Under the current constitution, passed in 1993, the King is a constitutional monarch and the head of state, with power being exercised by the Parliament. While in practice hereditary, the King is officially appointed by the College of Chiefs using traditional practices.
The current constitution, enacted in 1993, designates the King as a constitutional monarch and head of state. The actual authority rests with Parliament.  Although the monarchy is historically hereditary, the King's appointment is officially handled by the College of Chiefs through traditional methods.