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Politics of Freice

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Freice
Coat of arms of Freice.png
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government 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.[1] 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.[2]

In December 2021, following a successful motion of no confidence in the government of Te̩se Gaɉȧɭ, Eɖia Kiȧrɉǡ assumed power as head of government and initiated the process of constitutional reform.[3] 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.[4]

Offices

Office Name Party Since
Sovereign of Freice Diana II TBD
Prime Minister Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ḡą Independent 2022-present
President of the Island Meeting Taqame̩ Natnoje̩ Independent 2022-present

The Sovereign of Freice is Diana II, Queen of Riamo.

The Prime Minister (Bịaqą rǡjɨa), officially called the Prime Minister of the Constituent Island Meeting Government is appointed by the President of the Constituent Island Meeting following their election by the Meeting.[5] The Government (officially the Constituent Island Meeting Government) 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.[6] Ministers, like the Prime Minister, are elected by the Constituent Island Meeting and may only be removed by the Meeting; the Prime Minister has only the power to allocate responsibilities.[7]

The President of the Constituent Island Meeting is the presiding officer of the Constituent Island Meeting, responsible for overseeing its sessions, deciding who speaks, and maintaining order.

Constitution

The 1972 Constitution serves as the interim constitution, replacing the Schedules of Government that was adopted in September 2021 as a replacement itself. The constitution, which has been since amended to provide for a new provisional government, sets out the basic principles of Freician political life, defines individual and collective rights and freedoms, and outlines national symbols and cultural practices.

Another important constitutional document is the External Association Act, which governs the relationship between Freice and Riamo. Freice is nominally under Riamese sovereignty, being an associated republic and federal subject.[8] The agreement was signed in 1969 and is the foundation of contemporary relations between the two countries.

Legislative branch

Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Constituent Island Meeting, which is composed of 11 members (or 'delegates') elected popular vote. The Constituent Island Meeting is headed by a President, who manages the business of the legislature and oversees its sessions.[9]

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, a by-election is held. Delegates can be recalled at any time if ten percent of their constituency electorate signs a recall petition calling for a recall.[10] If more than four or more delegates are recalled, then a fresh general election is held automatically.[11]

The Meeting is where discussion of all proposed legislation is held. Both delegates to the Meeting and the ministers of the government can propose legislation, although it is only through a vote in the Meeting that any piece of legislation is adopted.[12] In most cases, a simple majority (50%+1) is required, although any vote on decisions relating to the drafting of the new constitution requires a two-thirds majority (66.6%+1) to pass.[11] 7 members (excluding the President) are required in order for a quorum to be reached and for business to be conducted. The Meeting can also review the actions of KNAT, including interrogating ministers and calling for a formal statement from the government on its actions.

As a constituent assembly, the Meeting is also responsible for drafting a new constitution for Freice. Under the legislation granting it this responsibility, the Meeting has 9 months to draft and implement a new constitution, which may be extended to 12 months if necessary.

The Nuejel approves all nominations for courts put forward by KNAT.[11]

Composition

The current membership of the General Kiuva, following the 2023 Freician general election, is as follows (after the merger between KTM and the MURO Alliance and the renaming of the Faio'i Senoka Party to Faio Ekaitaki’e ka Orpasa’e):[13]

Constituency Name Party Serving since
Dukorane Barqia Iege   Faio'se Ekaitaki'e ka Orpasa'e 2022-present
Kamoa Ielika   Faio'se Ekaitaki'e ka Orpasa'e 2022-present
Koimuke Taraqa Ieqol   Faio'se Ekaitaki'e ka Orpasa'e 2022-present
Oisa Tona   Faio'se Ekaitaki'e ka Orpasa'e 2022-present
Marana Pratsa Tanoma Malikina   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Seime Etu   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present
Tamalu Valapaima   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Mopeta Pratsa Kiso Toma   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Fuoa Kaleki   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present
Peka Kana Tenqel   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Mulone Uota   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present
Ritora Iisa Kiama Nalosa   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Eietu Mekapate   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present
Roheo Radei Oratite Seuia Siotefe   Faio'se Ekaitaki'e ka Orpasa'e 2023-present
Sekapa Avama Siotefe   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Taina Makama   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Aniara Neileka   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Ara Naganori   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Sekapa Seiva Manuatamu Miane   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2023-present
Kuisa Saima   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present
Neota Kaioni   Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa 2022-present

Executive

File:Official Portrait of Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ḡą.png
Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ḡą, current Prime Minister since 2022. She previously served as President of the Assembly of Delegates from June to July 2021.

The Constituent Island Meeting Government (Freician: Kưmịde̩nǡ ġiḡurą nưeɟel aƞqɨaɉȧ 'gi toqąqo; KNAT) 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.[14] 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. KNAT is appointed by the Constituent Island Meeting.

The head of KNAT is the prime minister (officially Prime Minister of the Constituent Island Meeting Government). The Prime Minister is elected by the Constituent Island Meeting and serves as the de facto leader of Freice, exercising executive functions alongside and on behalf of the wider cabinet. Ministers within KNAT make key decisions collectively, responsible as one for the consequences of these decisions.

