Government Still Searching for an Election Commissioner

[Election Commission Headquarters] October 23

Election for the Chair of the Assembly is on hold until an Election Commissioner can be made available.

Minister of Military Affairs Roavin had previously occupied the Chair but having been elected to the Ministry, vacated the Office on October 18.

In accordance with the Charter, Deputy Chair Rebeltopia currently serves as Acting Chair, thereby authorising him to exercise all powers and responsibilities of the Chair.

While the Elections Act mandates that the Election Commission consist of at least one unique member from the Forum Administration Team, the Council on Regional Security, and the High Court, past elections have only been supervised by one Commissioner due to a shortage of eligible persons.

A proposal is currently on the floor of the Assembly to amend the number of Commissioners to one person who shall serve as Commissioner in a permanent capacity.

The lack of an elected Chair coupled with activity surrounding the past election has had an impact on the proper functioning of the Assembly. The Legislator Committee, currently comprised solely of Mr. USoVietnam, has requested a list of Legislators who are due to be unmasked for inactivity. The list is two weeks late.

Meanwhile, in a statement provided to the Herald, Minister Roavin sought to assuage any potential discontent among Legislators.

‘I'm sure [a Commissioner] will be found soon,’ Minister Roavin said, ‘Fortunately, our laws are set up in a way where a vacant CoA is not the end of the world scenario and the assembly can still function (though obviously it functions better with a sitting Chair).’

The new Chair will serve a term lasting four months.

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Image credit: “Mitch McConnell Is Killing the Senate,” John Nichols, The Nation, last modified October 4, 2018, click here for the article.