Council of Kerlile

The Council of Kerlile is a hereditary ruling body in Kerlile. It is comprised of ten women, descended through the female line from the founders of Kerlile. The President of Kerlile is appointed by members of the Council from among their membership. The President does not sit on the Council, however is immediately succeeded by her heiress.

History

The Council of Kerlile was formed in 1924 by the founders of the country, originally as a body to help guide the country in the direction envisioned by the founders. The Council was initially the only legislature for the country, before the introduction of the Parliament of Kerlile in 1943. When the Parliament was introduced, the Council reserved the right to approve all candidates for election before their names were allowed on the ballot. This was considered a temporary measure at the time, however remains in place.

In 1960, the Council ordered the borders closed and banned Kerlian citizens from leaving the country without express permission. The Parliament tried to dispute this measure, however the Council dissolved the Parliament and arrested those who had supported contradicting the Council. The Council then drafted a constitution stating they were the supreme authority of Kerlile and could not be contradicted or challenged by Parliament.

The Council remains the main ruling body in Kerlile, with the Parliament dealing with matters such as roads, healthcare and agriculture. The Council holds all authority on matters of defence and constitutional matters. Members of Parliament are routinely dismissed by the Council. This is usually followed by their arrest and execution.

Powers & Functions

The Council of Kerlile is the primary legislative body in Kerlile. They have full control over matters of national security, constitutional matters and immigration. In theory, they share authority in other matters with the Parliament of Kerlile, however in practice they can overrule the Parliament on all matters.

The President of Kerlile is appointed by a simple majority of Council members, from among their own membership, following the death, resignation or incapacitation of the previous President. The Council theoretically has the power to recall the President. In a 1983 coup attempt, Council Member Joanne Robinson attempted to recall President Susanna Pierre. Robinson was found dead the following morning on the floor of the Council chamber.

The Council also have to pre-approve any potential Parliamentary candidate before her name is allowed on the ballot. They have the power to recall Parliament as a whole or any individual member at any time without stating a reason.

Current Members

The current members of the council are:

• Letitia Greenwood
• Carmen Robinson
• Natalia Hart
• Nirmala Patel
• Pauline Pierre
• Lia Chiu
• Rosemary Arnott
• Electra Georgiou
• Lucia Viallamando
• Jennifer Hale

Traditions

Members of the Council are expected to follow many traditions that are not technically enforced by law, however a lack of compliance with these traditions is frowned upon.

Council members are forbidden to marry. Marriage is not considered necessary in Kerlile, and many children are born out of wedlock with no societal judgement. Council members are thus expected to have children, in spite of this rule.

Council members who have male children are expected to give the child up for adoption. Outwardly, they are expected to have no contact with their son, however many Council members have been known to secretly remain a part of the child's life.

Daughters of Council members do not have their father named on the birth certificate, and fathers of Council heirs have no rights. In principle, the father is not told of the existence of his daughter and plays no part in her life. In practice, most Council members inform the father and he often is included in the upbringing.

Daughters of Council members are raised by their mother for the first five years of their life, after which they are sent to Maytown to be educated with the other so-called 'Children of the Council'. This is mandatory in order for the daughter to be able to inherit her Council seat in the future. A girl must remain in this school from the age of five to twelve to secure inheritance rights, however most remain until the age of eighteen.