Throughout history, neighboring and distant societies have made attempts to spread their ideas into Swaziland. As a result of centuries of this cultural diffusion, there is a current dispute over the issue of adapting aspects of Western culture or maintaining the customary way of life. Some of the Swazi people feel that their country will not progress without these adaptations, while others believe that change will disrupt the relative stability of the country. Consequently, in modern Swaziland there is a strong conflict between traditional and modern forces.
Currently, a monarch has near to absolute power in the government. The outside world has recently become adamant in their insistence in Swaziland become a democracy. Despite this the current ruler, King Mswati III, firmly believes that an absolute monarchy is more advantageous in their society. King Mswati III has made some reforms in order to appease those who desire democratic ideals. For example, he has allowed elections for members of Parliament, and has recently released a new constitution to Swaziland. Conversely, Parliament is treated as an advisory body and has very limited power. The new constitution reinforces the authoritarian rule of the King, giving few civil rights to the people. King Mswati III is putting up a fazade that he is restructuring the government, but in reality he is holding steadfast to the power that a king traditionally has. King Mswati III's predecessor, King Sobhuza II, abolished the first constitution of Swaziland that was instated when Swaziland became a British protectorate. He repelled the constitution under the defense that the Constitution was created with Western thinking, and therefore did not suit the traditional needs of the Swazi people. Although King Mswati III is reinforcing the idea of a constitutional monarchy, little will change from the totalitarian rule of his ancestors.
