The upcoming legislative elections in Eswatini raise little hope of real change in this small African kingdom. Ruled for 37 years by King Mswati 3, Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy on the continent. Despite the semblance of democracy that this election represents, the reality is very different.
With all the powers in his hands, King Mswati 3 has total control over the country. No bill can be passed without his approval and he even has the power of veto. Parliament, for its part, only has an advisory role and is largely under the influence of the monarch.
In addition, political parties are prohibited from participating in elections. The candidates, numbering 59, are selected during primaries, but they cannot represent a political party. Most of them are known for their loyalty to the king, which strengthens the monarchy’s hold on political power.
Only a dozen candidates are considered opposition, but their impact is minimal in such a restricted political environment. One of the main opposition organizations, Pudemo, was even declared a terrorist organization by the authorities, which shows the repression exercised against any form of political protest.
Despite this, the kingdom has been rocked by protest movements and pro-democracy demonstrations in recent years. Protesters demand political reforms and greater freedom of expression, but they are often violently repressed by security forces.
The murder of influential opponent and lawyer Thulani Maseko highlights the climate of tension reigning in the country. King Mswati 3 had said shortly before the killing that opponents should expect to be killed by mercenaries, accusing these opponents of instigating the violence.
These legislative elections in Eswatini therefore appear to be a simple formality intended to maintain in place a political system dominated by absolute monarchy. Despite the democratic aspirations of certain parts of the population, King Mswati 3 retains unshakeable power and continues to reign supreme over the kingdom.