2nd UCA + Meretica Peace Conference

[South Olpen]

UCA + Meretica Peace Talks

The date, January 2032. The place, Advisory Room in the Ministerial Palace. South Olpen hopes that its two allies, Meretica and the United Cooperative Alliance, can make lasting peace. It is promised that Chamber Minister Sorit will remain neutral, although that might be broken.

The Teams

UCA: The United Cooperative Alliance (UCA) is a brand new alliance formed by the merger of EAO and UDAF. The alliance strives to help spread peace, bringing a new age of trade and diplomacy.
PRS & Meretica: Welcome to The Pact of Ribbons and Steel is the last line of defense against United Defence Alliance Force and Southeast Marajarbia. Made up of nations that seek to decide their own destinies rather than submit to the evils of SM, PRS believes in freedom and justice. Led by Meretica, PRS will do whatever it takes to stop SM from gaining more power.

The Host

South Olpen is a democratic state in the South Atlantic. Both sides are meeting in the Ministerial Palace' Advisory Room. Chamber Minister Sorit is an old woman who has dedicated her early ministership to Meretica, but has since taken a slightly more pragmatic approach.

[Southeast Marajarbia]

UCA + Meretica Peace Talks

The date, January 2032. The place, Advisory Room in the Ministerial Palace. South Olpen hopes that its two allies, Meretica and the United Cooperative Alliance, can make lasting peace. It is promised that Chamber Minister Sorit will remain neutral, although that might be broken.

The Teams

UCA: The United Cooperative Alliance (UCA) is a brand new alliance formed by the merger of EAO and UDAF. The alliance strives to help spread peace, bringing a new age of trade and diplomacy.
PRS & Meretica: Welcome to The Pact of Ribbons and Steel is the last line of defense against United Defence Alliance Force and Southeast Marajarbia. Made up of nations that seek to decide their own destinies rather than submit to the evils of SM, PRS believes in freedom and justice. Led by Meretica, PRS will do whatever it takes to stop SM from gaining more power.

The Host

South Olpen is a democratic state in the South Atlantic. Both sides are meeting in the Ministerial Palace' Advisory Room. Chamber Minister Sorit is an old woman who has dedicated her early ministership to Meretica, but has since taken a slightly more pragmatic approach.

The Southeast Marajarbian Government once again sends George Collins to these talks. This time, the Government intends for peace, and has its own terms that Meretica must respect and accept if it truly wants peace.

[Meretica]

Meretica sends Dawn Wilson, a famed stateswoman, to represent the Xix Nations. In advance, it was decided that SM's terms were very undemocratic and would not be accepted. This is Meretica's proposed deal:

-PRS will hold elections again to determine if the region wants Meretica to continue as leader
-All alliances in which SM holds a leadership position to which SM was not elected shall hold elections to see if SM values any form of democracy whatsoever
-No nation will be forced to go through disarmament because there are still major threats in the world and to disarm when a potential crisis may be just around the corner would be irresponsible and stupid
-All nations shall be guaranteed their right to popular sovereignty
-SM must not interfere in Meretican affairs under any conditions without the consent of the Meretican government
-SM must never again threaten to depose or forcibly reform any government of any kind, excluding autocracies
-SM shall cease hostilities immediately and acknowledge that more nations than just those in PRS have concerns
-Meretica and SM will not be allowed to participate in one another's elections or economics without permission, though they may make use of propaganda so long as it is truthful and not woefully ignorant
-UDAF must allow the Mystery Realms to form their own government as all nations have the right to choose a government to govern themselves; the government derives its power from the consent of the governed, after all.

Meretica is ready to compromise and negotiate but will not accept SM's outrageous proposal no matter what. If SM truly though that Meretica would even consider it, Meretica has more than a few choice words for whoever thought it was a good idea to propose such an irresponsible and outrageous bill.

