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| {{Politics of Freice}} | | {{Politics of Freice}} |
| As of January 2022, the politics of Freice takes place within the framework of a unitary provisional government and constitutional monarchy. Previously, following the approval of a new constitution, the Senior Council was the collective head of government in a dominant-party system. Legislative power was vested in the government and the Nuejel, the unicameral legislature. The judiciary was officially independent of both branches.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Archived 9 December 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.</ref> However, the Common Wealth Party's governance was widely seen to be authoritarian, with control over media and widespread gerrymandering meaning that opposition groups were prevented from having greater influence.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Enduring problems for Freician democracy]. ''Guri Telegraph''. Retrieved 18 September 2021.</ref>
| | The '''politics of Freice''' takes place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy with aspects of mixed government. The head of state of Freice is Queen Diana II in right of the Riamese Federation. Domestically the [[Maaita of Freice|Maaita]] is the local ruler and de facto head of state, serving at the apex of the indigenous government. Both are hereditary positions. |
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| In December 2021, following a successful motion of no confidence in the government of Tese Gaqa, Edia Kiarai assumed power as head of government and initiated the process of constitutional reform.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Gajāl Out, Kiārdx́ā In"]. ''Tama Adune oe Faio''. Retrieved 28 November 2021</ref> Legislation to create a new constituent assembly and provisional government were passed by the Nuejel the same month, with elections to be held in January 2022.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freice: January elections to draft constitution]. ''Riamese Broadcasting Corporation''. Retrieved 16 December 2021.</ref>
| | Freice's government consists of a number of committees through which decisions are made. Executive power is exercised by all elected representatives through these committees. The Policy Development Committee is the senior committee and is responsible for the overall direction of government policy; the president of the committee serves as de facto head of government. The council consists of the chairs of each committee and the district mayors. |
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| ==Offices==
| | The constitution vests executive and legislative power in the Representative Council, a unicameral body consisting of twenty elected representatives. Prior to 2009, the Maaita chaired its sessions, but now one of its members is elected president. The Council is elected every three years via universal suffrage. When convened as the executive branch, it is called the "Committees of the Representative Council." |
| {| class=wikitable
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| !Office
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| !Name
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| !Party
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| !Since
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| | [[Monarchy_of_Riamo|Queen of Riamo]]
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| |colspan=2| [[Monarchy_of_Riamo|Diana II]]
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| | TBD
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| | Administrator
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| |colspan=2 | Brigadier General Liam George
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| | 2021-present
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| |-
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| | [[President of the Island Meeting (Freice)|President of the Island Meeting]]
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| | [[Aniara Neileka]]
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| | Independent
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| | 2022-present
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| |-
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| |}
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| The head of state is Diana II, Queen of Riamo. | |
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| The President of the Island Meeting (Freician: Kauiaga oe tela Rhui Mulo) alternatively and commonly referred to as the ''President of Freice'' (Kauiaga oe Faio) or just the ''Kauiaga'' is the presiding officer of Freice's legislative, the Island Meeting, and also the political leader of Freice. Unique amongst democracies, the office combines the roles of legislative speaker and head of government, elected by and from amongst the legislature to oversee and direct proceedings.<ref name=": Ab123">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > About"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 28 January 2022.</ref> | | == Executive branch == |
| | === Maaita === |
| | {{main|Maaita of Freice}} |
| | The Maaita of Freice is the local head of Freice, fulfilling most of the duties of head of state. Until 2009, the Maaita was the head of government and was required to preside over legislative sessions, but these powers were diluted following constitutional amendments. The Maaita is the most senior position amongst the local institutions, and arose from an agreement between three chiefs that the role should rotate amongst them. The descendants of these chiefs continue to hold the office on rotation. |
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| The Government (officially the Government Council) operates on the basis of collegiality, with ministers collaborating with one another in the running of their departments rather than there being strict allocations of responsibility.<ref name=": About">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council"] ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 25 January 2021.</ref> Ministers, like the President, are elected by the Island Meeting and may only be removed by the Meeting; the President has only the power to allocate responsibilities.<ref name=": About">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council"] ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 25 January 2021.</ref> | | The current Maaita, since 30 January 2023, is [[Kaana Tenkel]], who is the sole inheritor of Tuaa Savou's share of the office. Since 22 December 2023, his wife [[Makeeia Taaguvigi]] serves as regent. |
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| ==Constitution== | | === Policy Development Committee === |
