King Arrives in United Kingdom for Tour

18/08/2011--LONDON--His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I has arrived in London for a ten day tour of the capital of the United Kingdom and Edinburgh, Scotland, during which he will meet with members of the Royal Family and government officials. His Sovereign Majesty will be having conversations with senior members of the Kemetian Royal Family on their role in government and charitable organizations, as well as with the Prime Minister Jolyon Lloyd-Davies of the Liberal Party, covering subjects ranging from the current financial crisis to the support of Scottish independence.

Today, the King will be travelling to Oxford to visit the Ashmolean Museum and the "Heracles to Alexander the Great" exhibit on the treasures from the ancient capital of Macedon, which has been organised by the Prime Minister of Greece and the Greek Government. King Adam I is looking forward to inspecting the objects of this ancient civilization and is interested in how they may inform the Kemetian civilization in its goals and ideals.

Economic Downturn Hits the Kingdom

08/08/2011--FIRST CITY--Stock markets around the world fell today as the effects of Standard & Poor's downgrade of the United States was truly felt. In Kemetia, government assets invested in international markets took a severe hit, damaging the government's portfolio and financial strength.

Shares held in numerous institutions by the Government caused an overall loss of 32.72% of government resources, completely wiping out gains made earlier this year. Such a fall is estimated to amount to upwards of 1800 Db in losses, a large amount not expected to be made up any time soon, according to economic analysts.

Kemetia has managed to remain relatively unscathed by the financial crisis, due to the Kingdom's lack of a stock market and the government's choice to hold most of its assets in cash rather than equities. The Foreign Market Portfolio, officially held by the Privy Purse, has come to serve as a source for some government income, although it is not a major generator of wealth. It is unclear whether the Portfolio will remain a viable avenue for meeting expenditure given the current economic climate.

The government has so far not commented on the situation, and the absence of Finance Minister creates an awkward situation for the Lloyd-Davies Administration in this time of financial peril. His Sovereign Majesty's office told the Tribune that it was looking into the possibility of liquidating the Portfolio and moving into a more solid investment, such as gold or silver.

Letters Exchanged with Croatia

01/08/2011--FIRST CITY--Letters between the Governments of Kemetia and Croatia were exchanged today, with a view to further exploring relations between the two nations in regards to local government and democracy.  Prime Minister  Jadranka Kosor acknowledged receipt of the government's message, in which its commitment to local governance, democracy and cooperation was outlined in detail, as well as the possibility for partnerships between the countries in the future.

The Prime Minister of Croatia also notified the Government that she had forwarded the letter to the Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandrokovic, for further consideration.

Royal Kemetian Foundation Inaugurated

20/07/2011--FIRST CITY--Today, it has been announced by the Royal Court that a charitable organization has been formed by His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I, which will allocate funds to non-profit organizations across the globe. The Royal Kemetian Foundation (RKF) has been established with the express purpose of relieving suffering and hardship, and will be directly managed from the Royal Court.

To date, the RKF has donated only to one project, the The Kidney TRUST, a charity supported by Justice Julia Nee of the Supreme Constitutional Court. The TRUST is committed to reducing chronic kidney disease through screening and financial assistance. A generous donation of 96.5 Db ($25) was given to the charity, which it is hoped will go some way to helping these initiatives.

Citizens and friends alike may donate to the TRUST through Justice Julia Nee's sponsorship page, which can be found here.

In the future, the RKF is planning to help many across the globe, and make sure that tolerance and hope are accessible to everyone, no matter who they are.

Ministry of Culture Unveils New Projects

28/06/2011--CHICAGO--In an announcement today, the Minister of Culture Sir Alexander Cole revealed that his ministry has initiated several projects to improve the cultural life of the Kingdom, as well as the well-being of its citizens.

"Primarily, we'll be focusing on projects that fully involve all citizens, regardless of whether they live in the central homeland or overseas territories", Minister Cole said from his office in Chicago. "I want to bring Kemetian culture to all people at the grassroots level, through a series of festivals and free art that would be accessible to everyone, even non-Kemetians."

