Travellers should anticipate possible protests

Travellers should anticipate possible protests in Swaziland during a parliamentary election on 19 September 2008. The election is the first to take place under a new constitution in the country, which is ruled by an absolute monarchy. Candidates cannot run as members of political parties. Reports indicate that police officers arrested prominent union leaders and journalists and have prevented protesters from blockading border posts with South Africa. Approximately 200 protesters held a demonstration in South Africa at the Oshoek border crossing.