| The 1972 Constitution Act outlines Freice's political and economic system. In 2021, following the July coup d'état, the Schedules of Government was enacted, replacing the 1972 constitution. However, following the downfall of the government in December of that year, the 1972 constitution was restored. A number of constitutional amendments were subsequently made to provide for a new constituent assembly to draft a new document. These were the Constitution (Continuity and Confirmation) Act 2022, the Constitution (Amendment no.19) Act 2022, the Constitution (Draft) Act 2022, and the Island Meeting (President and Government) Act 2022.<ref name=": aaaaaa Association">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Assembly votes for dissolution"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 18 January 2022.</ref> | | The Policy Development Committee is the senior committee within the Freician system of government. The committee is responsible for the broad development of policies and programmes and for coordinating the work of the other committees. It's main functions are the co-ordination of the work of committees; fiscal, economic, and financial matters; external relations and constitutional affairs; and any other matters not explicitly vested in another committee. |
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| The Freice Autonomy Act 1969 (amended in 1980) establishes Freice's relationship with Riamo and serves as a de facto constitutional document. It provides for continued Riamese sovereignty over Freice, whilst protecting Freice's right to self-government. The act defines the as a ''country'' within the federation, referring to the "right to autonomy and self-rule of independent nationalities."<ref name=": External Association">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "External Association"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 19 July 2016.</ref> The act also describes the Freician people as constituting a "sovereign personality", allowing for the right to self-determination.<ref name=": External Association">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "External Association"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 19 July 2016.</ref> | | The committee is presided over by a president, who is elected by the Representative Council. The president of the committee serves as the de facto head of government as the most powerful single political figure. However, unlike in most parliamentary systems, power is decentralised; as such, the president's power is largely determined by their individual relations with other figures and committees. Other members include the chairs of the other committees and the mayors of each district. |
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| ==Legislative branch== | | === Council Committees === |
| Legislative power is vested in the unicameral ''[[Island Meeting (Freice)|Island Meeting]]'' (Freician: Rhui Mulo), often known as the ''Meeting'', which is composed of 11 members (or 'delegates') elected popular vote.<ref name=": Meeting_Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > About"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 24 January 2022.</ref> The Island Island Meeting was established through the Constitutional Reform (Assembly and Elections) Act 2021 and confirmed with the Constitution (Continuity and Confirmation) Act 2022, replacing the Nuejel as Freice's legislative branch.<ref name=":Elect">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Nuejel approves new assembly"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 6 December 2021</ref><ref name=":Elect2">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Assembly votes for dissolution"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 23 January 2022</ref> It meets at the Kaimo Landua (National House) in the Freician capital [[Sekapa]], with the current Island Meeting elected on 16-17 January 2022.
| | Decision-making in Freice's government is undertaken by committees. Instead of government departments or ministries, power is delegated to a number of committees made up of councillors. These committees are tasked with a specific policy area, with a chair elected amongst them to guide its activities and to represent the committee to the wider Council. Each committee has between four and six councillors, with councillors permitted to sit on (but not chair) multiple committees. |
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| The Island Meeting is responsible for making laws for any matter, subject to the Freician constitution and the Freice Autonomy Act. The Riamese federal government may override its decisions only in limited circumstances, subject to the association act.<ref name=":What">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is the Island Meeting?"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 7 December 2021</ref> The Island Meeting's powers are comparable to those found in other legislatures. It has the power to enact legislation, amend the constitution, approve the budget, and oversee the administration of government.<ref name=": Proc">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Procedure"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 28 January 2022.</ref> The courts provide judicial oversight. | | The current committees are as follows: |
| | * Finance and Economy Committee |
| | * Social Affairs and Culture Committee |
| | * Federation and External Affairs Committee |
| | * Education and Families Committee |
| | * Health and Social Services Committee |
| | * Home Affairs and Justice Committee |
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| The President of the Island Meeting is the chief officer and highest authority of the assembly.<ref name=": President">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > President"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> The president presides over debates within the assembly and determines who can speak and which bills can be put forward for debate. They are also responsible for maintaining order within the assembly and are empowered to sanction members (including expelling them from the sitting) if they breach its rules.<ref name=":EWA">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Announcements on Provisions, December 19, 2021]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 20 December 2021</ref> | | ==Legislature== |
| | The legislative branch of the Freician government is the Representative Council, which is elected every three years with a universal franchise. Until 2009, senior landowners and district leaders also held seats in the council with voting powers, but constitutional changes removed this automatic right and extended the franchise so that all women, rather than just married women, could vote. The amendments also removed the requirement for the Maaita's presence, with the role of presiding officer now undertaken by the President of the Council in the Maaita's absence. |
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| As a constituent assembly as well as permanent legislature, the Island Meeting in its current form is also responsible for drafting a new Freician constitution.<ref name=":What">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is the Island Meeting?"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 7 December 2021</ref>
