Edict of Westmarch, 1866

[CharmingCavalier 2189]

EDICT OF WESTMARCH, 1866

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11th of Sigismund’s End, 1866

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

With reforms to the Imperial Diet, it is far overdue that the election system itself be updated as well. In order to foster transparency, the development of political parties, and election cycles it is hereby decreed, by Our writ, that a new election system and a body to oversee it shall be organized. Its duties and directive are below, as prescribed by Our ministers.

ELECTORAL OVERSIGHT

 

I. Imperial Diet Election Commission:

The Imperial Election Commission (IEC), is tasked with overseeing the election of the Imperial Diet and fulfilling any necessary work for election. It shall act as a bureaucratic arm of the Imperial Diet led by the Election Commissioner, appointed by the Imperial Crown. It is charged with handling elections, registering to vote, and the formation and oversight of political parties.

 

II. Election Commissioner:

The Election Commissioner appointed by the Imperial Crown shall lead the IEC and ensure the elections are carried out. The Election Commissioner must remain absolutely neutral in all affairs. While permitted to vote, they are not allowed to campaign or show support for any candidate. Questions of the Election Commissioner’s integrity are grounds for removal from the position and further prosecution if deemed necessary.

PARTICIPATION AND PARTIES

 

I. Requirements to Run for Office:

In order to run for the office of Senator one must meet these requirements:

1. Have a legal residence within the border of the Empire.

2. Filled out the Imperial Census issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

3. Be at least twenty years of age. 

4. Lived in the Empire for at least five years.

5. Registered to Vote.

6. Meet the requirements to hold office under the Edict of Reform, 1854

 

II. Requirements to Vote:

In order to register to vote one must meet these requirements:

1. Have a legal residence within the border of the Empire.

2. Filled out the Imperial Census issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

3. Be at least sixteen years of age.

4. Lived in the Empire for at least two years.

 

III. Requirements to Form a Party:

In order to apply for a political party it must meet these requirements:

1. All members must be citizens of the Holy Orenian Empire.

2. All members must be registered to Vote.

3. All members must have filled out the Imperial Census.

4. Must have a clear party platform.

5. Must have approval from the Imperial Crown.

6. Must have at least 5 members.

ELECTORAL PROCESS

 

I. Registration:

The IEC is tasked with ensuring all citizens who meet the requirements to vote are issued Voter Cards with their information on it. Upon applying to register to vote, the Commission will issue a Voter Card which will contain their primary place of residence, full name, year of birth, and race. The Voter Card must be issued within the Saints days after they register. Each card shall be signed by the Election Commissioner and logged in for their records.

 

II. Voting:

On the day of election each voter shall make their way toward the designated polling station for that election. The Voter shall locate their candidate's ballot box they wish to vote for and place their Voter Card inside. The IEC will be tasked with collecting all Voter Cards and publicly announcing the results after they have been counted. Following the election the IEC must ensure Voter Cards are returned to their proper owners.

 

III. General Election:

General Elections shall take place following the dissolution of an Imperial Diet for the next session when it is called. Announcement for Candidacy shall open for a period of 48 saint hours. Once all Candidates who meet the requirements are approved by the IEC they will begin campaigning for several saint days leading up to the election. Poll stations will open for a period of 48 saint hours (Voting periods may be extended if deemed necessary.) Once the Poll stations are closed results shall be announced within the following Saint Day.

 

IV. By-election:

A by-election shall take place if one of the elected Senator positions are opened while the Imperial Diet is still in session. Should an elected office of Senator become open a by-election shall be hosted as soon as possible. It may be rushed and have a shorter time period for the election process if needed. The victor of a by-election shall take office once results are announced. If a by-election is unable to be held someone shall be appointed to the office.

AD DEI GLORIAM,

 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera 

 

HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

 

 

[Imperium 3495]

Election Commissioner Cicero prepares his new office right above the bank.

[KamikazeReaper 457]

The young Senator and baronet reads the Edict " but we just as a diet agreed to ban parties, for the safety of the empire"
he said outloud before filing the edict into a folder and placing it into a shelf

[SortedJarhead 817]

 

Lars the Gong Farmer was shoveling out the Archchancellor's latrines as the edict is published. Only a short time later the Archchancellor came to relieve his bowels, spilling it upon Lar's head who was deep in the latrine pit.

 

"M'lord! Nice edict ye wrote, m'lord!" Lars cried out from the hole, his nose dripping in brown as he brown-noses the esteemed politician, for Lars is illiterates and couldn't actually read the edict.