Hello fellow citizens of Ataturk,

Activity in Ataturk of late has been the lowest I recall seeing, especially for a prolonged period.
I would love to be able to do more in and with people of Ataturk, but that requires that im not the only active citizen in the province.
At the least id love to see more active HoC members in the next term, as i have some ideas for the province id like to put forward, and i dont feel that running everything alone is good for myself, or the Province.

The main thing i want to get done in the next term, is finally go back to working with the College of Arms on getting seals etc for the province as was started a couple of years ago now, but due to inactive HoC sessions, i felt it was not appropriate to push forward, largely being the only active member of the house (and i use that loosely)

Also I'm thinking of coming up with ideas for some competitions/events in the province, and constitutional reform.
But to be able to do any of this, we need more people to be around, and active.

So if anyone has thoughts or ideas/ wants to get involved in the next HoC, feel free to present ideas, and to join the next HoC, reach out to a political party that gains seats in the house, if you want to represent them in the province. This can be done at any time, as long as the seats are vacant, that the party hold, then all the leader needs to do, is to assign them.


So yeah, i hope that the next session, and few months can help to breath some new life into our Province

So, once again we find ourselves coming to the polls to decide our next government, and the stakes have never been higher, with the soul and the future of the very country at stake.
Lack of immigration has been an issue of late, which has been, in my opinion facilitated by the lack of activity in the Country, which is an issue on both the Government side, but it is a lot more systematic in the opposition, which honestly barely exists, and acts as a vote suck, whilst presenting to have the answers whilst breaking their electoral promises when the opportunities presented themselves, and not forming or acting like an opposition party, than old pensioners reminiscing and complaining about past days. Which is more damaging than helpful.
If there were more ideas floating, more discussions, debates, honesty and integrity in the country, especially from the opposition parties, which besides election time are just absent, then that would go a long way to help bring more interest and activity in the country. As well as more provincial activities, and inter provincial engagement, like competitions and joint ventures, politically and culturally, which i think, will also be worth trying to implement again, although this requires effort on all sides, which is lacking, and i think this apathy is what is killing talossa, which will just get worse if the opposition gain power.

And a Key ongoing debate is the monarchy, as since the referendum which voted for changes of some kind, there have been several attempts to make reforms, and has had support from the opposite side, however, at the last minute, they back out from supporting, despite winning seats off their support for those reforms. And i hope this betrayal is seen in this election. And that the most recent measures are eventually bought for a vote and pass, as monarchy reform is desperately needed as that has been a thorn in the side of progress in talossa since i have been around.

I do love being apart of this country, and want to see it flourish, more debate, and enjoyment around the place, as that has been lacking. We need to work together, and when we have ideas of what to change, to put them forth, debate, and refine those idea's together, or argue for or against certain idea's, but this is a lost art, that needs to be revived with a competent opposition, as a government relies on these debates to bring out the best of a government.

I continue to throw my support and weight behind the FreeDems and our electoral platform, which i hope we are able to win the support of the nation to push forward, as i believe it is only with Miestra back, and the vision of the whole party, that Talossa stands a chance of recovery. But i also know that we also need an effective opposition in the next Cosa.

But regardless, Vote for the FreeDems for the next Cosa if you also believe the best chance of positive change lies in our hands.

(posting here incase it gets lost in the main witt channel)

So, once again we find ourselves coming to the polls to decide our next government, and the stakes have never been higher, with the soul and the future of the very country at stake.
Lack of immigration has been an issue of late, which has been, in my opinion facilitated by the lack of activity in the Country, which is an issue on both the Government side, but it is a lot more systematic in the opposition, which honestly barely exists, and acts as a vote suck, whilst presenting to have the answers whilst breaking their electoral promises when the opportunities presented themselves, and not forming or acting like an opposition party, than old pensioners reminiscing and complaining about past days. Which is more damaging than helpful.
If there were more ideas floating, more discussions, debates, honesty and integrity in the country, especially from the opposition parties, which besides election time are just absent, then that would go a long way to help bring more interest and activity in the country. As well as more provincial activities, and inter provincial engagement, like competitions and joint ventures, politically and culturally, which i think, will also be worth trying to implement again, although this requires effort on all sides, which is lacking, and i think this apathy is what is killing talossa, which will just get worse if the opposition gain power.

