=====AH.com Referendum #1=====

====Overview====

The referendum was proposed to the [[2007 parliament|2007 AH.com Parliament]] by [[Acting President]] [[offtopic:Sargon]] on April 30, 2008, regarding the question of whether or not the existing title of AH.com's government, //His Administratorness' Government of the Imperial Republic of AH.com//, should be changed as some members, including the [[offtopic:Constitutional Monarchy Party]], had suggested.

[[ahcom pm|Prime Minister]] [[fenkmaster|Douglas]], AH.com's [[Electoral Officer]], opened the referendum to the public less than ten minutes later and set it to remain open for 48 hours. 

====Text of the Proposal====

I have an announcement to make regarding His Administratorness' Government of the Imperial Republic of AH.com.

Whilst editing the wiki a few weeks back I was wondering what name to put for the government of the Board. Seeing as it has come to my attention that in a couple of recent threads there has been something of a debate going on about what form of Government we should have and how it should be referred to, those thoughts have revisited me. As a consequence, I have decided to hold a Referendum upon this very question. It is only fair and right that the Board membership have their say on this issue.

My proposal is as follows:

"His Administratorness' Government of AH.com is currently an Imperial Republic. Do you think the naming of the government should change to something else?"

(For example, His Administratorness' Government of the Empire of Ah.com, His Administratorness' Government of the Republic of Ah.com, His Administratorness' Government of the Theocracy of Ah.com and so on).

The poll options will be 'Yes' and 'No' only. A further referendum would be held offering a choice of people's suggestions for the system of government if a 2/3 majority of those voting say 'Yes' to the initial proposal.

Various titles in the Government, Cabinet and the Parliament would be changed to reflect the new convention if it is carried and depending upon the choice of government that people choose in the second referendum. The second Referendum would result in a run-off between the two most popular options voted for in it if one does not attain a 2/3 majority.

Nothing else in terms of structures of existing political institutions would be changed except the naming conventions, however, the Government would effectively take on the form of whatever is voted for. So if you vote for a Empire or Democratic Republic for example, that's what it'll be named and considered as.

To make it legitimate, I now ask the the Electoral Officer to post the poll as a separate thread.

If those who vote for it have suggestions about what type of government that they'd like to see go forward into the second poll should the first be carried, then please post them in the Referendum thread.

I recommend and hope that the board members will vote in this Referendum and have their say.


Sargon, Acting President of AH.com


====Text of Referendum====

His Administratorness' Government of AH.com is currently an Imperial Republic. Do you think the naming of the government should change to something else?

(For example, His Administratorness' Government of the Empire of Ah.com, His Administratorness' Government of the Republic of Ah.com, His Administratorness' Government of the Theocracy of Ah.com and so on).

The poll options will be 'Yes' and 'No' only. A further referendum will be held offering a choice of people's suggestions for the system of government if a 2/3 majority of those voting vote 'Yes' to the initial proposal.

Various titles in the Government, Cabinet and the Parliament would be changed to reflect the new convention if it is carried and depending upon the choice of government that people choose in the second referendum. The second Referendum would result in a run-off between the two most popular options voted for in it if one does not attain a 2/3 majority.

Nothing else in terms of structures of existing political institutions would be changed except the naming conventions, however, the Government would effectively take on the form of whatever is voted for. So if you vote for a Empire or Democratic Republic for example, that's what it'll be named and considered as.

Polls will be open for 48 hours.

====Results====

During the first day of voting, it appeared that the "Yes" side would be able to garner the necessary 2/3 "Yes" votes.  Those against the change, though, rallied during the second day resulting in a firm defeat for the measure, 53.33% "No" against 46.67% "Yes".

The referendum featured several independent members' support for Acting President Sargon, who was commended for his role in increasing public participation in the AH.com Government.

Turnout was 45.

==== Pie Chart of Results ====

{{offtopic:sp32-20080502-233744.jpg|}}

==== See Also ====

**[[Referenda]]**

==== Navigation ====

**[[AH.com Politics]]**