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The September elections in Swaziland attracted international attention. Two high-profile reports were released before the elections, which criticised the governance and human rights picture in the country: Chatham House鈥檚 鈥淪waziland: Southern Africa鈥檚 Forgotten Crisis鈥� and Freedom House鈥檚 鈥淪waziland: a Failed Feudal State鈥�. Election observers confirmed that the elections passed peacefully but many, including the Commonwealth and the African Union, were critical of aspects of the elections, particularly the ban on participation by political parties. Local chiefs also had influence over the nomination process for candidates. Our concerns remain over the refusal by the government of Swaziland to engage in a genuine process of national dialogue about the role of political parties. This is something we will continue to raise with the government of Swaziland and international partners.

The Commonwealth was actively engaged in Swaziland through the Secretary General鈥檚 Adviser on Swaziland. The Commonwealth EOM report on the September elections noted that the elections fell short of meeting Swaziland鈥檚 key international obligations for democratic elections, and recommended revisiting the 2005 constitution to ensure that Swaziland鈥檚 commitment to political pluralism is clear. We maintain close contact with the Commonwealth team in-country and in the UK.

The September elections also highlighted continuing gender inequality in Swaziland. Only one woman was elected in 55 constituencies. The King鈥檚 nomination of just three additional women to the lower chamber of parliament leaves female participation in parliament short of the 30% target. Constitutional provisions to increase the number of women when this target has not been met have so far been ignored. The British High Commission in South Africa covers our relations with Swaziland, and continues to work with international partners including the EU, Commonwealth and the South African Development Community to exert international pressure for change.

This case study is part of the 2013 Human Rights and Democracy Report.