[Southeast Marajarbia]

Meretica sends Dawn Wilson, a famed stateswoman, to represent the Xix Nations. In advance, it was decided that SM's terms were very undemocratic and would not be accepted. This is Meretica's proposed deal:

-PRS will hold elections again to determine if the region wants Meretica to continue as leader
-All alliances in which SM holds a leadership position to which SM was not elected shall hold elections to see if SM values any form of democracy whatsoever
-No nation will be forced to go through disarmament because there are still major threats in the world and to disarm when a potential crisis may be just around the corner would be irresponsible and stupid
-All nations shall be guaranteed their right to popular sovereignty
-SM must not interfere in Meretican affairs under any conditions without the consent of the Meretican government
-SM must never again threaten to depose or forcibly reform any government of any kind, excluding autocracies
-SM shall cease hostilities immediately and acknowledge that more nations than just those in PRS have concerns
-Meretica and SM will not be allowed to participate in one another's elections or economics without permission, though they may make use of propaganda so long as it is truthful and not woefully ignorant
-UDAF must allow the Mystery Realms to form their own government as all nations have the right to choose a government to govern themselves; the government derives its power from the consent of the governed, after all.

Meretica is ready to compromise and negotiate but will not accept SM's outrageous proposal no matter what. If SM truly though that Meretica would even consider it, Meretica has more than a few choice words for whoever thought it was a good idea to propose such an irresponsible and outrageous bill.

"A lot of your terms are terms that my Government can and will easily refuse. Luckily for you, we have our own terms." Said George. The terms were:

1) Meretica shall cease hostilities immediately, as it was the one who started hostilities, under former acting president Campbell's leadership.

2) Meretica must begin a disarmament process, at least to get rid of a large number of nuclear weapons that have proven to be dangerous throughout recent history.

3) Meretica must become less isolationist, and open itself to free trade with more nations outside of PRS.

4) Pact of Ribbons and Steel must listen to both sides, not just Mystery Realms, if they wish to hear the full story, as Mystery Realms's GIE representatives barely told the truth from their perspective. Parliamentary elections for Mystery Realms shall also be held.

5) Meretica will not be allowed to lead PRS for 14 days, and must allow a nation such as CANZUK Confederation to take the lead, as Meretica's desperation have made them unfit to serve. Keep in mind that this could be through an election.

6) Empress Sinestra must have elections for Prime Minister, or simply reduce her power over the Six, as the Empress has way too much control over a lot of territory, despite the existence of the governors.

[Meretica]

The Six Nations unanimously reject SM's terms, emphasizing that they are equal and none has more control over the other.

Meretica cites that the late President Campbell's hostile tone was necessary after SM threatened to take over the Meretican government, forcibly dethrone the Queen, and force Meretica to adopt a government that it did not want. Meretica cites that nations such as Laka exist and that Meretica has adopted a no-first-strike policy-- an example that many other nations followed. Meretica would sooner become a Satan-worshipping paradise.

Meretica does not care about the prior situation in the Mystery Realms but believes that the people have the right to choose what kind of government they have, something that SM does not seem to understand.

Meretica is not desperate and SM's attempts to make Meretica appear desperate are petty and unfounded.

The government of Meretica has popular sovereignty backing its power. Sinestra's powers are not very large, as SM would know if it would remove its bulbous head from the depths of the earth where it hides like an ostrich. Most of her powers are ceremonial, but if SM would just bother to learn about foreign governments and how they function, much discussion would be completely avoided. If SM has agreed to these talks merely to waste time, then there is no point in continuing. If SM has any interest in peace, the nation will work to compromise and not force its will on the unwilling populace of multiple nations. Otherwise, SM is just proving all of Meretica's points to be true.

[South Olpen]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to insure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) No interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
8) The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each others land to insure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

[Southeast Marajarbia]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to insure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) No interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each others land to insure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

"We agree, but I have a problem with number six. South Olpen is free to do what it must do, but leaving a newly-formed alliance that has not fully opened yet may be going a little too far." Said George.

[Meretica]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re-elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead, agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor-general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to ensure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) no interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each other's land to ensure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

The Six Nations would be open to this deal assuming that clauses protecting national and popular sovereignty are put in place. Also, the governor-general ought to be approved by the Six Nations to ensure that SM isn't just trying to maintain control of MR.

[South Olpen]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to insure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) No interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each others land to insure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

"We agree, but I have a problem with number six. South Olpen is free to do what it must do, but leaving a newly-formed alliance that has not fully opened yet may be going a little too far." Said George.

