View source for Parliament of Meckelnburgh

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{{Infobox legislature
| name               = Parliament of Meckelnburgh
| native_name        = 
| native_name_lang   = 
| transcription_name = 
| legislature        = 11th Parliament
| coa_pic            = 
| coa_caption        = 
| coa_res            = 
| coa_alt            = 
| logo_pic           = 
| logo_caption       = 
| logo_res           = 
| logo_alt           = 
| house_type         = Bicameral
| body               = 
| houses             = College of Lords</br>Chamber of Deputies
| term_limits        = 
| foundation         = {{AN|1685}}
| disbanded          = 
| preceded_by        = 
| succeeded_by       = 
| new_session        = {{AN|1733}}
| leader1_type       = Monarch
| leader1            = [[Ĉielero III|Queen Ĉielero III]]
| party1             = 
| election1          = 
| leader2_type       = Chancellor
| leader2            = Masterman Gibbs
| party2             = GN
| election2          = {{AN|1720}}
| leader3_type       = Lord Speaker
| leader3            = Lord Wilburn Arkwright, 7th Baron Townsville
| party3             = RP
| election3          = {{AN|1685}}
| leader4_type       = President of the Chamber of Deputies
| leader4            = Rosa Leroy
| party4             = NPA
| election4          = {{AN|1715}}
| leader5_type       = Leader of the Opposition
| leader5            = Arwyn Alfredson
| party5             = NAZ
| election5          = {{AN|1720}}
| leader6_type       = 
| leader6            = 
| party6             = 
| election6          = 
| seats              = '''478, consisting of'''</br>—187 Lords Temporal, Spiritual and Ordinary</br>—291 Deputies of Parliament
| house1             = College of Lords
| house2             = Chamber of Deputies
| structure1         = College of Lords composition.png
| structure1_res     = 300px
| structure1_alt     = 
| structure2         = Chamber of Deputies composition.png
| structure2_res     = 300px
| structure2_alt     = 
| political_groups1  = {{Unbulleted list|'''The Lord's Majority (76)'''|{{Color box|#0070c0}} New Progressive Alliance (56)|{{Color box|#8ac54c}} The Greens United (20)|'''The Lord's Minority (58)'''|{{Color box|#7030a0}} Royalist Party (27)|{{Color box|#ff9900}} Nazarene Heritage Union (16)|{{Color box|#fdd765}} Meckelnish Alternative (15)|'''Other groups (16)'''|{{Color box|#707070}} Rhinoceros Party (3)|{{Color box|#000000}} Citizens' Nation (1)|{{Color box|#cccccc}} Independent (12)|'''Non-affiliated (37)'''|{{Color box|#ffffff}} Lords Spiritual (20)|{{Color box|#ffffff}} Lords Ordinary of Appeal (17)}}
| political_groups2  = {{Unbulleted list|'''TRM Government (156)'''|{{Color box|#8ac54c}} The Greens United (77)|{{Color box|#0070c0}} New Progressive Alliance (77)|{{Color box|#528034}} Party for the Animals (2)| '''TRM Loyal Opposition (89)'''|{{Color box|#ff9900}} Nazarene Heritage Union (40)|{{Color box|#7030a0}} Royalist Party (32)|{{Color box|#fdd765}} Meckelnish Alternative (17)| '''Other groups (46)'''|{{Color box|#ff3a1c}} Socialist Party (25)|{{Color box|#c00000}} New Revolutionary Party (14)|{{Color box|#707070}} Rhinoceros Party (7)}}
| committees1        = 
| committees2        = 
| joint_committees   = 
| voting_system1     = 
| voting_system2     = Party-list proportional representation
| last_election1     = 
| last_election2     =
| next_election1     = 
| next_election2     = {{AN|1738}} (unless dissolved)
| session_room       = 
| session_res        = 
| session_alt        = 
| meeting_place      = Enolany Palace</br>Royal City of Alexandretta
| website            = parliament.mb
| footnotes          = 
| motto              = 
}}

The '''Parliament of Meckelnburgh''' is the bicameral legislature of [[Meckelnburgh]], the majority constituent country of the [[Kingdom of Meckelnburgh|United Kingdom of Meckelnburgh]]. Parliament comprises two distinct chambers, the College of Lords and the Chamber of Deputies, encompassing the representative democratic functions of Meckelnburgh proper. Parliament serves as the primary legislative authority in Meckelnburgh, including the autonomous [[Palatinate of Hergilsey]], responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the government's functioning. Parliament is convened in the chambers at Enolany Palace in [[Alexandretta (Meckelnburgh)|Alexandretta]].

The majority coalition in the Chamber of Deputies is responsible for the formation of Their Royal Majesty's Government and the country's cabinet. The Chamber also elects the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Meckelnburgh's heads of government, who formally serve at Their Royal Majesty's pleasure.

