Metrication controversy

Unbeknownst to many outside the walls of Renasia, the last two weeks have seen some of the first non-consensus politics in legislative history. The area may sound fairly non-contentious: metrication of units under the new SI Units Act 2014, which would make Renasia an SI units zone in all official capacities. What started out, however, as a mere standardization bill has become an issue of SAR rights and the relations of SARs to the Free State.

Whilst the Free State has in all its dealings always used SI (Système International) units, it has never had a formal system of units established. In light of this, it was suggested that Joshua Isaac of Eridu be allowed to draft a metrication act as a kind of introduction to Renasian legislative processes. A simple act, which was presumed to be so non-controversial that it would without doubt pass. However, things soon became complicated.

Samuel Azehtyla, Guide of City-state Azehtyl, soon voiced his concerns about the establishment of the formal system. “Due to Imperial being used here, I don’t think we should have an “official” measurement system” he informed the Free State’s skype assembly, noting his intention to oppose the bill when time came.

A.C.R.E. and Guntanu’tl

 Following the formal proposal of the bill, M. Azehtyla brought the issue before the Assembled Council of Regional Executives: their power of localisation is one of the key power plays which SARs may use against unwanted acts, allowing SARs to opt in or out of the act in question. It seemed after four votes were registered that the motion would hang in limbo and thus ultimately fail: with Eridu and Gishabrun opposing localisation, and Renasia Proper and Azehtyl supporting it. This left Kozuc, which has been inactive on the political stage, with the deciding vote. However, finally James Wilary was reached to register the final opposing vote. Localisation thus failed.

Fast forward to the Guntanu’tl vote. In a situation almost a mirror image of that which occurred in the A.C.R.E, the Guntanu’tl vote broke down two for, two against and one absent voter. The Judiciary thus passed judgement that the Vice-Chancellor Riley Small’s continued absence constituted abstention in all actions brought before the Guntanu’tl. Seeing this, they said, the Constitution binds that the Guntanu’tl put the act to full referendum.

The outcome of this referendum remains to be seen, however if the continued precedent setting trend continues, the future of this political outcome could see more major twists and turns along the way.