Council of the International Freedom Coalition (IFC ONLY)

[Guadalupador]

"As the delegate for the Federal Union of Guadalupador, I will vote AYE on Resolution 28B."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Mr Speaker, the resolution as proposed is substantially identical to Resolution 13a. Why are we making a mess of our legislation by proposing something that says much the same thing as an earlier resolution? Why are both resolutions to be in force? It is absurd to have two different resolutions saying much the same thing on the same subject with only a few differences between them. It would be far more sensible to combine the two.

Mr. Speaker, I move that voting on resolution 28 be suspended until version 28c is created which merges the proposed 28b with 13a."

[Isle of Lost]

Ambassador Julli, first ambassador of the Parfoederation to the IFC has arrived amongst quarrel. No fancy or exuberant entrance was made by he and his small two person delegate for no planning had been set forth other than placing the delegation on an Airforce VIP transport and sending them off to Kairaku. So soon was the acceptance of his representative state to the IFC that upon landing no transportation had been arranged and the Ambassador merely hailed a local taxi.

Upon entering the grand chambers delegates had already been speaking so the Merickian ambassador chose instead to settle himself prior to speaking. Now, with his documentation laid before him and strong black coffee beside him to warn off the jet lag of his trip he decided to speak up.

"The Merickian delegation does not see any reason for a merger of Resolutions 13a and 28b... Resolution 28 and each modification of said resolution are more detailed and straight forward than that of 13a and perhaps it would be best to simply have 13a repealed and replaced by 28.

That being stated, the Merickian delgation agrees with amendments made to 28b and votes AYE on said Resolution.

[IFC Admin 2]

As the Austorian Delegate has not officially voted, the vote as it currently stands is 4 - 0 - 0. This is not an Official Tally, though, as that would be done by your Speaker.


Also note, for future reference, please vote with the following Code, to ensure that it is easier for your Speaker to tally the votes.

Code: Select all

The nation of [Insert Nation Here] Votes [[color=#40BF00]AYE[/color]/[color=#FF0000]NAY[/color]/[color=#4040FF]ABSTAIN[/color] on the Resolution [Number].

Thank you for your time.

[Shazbotdom]

The nation of Shazbotdom Votes AYE on the Resolution 28b.

[Inyourfaceistan]

Ambassador Vertrún took a sip of water before standing up.

"I must question in what circumstance any immediate suspension by the Prime Minister would beneficial while proposing a resolution or calling a vote to eject the given member would not? Such a scenario has been explained, but no particular description of possible events or situations that would lead to this circumstance have been described or can be imagined.

Regardless, the Inyurstan delegation supports the main amendments to this resolution, and I have edited it further to add two minor points. First, another sub-section under Section III was added to place all other votes on hold - a necessary step to ensure the Prime Minister doesn't use their powers of expulsion to block members from voting on resolutions or trying to nullify opposition votes. Secondly, it has been added that Resolution 28C will nullify and replace the older Resolution 13 and its amendments to avoid any confusion or quote 'absurdities' having two similar resolutions might cause."

Melissa sat back down and let out a brief smirk, and casually slid her gaze towards the Ausitorian delegation. She was reading their moves like a billboard, and possibly unbeknownst to them her delegation could play the same damn game...

