Lone Wanderer

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

With the dissolution of the corrupt S.P.P and the subsequent by-elections held over their seats, the National Assembly had been awash with new faces. A most welcome change had been the addition of four more Labour Front seats held in the capital of Kamidye. Four more faces and votes to fight the good fight. Bolstered by the presence and seniority of Mr. Boro, the new additions included Dalmar Conteh, a socialist firebrand who's constituency represented one of the areas more heavily affected by unemployment, homelessness and discontent within the capital. Joining Mr Conteh was Hakim Okar who had run on a similar socialist platform who's appeal had earned him a seat in an equally radical constituency, Mr. Zahur Attah who's pro-union stance had earned him the seat and finally Monifa Akinjide who's speeches on income inequality and reform had earned her the support and vote of the poor.

From among that new number Mr Attah stood ready with a bill proposal and a speech before the National Assembly:

"My fellow members of the Assembly, before you all sits a second proposal from this party. The issues plaguing this nation, unemployment, homelessness and crime cannot be ignored. While the government has and is making steps to counter this, we must not ignore the fact that those citizens lucky enough to find work do so without any assurances or security that the income they receive will be enough to live on. In the current climate and much to our disgrace, Samgolan citizens are desperate for any form of income or work and the existence of no minimum wage allows for exploitation. While the statistics on unemployment may decrease it does not mean that the Samgolan people are prospering. The Bill before you aims to fix this and it is through a collaborative effort of all the parties here assembled that I hope we might craft a bill to truly help the people of Samgola."

A Fair Deal Act

Preamble: An Act which seeks to empower the working men and women of Samgola, assuring security and a fair deal for all at work.

Article 1: Concerning Minimum Wage Regulation
The nation and government will change it's policy on minimum wage regulation as determined by Law 86 from it's current policy of no provision to one of legally enforcing a minimum wage at a level considered a "living wage" above the poverty line. [Equality]

Actions of the Labour Front

Turn 4
Actions: 3/5 Remaining
- Propose Bill "Office of the Speaker Bill"
- Propose Bill "A Fair Deal Act"

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

As he had many times before, Ashur Boro stood before the National Assembly armed with words. With a brief clearing of his throat and a glance at the pile of documents before him, he began:

"I have for the consideration of the National Assembly a bill intending to replace Article two of the Governmental Oversight Bill regarding the position of Speaker. While I recognize some of you might disprove of a change to a law passed so soon by the National Assembly, it has come to my attention that the original article as proposed was done so with a number of inadequacies inherent in it's writing. The changes as proposed by this bill has righted those wrongs found in the previous version, the powers, responsibility and function of the proposed role of Speaker have been refined and responsibly defined to benefit the democratic process of Samgola. It is this bill which I now put forwards for the consideration of the Assembly. While I have been honoured by Mr Freave for his nomination of myself to the role of Speaker, should my fellow Assembly members herald concerns that I have put forwards this bill to somehow benefit myself, I would assure my fellow Assembly members that this Bill is entirely necessary owing to the inadequacies and admittedly ill-defined nature of the previous article which in the wrong hands was capable of harming democracy within Samgola. Should those concerns persist however I would happily step down from the nomination process."

The Office of the Speaker Bill

Preamble: The purpose of this bill is to oversee the creation of the role of Speaker within the National Assembly. The Speaker shall preside over the debates of the National Assembly, assuring proper conduct and order is maintained during debates and may punish members who break the rules of conduct and order if necessary. Should this bill be passed into law, Article 2 of the Governmental Oversight Act will be rendered obsolete and in all means replaced by the Office of the Speaker Bill.

Article 1: Concerning the role and function of the Speaker
The Speaker's primary function is to preside over the National Assembly during debate and is responsible for maintaining discipline and order. He or she rules on all points of order and objections raised by members when it is believed that common decency and conduct has been breached. In order to maintain orderly debate within the National Assembly, the Speaker may call to order the Assembly if it is felt that there is a disruption or breach of order. Should members refuse to follow the instructions of the Speaker, a member may be punished with a reprimand or more seriously dismissal from the Assembly for the remainder of the day's debate and session. In the case of grave disobedience by a member of the Assembly, the Speaker may call to a vote by the Assembly a motion to temporarily suspend the offending member for a maximum of four months time. Should grave disorder afflict the National Assembly and it is believed by the Speaker that no further progress might be made in the current sitting, the Speaker may immediately adjourn the entire sitting. Should the Speaker call upon this power however they must be able to adequately explain and justify their actions in post.

