Swaziland Democracy under Kingdom. Ruling System. Swaziland is Africa's last absolute monarchy. King Mswati III has been on the throne since 1986; his rule has been deeply corrupt and relentlessly repressive. This has contributed to a range of serious social and economic problems, in particular the world's highest HIV prevalence, systematic discrimination against women, widespread poverty (63 percent of the population live below the poverty line) and extreme inequality. Mswati III must swiftly change course and ensure that the state upholds human rights and begins a transition to democratic governance, including by holding free and fair elections, developing inclusive, responsive and accountable institutions, and implementing the rule of law. If not, the country could plunge into a protracted and potentially violent crisis, which would inevitably result in even greater deprivation and the further undermining of basic freedoms. Thus, this is a critical moment for the international community to seriously engage with the Government of Swaziland regarding human rights and the need for it to genuinely listen to the legitimate aspirations of the Swazi people