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| {{Sidebar with collapsible lists | | {{Politics of Freice}} |
| | name = Politics of Freice
| | 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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| | title = {{Politics sidebar title |country=Freice|image=File:Coat of Arms of Freice.png|size=200px|title= Freice}}
| | 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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| |list1title = [[Freice|Constitution]]
| | 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." |
| |list1 =
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| * [[Schedules of Government of Freice|Schedules of Government]]
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| * [[General Agreement on Co-operation and External Association|External Association Agreement]]
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| |list2title = [[Freice#Politics_and_Government|Executive]]
| | == Executive branch == |
| |list2 =
| | === Maaita === |
| * [[Politics of Freice#Leader of the Senior Council|Leader of the Senior Council]]
| | {{main|Maaita of Freice}} |
| ** Rǡrɉe Neɱịesǡ
| | 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. |
| * [[Politics of Freice#Senior Council|Senior Council]]
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| |list3title = [[Freice#Politics_and_Government|Legislature]]
| | 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. |
| |list3 =
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| * [[Nuejel]]
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| |list4title = [[Freice#Politics_and_Government|Judiciary]]
| | === Policy Development Committee === |
| |list4 =
| | 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. |
| * [[Politics_of_Freice#Judiciary|Fourth Band]]
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| * [[Politics_of_Freice#Judiciary|Third Band]]
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| * [[Politics_of_Freice#Judiciary|Second Band courts]]
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| * [[Politics_of_Freice#Judiciary|First Band courts]]
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| * [[Office for the Rule of Law (Freice)|Office for the Rule of Law]]
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| |list5title = [[Freice#Administrative_Divisions|Administrative divisions]]
| | 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. |
| |list5 =
| |
| * [[Freice#Administrative_subdivisions|Regions]]
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| * [[Nuejel#Constituencies|Constituencies]]
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| * [[Politics of Freice#Local government|Local government]]
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| |list6title = [[Freice#Foreign_Relations|Foreign policy]]
| | === Council Committees === |
| |list6 =
| | 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. |
| * Department of Neighbourhoods,<br>Strategic Relationships and Cultural<br>Services
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| ** Councillor: Rǡrɉe Neɱịesǡ
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| * [[Politics of Freice#Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations]]
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| | list8title = [[Freice#Elections|Elections]]
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| | list8 =
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| * Nuejel elections
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| ** [[August 2021 Freician legislative election|August 2021 election]]
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| </div>
| | The current committees are as follows: |
| }}
| | * Finance and Economy Committee |
| The politics of the [[Freice|Country of Freice]] (commonly known as Freice) takes place in the framework of a unitary dominant-party assembly-independent directorial republic.
| | * 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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| |
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| Under the Schedules of Government (the Freician constitution), executive power is vested in the Senior Council, a seven-member body that acts collectively.<ref>''Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice''. Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref> Legislative power is exercised by the [[Nuejel]], elected annual. The [[Senior Council (Freice)|Senior Council]] is the collective head of state and government, with power shared equally between the members (Councillors). However, power is sometimes accumulated by particular figures who become predominant within the Council. The judiciary is officially independent of the executive and legislative branches.
| | ==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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| Freice's political system is widely regarded by outside observers as having adopted some authoritarian features; political opposition to the authority of the ruling [[Common Wealth Party|Common Wealth]] government is frustrated, and it is not uncommon for critical journalists to be sued.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Enduring problems for Freician democracy]. ''Guri Telegraph'', 2021.</ref> Freedom of the media is curtailed, with critical media outlets under pressure from the government.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freician govt. comes under pressure in media reforms]. ''Marcosberg Guardian'', 2021.</ref> Elections are held in Freice, but gerrymandering and other such practices favours the ruling party.
| | 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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| |
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| ==Constitution==
| | 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. |
| The Constitution of Freice is the Schedules of Government, which sets out the basic principles of Freician political life, defines individual and collective rights and freedoms, and outlines national symbols and cultural practices. The Schedules was enacted in September 2021 following the [[August 2021 Freician legislative election]], after being drafted in the wake of the 2021 Freician coup d'état.
