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offtopic:election_reform_act_of_2006

Election Reform Bill of 2006

Overview

The Election Reform Bill was the very first piece of legislation ever discussed by the Parliament of AH.com. The purpose of the bill was to determine the exact powers and responsibilities of Parliament, as well as decide on member term limits, frequency of elections, and contingency plans for replacement of any members who might leave or resign. Although it was heavily debated, the bill was never put to a vote.

History

Midgard (E) presented a motion “to determine the exact powers and responsibilities of AlternateHistory.Com's Parliament, as well as decide on member term limits, frequency of elections, and contingency plans for replacement of any members who might leave or resign” on August 9, 2006.

Michael (KETWIWBP) proposed that MPs stay in power as long as their party has confidence in them. Once that party loses confidence in their MP, another election would be held with that seat up for grabs by any party. This proposal was opposed by The Abyss (E) and Midgard (E). Midgard argued: “I do not think this is a good idea, simply because it means that technically, a party could hold on to the seats it has indefinitely, even if it clearly no longer represents the interests of the electorate.” He presented a counter proposal: elections would be held at regular intervals, with set term length for MPs and the President.

Thande, not an MP but Chairman of the Yorkshire Socialist Party, proposed that elections be quarterly and held ever three months. This proposal was endorsed by Flocculencio (YSP) and Othniel (YSP), but opposed by The Abyss (E). Counter proposals were presented by Michael (KETWIWBP), who suggested bimonthly elections, and Weapon X, not an MP but Chairman of the Gun Nut Coalition, who suggested that elections be held once a year on “Talk Like a Pirate Day”. Othniel (YSP) ultimately proposed his own counter proposal, suggesting tri-annual elections rather than quarterly.

Steffen (?) proposed: “To minimize the stress of constant surveillance of the activities of the Honourable Members on the party bases and banning the possibility of undue influence by well-organised pressure groups, a minimum period for MPs in which time no confidence motion can take place.” This proposal was seconded by Midgard (E) who proposed an amendment: “An MP that has shown dishono(u)rable and/or illegal conduct MAY be tried by the Parliament and expelled, providing all of the following conditions are met: 1) It is proven beyond reasonable doubt that MP in question has committed the offense he (or she) is charged with; 2) The 2/3rds majority of the Parliament votes for expulsion.” Steffen (?) agreed to the amendment, on the grounds that the second point be changed to “The 2/3rds majority of the total Parliament, but without the offender himself voting on the measure, votes for expulsion.”

Text of Legislation

NOTE: The following is somewhat interpretive, as this bill was never completed.

ARTICLE I

Proposal A: Members stay in power as long as their party has confidence in them. Once that party loses confidence in their MP, another election is held with that seat up for grabs by any party.

Proposal B: Elections at regular intervals, with set term length for MPs and the President.

ARTICLE II

Proposal A: Quarterly elections, held every 3 months.

Proposal B: Elections to be held bimonthly.

Proposal C: Elections held once a year on “Talk Like a Pirate Day”.

Proposal D: Elections to be held tri-annually, or every four months.

ARTICLE III

Section 1: To minimize the stress of constant surveillance of the activities of the Honourable Members on the party bases and banning the possibility of undue influence by well-organised pressure groups, there shall be a minimum period for MPs in which time no confidence motion can take place.

Section 2: An MP that has shown dishono(u)rable and/or illegal conduct MAY be tried by the Parliament and expelled, providing all of the following conditions are met: 1) It is proven beyond reasonable doubt that MP in question has committed the offense he (or she) is charged with; 2) The 2/3rds majority of the total Parliament, but without the offender himself voting on the measure, votes for expulsion.

Results

This bill was never voted upon and thus is not AH.com law. Certain elements of this bill, specifically Article I, Proposal B and Article II, Proposal C have become de facto practice in AH.com parliamentary and presidential elections.

See Also

offtopic/election_reform_act_of_2006.txt · Last modified: 2019/03/29 15:13 by 127.0.0.1

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