Politics of Orioni

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Politics of Orioni

Erwaniye poletika
Sibiseba of Orioni.png
Sibiseba assembly building in O'polis
Polity typeUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
ConstitutionConstitution of Orioni
Legislative branch
NameSibiseba
TypeUnicameral
AppointerDirect election
Executive branch
Head of State
TitleEmpress
CurrentlyJoni I Nabérrie
Head of Government
TitleChairlady
CurrentlyAwidefale Rezovi
Cabinet
NameImperial Council
Current cabinetRezovi I
Ministries12
Judicial branch
NameJudiciary of Orioni

The politics of Orioni take place with the framework of a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch, currently Empress Joni, is the head of state while the Chairperson of the Memakiriti, currently Awidefale Rezovi, is the head of government. Orioni has been described as a bureaucratic monarchy where legally the power lies in the hands of the monarch, but the real power lies in the hands of the bureaucracies surrounding her. The Orinese Constitution provides for a separation of powers. The political system of Orioni consists of an executive branch, a legislative branch, and a judicial branch.

Executive power is exercised by the Chairperson of the Imperial Council (Oharic: Memakiriti). The Government consists of the Chairperson and councillors. The government, including the Chairperson, can be revoked by the Sibiseba. The Sibiseba (Anglish: Assembly) passes statutes and votes on the budget; it controls the action of the executive through formal questioning on the floor of the houses of Sibiseba and by establishing commissions of inquiry. The Orinese political system is a multi-party system. Former executive leaders are members of the Sibiseba. The judiciary is based upon the civil law system and operates independently from the executive and the legislative branches. The highest court is the Imperial Court of Orioni.

History

An early executive branch was the Imperial Council (Oharic: Memakiriti). At its creation in 1175, it was composed of four councillors or advisors, with the monarch representing the fifth decisive vote. The position of “Councillor” (abbreviated as Cllr) was appropriated from city government and carried over to the national level. The title precedes the holder's other titles, for example Cllr Andrew Pipkin. Each councillor was the head of a specialized department and a geographical area of expertise (several provinces). The monarch would open her personal correspondence and discuss hearings only in the presence of at least 2 councillors. They provided council to the monarch, and confirmed (or co-signed) and accelerated royal decisions (edicts and declarations). The Council was considered a very important body of government. The various councillors were still subject to the crown. Some historians even consider it to be more important than the Monarchy itself.[citation needed] The four original departments were:

  • Councillor of the Household: oversaw the royal entourage, clergy, affairs of the capital, royal buildings, and personal military guard.
  • Councillor of the Sword: First Officer of the Crown, and highest commander of the army, oversaw border provinces.
  • Councillor of the Ships: highest commander of the navy, oversaw colonial matters.
    • Assisted by the Admiral of the Galleys.
  • Councillor of Mediation: oversaw diplomacy, foreign relations and trade.
    • Assisted by the Collector of the Tithe.

In 1195 new laws were introduced to celebrate 20 years of restoration. An early legislative branch was formed as part of the constitutional law reforms, transforming the monarchy into a more deliberative form. The Gizatochi was an early precursor to the Sibiseba. This institutionalised assembly critiqued monarchical decisions, discussed laws about taxes, trade, diplomacy, and military matters. It was a select committee that included fifty noble representatives from the Tamanyi cities. These nobles were the heads of all important families. However, as the population grew, the Gizatochi became more and more dysfunctional, as feuds between families crippled its functioning. In later centuries, this was expanded to include representatives from other cities as well. Nevertheless, colonial possessions were not represented.

Monarchy

Joni I of Orioni.

The monarch officially retains executive power. Following the establishment of the Sibiseba, the duties of the monarch have since become strictly representative and ceremonial, which while having some important powers and responsibilities, generally acts according to advice from the Chairperson and other members of the Imperial Council. The Empress (currently Joni I) is the head of state, though with limited prerogatives. Accordingly, the Monarch is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Orinese Defence Force, and serves as chief diplomatic official abroad and as a symbol of unity. HI&RH Joni I of the House of Nabérrie was crowned Empress of Orioni in 2003. HRH Alesia, Grand Princess of Dion, is the current legal and rightful heir to the throne and the Empire.

