The electoral process within the United Empire of Earth (UEE) involves several layers, from local elections to the election of the Imperator. Before diving into the process, it is essential to understand the difference between a Citizen and a Civilian within the UEE.
A Civilian is the lowest status a person can have in the UEE. At the age of seventeen Standard Earth Years (SEY), civilians start paying taxes, are allowed to own property, and can vote in local elections and legislation as long as they are registered to a system. Civilians can participate in local government structures, and the highest political office a Civilian can hold is the Governor.
On the other hand, Citizens are chosen members of society, and this status has to be earned through distinguished military service, community service, or application. Citizens enjoy certain perks, such as being allowed to own a Multi-System Corp, pursue political office, vote for UEE issues and local elections/legislation, work for the UEE government, and more. Convicted criminals can never become Citizens, and a long history of behavior deemed counter to the UEE’s purposes and dictates can cause Citizenship to be revoked.
Now, here’s a breakdown of the electoral process:
Local Elections:
Local elections take place on each planet within the UEE, with both Citizens and Civilians having the right to vote for local politicians such as Governors and Representatives. Governors are elected for a six-year term with a two-term limit and can be a Citizen or a Civilian. Under the Governor, there are 100 elected Representatives responsible for various committees and departments overseeing infrastructure. Local governments can establish their own laws, as long as they don’t contradict UEE laws.
Governors Council and Senate Representation:
When a planet’s population and government structure reach a certain level of development, the Governors Council can apply for recognition from the UEE. If accepted, only Citizens can vote in Senatorial elections. Senators represent their respective planets in the UEE Congress and play a crucial role in shaping policies and making decisions on a broader scale.
Imperator Election:
The Imperator, the head of the UEE government and commander-in-chief, is elected by the populace and bound to a single ten-year term limit. Citizens across the UEE participate in the election, choosing from candidates who usually represent one of the three dominant political parties: the Universal Party, the Centralist Party, or the Transitionalists. The elected Imperator wields the highest executive and military power, counseled by the High-Secretary, High-Command, and High-Advocate.
In conclusion, the electoral process within the UEE is a complex, multi-layered system that takes into account local, planetary, and interstellar governance. Both Citizens and Civilians participate in the political process, but Citizenship offers additional privileges and responsibilities in shaping the future of the UEE.