In addition to maintaining discipline, the Speaker must ensure that debates proceed smoothly. If the Speaker finds that a member is making irrelevant remarks, is tediously repetitive, or is otherwise attempting to delay proceedings, he or she may order the member to end the speech. The Speaker is also charged with assuring proper democratic governance as well as protecting the interests of all parties and members assembled in the National Assembly, should the Speaker feel that there has not been sufficient debate before a vote is called and members of the National Assembly identify that they wish to contribute to the debate, the Speaker may temporarily delay a call to vote. At which point the onus will lie on the signifying members to add to the debate within one week's time of the delay. Should the member require more time to fully contribute, they may apply to the speaker for an extension of time up to a maximum of one month. Should the Speaker feel that the signifying members are merely attempting to delay proceedings he or she may refuse the member this right.

Finally, the Speaker continues to represent his or her constituency in the National Assembly.

Article 2: Concerning the election of the Speaker
The position of Speaker will be held by an MNA elected from among their own ranks. The National Assembly will elect a Speaker at the beginning of a new term after a general election, or after the death or resignation of the current Speaker. Once elected, a Speaker continues in office until the next election unless he or she resigns prior to this. Alternatively a vote of no confidence may be held for the removal of the current Speaker prior to elections provided there is sufficient evidence of a breach of the Speaker's neutrality within the National Assembly in regards to their efforts to keep order and to assure full representation. The Speaker's votes or speeches (unless they themselves breach good conduct) do not represent sufficient evidence for a vote of no confidence.

During the election for Speaker, a member may nominate themselves for the position of Speaker or be nominated by others with the consent of the nominee. Each member may nominate no more than one candidate. With the nominated individuals, a ballot will be held in the National Assembly to determine who will be elected to fulfill the role of Speaker. In the event of a tie or no clear majority, then the individual with the fewest votes is eliminated, as are any other candidates who receive less than five percent of the votes cast. The Assembly continues to vote, for several rounds if necessary, until one member receives the requisite majority.

Article 3: Concerning the partisanship of the Speaker
The Speaker is required to perform his or her office impartially and free of any partisan thought, they are not however required to resign from party membership upon taking or leaving office. If it believed that the Speaker is not performing his office impartially as is his or hers duty, a vote of no confidence as described in Article 2 can be held. In accordance with their impartiality, the Speaker may make speeches to the National Assembly though they are expected to do so only when expressing the direct concerns of their constituents or when performing their duties as Speaker. The Speaker may also cast a vote as any other National Assembly member when required, though theirs must be the last vote on any issue.

Actions of the Labour Front

Actions: 4/5 Remaining
- Propose Bill

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The Ground Game

Following the speeches and groundwork laid down by the party leader Aman Mensah in months prior, the new term oversaw the deployment of political activists into the province of Nambe. Playing the ground game, activists for the Labour Front went door-to-door with articles, pamphlets and leaflets in hand, most of which being the work of the party's new propagandist Nwankwe Owu. As time had passed under the new government, the Labour Front had remained at work gradually and steadily increasing the presence of the party in Nambe, vying for it's socialist vote in particular. Now that position which had taken root months prior would be assured with Labour Front people now on the ground. Party leader Mr. Mensah likewise remained in the province, being vocal and present at rallies for the ultimate campaign whose fate would be decided in two years time.

---

Actions of the Labour Front

Turn 3
Actions: 2/5 Remaining
- Fundraise in the Provinces of Ziwa, Onige and Makumbe
- Campaign: Ground Game: 4 Months / 100 Activists / Chosen Demographic: Socialist / Province of Nambe
Cost: $200,000 in total (Free Action)

Voting:
- Vote NO on the Freedom of Choice Act
- ABSTAIN on the vote for An Act to Amend the Cabinet of Samgola

Remaining Funds: $392,710

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

Ashur Boro sat in the chamber of the National Assembly, his face one of consternation as he observed the latest events. In the same speech that Mr. Kolin, Leader of the Opposition, had announced the creation of the Shadow Cabinet which was according to plan, he had gone onto begin praising none other then Mr. Melembe. The Minister for Labour and Health within the government and the same man who had insulted Ashur in the last set debates on the National Assembly floor. The grand irony to it all was that had a Speaker been present, Mr. Melembe would have at-the-least been reprimanded for his venomous words, but instead his punishment came in the form of a nomination to that respected station of Speaker.

