What powers does the king have in Eswatini’s government?

Under the 2005 constitution, which became effective in 2006, the king of Eswatini holds executive authority, which is exercised through a dual system of government.1

The king’s powers include:

• Executive Appointments: The king appoints the prime minister and a cabinet of ministers to advise him on government matters.12
• Legislative Influence: The king nominates up to 10 members to the House of Assembly and appoints 20 members to the Senate.1
• Advisory Councils: The king is advised by the Swazi National Council on matters related to Swazi law, custom, and tradition.1

While the country maintains a parliamentary system, critics have noted that the constitutional framework allows the king to retain absolute governing powers. Historically, the monarch has restored traditional systems of government where effective power remains concentrated in the royal capital. Although the 2005 constitution does not explicitly ban political parties, they remain restricted in practice, and the king maintains significant control over the state's political direction.21