NationStates Jolt Archive

Apollina Standard
First Apollinan Constitution, Grand Dukes elected for life!

Today, the Apollinan Senate has voted to accept the first written constitution in Apollinan history. This bill was put forward by the Grand Duke himself and will totally shake up the Apollinan political system, the main changes are listed here;


The Grand Duke is now elected from the Senate for life, when he dies a General Election will take place to elect a new Senate who will then elect a new Grand Duke from the elected Senators
The Senate will now contain 200 Senators due to the massive increases in our population
The Senate may now force a vote of no confidence, effectively ending the rule of the Grand Duke, if 60% of the Senators sign a petition stating that is what is wanted
The public can force a referendum on the rule of the Grand Duke by obtaining 60% of the population's signature stating they have no confidence in the Grand Duke
Changes to the Constitution must be passed by the Senate with over 70% in favour
Political Parties are now outlawed, all Senators must be Independent of outside vested interests so that they can best serve thier communities
The Grand Duke retains executive control in new policy making, deployments overseas, the economy etc (aided by his Ministers to carry out administration)
Ministers will still be hand picked from the Senate, those called must do thier duty to serve
Senators still have a ten year term. Elections insue every tenth year.


This lays out the main points of the new constitution. It was passed in the unprecedented manner of being handed to the Senate to vote on; Grand Duke Kos made it clear that if the Senate did not pass this then it would not become legislation. The Senate voted to pass it 81 to 19, he said that this "solidified our unique and beneficial political process and he thanked all that had given thier input, both for and against. A vote decided by the Senate has not happened for over 150 years, I am proud this was passed". This now signals the dissolution of the Senate and the political areas of the Grand Dukes Office, including his own; a general election will now take place.

The Foreign Minister, Senator Reikos has just finished his speech at a press confrence in the Grand Palace, the floor is open to questions from any international press.

Are there no questions for the soon to be former Minister? (bump)

Are you afraid of the population rioting after this change?

Are you afraid of the population rioting after this change?

The Sentor sat back and smiled,

"Parts of our population have been questioned on our decision, and the majority thought it was a good idea, there were some who did not of course. This is really not much of a change as Grand Dukes were elected from the Senate for 20 year terms, so most remained Grand Duke for very long periods anyway. And the reduction in the number of Senators needed to vote to remove a Grand Duke has been reduced, adding a much desired sense of accountability."

bumpity

The Kingdom of Xeraph wishes to congratulate Appollina on it's change of government.

We would like to exchange embassies with Appollina.

respectfully,

Prince Vlad, ruler of the Grey Phoenix, in the name of the King

The Incorporated States of Seratoah wishes to offer its congratulations to Appolina on the formal drawing up of it's first written constitution, and wishes to extend our congratulations to the Grand Duke personally.

We would like to exchange embassies in light of this new government.

Sincerely,
Seratoan Foreign Office

We would like to question, whether such an arrangement would change our trading and diplomatic relationship with Apollina.

If not, we are unmindful of the change, since it does not concern us greatly.

Regards,

The Guild of External Affairs,

The Merchant Guilds - This new political arrangement will have no bearing on trading or diplomatic arrangements, it is purely an internal affair. It was publicised for general interest and knowladge of our national system for other powers.

Xeraph and Seratoah - We would gladly exchange embassies with you and look forward to opening new diplomatic channels with your nations.

TELEGRAM: SERATOAH TO APPOLINA
We are pleased that you have agreed to an exchange of embassies. We would further ask that you might grant us a small plot in your nation's capital in order that we might build an embassy at our own cost, adn we shall extend the same courtesy to your nation.

A Delegation of 5 staff diplomats and our chief Ambassador to Apollina, Philton Magher, are flying out at the moment.

Sincerely,
Seratoan Foreign Office

We are pleased by the quick response and the allayment of our concerns.

Regards,

The Guild of External Affairs,

TELEGRAM: SERATOAH TO APPOLINA
We are pleased that you have agreed to an exchange of embassies. We would further ask that you might grant us a small plot in your nation's capital in order that we might build an embassy at our own cost, adn we shall extend the same courtesy to your nation.

A Delegation of 5 staff diplomats and our chief Ambassador to Apollina, Philton Magher, are flying out at the moment.

Sincerely,
Seratoan Foreign Office

A building near to the Grand Palace is being prepared and awaits your diplomatic team.

Many thanks, Apollina. Our delegation shall arrive and set up the embassies official workings within 2 RL days.

Similarly a building off the Grand Plaza in Toniah, the capitol city of Seratoah, has been set aside for your nation's use as an embassy.