Near the sumptuous Ludzidzini royal palace, in Lobamba, about 25 kilometers from the capital Mbabane, voters cast their ballot in the parliamentary elections, in a country where political parties are banned. For some in this area however, the absolute rule of King Mswati III is more than just a governing system. "The monarchy is the keeper of our heritage and of our identity," says, Thula Ngubane, a candidate running for local councilor. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES