Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission reviews and determines the boundaries of 59 constituencies known as tinkhundla for purposes of elections.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(c) & 91.
Verified: 2019/01/30
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 91(2)-(5).
Verified: 2012/02/24
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Boundary Commission
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for the demarcation and the conduct of elections.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(c) & 91.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The King is the Head of State and hereditary succession to the throne is governed by Constitution and Swazi law and custom.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 4 & 5.
Verified: 2012/02/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the King from among members of the House acting on the recommendation of King's Advisory Council and may be removed from office by the King.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 67 & 68
Verified: 2012/02/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Swaziland is a hereditary monarchy.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 1, 4 & 5
Verified: 2012/02/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: Parliament consists of a House of Assembly and a Senate.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 93
Verified: 2012/02/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The election of persons to any chamber of Parliament or Bucopho shall be by secret
ballot at both primary and secondary levels or any other level in accordance
with the first-past-the-post system in which the person receiving the highest number of votes is elected.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 87 & 95
Verified: 2012/02/24
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, Electoral Law: Election Order: Electoral Law: Voter registration Order and Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Order, art. 4(1)
Verified: 2012/02/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/02/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
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: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(a).
Verified: 2012/12/11
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission is funded from the Consolidated Fund.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 171(2) & 208(4).
Verified: 2012/02/24
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/25
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Twelve years and is not renewable.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(5).
Verified: 2012/02/24
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: There shall be an independent authority styled the Elections and Boundaries
Commission (“the Commission”) for Swaziland consisting of a chairperson, deputy chairperson and three other members.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90.
Verified: 2012/02/24
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The EMB is composed of: 5 members.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90
Verified: 2012/02/24
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90.
Verified: 2012/02/24
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: Chair and Deputy-Chair appointed by the King on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and three other members appointed by the King on consultation with the ministers responsible for elections and for local government.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for facilitating civic and voter education.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(b).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
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: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(b).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90(7)(b).
Verified: 2012/02/24
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 88 (1).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: A person is qualified to be registered as avoter if.. that person... is a citizen of or is ordinarily resident in Swaziland.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 88 (1).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 90 (7)(a).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Registration voluntary and continuous.
Source: Electoral Law:Voters Registration Order, sec. 4.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973 .
Verified: 2012/02/24
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, art. 96.
Verified: 2012/02/24
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Only independents may stand, political parties are banned.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: Political parties were banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments: Political parties were banned.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . 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: Electoral Law: Elections Order 1992, 40-45.
Verified: 2012/02/24
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
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).
Electoral Law: KARUME, S 2003b "Post-mortem of the Swaziland General Election of 2003" IN EISA Election Update: Swaziland 2003 No 2.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available i . Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/02/24
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/02/24
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Parties are banned in Swaziland.
Source: Proclamation No 7 of 12 April 1973.
Verified: 2012/02/24
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/06/12
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Order, sec. 22(1).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Order, sec. 11(5).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Order, sec. 11(5).
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots g . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Order, sec. 33(1).
Verified: 2012/02/24
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