Eswatini: Increased security likely nationwide during and following general election, Sept. 29

Event

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) will hold its general election on Sept. 29 to elect 59 members of parliament. As an absolute monarchy, the elections remain largely symbolic and no changes to the country's governance are likely. Opposition parties and civil society groups, who are barred from contesting, have announced their boycott of the election. Polling stations will be open from 07:00-18:00.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain an increased level of security nationwide during and in the days following the election. Measures may include the deployment of checkpoints, increased patrolling near urban centers, border restrictions, and implementation of curfews. While the previous elections in 2018 were largely peaceful despite tensions, protests and clashes between security forces and opposition activists cannot be excluded. Disruptions to urban and intercity road travel, business operations, and telecommunications are likely amid significant bouts of civil unrest or preemptive security operations.

Context

Eswatini is Africa's last absolute monarchy and holds parliamentary elections every five years. The kingdom is governed as a diarchy, led by King Mswati III and aided by the Queen Mother, Ntfombi Tfwala. Parliament holds no power, providing an advisory role to the King, and political parties are banned from running. Around 59 members of parliament will be elected from a pool of approved candidates, with the King nominating another 11. These will then elect 10 members of the Senate, with the King nominating 20.

Political violence occurs regularly in Eswatini, with pro-democracy groups striking or staging protests to demand constitutional reform. Security forces often rapidly resort to using force, including firing live bullets onto crowds. The latest bouts of violence occurred between November 2022 and February 2023, when nationwide protests and riots followed the alleged killing by governmental forces of a political dissident, amongst other issues. This was the second wave of major political instability in three years, following June and October 2021, when several waves of protests caused a reported 80 fatalities and over 200 injuries.

Advice

Exercise caution while operating in Eswatini. Avoid all gatherings, political events, and election-related activities, as well as concentrations of security forces. Exercise caution near police offices, and government buildings. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Monitor local news for updates on possible curfews, or for information on road conditions, as protestors may not announce actions in advance. Heed the advice of local authorities. If encountering police checkpoints, do not attempt to bypass security without authorities' permission.