| | The Representative Council consists of 20 members, including a president who serves as its presiding officer. The council meets for three sessions per year, with each session lasting a minimum of 7 working days. The Representative Council is responsible for passing laws, levying taxes, and maintaining the "peace, order, and good government of Freice." |
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| ===Composition===
| | Riamese federal law does not automatically apply to Freice except from in a small number of cases provided for in constitutional law or in bilateral agreements. No law passed in the Riamese federal parliament has ever been extended to Freice without its consent, with a total of 29 laws having been agreed on since 1972. |
| {{Template:CompositionFreice}}
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| ==Executive==
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| [[File:Official Portrait of Aniara Neileka.png|thumb|Aniara Neileka, current President of the Island Meeting since 2022. She previously served as President of the Assembly of Delegates from June to July 2021.]]
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| The Government Council (Kaunio Kuwanaara) is the executive branch, consisting of ministers who work for the implementation of the political, economic, social, cultural, and other such activities of the state.<ref name=": About">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council"] ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 25 January 2021.</ref> It directs the activities of the state, oversees the management of the country's finances, and ensures the effectiveness of the administrative structure and bureaucracy. The council is appointed by the Island Meeting.
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| The head of the Government Council is the President of the Island Meeting, who concurrently serves as ex officio chair of the council. Members of the council make key decisions collectively, responsible as one for the consequences of these decisions.
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| ===President as political leader===
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| The President of the Island Meeting also serves as political leader of Freice, serving as ex officio chair of the Government Council. According to the Constitution of Freice and its amendments, the President:<ref name=": President">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > President"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>
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| *Exercises "supreme executive authority" in the name of and on behalf of the Island Meeting.
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| *Formally presents bills to the Island Meeting on behalf of the Government Council.
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| *Formally presents reports on domestic and external relations to the Island Meeting.
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| *Appoints judges with the approval of the Island Meeting.
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| *Declares a state of emergency and oversees relief in the event of a disaster.
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| **Declares public schools and government offices closed during civil or weather emergencies.
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| *Oversees all government offices.
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| Executive authority remains vested in the Island Meeting, with the president exercising these powers on its behalf rather than independent of it.<ref name=": Constitutnjjuioion">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting (President and Government) Act 2022".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 22 January 2022.</ref> The president's authority remains accountable to the Meeting and acts only with its permission.
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| ===Government Council===
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| As of January 2022, the makeup of the Government Council is as follows:<ref name=": Current members">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council > Members"] ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 22 January 2022.</ref>
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! width=203 | Portfolio
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| ! width=120 | Minister
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| ! width=236 | Responsibilities
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| | President of the Island Meeting<br>Leader of the Government Council
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| |style="text-align:center" | [[Aniara Neileka]]
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| * External relations
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| * Elections
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| * Education
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| * The constitution
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| * Liason with the Riamese federal government
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| | Treasurer<br>Deputy Leader of the Government Council
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| |style="text-align:center" | Edia Kiarai
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| * The economy & finance
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| * Enterprise
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| * Financial services
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| * Economic development
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| * Budget
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| |-
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| | Director of Health
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| |style="text-align:center" | Boni Iasoqe
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| * Health
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| * Health and Safety
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| * Hospitals and emergency response
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| * Social care
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| * Mental health
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| | Counsel General
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| |style="text-align:center" | Taqame Natpiau
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| * The legal system
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| * Law reform
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| * Police issues/crime/law & order
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| * Equality
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| | Inspector of Lands
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| |style="text-align:center" | Siega Pokigna
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| * Environment and green areas
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| * Environmental health
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| * Refuse collection and disposal