And a Key ongoing debate is the monarchy, as since the referendum which voted for changes of some kind, there have been several attempts to make reforms, and has had support from the opposite side, however, at the last minute, they back out from supporting, despite winning seats off their support for those reforms. And i hope this betrayal is seen in this election. And that the most recent measures are eventually bought for a vote and pass, as monarchy reform is desperately needed as that has been a thorn in the side of progress in talossa since i have been around.

I do love being apart of this country, and want to see it flourish, more debate, and enjoyment around the place, as that has been lacking. We need to work together, and when we have ideas of what to change, to put them forth, debate, and refine those idea's together, or argue for or against certain idea's, but this is a lost art, that needs to be revived with a competent opposition, as a government relies on these debates to bring out the best of a government.

I continue to throw my support and weight behind the FreeDems and our electoral platform, which i hope we are able to win the support of the nation to push forward, as i believe it is only with Miestra back, and the vision of the whole party, that Talossa stands a chance of recovery. But i also know that we also need an effective opposition in the next Cosa.

But regardless, Vote for the FreeDems for the next Cosa if you also believe the best chance of positive change lies in our hands.

Can the Interior Minister please update us on the current state of Talossa's immigration steps; and what they intends to do about our immigration system/issues in the remainder of this term?

(also i apologise for not knowing the Talossan for minister of the interior)

The Attorney-General said she was going to apply for membership of the Bar. Can she give us any updates on what happened with this?

S;reu Túischac'h

Could the Seneschál please give the Ziu a full report on what he, and the rest of the Government, have done over the last month to carry out their commitments under their Coalition Agreement, and anything else they have done to promote Talossan activity?

Hello all,
As we have just has a new election, and these are the (preliminary the results have now been certified) results and seat breakdown of out 20 seat House:-

FREEDEMS 5 = 10 Seats
B   2          = 4 Seats
LCC   1          = 2 seats
BALANçEU / BALANCE   1 = 2 Seats (also the "B" party)
LEAGUE OF CENTRE CONSERVATIVES   1 = 2 Seats (and i think the other 2 lcc seats) @Txosuè Éiric Rôibeardescù

So Could party leaders please assign seats for the coming session? (and please le me know if these are incorrect)

The seats won't be formalised until the election commision has verified the count, just thought it would be easier to start the process now.
(Results are now certified so assigning seats are needed)

Hello fellow citizens, it is time once again to form a new Ziu.

These results might change until the election is verify but the provisional Provincial vote is as:-
(The results have now been Verified by the chancery)

FreeDems :- 4
LCC:- 4
NWP :- 1
And one vote to abstain.

We have a 20 seat house. I ask for help to work out how the votes shall inform seat distribution.
(Of course this is still preliminary results as of time of writing but i feel that getting things stated would be useful)

Thanks to all who voted in the election, and I am looking forward to seeing how the coming term progresses.

More than any election I have taken part in during my time as a citizen of Talossa, I feel that this is one of the most important. As this is a crossroads in Talossan politics, especially with the many controversies the monarchy has caused which has sparked a debate on the role of the monarch in its current state and going forward into the future. This is something I haven't voiced my opinions on much if at all in this time due to not keeping fully up to date, and other more personal issues. But I think the time has come to share my views.

As many of you might know, I am from the UK, where we have one of the oldest constitutional monarchies in the world, which has inspired others of its type across the world. The way the monarchy functions in the UK is why I support its existence (I do recognise they're issues and reform does need to take place), it remains mostly apolitical, keeping their political opinions behind closed doors, and never go against the democratically elected government, and never will veto their laws, which is a critical part of the concept of constitutional monarchy, so it can survive. And consistently whilst I've been a citizen of Talossa, this crucial test has been failed by King John.

Time and time again the Monarch has gone against the will of a DEMOCRATICALLY elected government in Talossa, whilst providing political analysis at the same time. So, remaining far from apolitical, the monarch has deemed fit to throw them into the political array, whilst drastically devaluing the value of the monarchy.