National government

The country is organised with separation of powers. A strong, centralized government is necessary to maintain order and prevent conflict in society. However, a single ruler or group should not have complete control over all aspects of government. Therefore, government powers are separated into different branches, with each branch having specific responsibilities and powers. The legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws. This separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and helps to ensure that the government acts in the best interests of the people.

Executive

Imperial Council

The Imperial Council (Oharic: Memakiriti) has been the de facto executive cabinet for most of the country's modern history. It led by the Chairperson and supported by councillors. The councillors are responsible for heading a government department. The council is the supreme state advisory body to the Monarch, and advises her on policy matters. The council consists of 12 councillors, chaired by 1 chairperson, and is divided over three topical sub councils. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of O'polis. The current Rezovi Government, a two-party cabinet since 2019, consists of a coalition of the left-wing Socialist Party of Orioni and centre-left Blueropa.

Chairlady of Imperial Affairs: Awidefale Rezovi
Subcouncil for Power (Oharic: Hayili) Subcouncil for Profit (Oharic: Idigeti) Subcouncil for Prosperity (Oharic: Hizibi)

Chairperson

The executive branch is led by the Chairperson, supported by councillors. The Chairperson is the Monarch's deputy as the head of government, and assumes the role of chairing the Council. Unlike other countries, the Chairperson of Orioni is not elected directly by the people. Rather, they're invited to form a government in the name of the Monarch, by virtue of their position as the leader of the largest political party. They are elected by the legislative Sibiseba. In Orinese politics, the Chairperson is equivalent to that of a prime minister. S/he heads the imperial council and lead of the councillors in the executive branch of government.

Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Took office Left office Political party Elected Notable credit(s)
Man Silhouette2.jpg Mrs Lusiya Selami ina Gitiri
(1878-1967)
 1951  1955 Constitutional Party 1951 Establishment of Europan Commercial Alliance; decolonisation of Burkini.
Man Silhouette2.jpg Mrs Louam Zemichael ina Yessuf
(1883-1960)
 1955  1959 Constitutional Party 1955 Dealing with the economic crisis of 1958.
Queen Sirikit 1960.jpg Mrs Hawa Nega
(1896-1987)
 1959  1963 Constitutional Party 1959 $Credit(s)
Esperanza Osmena (Malacanang photo).jpg Mrs Elshaday Berta ina Aman
(1901-1975)
 1963  1967 Constitutional Party 1963 $Credit(s)
Sydykbekov Tugelbay.JPG Mrs Yekirigizi Sinetsihufi
(1912-1997)
 1967  1975 WPO 1967
1971
Recovery from Second Argic War.
Fazilatun Nasa Bappy (2) (cropped).jpg Mrs Betesida Leul
(1907-1988)
 1975  1979 WPO 1975 Recovery from economic crisis.
Usha Narayanan.jpg Mrs Beza Menkir Alem
(1911-2004)
 1979  1983 Motherland Movement 1979 $Credit(s)
Mae Jemison 2013.jpg Mrs Eleni Arame
(1918-2019)
 1983  1987 Liberal Homeland Party 1983
1991
$Credit(s)
U Thant (1963).jpg Mr Hano Ketenya
(1924-2020)
 1987  1991 WPO 1987 $Credit(s)
Mae Jemison 2013.jpg Mrs Eleni Arame
(1919-2007)
 1991  1995 Liberal Homeland Party 1983
1991
$Credit(s)
Jaya (Singer).jpg Mrs Salayish Ciris
(1937-)
 1995  2003 Blueropa 1995
1999
Infrastructure projects[1]
Isabella Rossellini Cannes 2015.jpg Mrs Chandra Pristo
(1952-)
 2003  2007 SPO 2003
2015
Establishment of Entente of Oriental States
Jonas Sjöstedt 20190501 crop.jpg Mr Ionas Strupar
(1970-2016)
 2007  2015 PO&N 2007
2011
Various economic and military projects[2]
Isabella Rossellini Cannes 2015.jpg Mrs Chandra Pristo
(1952-)
 2015  2019 SPO 2003
2015
Financial recovery; hosting the 2018 UENA World Cup; Green Shift; STEM grants; Strategic petroleum reserves[3]; expansion of EOS.
Awidefale Rezovi.jpg Ms Awidefale Rezovi
(1975-)
 2019  Incumbent SPO 2019 Bainbridge Islands peacekeeping; 5G rollout; establishment of CAOS.