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| |}
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| ==Judiciary== | | ==Judiciary== |
| The Freician judiciary consists of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Summary Court, and the Village Court. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches, maintaining links with the government and legislature through the Law Services Committee.<ref>Ralingsborough, Andrew P. (1999) ''Freician Law''. Guri: University of Guri Press. p. 141. ISBN 192-4-12012-451-7.</ref> | | The constitution of Freice provides for an independent judiciary subject only to the law. The island's legal system consists of traditional Freician customary law overlaid with principles and practices taken from federal and statute law. The courts of Freice are responsible for the administration of justice. |
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| The courts' system is regulated by the Constitution of Freice. The Court of Appeal has unlimited jurisdiction in all civil and criminal proceedings, consisting of the Chief Justice and three other justices.<ref name=": Cour-App">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Services > Judiciary > Court of Appeal"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> The Chief Justice is usually a Riamese barrister or solicitor, appointed by the Administrator to serve a renewable three-year term. The Chief Justice does not permanently reside in Freice, traveling to the island to hear cases when necessary. Sometimes, when there is unanimity amongst the other justices, the Chief Justice is not consulted.<ref name=": Cour-App">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Services > Judiciary > Court of Appeal"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>
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| The High Court is the main court for most serious criminal and serious matters, with the Court of Appeal usually hearing appeals rather than acting as a court of first instance.<ref name=": Hi-Cour">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Services > Judiciary > High Court"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> Defendants may choose to be tried by either a jury or solely by a bench of three judges. Crimes such as murder and manslaughter, rape, treason, and arson must be tried before the High Court.<ref>Ralingsborough, p. 88</ref>
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| Summary Courts are intermediate courts that deal with serious cases not requiring the attention of the High Court or Court of Appeal. These cases usually involve cases such as robbery, sexual assault, and certain driving offences. Cases are heard by a bench of Lawgivers, who are appointed by the Administrator on the advice of the Island Meeting.<ref name=": Summ">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Services > Judiciary > Summary Court"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> Judgments made in Summary Courts may be appealed to the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Village Courts are similar, hearing only low-level offences such as petty theft, criminal damage, and breach of the peace. <ref name=": Villcourt">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Services > Judiciary > Village Court"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>
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| Law enforcement is undertaken by [[Freice Police Office]], which primarily consists of officers that constitute the national police force.<ref name=": New">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ New police services inaugurated]. ''Tama Adune oe Faio''. Retrieved 27 January 2022.</ref> The Freice Police Service is responsible to the Policy Council and to the Island Meeting.<ref name=": Policeabout">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About"]. ''Freice Police Services''. Retrieved 27 January 2022.</ref> The Commissioner is the agency executive, appointed by the Administrator on the advice of the Island Meeting.<ref name=": Police_agents">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About > Governance"]. ''Freice Police Services''. Retrieved 27 January 2022.</ref>
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| The continued problem of community justice outside of the court system has plagued the Freician legal system, and has been addressed with only limited success by successive governments.<ref>Ferrant, Victor R. ''The Forgotten Island'', p.304.</ref><ref>Ralingsborough., p. 55.</ref> Such high incidents of justice being administered outside of the court system have raised questions about the transparency of law enforcement and the equal application of human rights and other significant protections to all citizens.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Report on the Administration of Justice in Freice] (PDF). ''Government of Riamo''. Retrieved August 28, 2021.</ref>
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| ==International relations==
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| As a Riamese territory, Freice does not pursue diplomatic relations in its own right, represented internationally by Riamo. Freice does, however, maintain representative offices in order to pursue economic, cultural, and certain political interests.<ref name=": PolicyCouncilExternal">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council > External Relations"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> However, only [[Riamo]], [[Hoterallia]] and [[Gran Rugido]] maintain permanent, full-time diplomatic representation in Freice.
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| Despite not being a sovereign state, Freice is a member of the Saltstil Pact independent of Riamo.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Member state governments welcome Freician" representative].''Saltstil web portal''. Retrieved July 9, 2021.</ref> The Freician government approved membership in July 2021, with membership widely hailed as an important step in Freice's political development.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Saltstil membership "important next step"].''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved July 14, 2021.</ref>
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| The relationship with Hoterallia has significantly developed in recent decades, with a large number of Hoterallian and Hoterallian-descended people living in Freice. In 2013, Freice and Hoterallia signed a number of cultural agreements, including student exchange programs and research on Hoterallian occupation of Freice.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Govt signs agreement with Freice region"].''HHK''. Retrieved April 8, 2016.</ref>
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| Freice's primary economic relationship with the rest of Riamo is governed by the Federal Customs Area, establishing a common external tariff and grants the federal Riamese government the responsibility of negotiating free trade agreements on behalf of autonomous regions.