La Républiqua D'Inyursta Melissa Clara De Vertrún-Sanchez Protection of Membership Status [Resolution Number: 28C] This act hereby repeals and replaces Resolution 13 and all amendments to the aforementioned legislation. Observing that former regimes which have held the position of Prime Minister have used fluid and un-described interpretations of power to forcefully eject or suspend members who have caused serious opposition and democratic disruption of the Prime Minsiter's goals. Concerned that this may become a trend amongst future leadership. Understanding that the Council has legislative authority, not the Prime Minister. Questioning what purpose granting the Prime Minister serves that legislative supremacy and the IFC's commitment to Freedom and Liberty. Believing that the decision to eject or suspend a fully functioning member of the IFC is an issue which all members Council should decide, not just the one Prime Minister. Hereby seeks to ensure that the position of Prime Minister cannot use ejection, suspension or the threat thereof to stifle debate, opposition and legislation by establishing that the IFC Council and only the IFC Council have the power to strip membership status from full members. Section I: Defining the State of Suspension Section IA) This act defines the state of "Suspension" as a condition in which an IFC member is denied full organizational affiliation with the IFC, the right to vote on Council legislation, and the right to call upon the mutual protection of Coalition members. Section IB) The State of Suspension shall be considered inherently transitory, and may only be inflicted upon a full IFC member (by written notification by the Prime Minster) as a measure leading imminently to a vote on the suspended member-state's expulsion. Section II: Defining Prime Minister's Authority Section IIA) This act hereby removes the ability and/or interpretation of ability of the Prime Minister to unilaterally eject full members. Section IIB) This act does not limit nor bar the Prime Minister from suspending a full member, provided the suspension is publicly registered in a "notification of suspension," and conforms with the progression of procedures set forth in Section III. Section III: Suspension to Expulsion: Defining Procedure Section IIIA) This act hereby codifies that the Prime Minister may suspend a full member as they see fit for the violation of the values of the International Freedom Coalition, provided the suspension adheres to stipulations set forth in Sections IIIB-D, and produces a decisive vote on expulsion within time constraints described therein. Section IIIB) To suspend a member, the Prime Minister must issue a public notification of suspension, effectively relegating one or more stipulated member states to a "status of suspension" for a period not to exceed 24 hours. From the publication of the Prime Minister's notification, the suspended state(s) shall be granted 23 hours to request a trial and review of all relevant evidence pertaining to the suspension. Following this request, the 24 hour limitation on the suspension period shall be extended until the conclusion of the review, and the passage or failure of legislation of expulsion proposed by the Prime Minister. Section IIIC) In the event a suspended member declines (or fails) to request a hearing of evidence by the 23rd hour of the suspension period, the Prime Minister must submit legislation of expulsion to the Council. The state of suspension is thereafter extended until the passage or failure of the resolution. In the event the Prime Minister fails to produce legislation of expulsion either 1.) immediately following the conclusion of the judicial review requested by the suspended member, or 2.) by the end of the 24 hour period beginning from the start of the Prime Minister's notification of suspension, the state of suspension shall be immediately and effectively "lifted". Section IIID) Upon the presentation of an ejection resolution, all current votes will be immediately be suspended until the ejection procedure is complete with either the confirmation of membership status or the approval of ejection. Once the ejection procedure is complete, voting on all current resolutions will resume as normal. Section IIIE) Legislation of Expulsion proposed by the Prime Minister must produce decisive voting options to the council - producing either an ejection or retention of the member state in question. Legislation may not, under any circumstance, permit an "indefinite period of suspension" as an outcome of the final vote. Should expulsion legislation permit voting options beyond ejection or retention, the resolution shall be considered null upon submittal, and shall not qualify to extend the suspension period. Section IIIF) This act hereby codifies that members may only be ejected by a majority (>50%) vote of the Council. In the event the Council elects to retain the suspended member, the state of suspension shall be immediately lifted. Section IIIG) This act sets the following precedents for ejection; including but not limited to: - Hostile military action taken against another member - Forceful or otherwise physical disruption of the council - Failing to depose of or the rise of any internal ruling authority which supresses any number of human rights or civil and political liberties - Participation in any event that contributes as war crimes or crimes against humanity - Any other action deemed exceptionally heinous or in operation against the values of Freedom and Liberty as outlined in the Musrum Declaration Signed, Melissa Clara De Vertrún-Sanchez; La Républiqua D'Inyusta Edited by: Ian Whiteway, The Karlæsist Meritocracy of Chilokver ~~ and ~~: Aeva Riāpoza, The Holy Pontifical Union of Astavia

[Ghosnia]

It had been a long plane journey, lift off began in Daijo International Airport in mid-afternoon and the plane began it's trek to Kairaku, Flardania/Kirishima. Once landed in Kairaku, sightseeing was limited, as there was more pressing matters that required care. These matters being Ghosnian first representation in the International Freedom Coalition. The President had personally selected Dr. Ying Adulhadej to represent Ghosnia in the IFC, as the doctor had previously shown her adeptness in the political field as the Provincial Governor of Prachurap Khiri Karahn. Needless to say, the doctor was more than thrilled to travel and represent her nation in one of the most esteemed alliances the world has ever known. Still, even though excitement coursed through her veins, it mixed itself with anxiety to create a potent mixture that forced Ying's feelings into confliction. The IFC Headquarters began to grow within the windshield of the Cadillac Escalade until eventually, it was in full view. The large building loomed over Ying and her associates as they basked in it's majesty, but now was no time to gawk at structures.