Constituent Island Meeting Government

As of January 2022, the makeup of KNAT is as follows:[15]

Portfolio Minister
Prime Minister
Minister for Government Administration
Minister of Police
Minister of Youth
Minister of the Freice Public Service 		Hon. Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ze
Minister of Finance
Minister of Public Resources
Minister of Lands and Water
Minister of Fisheries
Minister of Enterprise 		Hon. Eɖia Kiȧrɉǡ
Minister of International Affairs
Minister of Development
Minister of Immigration
Minister of Riamo
Minister of Culture 		Hon. Tǡrȧqa Ie̩ɉoɭ
Minister of Justice and Counsel General
Minister of Institutions
Minister of Labour
Minister of Implementation
Minister of the Interior
Minister of Constitutional Affairs 		Hon. Boŋi Iǡzoqe̩
Minister of Health
Minister of Education
Minister of Youth Affairs
Minister of Community Affairs
Minister of Social Affairs
Minister of Children's Services 		Hon. Siegi Pogikŋǡ

Judiciary

The judicial branch is composed of the courts, which administer Freician law. The Chief Counsel advises the government on all legal matters and the constitutionality and legality of its actions.[16] The Chief Counsel 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.

With the restoration of the 1972 constitution, the former judicial system has been reinstated. As such, the High Court 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.[11] The court is composed of four Justices, including one Chief Justice, who are approved by the Constituent Island Meeting and appointed by the prime minister.[17]

The Court of Appeal 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.[18] Below the Court of Appeal are Session Courts, which deal with both criminal and civil cases, and Village Courts, which address local civil cases and minor criminal infractions. These are headed by Peace Makers.

Elections

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.[19] Suffrage is also granted to all persons who have resided on the island for at least three years.[20][21]

Elections are held every year to the Meeting. Voters choose one candidate in their constituency; the candidate with the most votes is elected to represent the constituency.

In local council elections, voting is conducted in public by a show of hands.

Foreign policy

Foreign policy in Freice is directed through the Ministry of International Affairs.[22] Freice's foreign policy is largely determined by its membership of the Saltstil Pact as well as its status as an associated state 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.

Riamo represents Freice in states where Freice does not have official diplomatic representation itself, with Riamese foreign policy an unofficial cornerstone of Freice's foreign policy decision-making. However, Freice maintains economic and cultural offices that act as de facto embassies.

Administrative divisions

Freice is divided into 16 local government areas (Rǡqȧġre̩ 'gi Kưmịde̩nǡ nȧquke̩): Bǡŋe̩ɭ, Bɨŋee̩sǡ, Eġŋekȧ, Ibe̩be̩ɭ, Iġ, Ke̩knǡ, Paɖȧ, Pịɉe̩rɱư, Qe̩kưeqe̩, Ġe̩rɨ, Ɨarǡ, Ɨe̩zǡ, Ɨɟis, Ưaɭ, Ưqe̩ġrɨǡ, and Ưsɟą Ottɨ.[23]

Local government area have limited autonomy, which is determined by the national government rather than through the constitution. Each local government area is overseen by a chief islander (officially Chief Islander of the Local Government Area of...; Ue̩ƞeɉǡl ġiḡurą toqąqo ġiḡurą rǡqȧġre̩ 'gi Kưmịde̩nǡ nȧquke̩ 'gi...). Chief islanders are appointed by the national government, exercising authority within the local government area on advice of the local meeting.[23] Local meetings (officially Meeting of the Local Government Area of...; Nưeɟel ġiḡurą rǡqȧġre̩ 'gi Kưmịde̩nǡ nȧquke̩ 'gi...) are directly elected every three years, and are responsible for nominating an individual to serve as chief islander. The chief islander and meeting together decide upon matters under their responsibility.[23]

Ưsɟą Ottɨ local government area is also coterminous with the Ưsɟą Ottɨ Special Economic Zone, which oversees the management of the Ưsɟą Ottɨ Port.[24] The zone, governed by the Ưsɟą Ottɨ Economic Commission, ensures the good management of the port and has special powers over taxation and other economic policies.

The national government is legally obliged to consult with local government areas on matters affecting local communities. These matters include planning, development, housing, and environmental issues.[25] Local meetings do not have any role in the implementation of these laws, nor do they have any veto power. However, local opposition has historically been influential.

Freice is also divided into four regions (dȧqe̩ɱǡ), which do not constitute local government areas but, rather, are used for statistical reasons.[26] Census results are organised on a regional basis, and the allocation of government provisions to a local level are also done through regions. Regional borders do not necessarily follow the borders of local government areas. Regions are also used to draw constituency boundaries in general elections.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice. Island Government of Freice. Archived 9 December 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  2. ↑ Enduring problems for Freician democracy. Guri Telegraph. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  3. ↑ "Gaɉȧɭ Out, Kiȧrɉǡ In". Taɱą ǡduƞe̩ frɨs. Retrieved 28 November 2021
  4. ↑ Freice: January elections to draft constitution. Riamese Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  5. ↑ "About the Freician Government > Members > Prime Minister".. Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  6. ↑ "About the Freician Government > Members".. Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".. Island Meeting of Freice. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  8. ↑ "External Association". Island Government of Freice. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  9. ↑ Officers of the Meeting. Island Meeting of Freice. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "Recall Act". Island Government of Freice. 2019. Archived November 9, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 ."Constitution of the Country of Freice" Island Government of Freice. 1972. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  12. ↑ Legislative procedure. Constituent Island Meeting of Freice. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  13. ↑ "Members". General Kiuva. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  14. ↑ "About" Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  15. ↑ Current members Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  16. ↑ "Officers" Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  17. ↑ "Courts > High Court > Role" Freice Judicial Services. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  18. ↑ "Courts > Court of Appeal > Role" Freice Judicial Services. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  19. ↑ Schedules of Government of the Country of Freice. Original available here.
  20. ↑ "Voting Rights Act". Island Government of Freice, 1999. Archived 18 May 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  21. ↑ Freice profile Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Riamese Federation. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  22. ↑ "External Relations". Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 ."Local government" Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  24. ↑ ."Local government > Ưsɟą Ottɨ Special Economic Zone" Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  25. ↑ ."Local government > Relationship with the national government" Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  26. ↑ ."Regions" Freice Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 January 2022.

External links

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