MoC Sorit, being deeply concerned by the statement says this. "You would do well to remember that we voluntarily signed on, and that, if we please we will and can. I will remove that clause from a final draft, but please note that is of my, and the states, own discretion."

[Southeast Marajarbia]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re-elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead, agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor-general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to ensure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) no interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each other's land to ensure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

The Six Nations would be open to this deal assuming that clauses protecting national and popular sovereignty are put in place. Also, the governor-general ought to be approved by the Six Nations to ensure that SM isn't just trying to maintain control of MR.

"Nope, this treaty means that the Six will not have any say in my government's affairs. If the six wants a say in my Government's affairs, that could easily give the UCA the right to do the same in return, which is why I recommend rephrasing what you have just said." Said George.

[Meretica]

The Six Nations would be open to this deal assuming that clauses protecting national and popular sovereignty are put in place. Also, the governor-general ought to be approved by the Six Nations to ensure that SM isn't just trying to maintain control of MR.

"Nope, this treaty means that the Six will not have any say in my government's affairs. If the six wants a say in my Government's affairs, that could easily give the UCA the right to do the same in return, which is why I recommend rephrasing what you have just said." Said, George.

"Given that the Governor-General is not an elected position under the terms of this deal, and we have specified that Meretica seeks intervention only in this and nothing more because we have very little trust for you or your government whatsoever, the change may be necessary if you really want peace, which is something the majority of citizens within the Six Nations and PRS doubt," Wilson replies rather dryly.

[Southeast Marajarbia]

"Nope, this treaty means that the Six will not have any say in my government's affairs. If the six wants a say in my Government's affairs, that could easily give the UCA the right to do the same in return, which is why I recommend rephrasing what you have just said." Said, George.

"Given that the Governor-General is not an elected position under the terms of this deal, and we have specified that Meretica seeks intervention only in this and nothing more because we have very little trust for you or your government whatsoever, the change may be necessary if you really want peace, which is something the majority of citizens within the Six Nations and PRS doubt," Wilson replies rather dryly.

"How do I say this in the nicest way possible? Look, if a coalition of six nations ruled by an Empress truly want peace, they would abide and accept the terms of one of the best treaties I have seen in a while, and not waste their time trying to have a say in my government, no, the entire UCA's territory (Hence the "Divided") all because they want to choose the Governor-General that my government alone wishes to appoint, because that is more ridiculous compared to the Empress's refusal and misinterpretation of a constitutional monarchy plan. A Constitutional Monarchy is at least a monarchy with rules, a Prime Minister, and a complete Royal Family with father figures to help raise and protect heirs and heiresses to the throne, instead of one Empress, two cabinets of Six Nations." Said George.

[South Olpen]

Protests take place outside the Ministerial Palace against both Meretica and SM. They are both peaceful, with the pro SM protests being only slightly more loud and rowdy. The curtains to the room are quickly closed as to not fear either negotiating side.

[Meretica]

"Given that the Governor-General is not an elected position under the terms of this deal, and we have specified that Meretica seeks intervention only in this and nothing more because we have very little trust for you or your government whatsoever, the change may be necessary if you really want peace, which is something the majority of citizens within the Six Nations and PRS doubt," Wilson replies rather dryly.

"How do I say this in the nicest way possible? Look, if a coalition of six nations ruled by an Empress truly want peace, they would abide and accept the terms of one of the best treaties I have seen in a while, and not waste their time trying to have a say in my government, no, the entire UCA's territory (Hence the "Divided") all because they want to choose the Governor-General that my government alone wishes to appoint, because that is more ridiculous compared to the Empress's refusal and misinterpretation of a constitutional monarchy plan. A Constitutional Monarchy is at least a monarchy with rules, a Prime Minister, and a complete Royal Family with father figures to help raise and protect heirs and heiresses to the throne, instead of one Empress, two cabinets of Six Nations." Said George.