When Ashur had confronted Zaya after the National Assembly session had drawn to a close, he had received the baffling explanation that the entire ordeal had been some infernal and backwards plot to reveal corruption within the ranks of the Liberal Democrats. With these words in mind and the knowledge that Samgola Dawn would place their political antics and agenda over the well being of Samgola and the running of it's democracy, the party had resolved that the fortunes of the Labour Front would not be tied to Mr. Kolin's Shadow Cabinet or Samgola Dawn. Days later Mr. Boro would tender his resignation to the Leader of the Opposition behind closed doors to avoid scandal, with a simple public announcement declaring that due to a "disagreement on direction" Mr. Boro would be resigning from his seat as Shadow Minister for Welfare and would be instead focusing his efforts as a member of the National Assembly furthering the interests of the people of Samgola.

---

Actions of the Labour Front

Turn 3
Actions: 2/5 Remaining
- Fundraise in the Provinces of Ziwa, Onige and Makumbe
- Campaign: Ground Game: 4 Months / 100 Activists / Chosen Demographic: Socialist / Province of Nambe
Cost: $200,000 in total (Free Action)

Voting:
- Vote NO on the Freedom of Choice Act
- ABSTAIN on the vote for An Act to Amend the Cabinet of Samgola

Remaining Funds: $392,710

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The Ground Game

Across the nation Labour Front fundraisers were being held. The party leadership being all too aware of their currently limited funds, representatives of the party went out into the provinces to accrue funding at hosted rallies and conventions while Party leader Aman Mensah remained in the province of Nambe to continue his campaign for the vote of the large numbers of socialists who called the province home. At a fundraiser in Nambe before a primarily socialist crowd Mr Mensah warned against "the dangers of the increasing privatization of this nation at the hands of the Liberty Coalition. Whose very first act was to unshackle the private companies in the Health industry of any form of regulation at the expense of the people." Going further Mr Mensah hailed that "the only way to stop the gradual destruction of this nation is to band together against the corporate, profit-driven interest groups currently running the government and to hold them accountable."

More further afield, the scathing article written by the trade unionist Nwankwe Owu titled "Six Months In" had gained the attention of the Labour Front. It was during the later weeks of the March month when party officials had approached the writer with an offer of employment. The offer was simple, that for $15,000 annually Mr. Owu would be hired as a writer for Labour Front papers, articles and propaganda. While the writer would be allowed to continue any other editorials or projects he decided to embark upon, at the price of his name on a legally binding contract to not write politically motivated papers for any other Samgolan political party, Nwankwe would recieve a pay rise to $18,000 annually.

Actions of the Labour Front

Actions: 0/5 Remaining
- Fundraise in the Provinces of Nambe, Djidan and Soussiam
- Give Speech in the Province of Nambe on Government Transparency (-$70,000)
- Propose Amendment to the Governmental Oversight Bill

Voting:
- Vote NO on the Aviation Safety Act

Remaining Funds: $185,560

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

The debates within the National Assembly continued as the weeks passed on by. The democratic process taking it's course. The recent days had been interesting for the Labour Front, their goals aligning with the Samgolan Dawn in a unique display as the new month of March blossomed. The proposal of the Governmental Oversight Bill had overseen the outreach of the Labour Front to the Samgolan Dawn with an amendment proposal in hand. Following short but successful negotiation the two parties in a Bi-partisan effort set about rewriting the proposal as well as the addition of a second article. Quite satisfied with the results of their collaboration, the two parties submitted the renewed proposal to be received by the National Assembly at it's next gathering.

Governmental Oversight Bill

The Governmental Oversight Bill
Preamble: The aim of this bill is to ensure democratic process and government transparency within the First Republic of Samgola through the provision of a number of legal articles designed to enshrine the rights of democracy, assure proper conduct and hold to good account the government in it's administration of the nation.

