May 2020 General Election ReportIn May 2020, The North Pacific underwent its general elections for the Delegate, Vice Delegate, and Speaker positions. It marks the first General Election since the AGORA Act was passed, abolishing the position of Attorney General. This election was one of the most competitive in recent memory, with six candidates vying for Delegate and four running for Vice Delegate. Voter turnout was markedly higher than the January General Election, as well. The Delegate election entered into an instant runoff and consisted of two rounds, with the candidates with the least number of votes in the first round being eliminated before the second. No nominations were re-opened.
May 2020 Election Results:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192226/The CandidatesFor Delegate: Prydania, Praetor, Gorundu, Yuno, Rocketdog, and Mall.
For Vice Delegate: Artemis, Lady Raven Wing, Filiposgov, and Tinfect.
For Speaker: St George and Highton.
The ResultsDelegate: Prydania
Vice Delegate: Artemis
Speaker: St George
The Election for DelegateDue to previous Delegate McMasterdonia hitting term limits, the position of Delegate was open to new candidates, each of whom brought their own ideas to the table.
Our first candidate,
Prydania, served in a number of appointed positions within TNP, such as Minister of Culture (under Delegates Ghost, Fiji, and McMasterdonia), Lead RP Mod (since late 2019), and Deputy Speaker (under Wonderess). Though he never held an elected position, Prydania expressed his belief that he had "the experience in government necessary to make an honest go of it." Prydania built his campaign around community and integrity. Referring to the ongoing pandemic, he expressed his intent "to use the vast resources our region has to foster a sense of TNP community to make this hard time for us all just a bit more manageable." Prydania outlined his belief in "a measured approach" and bringing transparency and integrity to the office of Delegate, promising to "always be upfront and honest about what [he believes], and what [his] intentions are on any given matter." His proposed agenda focused on strengthening the region both at home and abroad, with special emphasis on increasing the activity and visibility of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Communications, and Radio, as well as the Cards Guild. Prydania also emphasized his desire to strengthen the region's ties with its allies through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and World Assembly Affairs.
Prydania received 48.92% of the vote in the first round and 50.36% of the vote in the second round, becoming our new Delegate.
The details of Prydania's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192152/Our second candidate,
Praetor, built his platform around revitalizing the region through bold new initiatives. Speaking on the matter of transparency, he asserted that he would "openly accept applications" to the executive staff and "continue the tradition of meritocracy in our democracy." He also promised to "provide an update every week to the region on the progress of the government: what have we accomplished, what are we planning to do, and what did we fail to do." Praetor articulated several new ideas he wished to implement in the various Ministries, such as "a format for players to bring ideas that they have for the region to the Home Affairs" and having the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs "maintain a list of potential resolutions for new authors to work with."
Praetor received 30.94% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.
The details of Praetor's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192154/Gorundu, our third candidate, pitched his potential Delegacy as a natural extension of his time in TNP's government, which included serving as Minister of World Assembly Affairs and Speaker. Rather than making grand promises, Gorundu vocalized a desire "to be a representative for all TNPers." In short, his campaign focused on "presenting solid, realistic and insightful plans that can take the region above and beyond." Gorundu elaborated on policy objectives such as expanding hiring for the executive staff through "specific advertisements for each ministry," and being "more active on the Regional Message Board." His proposed agenda for specific ministries included continuing to expand upon the mission of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, and improving the frequency of content creation by Culture, Communication, and Radio through increasing available staff pools.
Gorundu received 9.35% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.
The details of Gorundu's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192153/Our fourth candidate,
Yuno, ran a simple and straightforward campaign, promising to "send daily telegrams advertising ministries, games (especially free games)," distribute "lesson resources... and tell more people to vote." As the former Delegate of The East Pacific, Yuno possessed a level of experience above that of other candidates. She expressed her wish to make government recruitment less traditional, with "regional TGs [being used] more often for accessories stuff that 'regular RMBers' might be interested in" and more personal telegrams and citizen applications.