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| | |
| Another important constitutional document is the [[General Agreement on Co-operation and External Association]], which governs the relationship between Freice and [[Riamo]]. Freice is nominally under Riamese sovereignty, being an [[Riamo#Subjects|associated republic and federal subject]].<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ ''External Association''] (Common).derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</ref> The agreement was signed in 1989 and is the foundation of contemporary relations between the two countries.
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| | |
| ==Executive==
| |
| [[File:Rarje Nemjiesa official legislative portrait.jpg|230px|thumb|Rarje Nemjiesa is the current Leader of the Senior Council.]]
| |
| The [[Senior Council (Freice)|Senior Council]] (Freician: Derɉadịa rǡjɨa) is the collective head of state and government in Freice, consisting of Councillors who work for the implementation of the political, economic, social, cultural, and other such activities of the state.<ref>''[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ About]'' (Common). derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</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 Senior Council is appointed by the Nuejel and chaired by the [[Leader of the Senior Council of Freice|Leader]].
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| | |
| Members of the Senior Council officially act as one. No member is more senior than another. The Leader of the Senior Council (Freician: Ue̩ƞeɉǡl ġiḡurą derɉadịa rǡjɨa) is the presiding officer of the Senior Council, elected by the Nuejel every year, but has no additional political power nor authority over other councilors.<ref>''[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Leader and Deputy Leader]'' (Common). derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</ref> The Leader may assume some extra powers by virtue of their private or political relationships and connections with the other Councillors, however. The Leader is also a councilor with a portfolio, which is where most of their day-to-day political activities are focussed.
| |
| | |
| ===Senior Council===
| |
| As of July 2021, the makeup of the Senior Council (cabinet) is as follows:
| |
| {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" width=750
| |
| | colspan="5" bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center" | '''Senior Council (2021-present)'''
| |
| |- bgcolor="EFEFEF"
| |
| |-
| |
| |-
| |
| | Deputy Leader of the Senior Council<br>Councillor for Regulatory Services, Standards and Audits, and Safer Communities
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | Te̩se Gaɉȧ
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Councillor for Conservation, Land Protection, and Resources
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | Kutǡ Nedɉja
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Leader of the Senior Council<br>Councillor for Neighbourhoods, Strategic Relationships, and<br>Cultural Services
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | Rǡrɉe Neɱịesǡ
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Councillor for Communities, Planning, and the Economy
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | Amje̩ Ŋaqe̩sal
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Councillor for Families, Education, and Skills
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | Jeke̩ Qagǡ
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Councillor for Public Health, Social Care, and Wellbeing
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
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| | Iŋǡ Qịguqư
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Councillor for Commissioning, Resources, and Performance
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
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| | Common Wealth Party
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| | Ge̩ra Ie̩ja Yurjǡl
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| |}
| |
| ==Legislative branch==
| |
| Legislative power is vested in the unicameral [[Nuejel|Nuejel of Freice]] (literally 'Meeting'), which is composed of 13 members (or 'delegates') elected every year via popular vote. The Nuejel is headed by a Kieɟeșɨ (Presiding Officer), who manages the business of the legislature and oversees its sessions.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ ''Officers of the Nuejel''] (Common). www.nuejel.kum.fr</ref>
| |
| | |
| Delegates are elected from thirteen single-member constituencies. Under the first-past-the-post system, voters can choose one candidate, with a plurality required. If a delegate is removed, dies, or resigns, then the winning party selects a replacement. Delegates can be recalled at any time if ten percent of their constituency electorate signs a recall petition calling for a recall.<ref>''Recall Act 2019'' (Common). Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref> If more than four or more delegates are recalled, then a fresh general election is held automatically.<ref>''Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice''. Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref>
| |
| | |
| The Nuejel is where discussion of all proposed legislation is held. Both delegates to the Nuejel and the Councillors of the Senior Council can propose legislation, although it is only through a vote in the Nuejel that any piece of legislation is adopted.<ref>''[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Legislative Procedure]'' (Common). www.nuejel.kum.fr</ref> In most cases, a simple majority (50%+1) is required, although amendments to the constitution require a two-thirds majority (66.6%+1) to pass.<ref>''Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice''. Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref> In 7 members (excluding the Presiding Officer) are required in order for a quorum to be reached and for business to be conducted. The Nuejel can also review the actions of the Senior Council, including interrogating councilors and calling for a formal statement from the Council on its actions.
