Swaziland is now the only country in Southern Africa that does not subscribe to multi-party democracy. As dramatic political changes take root across the region in South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, and Malawi, the traditional Swazi political system is increasingly being targeted as a major impediment to the country's progress. Fueled in part by generational differences and regional trends, a groundswell of grass-roots activity is emerging and pressing for change in the Kingdom. While political unrest seems unlikely to destabilize Swazi society in the near future, continued unresponsiveness from government and the crown will exacerbate these tensions, creating a more unpredictable environment for business. While the King has publicly committed himself to constitutional reform and a constitutional commission is in place, progress has been minimal and slow, and the constitutional commission itself has come under attack.
Government seems slower in accepting the societal role of trade unions.
C. Brief Synopsis of Political System Swaziland's political system combines traditional Swazi power structures with westernized democracy in a unique and often enigmatic blend. The Swazi monarchy headed by the King and Queen Mother is interwoven with inherited colonial institutions to create the fabric of Swaziland's dual political system. Although ultimate authority is vested in the monarchy, the King does not act alone nor is he utterly unchecked in exercising power. The roles of traditional advisory councils and the Cabinet, and their respective influence on the decisions of the monarchs, although seemingly important, are not easily discernable. This is a system of local government organization which allows for regional and local representatives nominated by the people to be their spokespersons to the regional administrators.