Yuno received 6.47% of the vote in the first round and 9.35% of the vote in the second round, and was not elected.
The details of Yuno's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192151/Rocketdog, our fifth candidate, pledged to focus "on consolidation and collaboration" within the region's government. "Having served as Minister of Home Affairs, Communications and Foreign Affairs, some multiple times, over the past few years, [he articulated his desire] to use that experience to foster more cooperation between ministries, other entities and resources." Rocketdog's proposed agenda was built around fostering collaboration between individual Ministries. Specific policy proposals included modernizing the region's handbook dispatches, promoting recruitment, releasing more tutorials, and increasing the frequency of The Northern Light's publications.
Rocketdog received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Mall), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.
The details of Rocketdog's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192155/Mall, our sixth candidate, ran on a platform of "Let's Make Things Worse". Mall promised to "burn this region to the ground" by calling "upon every major raider org to endorse" him and purging TNP. Mall stated that, towards the conclusion of his term, he would ban as many nations as he could before conquering The Rejected Realms. Additionally, he expressed a desire "to continue the fine tradition of the NPA raiding Nazis."
Mall received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Rocketdog), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.
The details of Mall's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192159/The Election for Vice DelegateOur first and incumbent candidate, Artemis, pitched his potential additional term as a continuation of his existing agenda. Artemis' platform was very straightforward, with a focus on active endotarting, "working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to work on retention of the recent surge of nations," continuing the tradition of Weekly Vice Delegate Updates, and attempting to make TNP the number one region in average World Assembly endorsements.
Artemis received 87.69% of the vote, and was elected Vice Delegate in a landslide victory.
The details of Artemis' platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192160/Our second candidate,
Lady Raven Wing, built her campaign on a promise of "Security for None". Pledging to work alongside Mall should he become Delegate, Lady Raven Wing's platform included denying citizenship applications, extending all Security Council votes indefinitely, and granting any citizens deemed worthy access to the SC forums.
Lady Raven Wing received 7.69% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.
The details of Lady Raven Wing's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192161/Our third candidate,
Filiposgov, ran as a relative newcomer to the region. His campaign focused on improving the retention of new nations and assisting the Delegate in strengthening the region overall. On 11 May 2020, Filiposgov conceded the election for Vice Delegate.
Filiposgov received 3.08% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.
The details of Filiposgov's campaign can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192175/Our final candidate,
Tinfect, accepted a nomination for Vice Delegate, but did not outline a campaign platform.
Tinfect received 1.54% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.
The Election for Speaker
St George, who previously served as Acting Speaker, applied a frank tone to his candidacy and announced his intention to not engage in "overly ambitious campaign promises." St George pledged to make "sure the work gets done, [increase] the speed of the checks and [ensure] the team around the Speaker is at its best at all times." The particulars of St George's platform included increasing the speed of Speaker's checks for citizenship, using the Speaker's Staff to rotate into the role of Deputy Speaker, and working to continuously hold the region's government accountable.
St George received 82.31% of the vote, and was elected Speaker in a landslide victory.
The particulars of St George's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192150/Our second candidate for Speaker,
Highton, addressed his lack of experience in the position of Speaker, but expressed his belief that "it ain't an election if there's only one candidate" (that being St George). Highton cited what experience he did possess, including serving in the positions of Deputy Minister of Culture and Gameside Advocate.
Highton received 17.69% of the vote, and was not elected as Speaker.
The particulars of Highton's platform can be found here:
https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192172/The Spotlight - Interview with RomPierce: Good evening! Tonight we sit with Rom, current Minister of Defence and General for the North Pacific Army. How are you this evening, General?
Rom: I'm doing good. Little tired but glad to be doing this.
Pierce: I’m happy to have you here. Down to business. It’s been a few weeks since you were appointed as Defense Minister by Delegate Prydania. What has the Army achieved thus far, and what are some of your goals in the near future as Minister?