Article 1: There shall be a Shadow Cabinet composed of a group of politicians who hold a political post with their party, but whose party are not in government and are in opposition. This Shadow Cabinet will form an alternative cabinet to that of the government whose responsibility is to scrutinise their corresponding Government ministers, develop alternative policies and hold the Government to account for its actions and responses. The Shadow Cabinet will be led by the Leader of the Opposition, a role which will usually be held by a member of the largest opposition party within the National Assembly. [Political]

Article 2: There shall be the role of Speaker created within the National Assembly. The Speaker shall preside over the debates of the National Assembly, assuring proper conduct and order is maintained during debate. It is within the power of the Speaker to punish MNAs who break these rules of conduct during debate through temporary banishment from the chamber of the National Assembly. This position shall be held by an MNA elected from among their own ranks and whom will hold this position until the next elections after which the position of Speaker will again be voted on by the National Assembly, alternatively a vote of no confidence may be held for the removal of the current Speaker prior to elections provided there is sufficient evidence of a breach of the Speaker's neutrality within the National Assembly. To assure the neutrality of the Speaker, the position of Speaker shall remain strictly non-partisan, and is required to renounce all affiliation with his or her former political party when taking office as well as when leaving the office, nor may they take part in debates or votes unless required to break a tie. [Political]

Actions of the Labour Front

Actions: 4/5 Remaining
- Propose Amendment to the Governmental Oversight Bill

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

As the weeks passed and the new government aged, it seemed events were swirling more out of control. Rampant unemployment and growing homelessness, the arrest of a party leader and the looming arrest of another as well an escalation in relations with the national militias into seemingly all-out war. Samgolan killing Samgolan once again and the last civil war was not even a distant memory.

Throughout these weeks the party's slight presence in the National Assembly was harshly felt, resigned largely to the role of a single seat observer. Beyond the calm facade of Mr. Boro in the National Assembly there lay yet deeper concerns for the leadership of the Labour Front, primarily that of funding after the party had invested much into the Dabarado campaign. A campaign which could be considered a victory given the accomplishment that Labour Front was now the second largest party in the province but the void now found in the party's funds and the paltry returns of fundraisers held in Dabarado and the capital were far from encouraging. Regardless of the growing concern within the party's leadership, the Labour Front continued it's actions using it's seat and voice at the vote.

Two bills proposed by members of the Liberty Coalition had been called to a vote and awaited the National Assembly's decision. The Brick and Mortar Act promised to fight unemployment through a grand infrastructure project and the Lawful Protection Bureau proposing the creation of a new bureau intended to challenge and prevent injustice. Both proposals to the view of the Labour Front did nothing to directly harm the interests of Samgolan labour and people, indeed both in their own ways looked to further them and so when the call came to vote Mr. Boro cast his vote in support.

Actions of the Labour Front

Voting:
- Vote YES on the Brick and Mortar Act
- Vote YES on the Lawful Protection Bureau

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The Ground Game

The Labour Front, an alliance of socialist groups and small trade unions burned with an enthusiasm as the national elections had concluded and revealed a considerable success in the Dabrado province where the party had achieved the fourth largest share of votes, succeeding over a more entrenched party like the S.P.P. and earning them a seat in the National Assembly. Whilst the results themselves could be considered meager in the grand scheme of Samgolan politics, to the fledgling party the results were high above expectation and they moved quickly to consolidate what gains had been made.

Dabrado and the province's major city of Tenkosse in particular were subject to a renewed campaign by the Labour Front and it's activists. Their efforts made ever the more urgent with the unfortunate death of an MNA whose seat would be now up for election. The ground game was under way as fliers and posters began appearing across walls and boards, Labour Front rallies supportive of greater state intervention and provisions for the poorest in society held in prominent places. Amen Mensah, the Labour Front leader likewise kept busy, appearing personally at a number of rallies before hosting a fundraiser in Dabrado where before an assembled crowd of party voters, trade union leaders and fringe groups the party leader promised that "this first step was the beginning of great things. The kindling to a flame of change in Samgola!"

