Pledge of Loyalty Decree Issued

12/10/10--CHICAGO--Last night, His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I and the President of the Electoral Commission Dexter O'Connell signed a Decree to temporarily lay out the details of the Pledge of Loyalty mentioned in the 2010 Constitution. The need for the Decree, said the King, was accentuated by the recent random selection of several Supreme Constitutional Court Justices, none of whom could accept office until the Pledge had been written. He stressed the temporary nature of the measure, which is standing in for an Act of Parliament, tabled to be considered by the body after its election, which is tentatively scheduled in November.

The text of the Decree is as follows:

Pledge of Loyalty Decree

(A Temporary Measures for the Affirmation of Constitutional Office Holders)

1002D

ARTICLE 1:

In His wisdom and benevolence, His Sovereign Majesty sees it fit to publish this Decree on this day, the Eleventh of October, Two Thousand and Ten, pertaining to the Pledge of Loyalty of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia as outlined in Article 22, Section 4 of the 2010 Constitution, in the absence of any other legitimate political bodies to make the necessary measures.

ARTICLE 2:

The Pledge of Loyalty shall be as follows:

I [NAME], do solemnly affirm to follow and uphold the Constitution of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia and the laws that emanate from it, and to perform the office of [OFFICE] which the people have conferred upon me with loyalty and patriotism, in all actions looking after the good and prosperity of the Kingdom; and if I do not fulfil these obligations, may the Nation demand it of me.

(a). Members of the Judiciary shall continue the Pledge with the following section:

I further Affirm that I will never manipulate the law or further injustice for kinship, relation by marriage, friendship, envy, ill-will, or fear, nor for bribes or gifts, or any other cause in whatever guise it may appear; nor will I declare guilty one who is innocent, or innocent one who is guilty. I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me without fear, favour, or prejudice as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia.

(b). Members of Parliament shall continue the Pledge with the following section:

I do solemnly and sincerely swear before the people of the whole country that I will preserve, defend and uphold the Constitution, faithfully perform my duties, promote the welfare of the people, safeguard the security of the Kingdom, sustain the union, the integrity and the independence of Kemetia, and in no way betray the people's trust. Should I break my oath, I shall be willing to submit myself to severe punishment by the State. This is my solemn oath.

ARTICLE 3:

This Decree shall be effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect until the contents can be considered by Parliament. Upon the election of Parliament, its first order of business shall be the consideration of this Decree’s contents as a possible Act of Parliament.

Democracy Day 2010

30/09/10--CHICAGO--In celebration of Democracy Day, which marks the establishment of democracy in Kemetia by His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I, the King released the following remarks and encouraged all citizens to exercise their rights as fundamentally free individuals:

Five years ago, democracy entered the Kemetian political scene with the disbandment of the necessary Secessionist Command Council, and the calling of the first democratic elections in our nation's history. While the road to absolute democracy is a hard one, with many perils along the way, I believe we have made significant progress since the dark days of one-party rule under the De Groot regime, and even more progress regarding the Constitution, which is now fully accepted as the law of the land.

My government has been implementing the changes outlined in the 2010 Constitution slowly, consistently, and carefully, so as to allow the former institutions of the State time to adjust to the new atmosphere of freedom and political openness. The Supreme Constitutional Court has been partially selected by the Electoral Commission, and this process is due to be completed in the next few weeks, with the five new Justices receiving their bound copy of the Constitution for their guardianship. After this, it is my hope that the Advisory Council and Senate will be elected quickly, so as to allow the People voice in their government.

Democracy must be a cherished ideology of our country; not because I say it should be, or the Prime Minister believes it to be so, but because it is the right of every human to choose their destiny and government--it is something innate, something worth all our effort to protect. We shall not rest until democracy in Kemetia becomes an example which all countries will follow, for once we unite the world under a democratic system, the need for Kings and Nobles will fall to dust: we shall all be Human Citizens--perhaps the most important and overarching citizenship of all.

