Editing History of Eswatini (section)

== Independence (1968–1980s) ==

Leading up to independence, the INM had solidified its political base. Having done this, the INM incorporated many demands of the more radical parties, especially that of immediate independence. In 1966, the UK Government agreed to discuss a new constitution. A constitutional committee agreed on a constitutional monarchy for Swaziland, with self-government to follow [[1967 Swazi general election|parliamentary elections in 1967]]. Swaziland became independent on 6 September 1968. Swaziland's [[1972 Swazi general election|first post-independence elections were held in May 1972]]. The INM received close to 75% of the vote. The [[Ngwane National Liberatory Congress]] (NNLC) received slightly more than 20% of the vote which gained the party three seats in parliament.

In response to the NNLC's showing, {{citation needed|date=November 2013}} King Sobhuza repealed the 1968 constitution on 12 April 1973 and dissolved parliament. He assumed all powers of government and prohibited all political activities and trade unions from operating. He justified his actions as having removed alien and divisive political practices incompatible with the Swazi way of life. In January 1979, a new parliament was convened, chosen partly through indirect elections and partly through direct appointment by the king.

King Sobhuza II died in August 1982, and Queen Regent Dzeliwe assumed the duties of the head of state. In 1984, an internal dispute led to the replacement of the prime minister and eventual replacement of Dzeliwe by a new Queen Regent [[Ntombi of Swaziland|Ntombi]]. Ntombi's only child, Prince [[Mswati III of Swaziland|Makhosetive]], was named heir to the Swazi throne. Real power at this time was concentrated in the Liqoqo, a supreme traditional advisory body that claimed to give binding advice to the Queen Regent. In October 1985, Queen Regent Ntombi demonstrated her power by dismissing the leading figures of the Liqoqo. Prince Makhosetive returned from school in [[England]] to ascend to the throne and help end the continuing internal disputes. He was enthroned as [[Ngwenyama|Ingwenyama]] [[Mswati III of Swaziland|Mswati III]] on 25 April 1986. Shortly afterwards he abolished the Liqoqo. In [[1987 Swazi general election|November 1987, a new parliament was elected]] and a new cabinet appointed.