On the 9th of January, 2354, the fifth draft of the Vooperian Constitution was passed in the Senate.
Several changes were made to sections of the constitution. Five rights were reworded, and two new rights were added. Even the preamble was given a makeover, proclaiming Vooperia as "the one true nation of humanity."
But what does this mean for the district of Lanatia, and how have the people reacted to these changes?
For starters, the changes to the fourth right were disappointing to many. This draft was seen as a shining opportunity to fix the mistakes of the past, but the furthest reform seen in the rights was adding "The right for citizens and goods to pass freely through the Empire, except in cases where it infringes upon the natural rights of an individual."
When Senators and other citizens proposed more changes to the constitution draft during the vote, they were shot down. Prime Minister Silly was quoted saying "you had like a month to suggest changes." The Prime Minister faced some backlash from many Senators because of this. Fortunately the Senators in question have proposed their suggestions as amendments, with 3 amendments being voted on in the last week.
Lanatian Senator Allegate was a strong proponent for removing the right to freedom of movement. Many officials in Lanatia agree with this, but the rest of Vooperia does not share these notions. Old King and their Senator Mclaren was the only other voting entity to strongly support the removal. Senator Mclaren was also the only other Senator to vote no on the constitution, the other being Allegate.
In regards to district politics, the new constitution does little to give districts more power over their territory. However one significant change included allowing district constitutions to determine the power of the district senator. This also meant that district constitutions are now required for every district. Unfortunately this was the only real progress made in that section.
In addition to the various smaller changes, there was one new section added. Articles 7-9 have been moved up to make room for the new Article 7: The President. In addition to there being an Emperor and a Prime Minister, Vooperia now has an elected President position. The President acts as an elected Emperor, holding many of the powers and responsibilities of Spike's position. The Emperor can also hold both positions if he wins a presidential election.
To Lanatia, this is a thinly-veiled power grab. Emperor Spike has never lost an election, nor will he allow himself to lose easily. If Spike were to be elected President, he would have two votes in the Senate. This type of power would allow one man to decide the outcome of nearly any vote. Combined with the Prime Minister's loyalty to him, he could very well have 3 votes, or give the Prime Minister 3 votes in his absence.
People in Lanatia believe that a district with 4 billion citizens and 17% of the entire population of SpookVooper should not get fewer votes in the Senate than a single man. In contrast, the second largest district San Vooperisco is happy with the new constitution. But with San Vooperisco being the unofficial 'opposition' to Lanatia, it was expected that they would vote contrary to the larger district and vice versa.
The new article in the constitution has also begun a large buildup to the Presidential Elections. Many candidates have chosen to run, but only 6 qualify. Emperor Spike, Senator Jambon, Senator Tyco, Senator Allegate, SCJ Danny, and MOtI Portal.
Plexed has also chosen to run, but does not meet the requirements and has said he will direct hundreds of voters to Emperor Spike instead. These voters are expected to come from outside of SpookVooper. This has led many to question the legality of this plan, but Spike is happy to allow it to go through.
Recent surveys surprisingly slightly favor Allegate, but as campaign policies start to come out and more candidates are eliminated that support will fade. However if voter turnout is high enough in Lanatia, he may just pull through.
This has been the Medieval Magazine, your only real alternative source to SVNP. Thanks for reading!
Comments