The King will proceed to a musical celebration at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel tonight, in order to more fully appreciate the beautiful quality of human achievement.

King Condemns Examination Boards

23/08/10--CHICAGO--His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I released this statement today regarding the educational system of Kemetia and the wider world. In it, he outlined his plan for a comprehensive educative experience and the destruction of examining bodies:

It has come Our attention that most of the world has been deceived and misled into believing that examinations, good grades and final tests are the only purpose of educational institutions, creating a climate of administration and bureaucracy, insidiously corrupting our youth and the children of the world.

That an entire child's future be based upon results acquired through testing is a preposterous notion, born of the reactionary and bureaucratic world powers who seek to pigeonhole individuals, thereby making them easier to control. This dulls the minds of our young, and engenders a senseless automation of knowledge, crushing the Spirit of Youth and bludgeoning creativity, open-mindedness and freedom to a bloody pulp.

But, worse even than this, is the blatant and gluttonous attitudes of the examination bodies themselves, which seek only to increase their own profits, corner markets and treat students as if they were exploitable. The College Board of the United States, a not-for-profit, made a shocking $582.9 million in 2006, but spent only $527.8 million, reserving $55.1 million for its own purposes. Twelve of its top-level positions are paid $300,000 a year. Bear in mind that the organization claims to be a not-for-profit, and yet pays its executives hundreds of thousands of dollars. Reform is obviously necessary. Testing must become more affordable and less prevalent.

Edexcel of the United Kingdom also shows that these organizations are immoral behemoths. Edexcel has routinely failed to report mistakes in exam papers, even when it knew such mistakes existed. When revealed, Edexcel did nothing, preferring to give credit those who had the faulty papers. Whether or not this credit was given is beside the point: this dishonesty is indicative of such corrupt cartels—if such fraudulence exists in this matter, is not the entire legitimacy of the enterprise in question?

It becomes clear after reviewing only two of these bodies that there is an inherent flaw in the system: the examinations themselves. To assess children based on one paper, or one exam rather than their development is a travesty, and while it serves most governments well, it will not be the policy in this country.

I urge the Government to form a plan for comprehensive education based on holistic and enriching principles. I call for emphasis to be placed on the individual experience of learning, rather than the class experience of testing. It is my belief that a programme, which combines practical application with intellectual pursuit, will result in a People worthy of the world. We should give our children and all children the world, for we are but custodians and a transient part of a much greater whole.

The Kemetian People shall prevail and, united in our effort to reform our nation, shall reform the planet.

Kemetian Independence Day 2010

04/06/10--FIRST CITY--Kemetians celebrated their 5th independence day with celebrations throughout the Kingdom today. His Sovereign Majesty gave his Speech from the Throne (http://www.mediafire.com/?zyyzzmavm1n), outlining his plans for personal democracy and greater freedoms throughout the Kingdom.

Festivities shall continue into the evening, with shows and events being hosted in many locations, from the Home Provinces to the Overseas Territories.

All at the Tribune wish you a very happy Independence Day and thank you for your continued commitment to the Kingdom and the Tribune.

Constitution Passed, Approval High

25/04/10--FIRST CITY--After a long delay, His Sovereign Majesty's Office officially announced the preliminary results of the Referendum on the Adoption of the Constitution as well as the general impression gained from an opinion poll attached to the ballot measuring the public's approval of the King.

The Constitution was passed with a large majority voting to make the document law. His Sovereign Majesty's approval ratings were also said to be extremely high, with no votes reflecting approval beneath 'Average' and most located in the upper range. His Sovereign Majesty's office has been criticised by a section of the citizenry for withholding the Referendum and approval results, although a spokesperson from the Office called these accusations 'groundless.'

The Electoral Commission has not yet published the voting figures from the referendum, although they are expected within the next few days.

Polls for the Referendum on the new Constitution

12/04/10--First City--The poll for the referendum on the new Constitution is now open:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDdXUUEzXzJkMEhGd1ZDa0VzLW1iV2c6MQ

Where is the Electoral Commission?