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| | |
| The Nuejel approves all nominations for courts put forward by the Senior Council.
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| [[File:Aniara neze official photograph cropped.jpg|thumb|Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ze, who served as President of the Assembly of Delegates from June to July 2021.]]
| |
| ===Composition===
| |
| The current membership of the Nuejel is as follows:
| |
| {| class=wikitable
| |
| !Constituency
| |
| !Name
| |
| !colspan=2|Party
| |
| !Serving since
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| |-
| |
| | Northwest A
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| | Iɱɟẹ Inigi Bȧjɨ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Northwest B
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| | Arjaɭ Bȧju
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Northwest C
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| | Kǡŋe Bijonȧ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Northeast A
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| | Piɉȧl Birǡqu
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
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| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Northeast B
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| | Keɱue̩ Boȧ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Northeast C
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| | Tiɱi Enquɉȧ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#3f758d" |
| |
| | Freice Independents
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| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Southeast A
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| | Tene̩l Ieɖeɭ <small>([[Politics of Freice|Kieɟeșɨ]])</small>
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Southeast B
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| | Eɖia Kiȧrɉǡ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#3f758d" |
| |
| | Freice Independents
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| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Southeast C
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| | Bǡrɉia Odiege̩
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| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
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| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Southwest A
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| | Siegi Pogikŋǡ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
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| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Southwest B
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| | Soƞe Tɨekie <small>([[Politics of Freice|Kieɟeșɨ sȧqẹ]])</small>
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Fris ujteqal A
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| | Bojidȧ Tiqeqaɭ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#3f758d" |
| |
| | Freice Independents
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |-
| |
| | Fris ujteqal B
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| | Iqe̩ Tưniǡ
| |
| | width="1" style="background-color:#bb2e2e" |
| |
| | Common Wealth Party
| |
| | 2021-present
| |
| |}
| |
|
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| ==Judiciary== | | ==Judiciary== |
| The judicial branch is composed of the courts, which administer Freician law. The Principle Law Officer advises the government on all legal matters and the constitutionality and legality of its actions.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ ''Office of the Principle Law Officer''] (Common). derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</ref> The Principle Law Officer is the chief legal officer in both civil and criminal matters. They also serve as the chief public prosecutor; it is in their name that all prosecutions are made. | | 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 [[Fourth Band of Freice]] is the highest court in the Freician court hierarchy and the final court of appeal in all cases. It has both original (hearing the case for the first time) and appellate (hearing cases heard by lower courts) jurisdiction, and interprets the constitution of Freice. The Fourth Band was established through the Legal Order in 2021, which reconstituted the old Supreme Court following the 2021 coup d'état.<ref>Legal Order (2021) (Freician). Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref> The Fourth Band is composed of four Authorities, including one Chief Authority, who are approved by the Nuejel and appointed by the Senior Council.
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| | |
| The Third Band is the penultimate court of appeals and also serves as the court of first instance in all constitutional cases, unlike in most other countries where the supreme court is the court of first resort.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ ''Band System''] (Common).derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</ref> Below the Third Band are Second Band sessions, which deal with serious criminal cases, and Tekbo Community Legal Meetings, which address local civil cases and minor criminal infractions and constitute the First Band. These are headed by Peace Makers.