Rom: I've liked what we have been able to do in terms of our joint OP's that we have done so far, and another thing is that we have worked with a wide variety of orgs so far, some of which it had been a while since we had previously done stuff with. Take that fash bash we did not that long ago ~ we worked with Legio, a org that we really hadn't worked with for a long time, and hopefully the next time a fash bash comes up we can continue to work with them. I've also really liked our soldier participation so far as well, as we have been averaging over 8 NPA soldiers participating in an OP this term, and I only expect that number to increase as the term goes on as hopefully sometime in the next couple weeks the delegacy transition is complete and we can start doing more holds and other types of operations that are more than just tagging and detagging.
Pierce: What other military organizations might we see NPA work with on future operations in its endeavor to beat the fascists across NationStates?
Rom: Off the top of my head, obviously Legio, and I do know that TGW has done a great job and is more than willing to do fash bashes. Really there is a lot of orgs out there that do fash bashes, and it is great to see that because obviously they have no place on NS.
Pierce: Thank you. Now, I’m sure some people like myself who aren’t aware of your history are curious to know more about how you became involved into military gameplay. Tell us about that history”
Rom: I made my first nation in 2011 as me and some of my RL friends had made a RP region, so I made a nation to join that region. I did some things in that RP region, like we did some fash bashes with MT Army and Vippertooth33. However that was the extent of what our region did in terms of Gameplay, but by 2014 we were wanting to get more involved in Gameplay, specifically defending. So, considering that the FRA was the biggest defending org of the time, our region decided to reach out to the FRA to apply to become a member region of the FRA, and I got sent to represent our region on our behalf. Now, our region never became a FRA region member, but I found defending and the FRA to be quite interesting, so I ended up joining a couple regions that were FRA members at the time - The Rejected Realms and Global Right Alliance.
So I ended up joining the RRA and and also the GRADF, and I've been involved in GP ever since.
Bormiar: What has been your general impact and history with any of those groups (FRA, TRR, GRA)?
Rom: I never really did a whole lot with the FRA. GRA and TRR is where I did more things during this time ~ like in GRA I as I mentioned earlier was in their regional military, and also I believe did some ambassador things with them. RRA one of the first things I remember doing was doing a TBR infil. Not a whole lot came out of my infil, but I would remain involved in TRR to this day. As for RRA, I left them in 2015 I believe to join the first version of TGW. That was also um interesting. Wouldn't be until 2018 I believe until I rejoined RRA again, and I'd stick around in there until I went and joined NPA. Actually had just received a promotion from Fratt a couple weeks before I left lol.
Bormiar: Why did you decide to leave defending for the NPA?
Rom: I had kinda gotten bored of GP around the time I left the RRA, so I considered the following ~ either retiring from GP and focus on getting endorsements or whatever, join a new defending org (I really thought about going to SPSF), or trying something new and join a org that does raiding. From there I decided to give NPA a try mostly because I was friends with Bob, and I figured it could be fun to do some more GP stuff with him. I'd say I've had some fun in the NPA.
Bormiar: What has been your favorite part?
Rom: My favorite part? I'd say some of the raids that we have done since I joined have been very enjoyable. Iran in particular. It was a lot of fun holding that region, and successfully defending that region from all the liberation attempts that libcord had made towards the region. I think there was over 50 defenders that jumped one time? And they came really close to liberating it, but we did a good job in having people on ready to banject defenders before the region updated. I'd love to do more holds like that in the future as well too.
Bormiar: How did you rank up so fast in the NPA?
Rom: I participated in a lot of OP's from when I joined the NPA, and now I've participated in over 100. Also I really haven't ranked up that much, since I'm still technically a Lieutenant
Bormiar: What would you say to a prospective NPA soldier on how to get involved?
Rom: I would say that there is several ways to get involved within the NPA ~ whether you are simply piling or you are active during updates. Also there is plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations, like graphics for example. And the NPA is also very much a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do, because GP is honestly a lot of fun, and there is so much to do.
Bormiar: Going off of the point on "plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations", is it possible to assist the NPA casually and without updating?