Ying stepped out of the SUV, followed by her two assistants, Ghosnian Economics Minister Pramon Limthongkul and Ghosnian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lek Sitdhirasdr. The three walked in step into the IFC building to the council chamber, where it appeared the meeting had already gone underway. Dr. Ying cursed under her breath and led her colleagues up and to their designated seats, not saying a word out of fear of disrupting the meeting.

[The Swiss Guardsmen]

Ambassador Riāpoza nodded approvingly as she finished reading over the amended resolution. Setting down the short, but overall well-conceived document, she rose to briefly address the chamber. "The latest amended iteration of resolution 28, proposed by our Inyrstan colleagues, successfully addresses our desire to prevent the abuse of executive suspension powers in the future, and ensures previously inadequate legislation is repealed. Therefore, The Holy Pontifical Union of Astavia is happy to vote AYE on the Resolution 28C."

[New Chilokver]

"The Karlæsist Meritocracy of Chilokver votes AYE on Resolution 28C.

[Isle of Lost]

The Parfoederation of the Merick Isles votes AYE on Resolution 28c.

[Kannap]

The Federation of Kannap Votes AYE on Resolution 28c.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Stifling a yawn at the mess that the Inyurstan delegation was making, Rudolf Harris spoke again.

"I notice the Inyurstan delegation is doing away with the requirement that a two-thirds majority vote for any expulsion. Now I wonder who they have in their targets," he said, beaming genially at them, his teeth glinting. "Let's try not to make a mess, shall we?" he said, pleasantly. "Use a needle instead of a sledgehammer."

