Eswatini (Swaziland)

Government

Swaziland's political system combines traditional Swazi power structures with westernized democracy in a unique and often enigmatic blend. The Swazi monarchy headed by the King and Queen Mother is interwoven with inherited colonial institutions to create the fabric of Swaziland's dual political system. The reigning King, Mswati III,holds extensive powers in all three branches of government. Although ultimate authority is vested in the monarchy, the King does not act alone nor is he utterly unchecked in exercising power. The King rules according to unwritten Swazi law and custom in consultation with his mother, the ruling Queen Mother (although the full extent of her influence remains unstated), along with the elders, Cabinet, Parliament, and the Judiciary. The roles of traditional advisory councils and the Cabinet, and their respective influence on the decisions of the monarchs, although seemingly important, are not easily discernable. In the executive branch, ministers and many other officials hold their positions at the King's pleasure; the same applies de facto if not de jure in the judicial branch.

Current Government