New Swazi constitution adopted

2005-06-14 20:36

Mbabane - Parliament in the Swaziland kingdom of one million people has adopted a long-awaited constitution that seeks to meld centuries-old traditions with Western democratic principles.

A joint sitting of the house of assembly and senate approved the bill late on Monday by a show of hands. King Mswati III must sign off on the document before it becomes the supreme law.

Mswati, Africa's last absolute monarch, has been under international and domestic pressure to bring reform to his kingdom.

The country has been ruled by royal decree since 1973, when Mswati's father, King Sobhuza II, banned political parties.

The new constitution, written by a committee headed by the King's brother, Prince David, is the product of more than eight years of consultations including public meetings in all the chiefdoms.

It includes a detailed bill of rights, including the right to life, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of conscience and religion, and equal treatment for women.

Freedom of expression and assembly also are guaranteed, but political parties are barred from contesting elections.

Pro-democracy groups complain the new constitution entrenches the powers of the king, who remains head of state and must still assent to all legislation. He also appoints the prime minister, cabinet members, key judges and some legislators.

The document includes a clause providing that a monarch who does not perform can be removed, in which case the Queen Mother would take over his reign. But it does not specify how this would happen.

The Swaziland coalition of concerned civil organisations has rejected the document, saying the drafting process itself was undemocratic.

But University of Swaziland political science lecturer, Nomthetho Simelane, said the constitution is a good working document.

"Swazis should take solace in that the constitution can still be amended to meet their expectations," she said.

- AP