La Républiqua D'Inyursta Melissa Clara De Vertrún-Sanchez The Holy Pontifical Union of Astavia Aeva Riāpoza The Karlæsist Meritocracy of Chilokver Ian Whiteway The Aestorian Commonwealth Agency Rudolf Harris Protection of Membership Status [Resolution Number: 28D] Observing that former regimes which have held the position of Prime Minister have used fluid and un-described interpretations of power which have been gone into quite enough, Concerned that people are no longer using commas in their clauses, Understanding that the Council has legislative authority, as everyone knows, Questioning whether people will ever use sensible grammar in their proposals, Believing that the decision to eject or suspend a fully functioning member of the IFC is an issue which all members Council should decide, not just the one Prime Minister, Hereby seeks to ensure that the position of Prime Minister cannot use ejection, suspension or the threat thereof to stifle debate, opposition and legislation by establishing that the IFC Council and only the IFC Council have the power to strip membership status from full members. Section I: Defining the State of Suspension Section IA) This act defines the state of "Suspension" as a condition in which an IFC member is denied full organizational affiliation with the IFC, the right to vote on Council legislation, and the right to call upon the mutual protection of Coalition members. Section IB) The State of Suspension shall be considered inherently transitory, and may only be inflicted upon a full IFC member (by written notification by the Prime Minster) as a measure leading imminently to a vote on the suspended member-state's expulsion. Section II: Defining Prime Minister's Authority Section IIA) This act hereby removes the ability and/or interpretation of ability of the Prime Minister to unilaterally eject full members. Section IIB) This act does not limit nor bar the Prime Minister from suspending a full member, provided the suspension is publicly registered in a "notification of suspension," and conforms with the progression of procedures set forth in Section III. Section III: Suspension to Expulsion: Defining Procedure Section IIIA) This act hereby codifies that the Prime Minister may suspend a full member as they see fit for the violation of the values of the International Freedom Coalition, provided the suspension adheres to stipulations set forth in Sections IIIB-D, and produces a decisive vote on expulsion within time constraints described therein. Section IIIB) To suspend a member, the Prime Minister must issue a public notification of suspension, effectively relegating one or more stipulated member states to a "status of suspension" for a period not to exceed 24 hours. From the publication of the Prime Minister's notification, the suspended state(s) shall be granted 23 hours to request a trial and review of all relevant evidence pertaining to the suspension. Following this request, the 24 hour limitation on the suspension period shall be extended until the conclusion of the review, and the passage or failure of legislation of expulsion proposed by the Prime Minister. Section IIIC) In the event a suspended member declines (or fails) to request a hearing of evidence by the 23rd hour of the suspension period, the Prime Minister must submit legislation of expulsion to the Council. The state of suspension is thereafter extended until the passage or failure of the resolution. In the event the Prime Minister fails to produce legislation of expulsion either 1.) immediately following the conclusion of the judicial review requested by the suspended member, or 2.) by the end of the 24 hour period beginning from the start of the Prime Minister's notification of suspension, the state of suspension shall be immediately and effectively "lifted". Section IIID) Upon the presentation of an ejection resolution, all current votes will be immediately be suspended until the ejection procedure is complete with either the confirmation of membership status or the approval of ejection. Once the ejection procedure is complete, voting on all current resolutions will resume as normal. Section IIIE) Legislation of Expulsion proposed by the Prime Minister must produce decisive voting options to the council - producing either an ejection or retention of the member state in question. Legislation may not, under any circumstance, permit an "indefinite period of suspension" as an outcome of the final vote. Should expulsion legislation permit voting options beyond ejection or retention, the resolution shall be considered null upon submittal, and shall not qualify to extend the suspension period. Section IIIF) This act hereby codifies that members may only be ejected by a supermajority (>two thirds) vote of the Council. In the event the Council elects to retain the suspended member, the state of suspension shall be immediately lifted. Section IIIG) This act sets the following precedents for ejection; including but not limited to: - Hostile military action taken against another member - Forceful or otherwise physical disruption of the council - Failing to depose of or the rise of any internal ruling authority which supresses any number of human rights or civil and political liberties - Participation in any event that contributes as war crimes or crimes against humanity - Any other action deemed exceptionally heinous or in operation against the values of Freedom and Liberty as outlined in the Musrum Declaration Signed, Melissa Clara De Vertrún-Sanchez; La Républiqua D'Inyusta Ian Whiteway, The Karlæsist Meritocracy of Chilokver Aeva Riāpoza, The Holy Pontifical Union of Astavia Rudolf Harris, The Aestorian Commonwealth Agency

[Inyourfaceistan]

Melissa de Vertrún stood up to address the Council. She dared not to expose the glowing sense of victory at hand, and instead did her best to keep a calm face as she spoke.

"As we can see in the opening lines of "Resolution 28D", this amendment is clearly a joke written by someone who does not understand the inherent value of protecting membership status from excessive and ultimately unnecessary executive authority.

On the subject of the previous legislation in question, Resolution 13a was flawed in several regards beyond the vagueness and dubious wording of the act as so accurately described by the Mericki delegation, especially in this time of reform and curbing back on executive overreach. Precisely, Resolution 13a requires a super majority of the cabinet - ministers appointed by the Prime Minister - to eject a member; clearly an attempt to keep the power amongst those who the leadership trusts the most. This act also gives the aforementioned allies of the Prime Minister power to suspend members themselves, and it sets the precedent for de-facto indefinite suspensions, allowing the Prime Minister or their allies in the cabinet to strip members their right to vote and participate almost until their term is up. As an added bonus of nastiness, the act also seems to endorse and deem necessary the illegal and illegitimate overreaches of power utilized in the past.

Now that this has been said, it is of my sincerest hope that we may put any further discussion of 13a to rest and move on with the future...

The Inyurstan delegation hereby votes NAY to Resolution 28D, and requests voting on Resolution 28C resume.

She sat back down, content, before looking at her partners who were equally content and supportive. It seemed the opponents of the Inyurstan delegation were now eating out of the palm of her hand, considering they had just made the exact move she wanted them to make. How ironic it was that the very same tyrants who had her delegation ejected for speech crime were now doing a full 180^o turnabout on the subject of ejection now that the crimes they had committed against other members and the blatant abuses of power under their administration would soon be brought to light...

