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[Aerandariel]

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14 ZECHYR, 1584

Despite 18th Amendment, Union supporters not seeing victory in sight


KURAST, Kehjistan - The eastern Kehjistani city of Kurast seems to be the focal point of those seeking to put an end to the 1,400 year-old Imperial government... but they don't seem any closer to do it despite a key victory.

The passage of the 18th Amendment to the Imperial Code has only emboldened the Imperial system's opponents to call for further reforms. Already some within the "Union Movement" - as its being called - are calling for Emperor Tyrael to abdicate the Imperial Throne, for Chancellor Aerandariel Apotecarius to step down from his post and for the Senate to take emergency powers to reform the nation and create a new government. Others are calling for a more reasoned approach, one that still involves Tyrael's abdication but keeping Apotecarius and his administration on as a caretaker government while the Senate - and the soon-to-be installed House of Delegates - debate the new government.

There is still a lot of ground to cover. The primary issue would be who was to be in charge of the new administration. Most Union supporters are saying that a President would act as head of state and as head of government, with broad-ranging executive powers that largely cover the current titles of Emperor and Chancellor. But, a President's powers would be more limited by an elaborate system of checks and balances enabling more power for the Senate, the House and the Judiciary. Unionists would also dismantle much of the Imperial system, allowing the Union government to create its own bureaucracy. That in itself would be an immense task, as much of the Imperial bureaucracy is intertwined with multiple agencies and offices acting with one another. Then there's the matter of the power of the Senate and the House. Would they act as a cohesive unit to legislate or would one be more powerful than the other? And what of the Judiciary? Would it be independent or would it be beholden to one of the other branches of government? Much has to be decided when and if the final nail of the Empire's coffin should ever fall.

At the moment, it doesn't appear that things are going to move rapidly. Emperor Tyrael is resisting calls for his abdication, and has no intention of calling upon the government to move towards a third referendum on this issue any time soon. Chancellor Apotecarius is opposed to such dramatic changes at this time, especially with the Empire now at war with New Galasia and other problems both home and abroad. Leaders of the Republican, Conservative and Orthodox Conservative parties don't seem too thrilled about having this battle, seeing it as politically toxic. Democratic politicians, though supportive of a new government, don't see any way right now to initiate any referendums or debates in the Senate and even more so without the support of any of the other parties. Most voters aren't sure why the issue keeps popping up, and are not willing to scrap a government that has survived for centuries and start over; 63% of Angirisians don't support a new Union government and 34% don't think it's a good idea right now but could be revisited later.

If there is any silver lining for Union supporters, it's that 34%. A third of the electorate would be willing to see this through later, and that number could grow as time passes. Or it may fall, depending on peoples' feelings.

For now, the status quo shall remain in place.