Legislative

Sibiseba following the 2019 elections.
Sibiseba assembly building in O'polis.

The Sibiseba (“assembly”) is the unicameral legislative body of Orioni. It meets in O'polis, the capital of Orioni. The main advantage of this unicameral system is more democratic and efficient lawmaking. The legislative process is simpler, without deadlock between two chambers, and reduces costs. The Sibiseba cannot be dissolved. The Sibiseba has ultimate legislative power, and no other government institution can over-ride its decisions. Neither the Monarch nor the executive branch participates in the legislative process. The Sibiseba exists as the peacekeeping body between the different provinces within the Empire. Whenever a dispute between provinces is brought up, the Sibiseba votes on the issue based on what was best for the population as a whole. In recent years the Sibiseba's powers have come to include all important matters of state, including its representation in international organisations, declarations of war against an enemy, and offering military and technological aid to an ally.

Orinese nationals aged 25 years and older may run for office in the Sibiseba. Orinese nationals aged 20 years and older may vote. Prior to 1991, the voting age was 21. Each sibisebali represents a single constituency within the empire. Sibisebali serve a four-year term. The number of constituencies is re-evaluated before each election, thus altering the number of sibisebali every four years. In 2021 there are 162 sibisebali, elected to a four-year term. 82 seats are required for a majority. The Constitution instituted the membership by right (senator de drept) in the Sibiseba for:

Judicial

Based on the ancient Aroman system of αλήθεια (alítheia, truth).

  • Imperial Court of Justice on the national level
  • Palace(s) of Justice on the provincial (kifile) level
  • House(s) of Justice on the departmental (wereda) level
  • Table(s) of Justice on the municipal level

Weekly agenda

  • Monday: Interpellation of the executive branch by the legislative branch.
  • Tuesday: Sibiseba meets for legislative work.
  • Wednesday: Review of legislative branch by the judicial branch.
  • Thursday: Subcouncils meet for executive work.
  • Friday: Memakiriti meets for executive work.

Local government

Provincial governor

In the Taneino period, the position of Danya (Oharic: “judge”) was introduced. It existed in Ayubi, Mekabiri, Tamurin, Thubani, etc. In the Owara period, the old role of Danya was transformed into a more modern Vayiresini, with the goal of better administering the greatly increased colonial area.

Political parties and elections

According to its constitution, Orioni has a multi-party political system. However, in practice, the Constitutional Party was the long-time ruling party and dominated the Orinese political arena up until the late 1960s. Second was the Modern Orioni Party, created to organize popular support for the monarchy after the failed coup d'état of 1928. In the 1940s, the Workers Party arose to represent the emerging working class. These three groups still control Orinese politics, but they have changed a lot.

(WIP. Why does the Socialist Party have so much political power in a monarchy like Orioni? As one of the last monarchies in Oriental Europa, concessions had to be made to keep the population happy. Pressure and examples from neighbouring countries are causing more social policies to seep in. The toleration of a limited socialist policy is necessary for the monarchy to survive, without slipping into a dictatorship as in Ide Jima.)

Types

Alliances

(Senior partner. Junior partner. Centrist alliance. Right-wing alliance.)

Elections

Political supporters during the 2019 general election.

Elections in Orioni are a foundational element of its democratic machinery, representing the nation's commitment to representational governance. The Orioni electoral process, shaped by legislative measures and modern technological inputs, has experienced significant evolution over the years to ensure its continued resonance with its citizens. The electoral practices in Orioni underscore the nation's unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy. Through a combination of robust legislative frameworks, technological innovations, and transparent operational protocols, Orioni endeavours to ensure that its electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the collective intent and aspirations of its citizens.

Within the context of Orioni's electoral framework, all citizens aged between 20 and 60 are legally obligated to participate in the voting process. For individuals aged 60 and above, participation is discretionary, offering them the liberty to choose whether to engage in the electoral proceedings. This stipulation was formally instituted within the Electoral Code of 1991. An essential provision within this code was the decision to lower the voting age from 21 to 20, which aimed to broaden the electorate by enabling younger citizens to partake in the nation's democratic discourse.

