[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Council approves creation of new political party
28th May 2019

In a surprising move, the Council of Kerlile has today authorised for the first time in Kerlian history the creation of a rival to the Women’s Party of Kerlile. Six members of the Council voted in favour of the move, four of whom have now joined the new party. The Reform Party, led by Councillor Rebecca Arnott, has five main reforms they wish to see in Kerlile:

1. Torture to be outlawed as a punishment, and Restricted Region facilities to be closed immediately.
2. Men to be allowed to pursue further education after the age of 16, and for employment restrictions on men to be greatly loosened.
3. An end to the emigration ban, and for Kerlians to be allowed to visit other countries as tourists.
4. The immediate end to unpaid labour in prisons and a new guarantee that all prisoners will be treated sufficiently well.
5. The release of so-called ‘political prisoners’ arrested for Class III anti-matriarchal activity (Class III offences are offences solely relating to speech and involving no additional action).

The announcement is accompanied by almost half of the Council joining the new Reform Party – Councillors Arnott, Georgiou, Hale and Robinson. It is expected that if one of these Councillors becomes the next president, that these policy changes will be carried out fairly quickly. Councillors Hart and Chiu also voted in favour of permitting the party’s creation, however they did not then join. Chiu remains a member of the Women’s Party, and Hart remains in no party.

However, many of the Council are thoroughly displeased with this development. Councillor Anita Patel released a statement today saying “this move is a threat to the continued existence of the matriarchy, as such policies, aiming to release criminals and give men power, could easily be open to patriarchal manipulation.”

The Council is in deadlock over a proposal to schedule parliamentary elections, with the new Reformist group of Councillors attempting to force early elections and the five Women’s Party members pushing back. The open division amongst the Council is another break with tradition, and can be seen in itself as a victory for the Reformists.

It is expected that the Council will set a date for the debate on the presidential appointment following President Greenwood’s resignation within the next few days.