Alternative Representatives

[Nathan]

Please note that I've added some new information to the Member Nations thread. I've noted who is able to serve as official alternates to representatives. So far I've added Kovac and Jean Carmichael as alternatives for Ocia and Alexandria, respectively, based on how those members have decided to handle their vote in the General Assembly. I think keeping track of alternates will avoid any future questions regarding the validity of votes, protecting both the MTO and members. This will mainly semi-formalize the practice that many members have adopted of appointing a representative with monarchs or foreign ministers retaining the right to vote in special circumstances.

Could all members provide alternatives (if applicable)?

[Carl Jackson]

HM Amane VIII.

[Daniel]

Elwynn, Amokolia and Hurmu has the honour of informing the Organization and all its agencies that the following shall apply for all MTO affairs excepting the Common Court:

The State will be represented by me (Prince Daniel) as its first representative and by Ryan as its second representative.

In matters to the Common Court the State will be represented by Lord Erion as the State's first representative and by Ryan as its second representative.

Source: Instrument of Government: MTO, SCUE & MCS.

Thank you.

[Andreas the Wise]

Put Z-hin'il down as Gralus' Alternative Rep (since he's my heir).

[Daniel]

Andreas -- link?

[Andreas the Wise]

I'm the Lord General, my word is law in Gralan international relations, why would I need a link?

[Daniel]

About the heir thing. Not because I doubt you, because I'm interested!

[Jacobus Loki]

I will have to consult about an alternate, but should His Niftyness appear, he would of course supercede your truly.

[Andreas the Wise]

About the heir thing. Not because I doubt you, because I'm interested!

Um ... it's probably on the old fourms. After an issue with people going inactive and having nobody to fill in, we changed the constitution so that each Triumvir has an heir. Of course, now it's got to the stage where both Triuvmir and heir are inactive and the rest of us are too busy to take over but oh well ...

I think he officially after the election, which is in this topic. The results are here.

[Harvey]

Andreas can serve as Nelaga's alternative.

[Jacobus Loki]

Formally, Shireroths' alternate representative is the Kaiser of Shireroth.

[Nathan]

I've noted all the alternates in the "Member Nation" thread that have been mentioned so far.

[Guido Zambelis]

I firmly disagree with this notion. For a number of reasons, it is absolutely vital that there is complete clarity as to exactly which person represents a particular nation at a given time. To give just one example of a reason why this is essential: we could quite easily have situations where conflicting or non-conflicting double votes are cast, causing unnecessary confusion and delay whilst an attempt is made to clarify the situation.

If a more senior member of the government wishes to get involved, then they either direct the representative to vote accordingly or they terminate the appointment of the representative and appoint themselves instead. It is not acceptable to have more then one person appointed simultaneously, and the GMT is very cleat that only one representative is to be sent.

[Jacobus Loki]

Good sir,

Your point is sell, put, however, micronationry being what it is, isn't it useful to have an alternate available in time of crisis?

[Nathan]

I agree that confusion can certainly arise from designating alternates. This list is only to note who has the right to take over from a representative. The primary representative should be the only one voting, only in special circumstances will the alternate be able to vote.

Perhaps a resolution should be passed by the Assembly to strictly define and limit when an alternate will be allowed to vote (actually we could add it to the voting procedures resolution).

[Jacobus Loki]

Not a bad idea, esp. if there are coups and/or unrest in a nation.

[Guido Zambelis]

The principle is valid, but unworkable, because this list could inevitably become out of date and could become an source of controversy and disagreement.

The means by which the recognition of representatives works is this: the appointment of person A is notified to the Organisation, at which point they become recognised as the representative. Should the leader of their state decide to dispense with their services, then he must cease their appointment. At that point, he can appoint anyone else - himself, or another. When the appointment of that person is notified to the Organisation, then they then become recognised as the representative. There is no need for a long, confusing (and probably forgotten) list of "seconds" - if the original rep needs replacing, then the person with the power to do that can come and do it.

[Nathan]

Very well. Do the member states wish to amend the GM treaty to include alternates or forget the whole idea and follow the strict "one rep" policy again?

As of now, since the legality of alternates has been called in to question, none of the previously designated alternates may vote/debate unless explicitly appointed by their government as full Representative according to the process in the GM.