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| ===List of representative offices===
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| As of January 2022, the Freician government maintains representative offices in 4 countries:<ref name=": PolicyCouncilExternal">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Island Meeting > Government Council > External Relations"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! width=150 | Country
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| ! width=120 | Head of mission
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| ! width=300 | Notes
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| | {{flagicon image|Gassasinian Flag3.png}} [[Gassasinia]]
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| | Nora Poketina
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| | There is a small Gassasinian community in Freice, constituting the vast majority of the country's Muslim community. The Gassasinian government became an important unofficial ally of Freice in the latter's diplomatic dispute with Riamo in early 2022.
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| | {{flagicon image|Flag Gran Rugido New (1).png}} [[Gran Rugido]]
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| | Ekua Pika
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| | Gran Rugido is Freice's closest Saltstil Pact neighbour. Gran Rugido is an important trading partner; because of Riamo's distance from Freice, Gran Rugido imports most of Freice's food and energy supplies.
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| | {{flagicon image|Flag of Hoterallia.png}} [[Hoterallia]]
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| | Tomasu Korel
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| | Hoterallia briefly occupied Freice for a decade, and a sizeable Hoterallian minority continues to reside in Freice.
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| | {{flagicon image|Riamo flag 2.png}} [[Riamo]]
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| | Anamo Ikenoka
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| | Freice is a ''Country'' of Riamo, with Riamo responsible for Freice's foreign policy and defence. Consequently, diplomatic representatives to Riamo have widely been seen as the de facto foreign minister due to their importance in exerting Freician influence over Riamese foreign policy.
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| |-
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| |}
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| ==Administrative divisions==
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| [[File:Administrative divisions of Freice.png|thumb|Administrative divisions of Freice.]]
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| Freice is divided into four ''districts'', which have local government, electoral and statistical functions: [[Sekapa]], Kekna, Geri, and Egria.<ref name=": Land_Areas">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Districts > About"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 30 January 2022.</ref> Each district nominates a mayor, who is appointed by the national government to oversee local administration. Mayors may attend meetings of the Island Meeting, although they are not members nor do they have any speaking or voting rights.<ref name=": Land_Areas_Mayor">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Districts > Mayors"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 30 January 2022.</ref>
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| Districts have a number of local government functions, overseeing the management of roads, local policing, environmental protection, and waste removal. Districts are governed through a form of direct democracy, in which local District Meetings approve laws which are then put to the people for final assent.<ref name=": Land_Areas">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Districts > About"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 30 January 2022.</ref>
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| Districts are further divided into 17 divisions, which are largely ceremonial and used for some statistical purposes.<ref name=": Land_Areas_Parish">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Districts > Divisions"]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 30 January 2022.</ref>
| | The court structure is composed of four types of court. The highest is the Island Court, which exercises unlimited jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, although its work is primarily limited to hearing appeals. The President of the Island Court acts as the island's chief justice and is the most senior member of the judiciary. The President is usually a Riamese jurist, although the Deputy President is legally required to be an islander. The District Court acts as a criminal court and also hears serious civil matters. Summary Courts are local courts which deal with minor civil cases and some less-serious criminal matters. Land Courts are ad-hoc bodies organised to hear disputes over land. |
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| Following the 2021 coup, districts were abolished and their powers divided between the national government and new tekbo community governments.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Local Government Amendment (Culture) Act] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved September 15, 2021.</ref> This arrangement was confirmed in the Schedules of Government, although the districts themselves were never formally abolished. Tekbo were abolished following the removal of the Common Wealth government in December 2021.
| | The senior Riamese courts have jurisdiction in a limited number of cases. The Federal High Court and the Federal Supreme Court hear cases relating to good government and human rights, matters agreed through bilateral treaties, and constitutional matters reserved for the federal government. |
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| * [[Monarchy of Riamo]]
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| * [[Freice]] | | * [[Freice]] |
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| ==References== | | ==Notes== |
| {{Reflist|30em}} | | {{notelist}} |
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| ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official website of the Island Meeting of Freice]
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| * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official website of the Government] | | * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official website of the Government] |
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The politics of Freice takes place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy with aspects of mixed government. The head of state of Freice is Queen Diana II in right of the Riamese Federation. Domestically the Maaita is the local ruler and de facto head of state, serving at the apex of the indigenous government. Both are hereditary positions.