12/04/10--FIRST CITY--Frustration has been apparent after the promised referendum date came and went on Saturday without any ballots being distributed. The Electoral Commission has apologized sincerely for the delays and now expects the referendum to be conducted today, 12th April 2010, now that the security systems have been verified to properly prevent fraud. The Electoral Commission has also announced their intention to include a second question on the ballot, about the effectiveness of the Monarch over the past year.

Opposition leaders have suggested that King Adam I may have been stalling the referendum in order to convince the Commission not to include the second question on his governance. However, we are assured by independent observers that this is a baseless statement and that the King has been active in pushing for these measures.

"It had always been my intention to allow the People to have regular input on the configuration of their government and its performance. It seems only fair that I be evaluated alongside the elected government" said the King this afternoon from his office, who seemed convinced that the People would continue to support the Monarchy.

Hardliners affiliated with the Monarchy, and especially in the military, have expressed their doubts about the second question. Many have seen it as a direct challenge to traditional rule and fear that His Sovereign Majesty's confidence in popular governance may have been misplaced. "This is very worrying indeed. It certainly is not the People's place to pass judgments on the Monarch!" said an Court official, who declined to be named.

It is hoped that this Monday's referendum is a valid reflection of the popular will, with most pollsters projecting broad support for both measures.

Referendum Date Set

04/04/10--FIRST CITY--The Electoral Commission announced today that the national referendum on the new Constitution would be commencing on Saturday, April 10th. His Sovereign Majesty is said to be pleased with the progress of the Commission and stated that he would support its decision.

On polling day, citizens will be allowed to cast their votes through the online balloting system of the Commission or through paper ballots available at one of the polling stations located throughout the nation.

University of Chicago Recognize His Sovereign Majesty

25/02/10--CHICAGO--His Sovereign Majesty was recognized today in an online article on the University of Chicago's College website. The King is said to be extremely pleased with the coverage and is thankful that His university has taken the time write such a large feature.

The article can be read here.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's visit to Scotland has been greeted well by locals and supporters, along with the announcement that the Scottish government had published details of the proposed independence referendum. His Excellency is sure to visit local dignitaries to discuss such a momentous move and further Kemetian interests in Scotland.

Prime Minister in Scotland

21/02/10--FIRST CITY--The Prime Minister submitted his comments on the Draft Constitution today, which are said to be quite expansive, emphasizing the possibility for a liberal and open interpretation of the document in the future. While he made plain the fact that his comments were only suggestions and that the Committee could 'ignore or alter them as is seen fit', His Excellency's comments will most certainly hold much sway, as they will be seen as the opinion of the democratically elected majority.

Prime Minister Lloyd-Davies is currently touring Scotland, were he hopes to further peaceful secession and the Secessionist ideology in general. Scottish independence has long been a policy of the Lloyd-Davies Administration and this official visit is seen as a sign to buttress that support, which was seen to wane after unpleasantness with certain members of the Scottish secessionist community in 2006.

First Comments on the Constitution Submitted

06/02/10--FIRST CITY--The first comments submitted to the Constitutional Drafting Committee by its members were made public today, in an official statement from Committee. Both Francis Nicholson and His Sovereign Majesty King Adam contributed separate Comment Documents to the Committee repository for later review. While the contents of the Documents cannot be made public until all Comments are submitted, the Committee released brief statements outlining the positions of the two members.

Mr. Nicholson, one of the Founders of the Nation and Chair of the Anarchist Alliance Party, made stark observations and suggested a complete overhaul of the entire Constitution, viewing many of its provisions as unnecessary and long-winded. Mr. Nicholson has advocated a less centralized system in the past, as well as placing the instruments of so-called 'state-violence' in the hands of the government, in order to protect the populace. His Anarchist Alliance Party has been absent from elections since 2006, and many suspect that he may re-enter the political scene after the new Constitution is promulgated.

