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Omega · 03-09-2017, 08:19 PM

So this has been mentioned before but I would like to actually take some time and talk about it. First and foremost the CoA is an administrative position. I think every recent CoA can attest to that. As such the largely political process we use to select the CoA seems out of place. I would propose going to a system similar to what you see in the US House of Reps. Effectively the outgoing Chair would ask for nominations (maybe like two seconds are required??) and then nominees accept or decline their nominations. Then without any campaigning, we would vote on the nominees using OPV. To win one must secure a majority of votes.
My logic behind this (in case you are wondering) is that if we are electing someone to the office of Chair it should be someone we trust, someone we respect, and someone we know will serve this Assembly to the best of their ability. A campaign should not be needed to show any of those things, and that's why I see it as unnecessary.
So what do we think of that?

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(This post was last modified: 03-09-2017, 08:21 PM by Omega.)

~~Cormac~~ · 03-09-2017, 10:22 PM

I'm not sure. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with the idea, but I'm also not sure that it solves a problem with our current way of electing the Chair. What do you think the benefit of this would be, or what is the flaw in the current system you're wanting to correct?

Not totally against it, I don't really have strong feelings either way. Just not sure about it.

(This post was last modified: 03-09-2017, 10:23 PM by Cormac.)

Omega · 03-09-2017, 10:29 PM

(03-09-2017, 10:22 PM)Cormac Wrote: I'm not sure. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with the idea, but I'm also not sure that it solves a problem with our current way of electing the Chair. What do you think the benefit of this would be, or what is the flaw in the current system you're wanting to correct?

Not totally against it, I don't really have strong feelings either way. Just not sure about it.

Our current system treats the CoA like a political position, wich it is not. The Chair is an administrative one and as such it should have an apolitical election process. These changes would allow for a more apolitical process reflective of the Chair's administrative role. The reasons for being nominated (likely by someone other than yourself) is so that way it is clear that you have the support of those you would serve. Lastly, as I stated previously, the Chair needs to be someone we already trust and respect and a political campaign shouldn't be needed for that.

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**Griffindor** · 03-10-2017, 11:42 AM

I support the idea, but I wan't to see how this develops first.

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Omega · 03-10-2017, 12:00 PM

I'm going to begin work on proposed language. I will post it here when I am finished.

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Omega · 03-10-2017, 12:44 PM

Alright here is my proposal in full:

Election Act Wrote:1. Election Commission

(1) An Election Commission will be appointed to administer all forum elections, with the exception of the Chair of the Assembly elections. It shall consist consiiting of at least one unique member from the following bodies, or their duly chosen surrogates--
a. The Forum Administration Team, solely to observe,
b. The Council on Regional Security,
c. The High Court.

Election Act Wrote:6. Chair of the Assembly

1. The election for the Chair of the Assembly shall be administered by the outgoing Chair of the Assembly.

2. The Chair of the Assembly will be elected by the Assembly, within the Assembly's public area.

3. Only legislators may stand in the Chair of the Assembly Elections

4. In order to stand as a candidate in the Chair of the Assembly Elections, one must be nominated by a legislator and their nomination must receive two seconds from legislators.
a. One may not nominate themselves or second their own nomination
b. The legislator nominated must accept their nomination.

5. Nominations will be open for 5 days. At the end of this nomination period, voting will begin. Voting will last for 3 days.

6. No campaigning may be done by any legislator in order to be nominated or be elected to be Chair of the Assembly.
a. This includes asking for a nomination or second, be it publically or privately.
b. This includes asking people to vote for you, be it publically or privately.
c. If a legislator believes a candidate has violated these rules, evidence may be brought by any legislator to the High Court, which may disqualify candidates.

Please note the Chair will be given permission to update the numbering within the Election Act should this pass.

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**Belschaft** · 03-10-2017, 03:40 PM

I think this falls into the "rearranging the deckchairs" category of ideas. Your proposal is perfectly fine and there aren't any problems with it, but at the same time the current system is also perfectly fine and there aren't any problems with it. I don't really see any need or point to this.

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~~Cormac~~ · 03-10-2017, 06:09 PM

(03-10-2017, 03:40 PM)Belschaft Wrote: I think this falls into the "rearranging the deckchairs" category of ideas. Your proposal is perfectly fine and there aren't any problems with it, but at the same time the current system is also perfectly fine and there aren't any problems with it. I don't really see any need or point to this.

I agree with Bel, to be honest. I also think it's difficult to depoliticize Chair elections without essentially turning them into popularity/name recognition contests, which would disadvantage new or more quiet citizens who may actually be better suited for the office. While Chair isn't and shouldn't be a very politicized office, given its actual functions it's very difficult to politicize -- and having the standard campaign and election process allows lesser known candidates to shine with their ideas for best administering the Assembly.

(This post was last modified: 03-10-2017, 06:11 PM by Cormac.)

***Roavin*** · 03-10-2017, 08:17 PM

This is ... solving a problem that doesn't exist, thereby introducing problems.

Omega · 03-11-2017, 01:56 PM

Not all things have to solve problems Roavin. Some things we do to make an existing thing better. Do
I realize comparing this to the US House Speaker election was not the best simile but well c'est la vie. I think though that we need to work to figure out a way to take politics out of Chair elections as best we can, without making into a name recognition contest.
First off, I am more than willing to allow the EC to administer CoA elections. But I honestly want us to figure out how to treat this election like normal Assembly business.
Second, the two seconds idea comes from the way the House of Commons elects its Speaker. The idea is that it would show support from multiple people, hopefully with differing ideas. Honestly, I really like the way the Commons does its speaker elections and if we were to attempt to adapt anything I would love it to be that process.

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CoA: August 2016-January 2017
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