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The Constitutional Convention has officially begun today. Many proposals are currently being discussed, and the delegates are meeting later today in the formal session. This session will include a vote on whether to totally throw out the old constitution, or to use it as a framework to create the newest one, just as what occurred during the last convention. Veia O'Dalaigh has been appointed as the presider of the convention by Justice Bradford, and is to organise later meetings following this session to iron out any potential issues, as well as discussing necessary additions. She personally is set to formally propose the integration of the amendment explicitly prohibiting the creation of any position with absolute power, elected or not.
ROYALISTS RALLY OUTSIDE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Today, on the second day of the Constitutional Convention, a gathering of pro-royal protestors appeared. They carried signs that associated the Monarchy with protections for labour and the people, and chanted "Only under the Monarchy did we become socialist." Many protestors gave impassioned speeches to the gathered group, highlighting that in the RU, the Monarchy was a force for progress, and that the institution did not interfere with democratic norms. Some even went as far as describing the referendum and new constitution as a "political power grab" by the United Front, claiming that the United Front was engineering the constitution to entrench their ideology into the very fabric of the political framework. Those of this opinion cited the proposed Article 8, which officially constitutionalises the economic system that the United Front holds as their main party line. One concern raised was the potential for having to revise/redo the constitution should another party manage to overturn the United Front's majority. A minority of voices also came out against the amendment made to the first enumerated right, which would officially add a provision to the new constitution prohibiting the establishment of a state/national religion, even if it is a purely symbolic action, as well as subject religious institutions to taxation as other groups are.
United Front delegates within pushed back against these claims of a "power grab," citing the fact that the majority of the people seem to want these changes, as they continue to overwhelmingly elect the party to the Senate. They stated that they were acting "purely on the interests of their constituents, and the vast majority of the nation." They also highlighted that without the economic section being rather laid out, it would not be able to effectively ensure a socialist economy, and market forces may be able to entrench themselves further, which poses a danger long-term to workers' rights. They sharply criticised the positions of the protestors, saying that they "had no way of constitutionally preventing capitalists from rising again." One delegate, Senator Robert O'Leary (UF), said about the protests, "They claim to oppose a power grab, yet ironically support having a king. What about implementing popular policy is a 'power grab' anyway?" Another delegate, Senator Marcy Jones (UF), had this to say on the matter: "If the policies implemented by this constitution prove unpopular, then the people will vote it down when they vote on it, and I'll personally be back here afterwards to revise this document so it is suitable for them." The United Front delegates also pointed out that there are delegates of all parties, not just theirs, as all Senators are currently delegates to the convention, and that they only make up the majority due to election results.
The protestors have demanded a write-in option on the ratification vote, asking for there to be another option alongside a Yes or No vote, a blank space to write in what needs to change in order for it to be acceptable. The delegates inside have largely been amicable towards this, as it would clarify a potential "no" vote and directly show the concerns the voters have. In a potential rewrite situation, these changes would then be debated further and have a higher chance of implementation. Regardless, negotiations and debates are still going strong inside the constitutional convention. More coverage is on its way as events unfold.
BREAKING: CONSTITUTIONAL DRAFT OFFICIALLY RELEASED
In Belfast, the Constitutional Convention has officially finalised a draft of the proposed constitution. This document includes loophole closures, as well as cutting the monarchy section out entirely. The Royal County has not been renewed in the new document, being abolished following the vote to do away with the Monarchy itself. Additionally, the controversial new economy section, heavily debated and heavily influenced by official United Front policy, has been included, much to the chagrin of several delegates belonging to the Opposition. Additionally, the document has prohibited the establishment of any titles of nobility or royalty, as well as any other position that would confer absolute or near-absolute power on an individual or group of individuals.
The draft passed the convention nearly on party lines, with a few defections particularly from members of the Pirate Party, who appreciated the closure of present loopholes and a re-commitment towards anti-corruption and popular democracy. The national vote is scheduled to take place next Monday, and should it pass, it will go into effect next Wednesday at 00:00. The Opposition is already encouraging a movement to vote no, and to write in alternative suggestions to implement. The document needs at minimum sixty-six percent to pass. The United Front, meanwhile, garnered roughly seventy-one percent of the vote in the election just two months earlier. On the pro-draft side, the Proletarian Student Union has released a statement encouraging the youth vote to turn out in support of "a new constitution for a new era." They plan to organise vote-boosting techniques such as reminders to send in ballots, or to show up to polling places. They have also planned rallies in support of the draft, slated to occur Tuesday in various locations.
Tune in next Monday evening for coverage of this critical ratification referendum.
The Empire of Northern Fennoscandia, would like to congratulate the North Sea People's Republic, for officially and unequivocally embracing socialism in their constitution. With the addition of Article 8, the economic rights of the Northarian Laborer is now enshrined at the highest level of our southern neighbors legal system. We hope that this ends the constant shifting of the rights and abilities given to the Laborers in Northaria. We hope that this brings a new era for both Northarian Labor, and for Northaria, Northern Fennoscandia relations, with a shared foundation of beliefs.
With the announcement of the new constitution, We would like to invite a Northarian Delegation to Nils, to start the long process of re-opening relations between our 2 governments. As we hope and anticipate that this is eradicates any opertunity for Capital, to make its way back into the Nation, let alone into positions of power.
On Behalf of The Empire, The Imperal Storting of Northern Fennoscandia, and the People of the Empire,
Ragnar Ruud Minister of State, of the Empire of Nothern Fennoscandia,
[Signature of Ragnar Ruud]
We accept the invitation, sharing hope that relations might finally be normalised after centuries of antagonism and both of us sharing times of goodness and times where we have ignored the people. Together let us lift up the people of our lands, and build them a better future, and let us no longer be at odds.
We would also like to host a summit for our fellow socialist republics established during the Flower Revolutions. Other socialist nations are invited as observers. The goal of this summit is to further the diplomatic and cultural friendship between our three peoples, and to discuss sustainable ways to develop ourselves to the benefit of all. As you all well know, both Korea and Japan suffered for long under the boot of Danielinian and People's Democratic Republic of China rule, so we unfortunately live in conditions that are less than suitable. However, with a new plan, and through working together to raise all boats with the tide, we can grow into societies that are very prosperous for everyone, not just the wealthy who have taken advantage of us for far too long.
Everyone, BOPDR's next debate will be on immigration. It will be at 9:00 AM AEST Sunday, or 6:00 PM EST (I think. That could be CST) Saturday. The specific topic should be 'In what cases is increased immigration a good thing?'. If you would like to sign up to participate in the debate, telegram me about it, and I will add your name to the list.
We would be honored to attend. We will begin assembling a delegation at once!
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