Post by Avaerilon on Aug 28, 2012 15:22:04 GMT
The Avaerilonian Patriciancy Election- 2012
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dear fellow members of the SLU,
As you may well know, Avaerilon is holding elections for the Patrician- effectively the head of the House of Lords. This election is open to Avaerilonian citizens currently living in SLU nations, along with those living in Avaerilon and its Overseas Territories. The election is conducted via AV, with the option of "None of the above" added for those who do not support any of the four candidates standing.
Please find enclose below a description of the candidates, complied by independent sources. Once your citizens have voted, please post your report of their votes below. I thank you in-advance.
Kind regards,
Iago Penderyn, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Political Compass of the Candidates:
Candidate FactbooksL
Sion Mynyd:
Aged 26, Mr. Mynyd was the Social Democratic Party's student movement leader from 19 until a few weeks ago, when he resigned. His long appointment was controversial, since he was no longer a student by the time he was 22, and was accused of isolating moderates from appointments. Nevertheless, he successfully increased membership of the movement.
Key Beliefs:
- The House of Lords should have the opportunity to intervene with bills while they are being debated by the House of Commons.
- The Patrician should be able to call for resignations without the need to ask permission from the Lords via a vote.
- The Lords should choose 3/5 of those appointed to the Royal Court, sacrificing the monarch's personal choice of a fifth and the direct vote the public has (two fifths).
Lord Marc Canolwyr:
The 53 year-old law lord and judge has been in the legal profession since finishing university, after gaining a doctorate in the subject. His interest in economics was noted, and the devolved Arnalorian Parliament appointed him to chair various committees on employment and union disputes. This was not without criticism; he proposed ending the state control of utilities and breaking-up unions with more than 25% of the workforce as members. He also opposed any plans to introduce CCTV to open areas and parkland.
Key Beliefs:
- If a bill sent to the Lords has any question over its legality, it must be sent back to the Commons with recommendations that have to be met.
- The Patrician should have the power to intervene in a criminal's sentence, if he or she has the support of the Lords.
- A committee should be set-up to examine if Avaerilon would be better if it privatised some key aspects of public services, including railways and utilities.
Lady Lia McConwy:
This Dunaemish lady, aged 42, is notable for having gained key-ground for Avaerilon over international agreements and treaties. Having served as the diplomat to both France and Andorra, Lady McConwy puts foreign-affairs at the front of her agenda. While it is disputed whether Avaerilon's second-chamber should have a front-line role in the nation's external affairs, Lady McConwy feels certain that the Lords deserves a more active role, especially with regards to human rights in other nations.
Key Beliefs:
- The House of Lords should have a more direct say in Avaerilon's foreign affairs.
- The immigration system should be relaxed to accept more citizens.
- The Patrician should attend more meetings with heads of governments to cement the Lords' place in international politics.
Lord Havelock Vetinari:
The incumbent, His Excellency enjoys a strong level of public support, quite possibly due to his apparent liking for the governing Liberal Party and from having been a supporter of His Majesty since before he was elected to the monarchy. A staunch supporter of civil rights and freedom of the individual, Lord Vetinari is a man of details, which often seem to have repercussions for the bigger picture. Quiet and not always the most outspoken of men, His Excellency has served the last 14 years calmly-perhaps too calmly for some, given his position of power.
Key Beliefs:
- The Patrician, though the head of the Lords, is not its master.
- Each bill brought to the Lords should be tested by them to see if it will survive in or adapt to the future.
- The citizens of Avaerilon must be able to live their lives without the government interfering more than it must to keep their lives at a high standard.