Cole went on to detail the project he was constructing, to be held simultaneous in all territories of the Kingdom. "We're hoping to be able to coordinate with local government authorities to bring Culture Days to several areas, including the Capital. During these events, several stalls would be set up, providing representations of the local arts of that particular part of the Kingdom."

"We would also be including street artists, and other free mediums so that whomever comes to visit the event could enjoy its contents."

Currently, the project is in the planning stages, and funding is being gained from a variety of sources. Due to the Recession, the Government has been tightening its purse-strings, but it is hoped that a combination of public funding and donations will be adequate to make the event possible.

Those wishing to donate should navigate to this page to make their valuable contribution with the memo that it be directed to the the Ministry of Culture.

Kemetian Independence Day: 6 Years On

04/05/2011--FIRST CITY/CHICAGO--Celebrations were held today throughout the Kingdom on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the nation. Six years on, the Kingdom boasts hundreds of citizens from across the globe, and solidarity with the country was shown through communal gatherings and merrymaking.

The King hosted an event at the Kemetian Consulate in Chicago, which was attended by many notable individuals, including the King himself, the Chief Justice Sir Nicholas Kelly, Justices Julia Nee and Kaitlyn Fryzek, Minister of Agriculture Nicholas Bailey, Minister of Culture Alexander Cole, Director of Communications Alicia Graf and the President of the Electoral Commission Dexter O'Connell.

In some brief remarks, His Sovereign Majesty outlined his commitment to democracy distinct and more liberal than currently articulated forms of that ideology, and also cautioned listeners not to be deceived by autocrats in liberal clothing. The evening proceeded with the serving of many Kemetian delicacies and convivial exchanges.

The King also took this occasion to make it known that he had enter talks with Antigua and Barbuda earlier this week, and that the Legal Affairs Department of that country was currently deliberating how to proceed with the Kemetia question.

Attack on Central Bank Files Defeated

25/05/2011--FIRST CITY--The Government of Kemetia has today revealed that in the early hours of 17th May, intruders managed to bypass the security system of the Kemetian Web Portal and upload illegal materials onto the server containing the operating system and data of the Central Bank. No bank accounts were compromised, and all information has been kept confidential and sound, according to security personnel now assigned to the Central Bank.

His Sovereign Majesty is said to be extremely perturbed by his own late notification of the security breach, telling his associates that he was only informed this morning by an independent security firm connected with the government's web hosting service.

In a letter forwarded to the Tribune by the Office of His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I, the security firm detailed how they detected the upload of files in the "illegal spectrum" on 17th May at 00:20:09 GMT, and "removed the illegal content", blocking those responsible by changing the ciphers of the Web Portal. However, the letter did not specify when the breach was detected, leaving open the possibility that intruders had access to sensitive information for up to seven days, with illegal information being uploaded during that time. While it is unclear what this information was, investigators suspect that it may have been related to financial crime, judging by its storage location on the server.

When we spoke with the King, he was audibly upset at such an unacceptable security breach. "It seems unconscionable that felons would have had complete access to the Central Bank for such a long time without it being detected by the contracted security services. I feel this is a complete and utter failure on their part, and begs the question as to whether we should be contracting our web security out to such amateurs." His Sovereign Majesty went on to explain that he would like to see new legislation put in place to reinforce informational security, once Parliament is convened. "I will be issuing a temporary Decree in the coming days, to the effect that ciphers for sensitive materials must be changed regularly, and security should be handled by professional Kemetian security services, rather than foreign agents. I shall also be establishing a Commission to investigate this grievous breach in security" This legislation would be the first on information security in Kemetian history, as is expected to constitute a Ministry for its handling.

The Tribune is currently waiting for a response from the independent security firm and hosting company on this matter, and shall report on our findings as soon as we receive a response.