[Guadalupador]

"Agreed. Let's get back to voting, shall we?"

The nation of Guadalupador Votes AYE on the Resolution 28-C.

[New Chilokver]

"Quite so, Ambassador de Vertrún. Resolution 28D summarily dismissed, all voting shall continue on version 28C. Ausitorians, try not to waste anymore of our time with useless amendments."

[Ghosnia]

The Ghosnian delegation took their time to read over and discuss the current Resolution, and came to a decision.

The Republic of Ghosnia votes AYE on Resolution 28c.

[Roskian Federation]

The nation of the Roskian Federal Republic Votes [AYE on the Resolution 28c.

[Romic]

The Romician delegate rushed through the door and began to speak. Seeing as he was late he spoke loudly.

The Empire of Romic Votes AYE on the Resolution 28C.

[Flardania]

Gam Sol-Mi now pleased with the way the vote was going was ready to cast her vote. She was mostly waiting to see if the were an amendment as she didn't want to do multiple votes for the same resolution.

The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima Votes AYE on the Resolution 28c.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Mr. Speaker, that is the second piece of our legislation that you have summarily dismissed without vote. All members are equally entitled to propose things to the Council, and equally entitled to have them voted on. Therefore, with regret, we must move a motion of no-confidence in your role as Speaker."

[New Chilokver]

“If memory serves me right, this is the first time I have been forced to do so. Nor is this piece of legislation yours- that credit belongs to the Inyurstans, and at their request I have withdrawn your proposed amendment. Their request, and my decision; for your joke of a piece of legislation served less of a purpose requiring a supermajority for the expulsion of an IFC member than to stall and waste our time. But nevertheless.”

Whiteway sighed wearily.

"Ambassador Harris, that is your right and duty as a member of this Council. If you believe I have failed this chamber in my responsibilities, then there should be no regret in calling a vote of no-confidence in my role. A motion of such weight and importance deserves our full attention in voting- thus, I declare the floor cleared with Resolution 28C passed with 9 ayes, no abstentions and no nays.”

He removed his glasses and rubbed them clean, before replacing them and fixing the Ausitorians’ with a firm stare. Not one of anger, nor hate or contempt, but simply the chill grey gaze of the winter sea.

“Members, in the name of this esteemed Council, cast your votes- in the name of this esteemed Council, do your duty.”

[Roskian Federation]

"The Roskian Federation summarily rejects any attempt to remove the speaker at this time. At a time in which the International Freedom Coalition attempts to break itself from the massive beaucracy left in the wake of Libraria's reign, any attempt to destabalize the current administration is infact an attempt to overthrow the administration.

In light of these actions, the Roskian Federation also now immediately calls on this council to take action and suspend Libraria for disrupting the integrity and security of this organization."

[Imperial Valaran]

"The Speaker at this time has the full confidence of the Valaran Empire, and rightly so."

"For future reference, perhaps there should be a threshold for calling motions of no confidence, as the ability to call one on a whim tends to needlessly bog down the Council. I would suggest that there needs to be another delegate seconding a motion of no confidence, before it is put to a vote."

[Inyourfaceistan]

"How ironic it is how not so long ago the Ausitorian delegation was flooding this council with fear-mongering lies about how the Shazite ambassador elected to the Prime Minister seat was trying to dismiss the speaker - a fact which is not true - just to turn around and call a motion of no confidence on the speaker...

The delegation of La Républiqua D'Inyursta has full confidence in the Speaker."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"There is really no need to get so agitated. As Speaker I regularly considered a motion either passed or failed if after 24 hours there was more than a two-member margin and 2:1 ratio and predictable voting pattern regarding a proposal. In this case the Deputy Speaker or Prime Minister will likely be able to reach a conclusion with similar speed (the vote is currently 3-1, Lendol or Shazbotdom).

We would however like to formally complain about the conduct of the Roskian Federation. Have they never heard of the concept of a Loyal opposition? It is absolutely vital that for an organization to make any progress that people must be able to oppose the government and argue on a proposal.

To emphasize the point, there is nothing disloyal about calling for a change of the position of Speaker by legal processes. This attempt to force individual members to be silent will likely result in an alliance filled with yes-men and incapable of innovating."