House of Assembly: 19 September 2008

Description of Electoral System:

The King is the Head of State and hereditary succession to the throne is governed by traditional law and custom. Executive power lies with the King who exercises it directly or through the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King, from the members of the House of Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Advisory Council and may be removed from office by the King.

Legislative power is vested in the King-in-Parliament; Parliament consists of a House of Assembly and a Senate. The House of Assembly has 60 members elected by plurality 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. The Senate consists of 10 members elected by House of Assembly and 20 members appointed by the King.

Electoral Systems Snapshot

(Courtesy of International IDEA)

*Click on links for definitions

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Politics of Swaziland

Swaziland, at independence on 6 September 1968, was a constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliamentary system. However, by Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973, King Sobhuza II suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament and banned political parties. He ruled from then by decree, promising a new constitution that would better reflect Swazi traditions and culture. Without the promulgation of a new constitution a new electoral system called the Tinkhundla system was put in place in 1978. This created a two house Parliament through a complex system of indirect election, but Parliament was merely an advisory body, firmly subordinated to the King.

On his death  King Sobhuza was succeeded by his son Mswati III on 25 April 1986 and the Tinkhundla system was continued. In 2005 a new constitution was promulgated by the King which institutionalized the system with some modifications without compromising the primacy of the monarchy in Swazi political life. The new constitution was silent on the issue of political parties.

In May 2006 the otherwise unknown African United Democratic Party obtained an order from the High Court ordering the government to register it as a political party on the basis of the clause in the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of association. As recently as August 2007, however, the King has continued to maintain that political parties remain banned. Pressure to lift the ban has periodically manifested in the form of strikes and demonstrations.

Previous election

The previous House of Assembly election under the Tinkhundla system was held in 2003. For more information read the Commonwealth Expert Team Report [PDF].

Next election

DID YOU KNOW? Between 1973 and 2005 Swaziland had no constitution.

The next House of Assembly election, to be held under the Constitution of 2005, is scheduled for 2008.