2019 Prime Minister election
The 2019 Prime Minister election is an upcoming popular election to select Westarctica's next Prime Minister. The election is will occur in February of 2019 and will be overseen by the Commissioner of Elections.
History of the Election
Westarctica's first Prime Minister, Wolf Tulier, was not democratically appointed. Instead, he ascended to the role with the support of Grand Duke Travis, who was serving as Protector of Westarctica. Before agreeing to take part in the coup to overthrow Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence, Travis stated that he would only take action if Wolf agreed to handle the day-to-day running of the government as Prime Minister.
When the throne was reinstated on 21 September 2012, it marked the beginning of a slow decline in both the need for and powers of the position. After a search for a suitable replacement, Wolf stepped down from power on 23 May 2017 and the position of Prime Minister became vacant.
Beginning in 2017, Grand Duke Travis openly speculated that he would like to have the citizens of Westarctica vote for the next Prime Minister. On 5 December 2018, the Grand Duke wrote a Crown memo for members of the Royal Council outlining his proposal to hold a national election to decide who would be the next Prime Minister. Shortly after, on 18 December, the Baron of Abele was appointed Commissioner of Elections to serve as the impartial manager of Westarctica's electoral process.
The Election Process
on 20 December 2018, Grand Duke Travis announced an application period for citizens to submit themselves for candidacy in the upcoming election. On 9 January 2019, the Grand Duke announced the four candidates. This list was selected from the applicant pool, based on each candidate's qualifications. This announcement kicked off a formal campaign period, leading up to the election from 8-10 February 2019. Voting will be done electronically, and is open to all citizens.
Candidates
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Danni Michele
Danni Michele became a citizen during GISHWHES 2016, and began her public service to Westarctica in June of 2018 as the Director of Communications. In December of 2018, the position was elevated to Minister of Communications.
David Galway
Of the four candidates, David Galway is the only one with no prior service in Westarctican Government. He is a citizen of Westarctica who runs a consulting business in the United Kingdom.
Jordan Farmer
C Jordan Farmer, also known as Duke Jordan of the Bear Peninsula, began his public service to Westarctica in March of 2018 as the Minister of Citizenship & Immigration. Since April of 2018, he has also served as Commissioner of the Westarctica Civilian Corps.
Stefan Winkler
Stefan Winkler, also known as Count Stefan of Goldstream, began his public service to Westarctica in February of 2018 as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.