For many years I have thought that Talossa as a Kingdom is not viable for the future, especially in its current form.

We as Talossan's have a vital choice ahead of us in these coming elections, do we value the democratic values which Talossa strives to be, and the rights that are afforded to us all, where the government works for Talossa, for the people, striving to take Talossa into the future and make Talossa thrive with activity.

Or once again become politically stagnant, under a monarchist party, which are largely opposed to change, relegating Talossa as a relic of the past, and a play thing of the monarchy and their allies, whilst ignoring the development the amazing rich and diverse country we have here In Talossa.

For all that I've said above and more. I ask my fellow citizens to vote for FreeDems in the coming election, for a party that truly cares about the people, and has been, is and will continue to be a force for Change to build Talossa that we can all believe and take pride in.

As we have moved to a new Witt, we should have our Constitution of this Province on display in our halls, so here it is :-


WE, the citizens of the Talossan Province of Atatürk, in order to assure the vibrant and continued life of our Province, ESTABLISH the following Constitution for the governance of Atatürk. This constitution shall serve as the guide for the citizens and highest provincial law for the province of Atatürk. It shall be superseded only by the following: the dictates of the Organic Law of the Kingdom of Talossa, the statutory law of the Kingdom of Talossa as pertaining to the specific limits of the power of the national Ziu as detailed within that Organic Law, and the rights of the citizenry as ensured by that Organic Law's Covenant of Rights and Freedoms. This constitution shall be considered to fulfill the requirements for provincial "rules of operations" as detailed in Article XVII, Section 9, paragraph D of the Organic Law, for the province of Atatürk alone, and shall be considered so in perpetuity. This constitution shall only be repealed or amended by the process detailed within this document. Upon proclamation of this Constitution, all Laws contrary to its provisions or superseded thereby, are instantly repealed. Other Laws, which are not in conflict with this Constitution, shall remain in force.


ARTICLE I. THE PROVINCE and CITIZENS

Section 1:
The name of the Province is Atatürk.

Section 2:
Citizens of the Province of Atatürk shall be known as Atatürkeys or Atatürkers. A status of "Good Standing" will be granted to citizens who have voted in the most recent General Election.

Section 3:
The Official Languages of Atatürk shall be El Glheþ Talossan, and English.

Section 4:
The Provincial Flag, Arms, and other Patriotic Depictions not established in this Constitution shall be decided by Law.

Section 5:
The subdivisions of the Province of Atatürk consist of the Cantons of Flúvia-Montevúdio and Abbavilla. The Capital of Atatürk is Abbavilla in the Canton of Abbavilla.


ARTICLE II. THE HOUSE of COMMONS and THE BAşBAKAN

Section 1:
Provincial lawmaking powers will be vested in the Atatürk House of Commons. The number of seats in the House of Common shall equal 10% of the number of seats in the Cosa. The allocation of the seats amongst political parties will correspond to the percentage of provincial votes each registered party received in the most recent General Election, rounded to the nearest whole number, to be assigned by party leaders, in accordance with Article VI of the Organic Law.

Section 2:
Members of the House of Commons shall be Atatürkeys in good standing, at least fourteen years of age, and shall not have a criminal record in Talossa.

Section 3:
The House of Commons will elect one member of the House of Commons to be the Speaker of the Chamber and Executive of Atatürk, or the Başbakan, by a majority vote. The Başbakan will serve for the duration of a Cosa, unless removed by a two-thirds vote of the House of Commons. The Başbakan will coordinate the business of the House of Commons, maintain order, and may dictate points of order and rules of conduct with the chamber.

Section 4:
The Başbakan is entitled to use the Provincial Gong to keep order in debates, and may also wield the Ceremonial Mace of Atatürk.

Section 5:
The House of Commons will meet on an "as-needed" basis when called to do so by the Başbakan. If the House of Commons has not assembled for business for a period of 6 months, the Başbakan will call for a general meeting of the House of Commons to allow for the introduction of any new business and to discuss the overall state of affairs in the Province.

