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Eswatini

Kingdom of Eswatini

Mixed Roman-Dutch, English common law and Swazi customary lawAbsolute monarchyReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Mbabane
Population
1,200,000
Languages
siSwati, English
Currency
SZL

Eswatini · Constitution

Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini

Adopted in 2005, more than thirty years after the 1973 royal decree repealed the independence constitution and banned political parties. It contains a chapter of fundamental rights but preserves executive authority in the King, his power to appoint the Prime Minister, senators and judges, and the prohibition on party-based candidacy under the Tinkhundla system. The result is a rights chapter that coexists with royal prerogative rather than overriding it.

The constitutional text

Adopted in 2005, more than thirty years after the 1973 royal decree repealed the independence constitution and banned political parties. It contains a chapter of fundamental rights but preserves executive authority in the King, his power to appoint the Prime Minister, senators and judges, and the prohibition on party-based candidacy under the Tinkhundla system. The result is a rights chapter that coexists with royal prerogative rather than overriding it.

Separation of powers

Unitary with four regions and 55 tinkhundla constituencies that combine electoral and administrative functions. Chiefs administer Swazi Nation Land under the King as trustee.

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