Rom: Absolutely! We love our pilers, and they are a crucial part of the NPA's success. Pilers are essential to a mission's success after we initially get our target after the jump, and the NPA has one of the best piling forces on NS. We can usually provide 20+ pilers into a region after the jump when needed, and very few orgs can say the same.
Bormiar: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you want to say for your plans for the NPA?
Rom: I want us to continue to diversify our OP's. We just did a joint detag run with RRA, SPSF, and EPSA, and I plan on continuing to do more detags and do more defenses and liberations as well. I think we have been doing a solid job at doing a wide variety of OP's, and it is something I hope to continue throughout my term.
Bormiar: Thanks for participating!
North Pacific Army Bulletin - April to May 2020
Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounds a regionThe North Pacific Army has had one of its most eventful months yet from April to May, trying out a bunch of new tricks and finding new partners to work with.
In April, the North Pacific Army conducted 23 operations, with many successful blockade runs, a plethora of tag raids, and several refounds of fascist regions. This continued the use of exceptions to refound fascist and fascist-sympathizing regions with the authorization of the Regional Assembly under Chapter 7.6 sections 32 and 33 in our Legal Code.
Over several days in April, the NPA, in coordination with The West Pacific Armed Forces, the Legio Pacifica, the East Pacific Sovereign Army and the Balder Jomsvikings, conducted blockade runs against a Security Council proposal by the fascist Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, which ultimately failed to reach quorum due to our efforts. Afterwards, we took a pit stop to refound Republican Army, which was one of the aforementioned exemptions, after a 6 update hold in which 25 soldiers participated.
Going into May, the North Pacific Army participated in Pacific-Con and joined in wargames alongside the 4 other Pacifics. These wargames were a fun way to bring the armies of the 5 regions together, and an opportunity to recruit newer players curious about R/D. This was an all-around fun event, and we look forward to participating in similar events in the future.
The
dictatorship delegacy of McMasterdonia ended in mid-may with the election of Prydania as our new delegate, marking the start of the new term. With this new term, we said goodbye to Trondstorm as our Minister of Defense and Rom was appointed as our new MoD. General Rom selected BMWSurfer and Robespierre as his Deputy Ministers of Defense. This new term has so far brought us much success, with many joint operations conducted and several important refounds.
Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounded The Spartan Empire, another region on our exempt list. We also conducted a joint raid alongside the Legio Pacifica and The Grey Wardens against The Third Coalition. The NPA also conducted a joint hold of SECFanatics alongside The Black Hawks and several other militaries, to close the over 2000 embassies that have been spammed over the years, and successfully defended Warzones Airspace and Australia against raiders associated with Opstan. So far, we have conducted operations with soldiers from with The Black Hawks, the Europeian Republican Navy, the East Pacific Sovereign Army, Lone Wolves United, the Land of Kings and Emperors, Balder, the Grey Wardens, Lily, and the Legio Pacifica.
The North Pacific Army continues to have tremendous involvement from our soldiers, with an average of 8 soldiers present in each of our non-joint operations. We hope to continue this into the next month, and look forward to another month of successful operations.
Regional Assembly Highlights - April to May 2020Speaker:
St George (MadJack)Deputy Speakers:
Robespierre,
Owenstacey,
Bobberino, and
Crushing Our EnemiesCurrent BusinessThe current business for the Regional Assembly for the months of April and May is the Security Council Application of Wonderess.
Wonderess' Security Council ApplicationSummary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.
Status: Motioned for Vote
PassedThe proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of April and May include the Incorporated Rum Pact treaty with Lazarus, the Delegate's Report Act, exceptions to the NPA doctrine under Sections 32 & 33 of Chapter 7.6 of the Legal Code, and confirmations of Holdac, Siwale and Artemis to the Election Commission.
-~-Exceptions under Sections 32 & 33 of Chapter 7.6 of the Legal CodeSummary: These batch of exemptions were presented to the Regional Assembly by McMasterdonia in an effort to permit the North Pacific Army to target fascist regions in addition to regions that maintain embassies with region's previously exempted for their nazi ideologies. With little opposition, all five exemptions were passed by the Regional Assembly.