Section 6:
Any member of the House of Commons may, at any time, present proposed measures to the Başbakan within the House of Commons chambers, which will be known as Bills. The Başbakan will then issue a "Summons to Vote" to the House of Commons by posting a clearly-marked thread on Wittenberg, or in a prominent place on the streets of Atatürk. It is acceptable for the Başbakan to hold a Bill for up to 14 days before issuing a "Summons to Vote" should he/she feel that more discussion is required to bring the proposal into a suitable condition for a vote, or to allow for two or more proposals to be presented for vote at one time.

Section 7:
Upon calling for a vote, the Başbakan will make a reasonable effort to assure that every member of the House of Commons is given suitable opportunity to cast their vote. All votes will be public, and voting will be closed at the end of the 14th day following the call to vote. Votes may be cast by posting in the thread of a "Summons to Vote," and by any other methods deemed suitable by the Başbakan.

Section 8:
A Bill that functions as a provincial statute requires a simple majority to pass. A Bill that would change the system of governance (such as abolishment or amendments to a constitution) will be known as a referendum and require a 2/3 majority within the House of Commons and subsequent approval by a majority of Atatürkeys.

A: The Başbakan may call for a provincial vote on a referendum at any time during the term of a Cosa. If a vote has not been conducted prior to the General Election, the Başbakan shall make every reasonable effort to contact all Atatürkeys and inform them of the additional referendum vote.

B: The vote may take place via similar methods outlined in Article II, Section 7 above.

Section 9:
Should a Bill pass the House of Commons, it shall be submitted to the King or to his Cunstaval for Royal Assent. Upon signature by the King or his Cunstaval, a Bill immediately carries the force of Law within the boundaries of this fair Province.

Section 10:
The King or his Cunstaval may Veto a Bill, thereby returning it to the House of Commons, who may reconsider it. If the King or his Cunstaval does not sign or Veto a Bill within three weeks of its passage of the House of Commons, he shall be deemed to have signed it, and it shall enter into law.

Section 11:
The House of Commons shall not pass acts of attainder.


ARTICLE III. The CUNSTAVAL

Section 1:
The Cunstaval is appointed by the reigning monarch of Talossa as the formal representative of the Crown in Atatürk.

Section 2:
In accordance with Article III, Section 2 of the Organic Law, the Cunstaval has the equivalent royal powers as the monarch within Atatürk.


ARTICLE IV. The JUDICIARY

Section 1:
The Province of Atatürk reserves the right to establish a provincial judicial system in accordance with the Organic Law.


ARTICLE V. AMENDMENT

This Constitution may be amended only by the process outlined in Article II, Section 8 above.

RATIFICATION

Seeing as how us Atatürkeys decided that we might like one of those Con-sti-too-shun things and drafted one on a really fancy piece of restaurant place mat, in crayon, it's now my turn to put on a hat of some fashion and proclaim it in as much of an official capacity as my sobriety allows.

Me BRAD, by proximity of birth and great stoke of luck, flunky and stooge (also known as Cunstavál) of JOHN, by the Grace of God King of Talossa and of all its Realms and Regions, King of Cézembre, Sovereign Lord and Protector of Pengöpäts and the New Falklands, Defender of the Faith, Leader of the Armed Forces, Viceroy of Hoxha and Vicar of Atatürk, do hereby proclaim the Provincial Constitution of Atatürk as was ratified by the citizens of Atatürk on the 16th of February.

Done with one hand tied behind my back in the City of Norfolk in Virginia, this feast of Saint Cuthbert, the 20th day of March in the year of salvation 2010, being the 31st of the independence of Talossa, and of our gracious sovereign JOHN'S reign the 3rd.

Hello all.

I request that all the mentioned party leaders in the thread name please assign someone to fill their seats in the House of Commons (using the Official Thread for the commons) so we can hopefully have more members and participation in the House of Commons.

Thanks

Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir
Başbakan of Atatürk

Hello all, sorry for the delay in getting to this, but it is time to set up the house of commons up again and to assign seats

As per the election results, the breakdown of votes are thus:-


FREEDEMS   5
ZPT   3
PNP   1
AMP   1
MTGA   1

We have 20 seats, i would appreciate help in working out the seat per party ratios

And i hope the upcoming session of the Commons will great for us all.

Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir

(This has also been posted on the old witt which i shall provide the link to this thread in)