The actions of the Labour Front would not stop there however. Before the first four months of the new government were through Mr Mensah to some surprise appeared a distance away from the Front's base of support in Dabrado in the province of Nambe. Before an assembled crowd of onlookers Mr. Mensah began the party's first incursion into the new province with a speech denouncing the national militias as "obstacles to peace" in the newly resurgent nation. With a peaceful overtone Mr. Mensah requested that the active militias "lay down their arms. The war was over and the path to a peaceful and stable nation lay open."

Actions of the Labour Front

Voting:
- Vote No on the Kamidye Rail Line Construction Bill

Actions: 0/4 remaining
- Fundraise in the capital of Kamidye
- Fundraise in the Dabrado province
- Campaign: Ground Game: 4 Months / 100 Activists / Chosen Demographic: Poor / Province of Dabrado
Cost: $200,000 in total
- Give Speech denouncing the National Militias in the Province of Nambe
Cost: $70,000

Remaining Funds: $485,560

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

It had been a momentous few weeks, the first election in Samgola following the devastating civil war had concluded and it was official, the country would be beholden to the corporate bureaucrats and their paid mouthpieces within the National Assembly. Ashur Boro, the sole representative for the Labour Front, sat quietly in his seat at the Assembly as the debates began on the administration's actions in the critical first term of the new government. As the proposals came in and the new government announced their plans, Ashur had symbolically abstained from voting on the Bassong Cabinet as a show of the party's displeasure but had cast his vote in favour of the Coalition's 1993-1994 Samgolan Federal Budget, putting people over politics and preferring that the state be able to run at all as opposed to the alternative.

The National War Monuments Bill had been proposed, had undergone several amendments in a Tri-partisan effort and had been swiftly defeated at the vote by the D.A.R. and L.D. parties. Mr Boro himself had stood to join the verbal sparring only when the issue of increased privatization within the health industry had been threatened by the Liberal Democrat's Freedom of Health Act. That debate however had quickly soured when it became evident that only himself and the fascists of the Samgolan Dawn opposed the proposal, perhaps sensing victory, the Bill was in swift order pushed to the vote and when the time had come to cast that vote Mr Boro, standing with his conscience, had voted No but not without a speech:

"The Labour Front opposes and will continue to do so the increasing privatization of this nation until the Samgolan people are prey to the predatory private sector. The removal of the current regulations on the private health sector can only lead to a downfall in standards as companies are no longer held to the standard of providing good healthcare. A more viable alternative, this party believes, would be a focus on improving the standards of the national healthcare service as opposed to offloading the responsibilities of this government to care for it's citizens to the private sector."

Actions of the Labour Front

Voting:
- ABSTAIN on the vote to ratify the Cabinet Proposal of President Samuel Bassong
- Vote YES on the 1993-1994 Budget
- Vote NO on the Freedom of Health Act

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The People Shall Govern

"If one thing has been made clear to me in these recent elections of an historic magnitude in our nation, it is that there currently stands no party to represent truly the people and labour of Samgola. What we have seen is the rise of the decadent remnants of the National Regime aswell as bureaucrats beholden to their own wallets and corporate interest groups. As it stands our nation is faced with grave peril, subject to either the iron-fisted rule of Rubusana's military strongmen who protect and justify the horrendous actions of the lawless bandits roaming our nation, or the profit driven interests of corporations in an equally lawless and unregulated free market. There stands no party to fight for and defend the Samgolan people as we enter a new century in our nation's politics.

It is my pleasure to announce that this injustice has been righted with the formation of the Labour Front. Our party, dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of the interests of the Samgolan people, will be putting forth candidates in the next election and in all provinces where polling is yet to conclude. As a party, the Labour Front will strive for the creation of a just and equal society, the creation of laws and legislation to protect the direct interests of the working man and women aswell as state investment and intervention in the nation's economy. It is upon these pledges and more on the road to a Samgolan utopia that the Labour Front will join the political arena and fight!

Tonight I urge all socialists, trade unionists, workers and every man or women who would place the wellbeing of the nation over politics and the personal profit of the few to vote for the Labour Front! Only in unity against the tyrant and the corporatists may the people of Samgola thrive!"

- Transcript of Labour Front Leader Aman Mensah's speech at a Labour rally in Kamidye.