Republica, REPUBLICA -- Six candidates are campaigning to serve as the New Republic's next Chief of State. The post became vacant last week on D230 following the resignation of Kara DuMonte Webb.
It is likely that no single candidate will receive more than 50% of the votes in the first round of voting. In that case, a run-off election would be held between the top two vote-receiving candidates. RNN analysts suggest the strong field and high number of candidates will benefit a candidate with deep but not necessarily wide support until the head-to-head run-off. Polls open for seven days beginning Y15 D240, with the run-off to follow for seven days if necessary. Elections in the New Republic are named in the Constitution by when campaigning is to begin.
Perhaps one of the Chief of State's most important responsibilities is appointing the Advisory Council to run the executive departments of the New Republic. Depending on the result, the new Chief of State may have to make two or more new appointments to the Advisory Council. High Ambassador Biffis Maximus' resignation leaves a vacancy at Republic Diplomacy Command, while two of the candidates currently serve on the Council, necessitating replacements should they be elected. Further, the number of new appointments required could increase if there are retirements following the election. No candidate has yet made specific mentions of appointments he would make.
Citizens have been actively following the electoral process, including submitting questions for the candidates through the process outlined in the New Republic Constitution. A public debate is taking place on the New Republic Communications Centre about the Senate, restructuring the New Republic, retaining qualified Republic employees and citizens, and foreign policy.
Candidates
Josh Jericho
Human
Former High Admiral and SenatorI feel it's time to grow the Republic, and excite both the leadership and the citizens of the Republic.
It's time to recruit new blood, and cause a stir in the galaxy.
Orion Chran
Human
High General and previous candidate for Chief of StateI would work toward building a strong reliable system in which we can maintain a strong Republic.
I also stand by my open door policy. I am very willing to assist anyone to the best of my abilities.
Edmond Zaccone
Ortolan
Former Senator and previous candidate for Chief of StateI want to create incentive for people to be a part of the New Republic.
It's time for us to rise up and become what we are destined to be.
Tengri Lethas
Geonosian
CEO of Merr-Sonn TechnologiesI have the right plan to actually do something. I won't allow the New Republic to continue our current path.
I will change our government, our Nats, and our position in the galaxy for the better.
Popara The Hutt
Anjiliac Diresto
Hutt
Speaker of the Senate and recent President of Ubrikkian IndustriesWe need to make some changes, we need to look at ourselves in the mirror a little more often,
but we don't need to blow up the whole Republic over issues that are, by nature, fixable.
Ro Ru Wok
Wookiee
High Admiral and Acting Chief of StateI am running as a candidate for change...we need a massive restructure of the New Republic command.
Policies
A proposal from Ro Ru Wok would shorten the term length for Chief of State to six months, due to the historically difficult time chief executives often have completing their term. It could also shorten the maximum length of time the chief executive could serve consecutively.
Popara "The Hutt" would focus on setting clear, achievable goals in a number of areas. He would seek the best return from military exercises and look for feedback from those on the ground.
One of the more controversial issues is Tengri Lethas' proposal to return the New Republic to the Rebel Alliance structure of governance and eliminate the Senate, focusing on winning the Galactic War. The idea has support among those who feel the Senate unnecessarily delays the business of the Republic.
Under an Edmond Zaccone administration, the office of Chief of State would create additional recruitment and retention incentives, showing off the advanced technology and careers available in the New Republic. Zaccone would encourage investment on New Republic planets and in its citizens.
Orion Chran would appoint experts to advise him while speeding things along at the Advisory Council and Senate. He would emphasize training, safety, and capacity building for the Galactic War.
Josh Jericho would rely on his distinguished background in the military, as Governor, and in recruitment to lead the war against the enemy from several fronts, looking for new ways to involve citizens to help in the fight against the Imperial Union.
This article was originally posted on the Republic News Network.