His Sovereign Majesty King Adam did not submit extensive comments, partly because of his pivotal and influential role in shaping the document in question. He did suggest, however, that the original judicial organ of government named the Curia of Founders be renamed the Constitutional Court and its role redefined to allow for the random selection of sitting members for five-year terms from among the eminent jurists of the nation. This, however, has been opposed by Senior Economic Advisor Sir Nicholas Kelly and others in the government.

Constitutional Drafting Committee Established

19/01/10--FIRST CITY--As of today, letters will begin to be sent out from His Sovereign Majesty's Office to the various citizens selected to sit on the Constitutional Drafting Committee. The Committee will represent a diverse cross-section of the public, from high officials to newly immigrated citizens. The Most Democratic and Perfect Constitution of the Sovereign Kingdom has been composed by His Sovereign Majesty and his closest advisors, and will now be amended and evaluated by members of the population. A decisive answer and referendum on the document is scheduled for the end of the next month.

King concludes national tour

31/12/09--FIRST CITY--The King concluded his tour of Kemetia today, with New Year's celebrations being held with his family at a residence in the capital. During his tour, the King met with senior figures, including the Prime Minister, and discussed plans for the new governing structure, constitutional composition and cabinet make-up.

The Prime Minister met His Sovereign Majesty in London, where a multiparty and inclusive National Cabinet was proposed by the King. The Cabinet is said, by sources close to the King, to be representative of a broad spectrum of interests across the Kingdom and contains a 'fair number of new faces,' said the source. Prime Minister Lloyd-Davies also instituted the establishment of a Carbon Commission, to forward the environmentally sound policies of the government. His Sovereign Majesty also met with Minister for the Environment Thomas Elwes to talk of further measures to increase the efficiency of environmental policy.

All the staff at the Tribune wish Kemetians a very happy New Year and a season of joy and progress.

Government Conducts Census

17/12/09--FIRST CITY--Under the auspices of the Prime Ministry, a nationwide census will be carried out, starting today, 17th December, running until 1st January.

All current citizens are required to fill out the census to retain citizenship. If a citizen does not fill out the form by the end of January 1st, their citizenship and rights as a Kemetian shall be revoked.

Please fill out the form here.

The Tribune and Government thanks citizens for their cooperation.

Prime Ministerial Election Results 2009

13/12/09--FIRST CITY--Results are in for the 2009 Prime Ministerial Elections, with Lloyd-Davies of the Liberal Party taking the Prime Minister's post for the fourth time in Kemetian history. Lloyd-Davies and the Liberal Party were said to be very pleased with the result, saying that it showed how successful and popular their governing policies were, and that they would take the victory as a mandate to continue governing in their current fashion.

The Electoral Commission handed His Sovereign Majesty's government three copies of the Election Certificate, certifying that the Commission had found no irregularities during polling, the validity of this enforced by the President of the Commission, Dexter O'Connell's, status as a international observer, not being a holder of Kemetian citizenship.

The final results were as follows:

Lloyd-Davies (Liberal Party)--77.5%

Peery (Liberal Socialist Party)--10%

Muusz ('David' List Write-In Candidate)--5%

Spoiled Ballots--7.5%

The entrance of new citizen David Muusz into the race was last minute, being a write-in candidate added to ballots towards the end of voting in an unorthodox move approved by the Commission.

Peery has yet to comment on her defeat, but is said to be upbeat about the prospect of working with the government.

Currently, there is talk that a new Democratic Constitution will be unveiled by the new year, curtailing authoritarian powers and increasing the popular voice. This would replace the currently suspended Permanent Constitution of 2007, significantly reducing its 150 articles to around only 35.

Kemetian Prime Ministerial Election 2009

01/12/09--FIRST CITY--Voting began today at midnight throughout Kemetia with a bustle to the online polls, as well as to hear the Prime Ministerial Debate between incumbent Jolyon Lloyd-Davies of the Liberal Party and Shawnteal Peery of the Liberal Socialist Party, which can be heard through Kemetian Public Radio. Most observers and officials are very pleased about the polling process.

