United Federation of Planets

If we open the region up to elections... then we would have to deal with puppet nations and an unfair vote. This would mean that our region could be under control of someone who just simply does not share our values. I think that if we aren't careful, we will suffer. Elections can happen... after we start our recuritment drive. I want to make sure that the newer members hold the same values as us.

How many people will actually want to run for office?

@ Mama- That's a good question. When the constitution was written we made a clear distinction between the regional board (here) and the forum. The WA Delegate is the only active member who has the ability to eject offending members, so it made sense to leave the administration of the board to him or her.

Also, when the positions were created we were regularly using the forum and offices were defined with that in mind. Our constitution created the following offices/institutions: President, VP, Minister of Inner-Planetary Relations, Minister of Defense, Minister of the Interior, Minister for Culture and Entertainment, an upper and lower court, Federation Senate and Federation Assembly.

The President was created commander-in-chief, chair of the Senate, and was charged with appointing the non-elected ministers. The VP was installed as chair of the Assembly and advisor to the Senate. The ministerial position were left vaguely defined so that the office could be fluid, changing as need demanded. The Senate was tasked to confirming Presidential appointments and, like the Assembly, to propose, debate and vote on legislation for the improvement of the region. The courts were set up to do what courts do.

Unfortunately the constitution has been ignored for some time now. I'd like to see the forum used once more and the constitution amended to fit our current needs. It was, after all, written two years ago. I hope that at least somewhat answers your questions.

@ Intrepid- I honestly don't know how many people will want to run. I think it depends larglely on whether we want a more active government. As far as puppet nations, the Assembly and the registration required to participate were designed with exactly that concern in mind. That's one of the reason I'd like to see governmental functions shift back to the forum.

Now, future elections... it seems like we need to find some middle ground. I understand why a probationary period for new members is desirable, and I would agree with asking new members to wait until the second election of their residency before participating if we had more frequent elections. As it now stands, we only hold three elections a year. If someone were to join in the days after an election it would be almost 8 months before they could vote. I think that would be a serious turnoff.

I propose, therefor, that new members must be present for 2 months before being able to take part in elections. I think that's long enough for us to get a good read on who they are but not so long that it will deter interest. Does that seem like a fair compromise?

I think new nations should be allowed to vote as soon as they join, but they have to agree to stay in the region until the election is over; if they leave during an election (or their nation ceases to exist), their vote isn't counted, even if they come back before the election is over. This rule will not apply to members of government. That way, recruiting efforts can continue during elections.

But, a nation can't run for office until they've been a member of the UFP for a FULL administrative cycle.

@Trek- That seem reasonable. It seems like it has been about four months since the last elections. Should we consider organizing holding a new election in the next few weeks?

I'm just worried that if we debate this any longer without action we are going to lose our momentum.