News

Swazi king maintains ban on political parties, IOL (2007)

King Mswati III has said a controversial ban on party politics in the kingdom would remain.

Swaziland Democracy Campaign Launched in South Africa, VOA (2010)

Pro-democracy groups from several southern African nations Sunday gathered in South Africa to launch a campaign for democracy in Swaziland, which is considered one the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world.

Swaziland civil society opts to form transitional govt, SABCNews (2011)

Civil organisations and pro-democracy organisations in Swaziland want the state to consider a multi-party democracy. After a three day convention aimed at finding possible ways to engage government on political discussions, these organisations have resolved to form a transitional government ahead of the 2013 National Government elections.

Banned Swazi opposition slams SA bailout, News24 (2011)

It is reported that South Africa loaned the neighbouring Swaziland an amount of R2.4bn ($355m). The conditions of the loan included are that King Mswati III opens talks on reforms in Africa's last absolute monarchy.

Swazi protests swell as riot police look on, Mail & Guardian (2011)

It is reported that protesters marched to the city centre today against Africa's last absolute monarch, King Mswati III. Congress of South African Trade Union in South Africa is reported to have sent a delegation to take part in the protests. Protest marches were also being planned in South African cities on Friday.

Swazi security forces clash with students, Mail & Guardian (2011)

It is reported that security forces clashed with more than 1000 students during demonstrations in the capital Mbabane yesterday. Amongst other things demanded by the proterstors are unbanning of political parties, trade unions, elections to create a democratic multiparty state and a free media.

Swaziland Trade Union Demands Democratic Reforms, VOA (2012)

The article is about demands made by the newly formed Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA). It is reported that amongst other things, TUCOSWA demands registration and participation of political parties in the next year’s election.

Protests: Swazi cops arrest union leaders, News24 (2012)

The article reports on arrests in Swazilands on union leaders. It is reported that this is part of the crackdown on banned pro-democracy protests.

Few register for Swazi poll, News24 (2012)

In this article, few Swazi people register for upcoming elections. It is reported that banned opposition and labour unions urged Swazis to to boycott the election.

Swaziland: Swaziland will be a democracy - Cosatu, News24 (2012)

In this article, Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it will not be long before Swaziland is a democratic country. Cosatu deputy president, Zingiswa Losi told reporters that this is not a promise but a fact.

Swazi PM vows to stay put, News24 (2012)

In this article, Swazi Prime Minister, Sibusiso Dlamini decides to stay in his post despite a vote of no-confidence from parliament.

ANC demands change in Swaziland, News24 (2013)

In this article, South Africa's African National Congress(ANC) calls for the democratisation of neighbouring Swaziland.

Swaziland voters begin registration, News24(2013)

In this article, eligible voters begin to register for elections. It is reported that over 600 000 elegible voters will put their names down as voters with the relevant authorities.

Swaziland: EBC blames CSOs for inadequate civic education, Times of Swaziland (2013)

In this article, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) blames the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for the inadequate civic education prior to this year’s national elections. This comes after different International Observer groups pointed the inadequacy in the recent elections.

Swaziland: Election observers slam new electoral laws, The Swazi Observer (2013)

In this article, SADC Lawyers Association (SADC-LA) questions Swaziland legal framework governing the elections. The six electoral laws, received Royal assent just weeks before the elections.

Swaziland: Mswati appoints premier for 3rd time, News24 (2013)

In this article King Mswati re-appoints Prime minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini for the third term. In his justification, the King says Dlamini's vast political and economic experience, makes him the "rightful candidate" to take the country forward.

Tutu leads Swaziland pro-democracy crusade, News24 (2014)

In this article human rights organisations including South African Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu sign an open letter demanding reforms from Swaziland's King Mswati III.

Swaziland: Swazi democracy rally abandoned, AllAfrica (2015)

Pro-democracy activities in Swaziland to mark the 12th April anniversary of the Royal decree that turned the country from a democracy to a kingdom ruled by an autocratic monarch were abandoned amid fears that police would attack participants.