"She is not the Empress of Six Nations," guffawed Wilson. "She's the Empress of Meretica. The California Kingdom, Enoch-Hezekiah, Soviet Meretica, the Central Gulf, and New England see her as the leader of a foreign government, no their government. I refuse to speak to an SM official that does not actually understand how our foreign governments work as this man lacks the intelligence of the common fly. It is extremely apparent that SM is not competent."

[Southeast Marajarbia]

Protests take place outside the Ministerial Palace against both Meretica and SM. They are both peaceful, with the pro SM protests being only slightly more loud and rowdy. The curtains to the room are quickly closed as to not fear either negotiating side.

George starts hearing some of the Pro-Marajarbian protests, and then proceeds to ask "Is it just me, or do I hear people in support of what my Government has to say?"


OOC: Apologies for the one liner. I am currently very tired. I will see you guys later.

[Meretica]

Protests take place outside the Ministerial Palace against both Meretica and SM. They are both peaceful, with the pro SM protests being only slightly more loud and rowdy. The curtains to the room are quickly closed as to not fear either negotiating side.

George starts hearing some of the Pro-Marajarbian protests, and then proceeds to ask "Is it just me, or do I hear people in support of what my Government has to say?"


OOC: Apologies for the one liner. I am currently very tired. I will see you guys later.

"Is it just me, or do I hear people supporting what the Six Nations have to say?"

[Southeast Marajarbia]

"How do I say this in the nicest way possible? Look, if a coalition of six nations ruled by an Empress truly want peace, they would abide and accept the terms of one of the best treaties I have seen in a while, and not waste their time trying to have a say in my government, no, the entire UCA's territory (Hence the "Divided") all because they want to choose the Governor-General that my government alone wishes to appoint, because that is more ridiculous compared to the Empress's refusal and misinterpretation of a constitutional monarchy plan. A Constitutional Monarchy is at least a monarchy with rules, a Prime Minister, and a complete Royal Family with father figures to help raise and protect heirs and heiresses to the throne, instead of one Empress, two cabinets of Six Nations." Said George.

"She is not the Empress of Six Nations," guffawed Wilson. "She's the Empress of Meretica. The California Kingdom, Enoch-Hezekiah, Soviet Meretica, the Central Gulf, and New England see her as the leader of a foreign government, no their government. I refuse to speak to an SM official that actually understands how foreign governments work as this man lacks the intelligence of the common fly. It is extremely apparent that SM us not competent."

OOC: Sorry for the OOC, but I think Meretica made a spelling mistake, as it says that representative Wilson refuses to speak to somebody who actually knows how governments work.

[Meretica]

"She is not the Empress of Six Nations," guffawed Wilson. "She's the Empress of Meretica. The California Kingdom, Enoch-Hezekiah, Soviet Meretica, the Central Gulf, and New England see her as the leader of a foreign government, no their government. I refuse to speak to an SM official that actually understands how foreign governments work as this man lacks the intelligence of the common fly. It is extremely apparent that SM us not competent."

OOC: Sorry for the OOC, but I think Meretica made a spelling mistake, as it says that representative Wilson refuses to speak to somebody who actually knows how governments work.

OOC: Thanks for catching that error.

Edit: OOC: That mistake has been corrected.

[Islamic Holy Sites]

"All three deals are ridiculous. My government is working on something else."

[South Olpen]

"All three deals are ridiculous. My government is working on something else."

"What issues do you have with the deal I proposed? I feel it would be better for a neutral party, me, to filter out any unreasonable, or even any useless, clauses."

[Islamic Holy Sites]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to insure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) No interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each others land to insure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

Bolded are what I think is unacceptable, italics is acceptable but a few concerns.

[South Olpen]

Everyone is told to calm down as MoC Sorit offers her very own treaty

1) All major leadership positions will be re elected in both the PRS and UCA
2) No nations will disarm, but instead agree to a no first strike policy
3) Both nations will found commissions on how to keep the peace
4) Elections in MR will be held to determine a democratic leader, but SM will still appoint a governor general to keep the government in check
5) Representatives permanently stay in Constitution City in order to insure another peace may be struck if needed
6) South Olpen will leave the UCA, but not join the PRS
7) No interference in any nations elections will happen, but propaganda may still be made and distributed so long as Olpenese courts find that it does not fall under slander and libel laws of the opposing country (If Meretica drops them, SMs libel laws would be used)
8) The two must keep relations
9) International trade of Meretica must open up and increase by 15% in ten years
10) Nations must have soldiers on each others land to insure no hostile action is taken
11) The Empress of Meretica must be reconsidered by both the government and the people

Bolded are what I think is unacceptable, italics is acceptable but a few concerns.