Results:
The Union of Dictators - 34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions
Jon - 33 Ayes | 7 Nays | 10 Abstentions
People are Worthless - 34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions
Pax Britannia - 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 7 Abstentions
Fifth Empire - 39 Ayes | 4 Nays | 7 Abstentions
Status: All Exemptions Passed as of 3 May 2020
Confirmation of Holdac as Election CommissionerSummary: Holdac was nominated to the Election Commission by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in mid-April of 2020. Due to their almost exclusive activity in the North Pacific's roleplay community, Holdac received many questions from their fellow citizens. After answering the questions proposed to them, Holdac's knowledge and understanding of the electoral procedure was sufficiently tested and they were later confirmed, by a majority, to take their seat and be admitted to the Election Commission.
Results: 29 Ayes | 5 Nays | 19 Abstentions
Status: Confirmed as of 4 May 2020
Delegate's Report Bill by
RocketDogSummary: The Delegate's Report Act was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill later passed.
Results: 24 Ayes | 20 Nays | 10 Abstentions
Status: Passed as of 11 May 2020
Confirmation of Siwale as Election CommissionerSummary: As a constantly active and notably consistent member for two terms prior, Siwale was nominated by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in early May of 2020 to continue their service on the Election Commission. In light of their invaluable experience in the role, Siwale was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner once again after little debate.
Results: 50 Ayes | 1 Nay | 1 Abstention
Status: Confirmed as of 15 May 2020*
*Bill was subsequently vetoed by the Delegate after passageConfirmation of Artemis as Election CommissionerSummary: After answering a few standard questions that North Pacifican citizens typically ask nominees to the Election Commission, Artemis was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner following their nomination by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in late April of 2020.
Results: 53 Ayes | 1 Nay | 3 Abstentions
Status: Confirmed as of 20 May 2020
The Incorporated Rum PactSummary: The Incorporated Rum Pact is a non-aggression and communications agreement between the North Pacific and Lazarus. Although a last-minute situation emerged in which the Director of Public Relations of Lazarus publicly posted questionable comments regarding the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, the treaty nevertheless passed, with said Director later resigning.
Results: 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 8 Abstentions
Status: Passed as of 29 May 2020
General AssemblyImproving the world one resolution at a time.Prevention Of Forced SterilisationSpoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 10088 Against: 2172
Final Vote (TNP): For: 826 Against: 110 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 111 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 207 Against: 40 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 291 Against: 44 with percentage of WA nations voting: 61
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
"Prevention Of Forced Sterilisation" is a proposal that seeks to put an end to involuntary sterilisation (that is, the involuntary "removal of an individual's reproductive ability"), an immoral and inhumane act often used to oppress the rights of people and groups, as well as an ineffective punishment. It accomplishes this goal in an effective and concise manner. It is a necessary and adequate extension to the extant resolution Ban On Sterilisation Of Minors Etc, especially through clause four of the proposal. The proposal demonstrates the sophisticated handling of the subject at hand and would make an excellent addition to international legislation.
For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 4253 Against: 7060
Final Vote (TNP): For: 192 Against: 636 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 35 Against: 102 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 83 Against: 170 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 100 Against: 181 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
While On Marijuana is well-intentioned, those intentions are not sufficient enough to make a well-written proposal. First of all, considering the vast variety present in World Assembly nations, it is almost nonsensical to write a proposal on such a narrow category of drugs - it would've made more sense to write a proposal on a wider category of drugs. Beyond the topic, the proposal text is equally flawed. For one, in the Mandates clause, the phrase "incarcerated for marijuana and marijuana related paraphernalia" simply makes no sense because people can only be incarcerates for crimes related to the drug. If we were to interpret is this way, the proposal becomes extremely problematic as it would require dealers and even violent offenders to be released, whose crimes are not victimless, unlike possession. In the Ensures clause, without a proper specification of the percentage for reparations, the clause is meaningless as nations can set any percentage they want, including almost zero.
