The last absolute monarchy in Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini, will hold parliamentary elections on Friday, with political parties banned from contesting.
The constitution emphasises “individual merit” as the basis for selecting lawmakers, who cannot be affiliated with any political group. Being in the good graces of King Mswati III, who wields absolute power, also carries much weight.
About 585,000 registered voters will be called to choose 59 members of the lower house of parliament, which plays only an advisory role to the monarch. Mswati, who can veto any legislation, will directly appoint another 10 lawmakers.
With most candidates loyal to the king, the election is unlikely to change the political scenery in the kingdom formerly known as Swaziland.
Only about a dozen of those nominated during primaries last month are known to have ties to the opposition.
Many do not say which side they are on, fearing repression.
Political parties have unclear status and cannot directly take part in the vote.
They were effectively banned in 1973, but a new constitution in 2005 provided an opening allowing for freedom of association. Still, in practice, there is no legal avenue for them to register, according to democracy watchdog Freedom House. Swalimo is incorporated as a non-profit.
The People’s United Democratic Movement, one of the largest opposition movements, has been declared a “terrorist” organisation and banned.