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| | |
| ==Elections==
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| Suffrage in Freice is extended to all persons who have reached the age of seventeen years, and who are not incarcerated or on probation or severely mentally disabled.<ref>''Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice''. Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref> Suffrage is also granted to all persons who have resided on the island for at least three years.<ref>''Voting Rights Act'' (1999) (Freician). Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref><ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freice Profile]. ''Riamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs''</ref> Suffrage is granted equally to men and women.
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| | |
| Elections are held every year to the Nuejel. Voters choose one candidate in their constituency; the candidate with the most votes is elected to represent the constituency in the Nuejel. Due to the manipulated drawing of electoral boundaries, the Common Wealth Party dominates elections, with the main opposition party taking only a small number of seats.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Is Freice a democracy again?] ''Marcosberg Guardian'', 2021.</ref>
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| | |
| In tekbo elections, voting is conducted in public by a show of hands. In these elections, parties do not play a role, with candidates often supported and endorsed by a party but officially independent.
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| | |
| ==Foreign policy==
| |
| Foreign policy in Freice is directed through the Department for Neighbourhoods, Strategic Relationships and Cultural Services.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ ''External Relations''] (Common). derjadia-rajia.kum.fr.</ref> Freice's foreign policy is largely determined by its membership of the [[Saltstil Pact]] as well as its status as a subject of [[Riamo]]. It aligns itself with and maintains support for the decisions made by the Saltstil Pact, even more so those decisions made by Riamo.
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| | |
| Outside the Saltstil Pact, Freice maintains a cordial relationship with [[Maricoen]], of which Freice is a former colony.<ref>Iqe̩, Pe̩gȧ, A. (2007) ''The National Encyclopedia of Freician History and Culture'', 2nd edition. p.197</ref> Economic and cultural interactions have continued after independence, although relations have remained strained over the colonial legacy of the Maricoenian empire in Freice. Trade has remained stable and, with 4.6% of the population being of Maricoenian descent, the country remains an important part of Freician foreign policy.<ref>''Analysis of Census 2021 Data''. [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ derjadia-rajia.kum.fr]. Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref>
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|
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|
| Riamo represents Freice in states where Freice does not have diplomatic representation itself, with Riamese foreign policy an unofficial cornerstone of Freice's foreign policy decision-making.
| | 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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| ==Local government==
| | 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. |
| Freice is a unitary state, with the central government being ultimately supreme over all other authorities. The only local government bodies are the Tekbo Community Meetings; these are comparable to local parish councils and mostly serve communities with a population of below 300.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Tekbo]. ''Visit Freice'', 2020.</ref> These meetings are held in the open, and consist of a panel of four leaders, who hear public concerns, propose solutions, and hold votes amongst those people in attendance. The powers of the Tekbo Community Meetings are of a local nature: they:<ref>''Local Government Amendment Act'' (2021) (Freician). Original available [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ here].</ref>
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| * maintain buildings for community use
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| * manage recreational facilities such as parks and playing fields
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| * manage cemeteries and other burial sites
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| * oversee waste disposal
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| * manage lighting of roads and other public places
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| * hear planning applications for small proposals
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|
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| * [[List of political parties in Freice]] | | * [[Freice]] |
| * [[Nuejel]]
| |
| * [[August 2021 Freician legislative election]]
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|
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| ==References== | | ==Notes== |
| {{Reflist|30em}} | | {{notelist}} |
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| ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official government website] ''Senior Council of the Country of Freice'' (Common) | | * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official website of the Government] |
| * [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Official website] ''Nuejel of Freice'' (Common)
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| {{Template:Anteria info pages}} | | {{Template:Anteria info pages}} |
| | {{Template:Freice topics}} |
| [[Category:Freice]] | | [[Category:Freice]] |
| [[Category:Politics of Freice]] | | [[Category:Politics of Freice]] |
| [[Category:Anteria]] | | [[Category:Anteria]] |
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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