For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 3333 Against: 8792
Final Vote (TNP): For: 159 Against: 770 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 33 Against: 108 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 41 Against: 204 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 67 Against: 234 with percentage of WA nations voting: 46
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
The proposal at vote, "Repeal: Reproductive Freedoms", attempts to repeal a resolution that is known for its longstanding protection of women's rights, and namely the right to have bodily autonomy in regards to the termination of pregnancy. The author wishes to repeal the target solely for the fact that he has a natural dislike of abortion.
While there are some concerns that are not completely without merit, these are mostly able to be overlooked, given the fact that Reproductive Freedoms does actually supply more societal good than the moral outrage that some may have over it causes. The author attempts to claim to be concerned with the flaws they believe are present in the resolution, ignoring the fact that none of the "flaws" are unobjective, and are rather moral concerns, which, in most cases, is not grounds for repeal. Even in the case that these claims were factually accurate, the author is intentionally misleading with them, given the fact that they have no intention to actually have a replacement go into effect.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 6902 Against: 4645
Final Vote (TNP): For: 704 Against: 190 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 53 Against: 77 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 117 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 209 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
"Ban on the Administration of Unwanted Substances" is a well-written proposal that is the natural continuation of previous proposals to ensure the right to bodily autonomy. Giving reasonable exceptions to its mandate, it adequately prevents nations or any other entities from applying substances to most individual that would not want that substance applied to them. Additionally, it allows a pathway towards future legislation further covering information in the proposal, including adding more exceptions to the proposal if need be.
While there has been some criticism over the proposal allowing "anti-vaxxers" to put the public at risk of being infected with preventable diseases, these are unfounded concerns. There is a clause that specifically allows the administration of substances deemed necessary "for the widespread public health of either the nation or the large." Furthermore, due to the phrasing in clause two that says "Subject to other World Assembly Legislation...", this resolution, "Public Health And Vaccinations Act", would be in effect and negate any concerns of public health in regards to vaccines.
For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry for World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 3256 Against: 7393
Final Vote (TNP): For: 143 Against: 691 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 29 Against: 113 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 54 Against: 147 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 191 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
This proposal attempts to create a comprehensive set of laws for international cargo transport by road vehicles, but fails to do so reasonably. In clause IV, member states are required to enforce a fee on all road cargo transport entering their nation, which prevents free movement of goods. Clause II mandates that all said transport must be planned beforehand between the foriegn transporters and the domestic national services, a useless and bureaucratic procedure that will rarely be beneficial in practice. Clause VI bans the formation of preferential trade agreements by mandating all nations of origin to be charged the same fee. Lastly, Clause III takes away member states' control of their own borders, requiring entry points to be open at all times except under "compelling purposes".
For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1809 Against: 8761
Final Vote (TNP): For: 102 Against: 703 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 25 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 15 Against: 199 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 23 Against: 211 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
Repeal "Data Protection Accord" is a highly flawed proposal that doesn't identify any legitimate issues in the target resolution. A majority of the arguments are based on the premise of national sovereignty, which are not grounds for repeal, and those arguments which are not based on national sovereignty are generally non-issues or nonexistent in the first place. For example, the proposed repeal claims that allowing individuals to see data collected on them is "impractical" - when it should not be impractical to simply allow the viewing of collected data.
Furthermore, there are several points where the proposed repeal claims the target to be vague or otherwise nonviable, which is simply untrue. In all instances where this is mentioned, the issue is not present if good faith compliance is occurring - which all compliance must be - making these issues practically entirely fictitious. It would be one thing if these issues were addressed with an adequate replacement proposal, but no such replacement exists.
