June Embassy Update
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kanglia Elected Chairperson
by Kanglia
Switching up the typical news report convention here, I (Kanglia) was elected Chairperson this past month. For me, it was my return to NS politics, and my return to the UDS’ political body. Two long years away from NationStates saw me change a ton as a person, but my beliefs on the best things for this region have continued to stay the same. I’m disappointed that there was no one running against me, for elections are always much more fun when you have an adversary, but losing 5 whole votes to RON of all people (UDS has seen Re-Open Nominations turn into a deity of its own) only motivates me to prove to myself and to every person with an eye on the UDS that I still have “it” inside of me. Since my election was announced on June 5th, the General Assembly has seen steady activity at a rate higher than before, and I’m proud of that. I think that a good part of this activity is thanks to the GA Guild that I campaigned on and created as a means for all citizens to come together to better understand and create new legislation for the region. But with three months to go in my term I know that this fight isn’t finished yet. And that fight, that’s what excites me the most.by Kanglia
Third Senate Election Sees Two Newcomers and Some Familiar Faces Elected
by Dome Artan
At the tail end of May the third Senate Elections were opened by Chancellor Khevo. While not as hotly contested as the second Senate Elections in March the ballot was shaping up to be a full one with early announcements of intent by Democratic Republic of Kohland and the The Eastern Straight. However when the candidacy forms were due the field was much less competitive than it had seemed to be. Neither of the aforementioned early announcers had submitted official candidacies and three incumbent Senators had decided not to seek re-election (The Eagle-Bearer, Comlogical and Dome Artan).by Dome Artan
Instead the five person Senate election was going to be contested by only six candidates, the lowest of any of the three held so far. Incumbents The Noble Thatcherites and Glaciosia were joined by former President North Plegia and three newcomers Prorescia, Grand Gondor and Davinmark. Campaigning for the election was limited, to be expected when only one candidate will not be elected. However some candidates took this to the extreme and posted no campaign material whatsoever, all of this compared to the hour long voice chat debate of the last election. The only campaign material of consequence was published by North Plegia, notable because it reiterated their commitment to another new constitution (a position which cost them the presidency four months ago).
The Election results were announced by Chancellor Khevo on May 31st. The Union uses a preferential voting system where voters rank candidates from one to, in this case, seven (six candidates plus RON), the candidates with the lowest average score are elected as they are the most preferred. The Noble Thatcherites and Glaciosia, despite posting no campaign material, won big with both being over 2 points clear of the other candidates. The three other positions were filled by Prorescia, North Plegia and Grand Gondor. The strategy of no campaign material, which worked for the incumbent Senators, decidedly did not work for Davinmark who placed last, even behind RON.
The next Senate elections will be particularly interesting as The Noble Thatcherites and Glaciosia, Senate stalwarts since the Constitutional overhaul will be forced out of office due to term limits by that point, leaving the composition of that Senate wide open. As for this Senate, it has already handled the important business of tabling a Criminal Code Act along with a large Constitutional Amendment package.
Recently Elected Senator Grand Gondor Vanishes from UDS
by Dome Artan
As mentioned in the previous article Grand Gondor had won election to the UDS Senate despite their relative inexperience, having joined NS as part of the Drew Rush. During their time as Senator they seemed to struggle with understanding what that meant, continuing to vote on UDS General Assembly (the lower house of the legislative branch) motions. However after the most recent instance of this on June 21st, Grand Gondor suddenly left the UDS discord where their activity had been dropping dramatically.by Dome Artan
While Discord involvement is not necessary for participation in government the signs were nonetheless not good for their continued involvement in the region. Directly following this development Grand Gondor resigned the WA, once again not necessary by any means for participation in the region but they had been one of the region’s most involved endorsers, consistently staying up to date on new WA nations. The combination of these two withdrawals from regional life leaves the region pessimistic about the chances of a return for the new Senator.
It has been nine days now of unannounced activity for the Senator, after ten they will lose their position and a snap election will be held.
UDSAF Update
by Kanglia
It was a slightly slow month for the UDSAF, with our time in Iran still being the main focus for the first two weeks, updating has yet to return to it’s previous pace. However, with the month closing, Kanglia has returned to the updates. UDSAF personnel was present for only four updates at the time of this writing.by Kanglia
UDSAF Monthly Report June 2020