International Relations

Understanding Eswatini's Electoral System In the Kingdom of Eswatini, a unique political event is taking place. Despite being a kingdom where political parties are prohibited, the citizens of Eswatini are heading to the polls to cast their votes. More than half a million people have registered to vote, and they will be electing 59 members of the lower house of parliament. However, the elected MPs only serve an advisory role and do not hold any tangible power. All powers are vested in King Mswati III, the last absolute monarch of Africa. The Tinkhundla System of Governance Eswatini operates under the Tinkhundla system of governance, established in 1977. Under this system, the local chiefs vet election candidates. The Kingdom is divided into four regions, further divided into 59 Tinkhundla or community centres. These centres regroup 336 chiefdoms or umphakatsi, with the governing chiefs directly reporting to t...

In a bid to combat organized crime on a global scale, Europe is set to bolster its task force in cooperation with Latin America. This enhanced alliance will focus on tackling a myriad of crimes, including trafficking of cocaine and heroin, arms, ammunitions and explosives, human trafficking and illegal immigration, as well as financial and environmental crimes. In addition, the strengthened task force will also address hybrid threats, energy security, and, upon Portugal's request, the protection of critical infrastructure and public spaces.This decision was discussed and agreed upon at a high-level meeting held in Brussels. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Internal Administration, José Luís Carneiro, and ministers from the European Union and various Latin American countries. These countries included Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paragua...