“The current polling situation in Kemetia seems to be one of fair and free voting, but we will judge the election on its merits once all the votes are cast”, said Dexter O’Connell, Chair of the American-Kemetian Public Affairs Committee and an independent member of the Royal Kemetian Electoral Commission, as he is not a holder of Kemetian citizenship.

Other members of the Commission, most notably Jacqueline Trudeau, Attorney General to His Sovereign Majesty’s Government, commented that “His Sovereign Majesty has certainly made an exceptional effort in ensuring the transparency of the election this year, as well as notable steps in increasing the information about candidates to all interested parties.”

All here at the Tribune encourage citizens to vote at the online polling station, and allow their choice shape the future of the Kingdom.

Voting opens 12:00 am Tuesday 1st December 2009 and closes 11:59 pm Tuesday 1st December 2009.

Debate but no Date

28/11/09--FIRST CITY/CHICAGO--In the final few hours before the 2009 Prime Ministerial election, the candidates have been winding up their campaigns and preparing for the vote. Neither Peery nor Lloyd-Davies have stated whether the polls commissioned by their parties suggest victory or defeat, but many analysts believe that a coalition government will be necessary for the correct functioning of democracy. 'It just makes good sense' said a senior analyst working for the Royal Family on Parliamentary and Democratic Affairs. 'Coalitions are usually weak, but I'm sure Lloyd-Davies will be able to weld together the various factions in order to help the country unite rather than divide on partisan lines'. said the analyst, who refused to reveal their identity for fear that his favoritism towards the Liberal Party would put his non-partisan position in jeopardy.

Candidates and citizens have also eagerly been waiting for the broadcast of the Prime Ministerial Debate, which official occurred Tuesday, but has not been released due to editing issues. It will be hoped that the debate will be released before the election, and the Electoral Commission has suggested that, in the spirit of fairness, the election may be delayed until after the broadcast to give citizens a chance to evaluate the candidates in an independent atmosphere. However, at this time, no broadcast date has been set and the elections are scheduled to proceed on time on 1st December.

Liberal Socialist Party declares candidate

09/11/09--CHICAGO--As campaigning for the Prime Ministerial election 2009 continues from the Liberal Party, a challenger has appeared in the Liberal Socialist Party headed by the newly immigrated Shawnteal Peery. The new party says it wishes to focus on furthering a socialist economic policy while pursuing a libertarian social stance. While the new party has sought to differentiate itself from Lloyd-Davies Liberal Party, its policies are in keeping with the mainstream status-quo politics of Kemetia.

When questioned by the Tribune about any concerns regarding the veracity of the election results, Peery seemed free of worry. 'The elections will be as fair as humanly possible' she stated, adding that His Sovereign Majesty's temporary online election solution to vote rigging was 'a wise one'. She is said to be honoured that her candidacy has been accepted, and will be working closely with current government officials regardless of the election results.

If elected, Ms. Peery will be the first female and black Kemetian to hold the post. 'I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to make history in this way and hope that even if I do not win, that [my actions will] pave the way for more female government officials in Kemetia and encourage more women to strive for high government positions.' Historically, Kemetia has always had a very high number of female officials, with up to six women holding cabinet level positions at one time. If Peery does win this election, a glass ceiling will certainly have been shattered, opening the Prime Ministry to women as well as minorities.

One of the key issues of the upcoming election is electoral reform, and His Sovereign Majesty has commented that this is an 'election about elections.' With the Lloyd-Davies plan for an electoral college already on the table, the Liberal Socialists have yet to fully outline a rebuttal, but Ms. Peery has commented that she believes 'any measures that could be taken to make sure that every vote counts are necessary.' However, this seems a vague statement, and it is unclear as to how implementation would go ahead.

