Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is an absolute monarchy, where the king holds significant power. Here is some information about the election system in Eswatini:
- National Assembly Elections: The Parliament of Eswatini consists of two chambers: the House of Assembly and the Senate. Members of the House of Assembly, which is the lower chamber, are elected through a combination of direct elections and appointments. The king appoints some members, known as “specialists,” while the rest are elected by the people. However, the elections are held under the Tinkhundla system, which is a unique electoral system specific to Eswatini.
- Tinkhundla System: The Tinkhundla system is a traditional system of governance in Eswatini. Under this system, the country is divided into several constituencies known as tinkhundla, each represented by an elected member in the House of Assembly. Candidates run as individuals rather than as representatives of political parties.
- Political Parties: While political parties exist in Eswatini, they are not officially recognized and are not allowed to contest elections. This limits the role of political parties in the electoral process and the formation of party-based governments.
- King’s Role: The king of Eswatini holds significant power and influence over the government and the appointment of key positions. The king appoints the prime minister, who is the head of government, as well as other important officials. The king’s role and authority have a substantial impact on the political landscape of the country.
It is important to note that Eswatini has faced criticism and calls for political reform, including demands for greater democracy, political pluralism, and human rights.