Freice's government consists of a number of committees through which decisions are made. Executive power is exercised by all elected representatives through these committees. The Policy Development Committee is the senior committee and is responsible for the overall direction of government policy; the president of the committee serves as de facto head of government. The council consists of the chairs of each committee and the district mayors.
The constitution vests executive and legislative power in the Representative Council, a unicameral body consisting of twenty elected representatives. Prior to 2009, the Maaita chaired its sessions, but now one of its members is elected president. The Council is elected every three years via universal suffrage. When convened as the executive branch, it is called the "Committees of the Representative Council."
Executive branch
Maaita
The Maaita of Freice is the local head of Freice, fulfilling most of the duties of head of state. Until 2009, the Maaita was the head of government and was required to preside over legislative sessions, but these powers were diluted following constitutional amendments. The Maaita is the most senior position amongst the local institutions, and arose from an agreement between three chiefs that the role should rotate amongst them. The descendants of these chiefs continue to hold the office on rotation.
The current Maaita, since 30 January 2023, is Kaana Tenkel, who is the sole inheritor of Tuaa Savou's share of the office. Since 22 December 2023, his wife Makeeia Taaguvigi serves as regent.
Policy Development Committee
The Policy Development Committee is the senior committee within the Freician system of government. The committee is responsible for the broad development of policies and programmes and for coordinating the work of the other committees. It's main functions are the co-ordination of the work of committees; fiscal, economic, and financial matters; external relations and constitutional affairs; and any other matters not explicitly vested in another committee.
The committee is presided over by a president, who is elected by the Representative Council. The president of the committee serves as the de facto head of government as the most powerful single political figure. However, unlike in most parliamentary systems, power is decentralised; as such, the president's power is largely determined by their individual relations with other figures and committees. Other members include the chairs of the other committees and the mayors of each district.
Council Committees
Decision-making in Freice's government is undertaken by committees. Instead of government departments or ministries, power is delegated to a number of committees made up of councillors. These committees are tasked with a specific policy area, with a chair elected amongst them to guide its activities and to represent the committee to the wider Council. Each committee has between four and six councillors, with councillors permitted to sit on (but not chair) multiple committees.
The current committees are as follows:
- Finance and Economy Committee
- Social Affairs and Culture Committee
- Federation and External Affairs Committee
- Education and Families Committee
- Health and Social Services Committee
- Home Affairs and Justice Committee
Legislature
The legislative branch of the Freician government is the Representative Council, which is elected every three years with a universal franchise. Until 2009, senior landowners and district leaders also held seats in the council with voting powers, but constitutional changes removed this automatic right and extended the franchise so that all women, rather than just married women, could vote. The amendments also removed the requirement for the Maaita's presence, with the role of presiding officer now undertaken by the President of the Council in the Maaita's absence.
The Representative Council consists of 20 members, including a president who serves as its presiding officer. The council meets for three sessions per year, with each session lasting a minimum of 7 working days. The Representative Council is responsible for passing laws, levying taxes, and maintaining the "peace, order, and good government of Freice."
Riamese federal law does not automatically apply to Freice except from in a small number of cases provided for in constitutional law or in bilateral agreements. No law passed in the Riamese federal parliament has ever been extended to Freice without its consent, with a total of 29 laws having been agreed on since 1972.
Judiciary
The constitution of Freice provides for an independent judiciary subject only to the law. The island's legal system consists of traditional Freician customary law overlaid with principles and practices taken from federal and statute law. The courts of Freice are responsible for the administration of justice.
The court structure is composed of four types of court. The highest is the Island Court, which exercises unlimited jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, although its work is primarily limited to hearing appeals. The President of the Island Court acts as the island's chief justice and is the most senior member of the judiciary. The President is usually a Riamese jurist, although the Deputy President is legally required to be an islander. The District Court acts as a criminal court and also hears serious civil matters. Summary Courts are local courts which deal with minor civil cases and some less-serious criminal matters. Land Courts are ad-hoc bodies organised to hear disputes over land.
The senior Riamese courts have jurisdiction in a limited number of cases. The Federal High Court and the Federal Supreme Court hear cases relating to good government and human rights, matters agreed through bilateral treaties, and constitutional matters reserved for the federal government.
See also
Notes
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