For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry on World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of Against the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 4955 Against: 5004
Final Vote (TNP): For: 191 Against: 543 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 34 Against: 89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 80 Against: 119 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 180 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
The current proposal at vote, Requiring Promulgation Of National Laws, is flawed in an assortment of ways. Primarily, this legislation is ripe for abuse on multiple levels. There is concern of a potential loophole allowing nations to abuse the period of vacatio legis to indefinitely delay the application of legislation they do not wish to comply with. Regardless of a good faith issue, the proposal does little to outline any restrictions on how vacatio legis may be used. Additionally, this mandated waiting period adds unnecessary bloat to member states' domestic legislative systems, and restricts their ability to quickly deal with any issues that demand haste. Furthermore, there is a gross overreach in empowering the Judicial Committee of the Compliance Commission to shut down emergency legislative functions during a State Of Emergency if they feel you are not in enough "danger" to justify it. Not only should that be a power held only in the hands of each nation's sovereign government, it should not be able to be reviewed by a party that does so only to evaluate the legislative processes of a government in its more dire time of action.
In accordance with the reasoning displayed above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 8004 Against: 1474
Final Vote (TNP): For: 687 Against: 64 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 123 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 167 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 196 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
The repeal at vote is well-written and outlines a few major reasons that the target should be repealed. These points were actually pointed out near the beginning of the voting period for the target resolution, but it wasn't enough for a lot of people to vote against without replacement legislation. Now, replacement legislation has been drafted and is simply waiting on "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" to be repealed. Both the repeal and the replacement adequately address the issues that are in the initial proposal, without being too over-the-top about it. While the repeal is rather short and you can read the issues there, a brief synopsis of them is that some of the wording is overly ambiguous, to the point where the meaning is muddled, and that it constantly refers to "syringes" despite the author meaning to address needles, not syringes. The replacement proposal has neither of these issues.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 7553 Against: 1763
Final Vote (TNP): For: 654 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 101 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 180 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 202 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
This proposal serves as a well-written answer to the current dearth of animal rights legislation in the World Assembly. The legislation effectively restricts excessively cruel animal testing, while allowing member nations enough flexibility to engage in testing when it is justified. Additionally, several key clauses ensure that animals are humanely treated both before and after testing, along with prohibiting experimentation on species at risk of extinction unless it will aid in conservation efforts. The establishment of an Animal Experimentation Board is handled well, and allows member nations to receive the necessary funding to comply with the act's provisions.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Ethical Treatment of Animals in Research".
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 8036 Against: 1194
Final Vote (TNP): For: 697 Against: 47 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 122 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 142 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 204 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
This resolution clearly from the beginning defines a purpose; which is to install military identification tags for the militaries of WA-member states and it reminds all voters that the absence of medical treatment to recovered, but unresponsive soldiers due to lack of identification on their person is a problem that needs to be fixed. This resolution clearly states the reasons of why such a move would be beneficiary. These include the identification to return fallen soldiers to families and to seek missing or killed soldiers. The steps needed to be taken are also very simple steps to take and the information needed per soldier is not too outrageous. Not only this, but this resolution also protects the soldiers identification from destruction from the opposing sides. This means that under this act, soldiers killed-in-combat will be able to have their remains brought home to their loved ones relatively easily, in theory.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Military Identification Tag Act".
Security CouncilSpreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.Condemn This GameSpoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5212 Against: 2195
Final Vote (TNP): For: 232 Against: 378 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 148 Against: 28 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 88 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
The Ministry acknowledges the humorous intent of this proposal, and as it has completed its purpose of coming to vote on April Fool's Day, the Ministry sees no benefit to passing a joke proposal. Therefore, we recommend a vote Against.
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5259 Against: 1302
Final Vote (TNP): For: 407 Against: 123 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 48 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 135 Against: 24 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 74 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
"Commend Kuriko" hits all the points to be made for why Kuriko has had an exemplary impact on NationStates. The first predominant reasoning is that Kuriko is a consummate Security Council player, having written the most SC resolutions by any one player, many of which being liberations to protect invaded regions. Kuriko has also been elected Delegate of 10000 Islands three times, a position she served with distinction as her World Assembly experience allows her to spur rational discussion. In the same role, which also gives her responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Kuriko led a notable shift in a region which has been isolationist for the majority of its 17 year history, towards increased cooperation (including with The South Pacific, the Rejected Realms, and Yggdrasil). This has helped to solidify 10000 Islands as a member of the worldwide community, particularly in defending. Kuriko is also the founder of The Hole to Hide In, an impressive role-play region.
