AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the SWALIMO shall be:
- To fight for the liberation of Swazis and eliminate the vast inequalities created by the absolute monarchy and the system of national oppression.
- To advocate for the unification of all the people of ESwatini and friends of ESwatini, for the complete realisation of human rights, and liberation of the country from all forms of oppression and abuse of power by the royal family.
- To advocate for the complete end of an authoritarianism by the absolute monarchy in all its forms; and, contribute to the transformation of ESwatini into a united, and democratic country based on democratic principles of the human rights, equality, justice and dignity of all people.
- To defend the democratic gains of the people and to advance towards a fully democratically representative society in which government is solely elected by the people in accordance to accepted democratic principles.
- To promote the rebuilding of ESwatini with a common patriotism and loyalty in which the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of the people is recognised.
- To promote the development of social, economic and political benefits of all.
- Details
- Written by: John Burke using GROK 4 AI
- Category: Eswatini Situation
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Overview of Eswatini's Democracy and Political Stability (as of November 15, 2025)
Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy under King Mswati III, continues to face entrenched challenges to democratic governance and human rights. While the country has maintained surface-level political stability in 2025 with no large-scale internal protests, underlying tensions persist from the violent crackdown on pro-democracy movements in 2021. International assessments classify Eswatini as "Not Free," highlighting severe restrictions on political pluralism, free assembly, and judicial independence. The government's resistance to reforms, coupled with impunity for past abuses, fuels ongoing discontent among activists, opposition groups, and civil society. Economic pressures, including high unemployment and inequality, exacerbate these issues, though weak opposition structures have limited mobilization this year.
Democracy Status
Eswatini's political system remains dominated by the monarchy, with the king holding ultimate authority over the executive, legislature, judiciary, and traditional chieftaincy structures. There are no competitive elections for the head of government, and political parties are effectively banned under the Tinkhundla system, which favours royal appointees and limits opposition influence. Freedom House's 2025 report assigns Eswatini a score of 17/100 ("Not Free"), with just 1/40 for political rights and 16/60 for civil liberties. Key deficits include:
- Electoral Process: 0/12 – No free and fair elections; parliamentary seats are filled via non-partisan "inkhundla" contests that exclude meaningful opposition.
- Political Pluralism: 1/16 – Dissent is criminalized under sedition and terrorism laws.
- Rule of Law: 4/16 – Judiciary lacks independence, with courts upholding repressive statutes in 2024.