Elections in Orioni are conducted at a fixed interval of every four years. This periodicity ensures a regular appraisal and renewal of the nation's leadership, mirroring the evolving priorities and aspirations of its populace. The campaigning phase spans a total of five months, commencing in July and concluding in November. This duration provides political entities with a sufficient window to engage with the electorate, articulating their vision and key policy proposals. The culmination of this phase is the casting of votes, which is scheduled for the first week of December. By the second week of the same month, the electoral verdict is announced, revealing the winners. Following this, the responsibility of government formation is vested in the Sibiseba (Parliament). The Sibisebali (parliamentarians) engage in the process of coalition building and negotiations, a process that is well-documented in various procedural guidelines. Once formed, the new government marks the inauguration of its term on January 1st.

In a move to amalgamate technological advancements with the electoral procedure, Orioni pioneered the adoption of electronic voting in 1995. The initial phase of this transition saw pilot tests being implemented in the province of Meda. The design philosophy behind the Orinese electronic voting machine prioritized simplicity, drawing inspiration from the design and functionality of a public phone booth. The machine was engineered to seamlessly integrate three critical functionalities: verifying the identity of the voter, ensuring the confidentiality and security of each vote, and accurately tallying the votes. A significant objective behind this technological shift was to nullify potential malpractices, particularly those stemming from falsified or forged public documentation. To foster a climate of transparency and confidence, the design allows political parties to scrutinize the voting machine's software prior to elections, facilitating comprehensive audits to validate the machine's operational integrity.

Policy making

Foreign Relations

Men in government

Chairman Hano Ketenya.

In the socio-political history of Orioni, men have traditionally been underrepresented in governmental roles and various other institutions. For many centuries, the societal norms and customs predominantly cast men in roles tied to business and military occupations. This alignment was seen both domestically within Orioni and in their international relations and expeditions. These historically entrenched roles were indicative of the gendered divisions of labour and power in Orionese society.

However, the dynamics began to shift during the 20th century, marking a significant change in the perception and acceptance of men in the sphere of politics. Gradually, men started breaking the traditional barriers and aspired to leadership positions within the Orinese political arena. As of data recorded in September 2021, the participation rate of men in the Orioni government stood at approximately 33%, showcasing a growing trend of male inclusion in the nation's governance.

Notable male leaders in Orioni who have been instrumental in challenging the status quo and establishing a precedent for future generations include:

  • 1917: Mr Tomeniko Anāsa distinguished himself by becoming the first male diplomat from Orioni. He was appointed the ambassador to the nation of Mekabiri, setting a trend for further diplomatic engagements.
  • 1921: In a remarkable political achievement, Baron Liyoni Kinigiyariti of Iwineti was elected as the first male mayor, breaking traditional barriers in municipal leadership.
  • 1929: Mr Luchi Sifira achieved a landmark by being appointed the first male Sibisebali, adding another layer to the slowly diversifying political landscape.
  • 1951: Making strides in the domain of council politics, Mr Bizati Mekakelenya-Korebita earned the distinction of becoming the first male councillor. He notably served in the esteemed position of Defence Councillor under the leadership of Chairlady Lusiya Selami ina Gitiri.
  • 1987: In a significant step forward, Mr Hano Ketenya ascended to one of the topmost roles in Orioni's political hierarchy by becoming the first male chairperson. This was a testament to the changing societal norms and the increasing acceptability of men in prominent political roles.

These leaders, among others, have paved the way for more inclusive political representation in Orioni, bridging historical gaps and setting a course for a more egalitarian future.

Terminology

  • CL: Chairlady, leader of the executive branch of government. Originally, for a male Chairperson the title of Chairlord was proposed. However, the first man in this position, Hano Ketenya, was a member of the Workers Party of Orioni and preferred the less aristocratic title of Chairman.
  • CM: Chairman, see CL.
  • Cllr: Councillor, member of the executive branch of government.
  • IC: Imperial councillor, see Cllr.
  • MS: Member of the Sibiseba, the legislative branch of government.
  • Sibisebali: see MS.

References

  1. Bullet train from O'polis to Zuidhaven (15 February 2016)
  2. Big Story News, Secret submarine plans (21 February 2016)
  3. Roiters, Government to build up storage of petroleum (25 November 2018)