The Liberal Party Begins its 2009 Election Campaign

03/11/09--LONDON--Jolyon Lloyd-Davies, Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, today made a pubic speech to the Advisory Senate, the text of which follows hereafter:

People of Kemetia, it is my honour to address you as Prime Minister once more. I am speaking to formally announce my candidacy for the post of Prime Minister, and to outline some of the Liberal Party's key policies. I also hope to address the unfounded accusations which have been made regarding the legitimacy of previous elections, and of recent centralisation measures. In order to silence the reactionary agitators responsible for these untruths, I have taken every measure to ensure that the 2009 Prime Ministerial Elections will be the most transparent in our country's history. After intense discussion with His Sovereign Majesty King Adam, it has been agreed that voting will take place online, via Kemetia's Facebook page. This will allow greater security than previous mechanisms, as well as demonstrating my government's commitment to the role "new media" resources will play in our nation's future. Additionally, I am pleased to confirm that the Liberal Party will be making electoral reform a cornerstone of our 2009 campaign; should I be elected once more to the role of Prime Minister, I shall be introducing an "electoral college" system, which would allow for greater representation of our nation's diversity, without undermining the practicality of government. The Liberal Party are not autocrats - we believe firmly in a multipartisan approach to government, and are pround to work with those with other political beliefs. In this spirit, we have supported the appointment of Sir Nicho Kelly as Senior Advisor to His Sovereign Majesty on Economic Policy, and look forward to working with him in the future. Unlike our anti-secessionist adversaries, we remain truly committed to a democratic Kemetia.

As Prime Minister, it has been my great pleasure to assist in Kemetia's formation and expansion over these past years. However, we must not take our success for granted. If reelected, my government will continue to expand Kemetia's presence, especially in the digital sphere. I am particularly excited by the potential of the government's new web portal, which is clearly made vital by the geographically diverse nature of Kemetia. As divided as our nation may seem, we remain united by the revolutionary spirit which is our nation's greatest resource, and it would my great honour to carry this torch into the next decade, and the next phase in our great history.

The speech was greeted enthusiastically by government supporters, including Liberal Party's own publication, The Future. However, the Prime Minister's opponents have remained unconvinced. In an interview with The Kemetia Tribune, one senior opposition figure claimed that "Lloyd-Davies's speech rings hollow to those of us who've witnessed his autocratic style of government in recent years". It is understood by the Tribune that some opposition figures are considering standing for election as a coalition, in the hope of preventing another Liberal Party victory. The Tribune will continue to keep you updated with any further developments as they occur.

Campaigning Begins

01/11/09--FIRST CITY--Campaigning opened today in Kemetia for this year's Prime Ministerial elections which, despite the suspension of the constitution, will go ahead based on commonly established practices from the time of the Great Secession. Campaigning is set to run from November 1st to November 25th, with the election commencing on December 1st, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm GMT.

So far, only one party has declared its candidate for the election, the Liberal Party of Prime Minister and Regent Jolyon Lloyd-Davies. While the campaigning process is still in the early stages, His Sovereign Majesty has expressed hopes that other parties would emerge to compete for the top position, the lack of which the King puts down to disenchantment due to the enormous sway the current Prime Minister has always held over the political system. 'People should not be afraid to run due to a perception of impossibility. Kemetia has always striven to operate by democratic principles, and this election is no exception,' said the King in a teleconference this evening.

However, many outspoken critics have voiced their concerns that the election would be marred by fraud and unconstitutionality, due the the constitutional suspension of the preceding months. His Sovereign Majesty has been heavily criticised in the past for being unpredictable with regard to election laws, with up to five differing pieces of electoral legislation being in effect at once, leading to confusion and accusations of deceit. His Sovereign Majesty has always disregarded these critics and urged them to produce 'solid, unconditional proof' when questioned on the subject in September.

In response to this, Lloyd-Davies has made one of his primary platforms electoral reform, and vows to introduce an 'electoral college' which would fairly represent all the provinces and peoples of the Kingdom, and allow for a simple and effective electoral system.

In order to register a party and candidate, prospectives are required to submit their party name, candidate for the Prime Ministry and a brief policy statement outlining their platform and goals to kemetiagov@gmail.com.