Africa-Press – Eswatini. Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini has reported significant strides in legislative activity, institutional transformation, and public accessibility during the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, signaling its commitment to open governance, inclusion, and enhanced oversight.
Throughout the 2025/2026 first quarter, Parliament successfully held multiple plenary sittings across both Houses, alongside a series of committee meetings—including portfolio, sessional, and select committees. These engagements reflect Parliament’s active role in legislative scrutiny, public consultation, and stakeholder involvement.
Among the notable achievements was the tabling of a substantial number of Bills and pieces of subordinate legislation, contributing to the country’s evolving legal and governance framework.
A major development was the announcement of progress in establishing a dedicated studio for a Free-to-Air television channel, which will broadcast parliamentary proceedings and civic education content. This initiative, aimed at fostering transparency and public participation, is being hailed as a bold move toward strengthening democratic accountability.
“Through this platform, the public will have unfiltered access to legislative affairs,” a parliamentary spokesperson said, adding that the move reaffirms Parliament’s dedication to inclusive governance.
Additionally, Parliament signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). This agreement is expected to facilitate technical support, peer-to-peer learning, and advisory services—further enhancing the institutional capacity of Eswatini’s Legislature.
To promote inclusion and gender equity, Parliament introduced new accessibility initiatives that target women, persons with disabilities, and broader public engagement. These efforts aim to make Parliament more responsive and representative of the nation’s diverse population.
On the administration front, Parliament continues its internal restructuring drive. Following concerns raised by Honourable Members regarding their welfare and working conditions, the issue was formally submitted to the Administration and Joint House Committee. In response, the committee acknowledged the need to address these matters and has since submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Royal Commission. The proposals cover support structures for Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and all Members of Parliament.
In a related development, and following a House resolution adopted with a PAC report recommendation, Parliament has proposed the establishment of a Special Account to Cabinet. This financial mechanism aims to accommodate the operational needs of Parliament, particularly when dealing with development partners whose funding rules preclude transfers via the Consolidated Fund.
Legally, Parliament has also completed a consultative and legally rigorous process in drafting the Privileges (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill is seen as a landmark step in strengthening the legal and constitutional framework surrounding the powers, privileges, immunities, and responsibilities of Members of Parliament.
In summing up the institution’s progress, Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to being a responsive, transparent, and transformative organ of state. The latest developments mark an important phase in aligning Eswatini’s legislative processes with both national development goals and international best practices.
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