Fwurg

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"The Veolian Commonwealth has been at the helm of the Union for a while now, and I believe that their policies have brought some level of stability to the Union after the end of the Mandalorian Wars. Now that the situation has stabilized, I believe the time has come to take the Union in a new direction, and I am putting myself forward as a candidate to make that happen.

In our recent vote, only a very limited number of Union members actively expressed their views. Discussions have been minimal. This does not show of a true and active democracy.

I aim to create a more active and involved Senate, with real and meaningful decisions that impact the Union as a whole, to the benefit of all of its citizens.

To succeed and blow new life into the Senate, I need your help. Right now with your vote, and after with your participation. I have faith that together we can make this a success!"

- This message was delivered with the senators of the Holy Heimgolian Theocracy and the Astrian Colonial Authority standing to the left and right of the candidate, both immediately voicing their second for the candidacy.

[Nehket Aeka]

"I agree that the senate has been far too silent. I am curious about your concrete plans, senator.

What exactly are these 'real and meanginful decisions that impact the Union as a whole'? And how do you intent to ensure that these discussion will really be to the benefit of all Union citizens, instead of only those worlds represented by senators that repeatingly lament the current course of the Union?"

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Chancellor, my concrete plans will depend upon the wishes in the Senate.

But to go into more detail, for one, I would think a basic declaration of sentient rights might be useful. As to what those rights would entail, that would be up to the Senate, and it would be too early for me to speculate. Needless to say, such a declaration can have an impact on those who are now denied such rights.

Your input too would be valuable in such endeavours. Perhaps you can name some rights which you believe all sentient beings should benefit from?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"Taken from your answering my question with a question, I assume that you do not have a concrete plan for this 'new direction', even though you resolutely proclaim that it is time to take it...

I have offered a concrete course of action, one that clearly benefits everyone. Could you explain to the senate what you think their wishes are, so that everyone knows what exactly they are voting for?"

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"What are your plans to improve the Union economy senator Acehtoo?"

[Senator Harek]

"I agree with senator Acehtoo that the Union can become stronger and make one strong fist against other factions with Union-wide laws and declarations.

We are also interested in your economic plans and explanation of the new direction."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Senator, at least two others next to myself have asked you for clarifications. Clarifications you have yet to give. You claim to aim to create a more active and involved Senate. Does that not implicate that you will have to have some form of interaction with the senate?"

((OOC: I feel that a period of a nearly a week for two of the questions, and the weekend for the third, has offered enough OOC time to respond. I don't want to tread into OOC time issues here, but I do want to be able to actually call out an NPC on behaviour contrary to her claim o_O))

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"What a strange argument to make, Chancellor. I already named a concrete example, namely a basic declaration of sentient rights and asked for your input. If you refuse to give it, then it is unreasonable to tell me I am not having any interaction with the Senate.

Moreover, it seems nonsensical to detail what those might entail now, as this election is about who will become chancellor and what general direction the Union will take. The basic declaration of sentient rights is a separate debate and - when the time is ripe - a separate vote.

As far as the economy, no doubt some trade with foreign nations can be beneficial, though generally the economy of the Union does not need further improvement. Things are going excellently as they are right now. If specific situations call for adjustment, we will debate those situations with the Senate when they arrive."

((OOC: I'm fine with that ^_^ The senator of course will defend herself))

[Nehket Aeka]

"As you yourself already say, the declaration of sentient rights is a separate debate. As such, I do not wish confuse the issue of your candidacy speech to take part in this other debate. I think it is unreasonable to expect me to open this separate and different debate, especially when the question of senator Harek has not yet been answered. Do not worry though, if you are elected, I will gladly participate in this debate you wish to open.

For now however, senator Harek was very clear in his desire to get an explanation of the new direction."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Unlike economic plans which can easily be enumerated by assigning numbers and quantities to it, political change and attitudes cannot be enumerated in that manner. With the possible exception of the IO Protocol, in any case."

The senator explained

"What you are asking for me is to specify the exact proposals and methods I will use during my term to encourage collaboration. But that is an impossible request - I will adjust my methods and proposals based on how the discussions in the senate go.

I am not going to undermine my plans by carving a path out in stone now and then being stuck with it once elected, even though the factual circumstances may require a different approach.

I have already named an example discussion that may take place and there will no doubt be others as well during my period in office. I am not aiming for a specific outcome of the proposals I plan to make, rather trusting the senate to be able to give it form in a wise and complete manner through shared discussion, or whatever other form we find to be most effective.

You shall in turn have to trust that I have the political experience and know-how to guide these discussions towards the best possible outcome for all."