"This treaty is the best that can be kept. At the very least may we have specifics?"

[Islamic Holy Sites]

Bolded are what I think is unacceptable, italics is acceptable but a few concerns.

"This treaty is the best that can be kept. At the very least may we have specifics?"

"Wait, 6 is okay, but 7 is not. No propaganda here. We will not have any foreign soldiers on our soil. Ever. And 11 is fine as long as the PRS stops randomly not recognising UCA nations and calling them terrorist organisations."

[Meretica]

"This treaty is the best that can be kept. At the very least may we have specifics?"

"Wait, 6 is okay, but 7 is not. No propaganda here. We will not have any foreign soldiers on our soil. Ever. And 11 is fine as long as the PRS stops randomly not recognizing UCA nations and calling them terrorist organizations."

"We are not randomly calling 'nations' terrorist organizations. Terrorists are defined as a person or group that use unlawful action or make use of warmongering, fearmongering, or terror, typically to achieve political goals. SM is, in the eyes of the Six Nations, a terrorist organization rather than a nation. Why? Because on more than one occasion, SM has proposed or threatened to remove Empress Sinestra from power, destroy the Meretican government, create a new government under SM's supposed guidance, and bar people from office or voting simply because they do not have beliefs approved of by SM.

Regarding the actual treaty itself, clauses 7, 10, and 11 ought to be removed completely for the sake of national sovereignty. We would also like clause 9 to be struck for the same reason. Regarding clause 4, the Six Nations believe that SM would abuse this power for personal gain; complete autonomy within MR would be preferable, but if SM persists, then the Six Nations and SM must agree on a candidate. Clause 6 ought to be removed as South Olpen also retains the right to national sovereignty. We support clause 1 and would love to see if a majority of nations within UCA would even support SM; based on private reports we have received, I think not. If UCA truly believes in democracy, it will allow its leaders to be elected. Otherwise, UCA isn't democratic. On clause 8, we would like to see this modified; the Six Nations ought not be required to communicate with SM at least until SM is no longer declared to be a terrorist organization."

[Islamic Holy Sites]

"Wait, 6 is okay, but 7 is not. No propaganda here. We will not have any foreign soldiers on our soil. Ever. And 11 is fine as long as the PRS stops randomly not recognizing UCA nations and calling them terrorist organizations."

"We are not randomly calling 'nations' terrorist organizations. Terrorists are defined as a person or group that use unlawful action or make use of warmongering, fearmongering, or terror, typically to achieve political goals. SM is, in the eyes of the Six Nations, a terrorist organization rather than a nation. Why? Because on more than one occasion, SM has proposed or threatened to remove Empress Sinestra from power, destroy the Meretican government, create a new government under SM's supposed guidance, and bar people from office or voting simply because they do not have beliefs approved of by SM.

Regarding the actual treaty itself, clauses 7, 10, and 11 ought to be removed completely for the sake of national sovereignty. We would also like clause 9 to be struck for the same reason. Regarding clause 4, the Six Nations believe that SM would abuse this power for personal gain; complete autonomy within MR would be preferable, but if SM persists, then the Six Nations and SM must agree on a candidate. Clause 6 ought to be removed as South Olpen also retains the right to national sovereignty. We support clause 1 and would love to see if a majority of nations within UCA would even support SM; based on private reports we have received, I think not. If UCA truly believes in democracy, it will allow its leaders to be elected. Otherwise, UCA isn't democratic. On clause 8, we would like to see this modified; the Six Nations ought not be required to communicate with SM at least until SM is no longer declared to be a terrorist organization."

"On clause one, how would that even work? Is it going to be one election or five? As of now, there are only three or four active nations in the PRS, almost all of whom support Meretica, so it wouldn't be much of an election."(OOCly, I don't think everyone would vote.)