Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, votes for parliament

Voters in Eswatini cast their ballots on Friday for legislative elections. More than 500,000 people are registered to vote in the southern African nation. Voters are to choose 59 members of the lower house of parliament, which plays only an advisory role to the monarch.

Polls opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT). The results, to be announced within a few days. Candidates were nominated during village councils by traditional chiefs close to the king.