TNPers may recall a campaign by Kuriko against a commendation for prominent TNPer Crushing Our Enemies based on his past raiding activities. The ministry recognizes that this came from a strong ideological position which she is obligated to uphold and does not reflect ill on her person or negate her abilities or achievements.
Therefore, the Ministry has come to a conclusion to recommend a vote For this commendation.
Spoiler
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1214 Against: 6177
Final Vote (TNP): For: 51 Against: 545 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 8 Against: 107 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 19 Against: 155 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 19 Against: 99 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Recommendation:
Condemn Nations Creating Regions For SC Props' must be the last proposal of its kind to reach the voting floor of the Security Council. As this proposal correctly points out, creating regions as props to commend or condemn them is an awful trend. It is one that began as a joke, admittedly a bit funny as well, yet it has become an annoying bit that must be quashed. There is no effort put into these proposals, no research conducted, and nothing positive is ultimately contributed to the Assembly by them being voted on and potentially passed. It is imperative for us to euthanize this cancerous trend once and for all.
For these reasons, the ministry highly recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Spoiler
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5968 Against: 4347
Final Vote (TNP): For: 664 Against: 167 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 79 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 156 Against: 42 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 194 Against: 71 with percentage of WA nations voting: 54
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For
Recommendation:
"Condemn This Game" was a resolution intended to be a joke for April Fools' Day, which the Ministry had opposed due to its lack of purpose. The repeal currently at vote recognizes this, and exemplifies the arguments that jokes shouldn't be made simply for the sake of being made in the Security Council. The repeal also satirises comments from other attempted repeals, taking the assertions and taking it to the extreme, stating that the intent to bring traits such as "good-will", "joy", and "humor" into the Security Council is an overall bad thing and "should be eradicated."
All in all, the author has gone above and beyond to provide a fitting repeal to a light-hearted proposal that wasn't meant to stay. Thus, the Ministry recommends a vote For the proposal.
Spoiler
Status:
PassedFinal Vote (World): For:
7672 Against:
2854Final Vote (TNP): For:
370 Against:
431 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42
Delegate's Vote (TNP):
AgainstFinal Vote (Balder): For:
92 Against:
33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Balder):
ForFinal Vote (Europe): For:
181 Against:
41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41
Delegate's Vote (Europe):
ForFinal Vote (Europeia): For:
196 Against:
89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50
Delegate's Vote (Europeia):
Against
Recommendation:The North Pacific Ministry World Assembly Affairs appreciates the idea of commending the Holy Principality of Saint Mark (commonly known as Halo), but feels that this resolution lacks effort or quality. Its opening clause, stating Halo is "a leader in many aspects of the world", is unsubstantiated throughout the proposal as it only describes their actions in specific regions or organizations. The resolution reads like a laundry list containing very little description of the nominee or proof that these actions are commendable. Examples include listing their former position of "Arbiter in the judicial system", but providing no details on their actions in that position; mentioning their creation of a religion in Albion, without explanation of its purpose or why it was desirable; and stating their role in creating Osiris' court system, without explanation of whether it has impacted the region positively, as court systems are known to be divisive at times. In the most substantive part of this resolution is on their tenure as WA Delegate of
the West Pacific, we are left with no understanding of the "Imperial Culture", the "Manners of Governance", or what events Halo responded to "in a thoughtful, reasoned way". On the many treaties negotiated, it fails to state any positive impacts. The resolution also vaguely references "[encouraging] internal reforms in The Pacific" without explanation of what internal reforms or what work was done by Halo to cause them. The mention of NSToday's News Partnership Framework is bewildering as there is no evidence of whether the organization has become a positive force,
