwe to be brought here. It is an insult or adding salt into wounds of the people of Swaziland. Already people of Swaziland who are poor and unemployed are unhappy about the celebration. But the invitation of Robert Mugabe is adding salt into the wounds."

On Aug. 2, Mswati III discussed his economic views, saying, "The reason why I am emphasizing on trade, growth and diversification is because these issues are intertwined. Trade promotes diversification while diversification is a catalyst for trade. (…) I am aware that many times we have looked for trade opportunities beyond our continent, yet if we work as a region, we can boost our economies as we tap on experiences, resources and capacities of each of our countries as well as comparative advantage."

First round voting took place on Aug. 23. Second round voting took place on Sept. 19. Mario Masuku, leader of the banned People’s United Democratic Movement, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs, saying, “How these elections are called democracy is beyond me. The country’s political system makes a mockery of democracy in the region. In Swaziland there are no elections just selections of people who dance to the king’s tune.”

On Sept. 19, Mary Mugyenyi, head of the Pan-African Parliament mission to observe the Swazi ballot, commented on the electoral process, saying, “The non-participation of political parties makes these elections extraordinary from any others, but we hope with time things will change. (…) What we see here is people choosing their leaders to represent them in parliament. They are not from any political parties.”

On Sept. 30, Masuko referred to Swaziland’s political life, saying, “The situation in Zimbabwe is better, in that political parties are allowed. (…) The only challenge there is one despot—that people go to elections and then the despot annuls them. People in Swaziland can’t even elect who they want. Instead we’ve got a king who treats this country and its people as his plaything. It’s feudal.”

Seven women were elected to the 55-member House of Assembly. The results were widely regarded as an indication of success for the “Make the Right Choice: Vote for a Woman” campaign, which spread the message in more than 100 communities.

Political Players

King: Mswati III
Prime minister: Themba Dlamini

Legislative Branch: The Libandla (Parliament) has two chambers. The House of Assembly may have up to 75 members; 60 members are elected out of candidates nominated by traditional local councils, the attorney-general sits as an ex-officio member, 10 members are appointed by the King, and up to four women are elected by a joint sitting of Parliament from a shortlist supplied by the Election and Boundaries Commission. The Senate has 30 non-partisan members; 10 members elected by the House of Assembly and 20 members appointed by the King.

Results of Last Election:

House of Assembly - Aug. 23 and Sept. 18, 2008

Only non-partisan candidates were elected. No political parties are allowed.

 

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