Security forces arrested and briefly detained labor and other pro-democracy leaders before the elections and after the bomb blasts. The 55 elected members of the national assembly were government-approved. They were joined by ten direct royal appointees. The king also appoints 20 members of the senate, with the remaining ten selected by the national assembly. The judiciary is generally independent in most civil cases, although the royal family and government can influence the courts.
Traditional courts hear many cases.
Prison conditions are poor, and overcrowding has increased since the adoption of the 1993 Non-Bailable Offenses Order. The decree covers serious crimes, including murder, robbery, rape, weapons violations, and poaching. The Swazi Law Society and international groups have protested that the decree effectively denies the presumption of innocence and convicts people without trial. There are regular reports of police brutality. Freedom of expression is seriously restricted, especially regarding political issues or matters regarding the royal family.