UPDATE:

A response has been received from the security firm and hosting company. No details have been given about when the breach was detected, nor as to who the perpetrators were. It is clear, however, that "malicious scripts" were uploaded to the server of the Central Bank of Kemetia.

Lack of International Response to South Sudan Invasion a "farce"

23/05/2011--CHICAGO--In comments made to the Kemetia Tribune within the last few hours, His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I of Kemetia has called the international response to the Sudanese armed incursion and take-over of the town of Abyei "a complete and utter farce" and that words and condemnations did not go far enough to reproach the Sudanese forces for their act of aggression against South Sudan.

While Sudan claims that the incursion and subsequent takeover was a defensive response to a raid conducted by South Sudanese troops on Thursday, which the King strongly condemned as an obstacle to peace, His Sovereign Majesty explained that "the government of the North is clearly using one terrible incident to justify a disproportionate and crushing response."

The Kemetian Government has been engaged in communications with the Government of South Sudan since early 2011, although bilateral relations have not been established, and nor did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seem optimistic about establishing relations when asked by the Tribune earlier today. "We are not being received warmly by the new Sudan", said a Ministry official, who declined to be named. The King did not comment extensively on relations, saying only that the untimely receiving of messages had been a problem when dealing with South Sudan.

Nevertheless, His Sovereign Majesty reiterated his commitment to preserving peace in the region, and allowing for the democratic self-determination of the South Sudanese. "It is absolutely imperative that this atrocious action not be allowed to derail the referendum and scheduled independence of South Sudan. All nations should oppose the North Sudanese invasion strongly, and with further punitive measures, if necessary," said King Adam I.

During his talk with the Tribune, His Sovereign Majesty was also pushed for answers as to why the Government had not conducted parliamentary elections yet, a problem which has become a rather serious issue for the King and the Lloyd-Davies Administration. "It is not for me to direct the electoral process of the nation," he explained, saying that it was "up to the elected government of the day and the Electoral Commission to come to an agreement about the timing for our first parliamentary elections under the 2010 Constitution." The Electoral Commission had previously stated that elections were to be held on 14th May, but has since delayed them until mid-June. The Tribune was not able to reach the Commission for comment.

Government Condemns Actions of Syria

01/05/2011--FIRST CITY--Members of the Government of His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I of Kemetia condemned the activities of the Syrian Government today, in a letter signed by the Government given to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations. The OHCHR has declined to comment on the letter, but has acknowledged its receipt.

The contents of the letter are published below for the benefit of the public and nation.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is the considered opinion of the His Sovereign Majesty’s Government of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia that the current activities of the Syrian Government against legitimate opposition are unacceptable, and should swiftly be dealt with in a meaningful manner by the international community and the respective bodies of the United Nations.

We welcome the OHCHR efforts to voice the outrage of the international community, but we believe that a concerted effort must be made to compel the Syrian Government to allow for peaceful protest, and uphold the conventions that they are legally party to. The United Nations must stand for more than simply its constituent countries; it must stand for humanity itself, and the all-encompassing spirit of personhood, which transcends national boundaries and petty borders. Thus, it is imperative that all Syrian Government officials know the pain of transgressing upon the rights of Humankind, as it is only just that the suffering of the Syrian People rebound upon the Perpetrators of this madness.

We implore your organization to outright condemn the actions of the Syrian Government and uphold the principles for which your organization was founded. There is nothing incorrect about interfering in what appear to be internal affairs of nations that have actively opted to become part of the international community. Syria is a member of the United Nations, and as such, should be forced to be bound by the constraints of the organization.

We trust that you will reply forthwith with your opinions and actions on this matter.

Until such a time, we remain sincerely,

His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I of Kemetia

His Excellency Prime Minister Sir Jolyon Lloyd-Davies, OS

Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court Sir Nicholas Kelly

Emperor Norton I Day 2010

08/01/10--CHICAGO--The nation celebrated its annual Emperor Norton I Day this evening, with a private gathering at the Kemetian Consulate in Chicago. Many of Kemetia's most notable citizens were in attendance, including Students for the Advancement of Kemetia's President Alexander Cole, Attorney General Jacqueline Trudeau, and His Sovereign Majesty the King himself (left).

