|
Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) of 30 members led by a Prince, has been working on new constitution since 1996.
Swaziland currently has 55 constituencies called "tinkhundla" (singular - "inkhundla").
A. Legislature:
Bi-cameral parliament (since 1967):
House of Assembly (65 members) - 55 elected by secret ballot elections, King appoints 10.
House of Senate (30 members) - 55 elected M.P.s select 10 senators, King appoints 20.
Total number of parliamentarians: 95
Female members: Currently 10 (3 elected, 1 selected, 6 appointed by King)
B. Executive:
King appoints Cabinet:
Prime Ministers (eight Dlaminis since 1967)
Deputy Prime Minister (never a Dlamini)
Ministers (currently 14, including 2 women)
All members of parliament.
Previous Prime Ministers:
1. Prince Makhosini
2. Prince Maphevu
3. Prince Mabandla
4. Prince Bhekimphi
5. Sotja Dlamini
6. Obed Dlamini
7. Prince Mbilini
Current Prime Minister:
Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini (B. Comm., B. Chem., Doctorate - honorary) Minister of Finance in 1980s, then IMF in Washington, USA, until recalled by King.
C. Judiciary:
Independent. Hampered (or helped?) by "Non-bailable Offences Act". People accused of serious crimes (treason, murder, rape, armed robbery, car theft and poaching of endangered animals) remain in custody until trial.
High Court: Chief Justice & three judges administer Roman-Dutch law
Magistrates Courts: Roman-Dutch law
Swazi National Courts: smaller offences, with mixture of Roman-Dutch and Swazi customary law
Chiefs' courts: petty cases, chief can fine his subjects, but not give jail sentences.
|
