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Swaziland
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission reviews and determines the boundaries of 55 constituencies known as tinkhundla for purposes of elections.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(c); 91.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:38:55 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 91(2)-(5).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:31:27 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
d. Electoral management body
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for the demarcation and the conduct of elections.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(c), 91.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:38:55 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi
b. Job Title: Intern
c. Organisation: EISA
d. Contact Address. 14 Park Road, Richmond, Johannesburg, South Africa
e. Telephone: 0027-11-4825495
f. Facsimile: 0027-11-4826163
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:03:13 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1992
Last updated: 2006-07-09 16:52:31 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) Monarchy, Protection and Promotion of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, The Executive, The Legislature, The Judicature, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commission on Human Rights, Land and Minerals section, Traditional Institutions and Miscellaneous.
Source: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, Chapter XVII, No. 246(2)
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:26:38 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
k. None
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:27:41 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
k. None
Comments: Not specified.
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:35:36 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:35:36 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution The Electoral Committee
b. Full Address CRC Building, LOBAMBA, Swaziland
c. Telephone +268 416 2488
d. Facsimile +268 416 1970 / 09268 416 2813
e. Email [email protected]
f. Website Address None
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President R Thwala
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English and siSwati
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:26:38 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Comments: The functions of the Elections and Boundary Commission shall be to - oversee and supervise the registration of voters and ensure fair and free elections at primary, secondary or other level.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(a).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:26:38 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission is funded from the Consolidated Fund.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 171(2), 208(4).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:26:38 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: Twelve years and is not renewable.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(5).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:26:38 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-10-09 10:02:35 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-10-09 10:02:35 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
g. Inherited monarchy
Comments: The King is the Head of State and hereditary succession to the throne is governed by traditional law and custom.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 2, 4-5
Last updated: 2007-10-09 08:37:13 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the King acting on the recommendation of the Advisory Council and may be removed from office by the King.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 67(1), 68(1)(a).
Last updated: 2007-07-19 12:56:06 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Comments: Swaziland is a hereditary monarchy.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 2
Last updated: 2007-10-15 10:36:06 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: Parliament consists of a House of Assembly and a Senate.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 93; 106.
Last updated: 2007-10-09 08:48:11 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Assembly consists of 60 members elected in constituencies, 10 members appointed by the King, the Attorney-General and up to four women elected by a joint sitting of Parliament from a shortlist supplied by the Election and Boundaries Commission.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 86; 95.
Last updated: 2007-10-09 10:46:57 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable not applicable in Swaziland
Last updated: 2007-07-19 12:38:40 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
Comments: Key electoral legislation includes: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005 Election Order, 1992 Voter registration Order, 1992 Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973 (bans political parties)
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:07:58 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Election Order, 1992, 4(1)
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:07:58 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Last updated: 2007-10-09 09:35:29 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
d. Other
Comments: There is no specific legislation governing dispute resolution, so election petitions are heard by the High Court.
Source: KARUME, S 2003b "Post-mortem of the Swaziland General Election of 2003" IN EISA Election Update: Swaziland 2003 No 2.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:07:58 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:31:16 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Comments: Political parties were banned in 1973 in Swaziland.
Source: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:31:16 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 13:50:04 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973 .
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: j. If the person has paid all taxes or made arrangements satisfactory to the Commissioner of taxes.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 96.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: j. If the person has paid all taxes or made arrangements satisfactory to the Commissioner of taxes.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 96.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Only independents may stand, political parties are banned.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: Political parties were banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties were banned.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:05:32 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Comments: After the close of the poll the presiding officer seals all the documentation and ballot boxes and forwards them to the returning officer. The returning officer gives notice to the candidates or their agents informing them of when and where the count is to take place.
Source: Elections Order 1992, 40-45.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:11:06 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
e. Court order
Comments: d. Candidates or their agents may request a recount, but the returning officer may refuse if the request seems unreasonable. e. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is not tasked with hearing disputes, nor is there any specific legislation governing dispute resolution, so election petitions are heard by the High Court.
Source: Elections Order 1992, 48(4). KARUME, S 2003b "Post-mortem of the Swaziland General Election of 2003" IN EISA Election Update: Swaziland 2003 No 2.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:11:54 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for facilitating civic and voter education.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-09 12:46:41 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Comments: One of the functions of the Elections and Boundaries Commission is to - facilitate civic or voter education as may be necessary in between elections.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-09 12:47:33 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: One of the functions of the Elections and Boundaries Commission is to - facilitate civic or voter education as may be necessary in between elections.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90(7)(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-09 12:49:18 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Election Order, 1992, 22(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:55:17 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
Source: Election Order, 1992, 11(5).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:55:17 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
Source: Election Order, 1992, 11(5).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:55:17 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-02-02 08:52:18 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
g. Other
Source: Election Order, 1992, 33(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:01:20 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 88 (1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:44:12 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: A person is qualified to be registered as a voter if.. that person... is a citizen of or is ordinarily resident in Swaziland.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 88 (1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:44:12 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland 2005, Article 90 (7)(a).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 11:44:12 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
