Voters in Swaziland chose a new parliament last month in an election that many opposition leaders and international observers called a “sham” process. Candidates are chosen by traditional chiefs who are loyal to King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch. The King’s family has ruled the country since the 1800s. King Mswati III, who recently selected his 15th bride, has faced growing criticism over his lavish lifestyle and increases in poverty inside of the country. Swaziland has one of the world’s highest AIDS rates, and a majority of the population lives below the poverty line. Alex Vines, research director and head of the Africa program for Chatham House, tells us about some of the challenges facing the new government. (Photo: AP/Mongie Zulu)