Imperial Party holds first conference
The Imperial Party, currently the only registered political party in the Empire, held its first Annual Conference on Saturday. The conference was the first event of its kind in Austenasian history, and was described by Prime Minister and Imperial Party Leader Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy as “a success for Austenasian democracy.” The conference opened with the national anthem and was followed by speeches from the Prime Minister and Lord Vice Admiral Eren Lewis, Deputy Prime Minister and Imperial Party Chairman. Following the addresses, the members of the Imperial Party Board (the governing body of the party) answered questions from those in attendance. The conference was attended by party members and guests both foreign and domestic, including His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, who commented that “it is a truly encouraging thing to see this level of political engagement and organisation amongst its people.” Following the conference, the Deputy Prime Minister stated “I think the conference went extremely well. It is an example of the activity and dedication that the Imperial Party has and will have as we enter our tenth year as a nation.”
Lord Admiral Eren Lewis elected new Speaker
The House of Representatives this morning elected Lord Admiral Eren Lewis, Baron of Terentia, as its second Speaker. He replaces Lord Charles Clarke, who became Speaker in September last year but resigned on Monday 7th. The Speaker presides over and maintains order in meetings of the House of Representatives, recognising motions and counting votes. Lord Admiral Eren has served as Minister of Defence since March 2015.
Incumbents stand for local elections
Yesterday saw the end of the week-long period during which those wishing to stand for election as Representative at the end of the month could announce that they would be doing so. In each of the ten Towns of Austenasia, the incumbent Representative or Acting Representative was the only person who announced that they would be standing. This scenario was not unexpected. On Twitter, Emperor Jonathan I wrote that the nation-wide lack of competition for the office of Representative showed “local elections every five years makes far more sense than every two years”, referring to one of the constitutional amendments that will also be voted on at the end of the month. As only a single candidate is standing in each Town, voters will have the option to cast an Abstain vote under the terms of an Imperial Edict passed in 2013. Should there be more votes to abstain than for the candidate in any Town, a new vote will be called for that Town in which more people will be encouraged to stand. The candidates for each Town are as follows: Wrythe: HIM Emperor Jonathan I Zephyria: Lord Marshal William K., Baron of Zephyria Thanasia: HIH Eritoshi, Countess of Memphis Palasia: Lord John Gordon, Baron of Zephyria Lichtenstein: Lord Charles Clarke, Duke of Grantabridge Porthbokon: Lady Evren Filgert, Duchess of Dumnonia New Richmond: HIH Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy, Count of Greater Richmond Shineshore: Lord Rear Admiral Alastair Cranston, Duke of New Virginia Terentia: Lord Vice Admiral Eren (formerly Jacob) Lewis, Baron of Terentia Harenfall: Lord Sivert MacLean, Duke of Redcaster