Journal of Akhadic Studies

[Hadash]

Journal of Akhadic Studies

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Rojadavistan: Constitutional referendum approved by a majority of voters
By: Anne Michaels
Published: Vintyr, 1594


Several voters in a poll station.

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Thousands celebrated in the street as Rojadavistani voters overwhelmingly endorse the constitution passed by the Second Rojadavistani Constituent Assembly.

According to official results, 69% of Rojadavistani voters supported the constitution proposed by the Rojadavistani parliament, although the turnout was relatively lower than expected, barely over 51% of eligible voters.

The results of the referendum’s vote were announced yesterday evening by election officials in Sermîyan, capital city of the country since 1587. Despite shortcomings registered in several electoral districts, international observers declared that it was a "mostly...free and fair referendum" vote, with a turnout from 30% to 70%, depending the region.

Rojadavistan became an independent state from New Galasia (renamed later as Drazen Republic) after a long and violent civil war. The referendum ends a political impasse, after political parties were unable to agree a new constitutional agreement that replace the Basic Law of Rojadavistan, passed in 1587 as temporary constitutional text. However, the new constitution is not likely to satisfy everyone in the country, and many experts claim that it could even open old wounds and intensify ethnic and religious divisions.

While the vote was met with enthusiasm by Rojadavi voters in Sermîyan and other cities, in more secular towns as Bakûrgûnd and between Rojadavistan’s Galasian minority there is concern that the new constitutional order could marginalize the Messanic minority and weaken the rule of law in the country. Several Galasian and Messanic parties, along secular and left-leaning forces, called against the referendum, either endorsing a no vote or calling for a boycott. It is estimated that in Bakûrgûnd district, only 46% of the population voted yes to the constitutional referendum.

The constitutional proposal was supported by the ruling Social Conservative Party and other Akhadist parties such as the Traditionalist Front and the Akhadic Front of Rojadavistan. Currently, Akhadist and conservatives have a clear majority in the parliament. New legislative elections are expected to be held soon.

The proposed new constitution will rename the Rojadavi Republic (the official name of the country since independence in 1587) as the Akhadic Republic of Rojadavistan – a name which in the Galasian minority it is considered divisive. But more controversially, the constitution -which is denounced as “ultra-conservative” and “sectarian” by critics- would declare Akhadism as the official religion, increase the powers of the presidency, establish a bicameral system with an upper house in which ⅓ of their members would be appointed by the government, and establish that Akhadic Setgvek and religious law to be considered “basic of all legislation”.

The constitution would also allow President Serefxane Canê to be president until, at least, 1599. Canê, from the ultra-conservative Social Conservative Party, has been president of the Rojadavi Republic since 1589.

A’Sir became the first government to officially congratulate President Canê for the referendum, although Zargistan, Khanid, and NETO officials reportedly came next.