During the evening, the King delivered an address to the assembled crowd, in which he praised Emperor Norton, Students for the Advancement of Kemetia and all citizen's commitment to personal democracy and cooperation. His Sovereign Majesty also announced the creation of an Order of Knighthood, the Order of the Sovereign (OS), to be given by the Monarch each year during Emperor Norton Day. This year's recipients included the Prime Minister Jolyon Lloyd-Davies, former Finance Minister

Arran Marais-Gilchrist and SAK President Alexander Cole. Only Mr. Cole was present to accept his honor. Neither Lloyd-Davies nor Marais-Gilchrist have formally acknowledged or accepted the honor.

Student Organization Moves Forward

12/12/10--CHICAGO--Last week, on December 9th, the Committee on Recognized Student Organizations (CORSO) at the University of Chicago official approved Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, the Tribune has learned. The news was followed by a small gathering of Kemetians and interested parties at the apartments of the organization's President, Alexander Cole.

While Mr. Cole has been unavailable for comment, His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I says he is "thrilled and optimistic" about the news. "This is certainly a modern and most correct decision [on the part of CORSO]. Anything less would have been quite improper and discriminatory, but we have clearly seen here the progressive attitude to Kemetia and our national expression by the University and it's institutions."

The King, who is currently visiting with the Royal Family at his Ranch, has revealed to the Tribune that recognition was not at first given to the organization. "We were most dismayed to find out that, initially, CORSO had rejected our bid for recognition, which we had certainly not anticipated." The King explained that he did not feel such a rejection was warranted. The decision was quickly appealed, however, and during the process His Sovereign Majesty and President Cole were well received. Concern was raised about the ties between the country and the student organization, which the King addressed to the satisfaction of the committee. He is very pleased that all turned out for the best and hopes that Students for the Advancement of Kemetia serves to benefit the University with discussions and events tailored to Kemetian and student needs.

Also within this discussion, His Sovereign Majesty confirmed that elections were slated for mid-January and he hoped that a cabinet could be formed soon after. Several new ministerial faces are expected, with Ms. Kathleen Cawley, the current Secretary and Recruitment Chair of Students for Advancement of Kemetia, expressing her interest in becoming Minister for the Environment, and thus replacing Minister Jack Finch. Minister Arran Marais-Gilchrist is also expected to retire in his capacity as Finance Minister, which he has held since 2005, though will still retain his position as Chairman of the Liberal Party. It is unclear whether Minister Finch or Minister Marais-Gilchrist will run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Student Organization Formed

16/11/10--CHICAGO--It has been announced today that a student organization for supporting Kemetian students and their friends has been provisionally established at the University of Chicago in the United States. Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, as the organization is called, will help in "raising awareness within student bodies around the world of Secessionism and the issues surrounding it, as well as help us support our citizens and allies, who may be far from home and in need of a familiar community", said Alexander Cole, President of Students for the Advancement of Kemetia.

Students for the Advancement of Kemetia is currently not fully registered with the University of Chicago, still pending approval by the Committee on Recognized Student Organizations, although approval is expected to be given by the end of December. Until such a time, Students for the Advancement of Kemetia shall continue to operate normally, but without financial support from University institutions.

The King, who is also the Honorary Chairman of Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, has expressed his hopes for the organization, saying that he envisions multiple organizations and unions across the world and in all major universities. "It is my firm belief that through fostering dialog and understanding within institutions of higher learning worldwide, we can achieve an international victory for the Secessionist Movement. Students bring something vibrant and novel to Kemetian society, presenting ideas and projects that have real potential and promise", said His Sovereign Majesty to the Tribune earlier today.

It is expected that further efforts in other universities will be endorsed by the Kingdom, with the possibility of an International Kemetian Students Union being formed in the near future to coordinate efforts amongst students who are Kemetian or support Kemetian ideals.

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.