== Structure and authority ==
The Parliament of Meckelnburgh is formally the legislature of Meckelnburgh proper as a constituent nation of the Kingdom. However, because there is no legislature representing citizens from Meckelnburgh as well as the constituent countries of [[Branniboria]], the [[Prince-Archabbacy of Salem]] and the [[Grand Duchy of Iselande]], the Parliament of Meckelnburgh enacts laws for the benefit of the entire kingdom when necessary. Meckelnburgh's legislative authority preempts the authority of Branniboria, Salem and Iselande, and retains sole authority in areas such as:

# Maintaining independence and defense.
# Conducting foreign relations.
# Legislating Meckelnburghish nationality.
# Administering the nobility, orders of chivalry, and symbols of the kingdom.
# Regulating navigation, aviation, and shipping.

As a semi-constitutional monarchy, all legislation from Parliament requires the royal assent of the Monarch, currently Queen [[Ĉielero III]], and no override is possible. Though not common, the power to withhold consent is an active function of the Meckelnburghish crown. The Monarch may also dissolve Parliament when deemed necessary, triggering a mandatory election.
[[File:Lucienne Arthur - Enolany Garden Wing.jpg|left|thumb|209x209px|''Sky through Enolany Palace'' by [[Lucienne Arthur]]]]
=== College of Lords ===
The upper house of Parliament is the College of Lords, which represents the nobility and serves as a forum for the concerns of the country's noble and ecclesiastical individuals. Members gain their positions through hereditary titles or are appointed, as are the Lords Spiritual, representatives of the Church of Meckelnburgh, and the Lords Ordinary of Appeal, who serve as the highest court in the Kingdom as a whole.

=== Chamber of Deputies ===
The lower house of Parliament is the Chamber of Deputies, which represents the common citizens of Meckelnburgh. The Chamber comprises elected representatives, Deputies, who are elected at least every five years, unless Parliament is prematurely dissolved under the authority of the Monarch. Since its creation in {{AN|1685}}, Parliament has only been dissolved early once, in {{AN|1723}}.

=== Effectiveness ===
As the principal legislative organ of the Kingdom, the Parliament of Meckelnburgh is recognized with a perfect score on the [[Micras Democracy Index]] in electoral process and pluralism, with high functioning and involvement from the public.

==Elections==
Elections to the Chamber of Deputies occur by [[Wikipedia:Party-list proportional representation|party-list proportional representation]], calculated under the [[Wikipedia:D'Hondt method|D'Hondt method]]. Accordingly, no independent candidates are permitted. Elections are [[Wikipedia:Closed list|closed list]]: each party designates a priority list of those candidates who will take their seats. Parties seeking to be elected must reach an [[Wikipedia:Electoral threshold|electoral threshold]] of 3% of the total votes to sit. 

Parliament is elected [[Wikipedia:At large|at large]] across all provinces in Meckelnburgh. However, the autonomous community of Hergilsey elects its own 15 deputies, leaving a remainder of 276 seats designated for voters on the mainland.

===Eligible voters===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; margin:10px;" 
|{{Image label begin|image=Political compass locator.png|link=|width={{{width|200}}}|border={{{border|5}}}|float={{{float|right}}}|font-size=100%}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.05|y=0.96|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Party for the Animals|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.02|y=0.63|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|New Revolutionary Party|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.06|y=0.90|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Socialist Party|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.11|y=0.79|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|The Greens United|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.34|y=0.69|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|New Progressive Alliance|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.48|y=0.56|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Rhinoceros Party|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.54|y=0.46|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Nazarene Heritage Union|c=red}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.50|y=0.30|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Royalist Party|c=red|right}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.75|y=0.05|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Citizens' Nation|c=red|right}}}}
{{Image label small|100%|x=0.80|y=0.76|scale={{{width|200}}}|text={{Image label dot|Meckelnish Alternative|c=red|right}}}}
{{Image label end}}
|}
Any person who obtains the age of 17 and is otherwise eligible may vote for Parliamentary elections. Voting is permitted for Meckelnburghish citizens or nations anywhere in the world and for permanent residents. A citizen or national from a nation granted freedom of movement must demonstrate an intent to domicile in Meckelnburgh for at least 180 days prior to an election. It is constitutionally impermissible to disenfranchise a voter for a crime or other act.

Voting in Meckelnburgh is mandatory for any capacitated voter residing within the country, though the ballot may be blank. Failure to vote incurs a Ʀ 5.00 fine.

===Campaigns===
Candidates and parties may pursue election funds beginning 59 days prior to a general election. Advertisements and other forms of organized "electioneering" are permitted 34 to 3 days prior to an election. In the case of a snap election, all forms of campaigning may begin on the dissolution of Parliament, with an election held the first Saturday no fewer than 34 days following.

Campaign funds are heavily regulated. In no election for Parliament may a party spend more than Ʀ 3.00 per eligible voter or receive from donations in kind. Volunteers as natural persons do not apply. Public funds of 50 ⱥ per eligible voter are given to parties who held a seat in the previous Parliament, have a membership of 1% of the national population, or obtain a petition signed by as many people during the fundraising period. A "party" for electioneering and fundraising is itself and any other affiliated committees or foundations.

A campaign may use donations from a current election or recurring membership fees outside an election cycle. Only natural persons, who must be eligible voters of Meckelnburgh proper, may donate to a campaign, at a limit of Ʀ 450 per contest.

== Political parties==
A political party in Meckelnburgh is any group of one or more natural persons who seek election to any local or national role within a five-year period. Parties may be registered with the Electoral Commission for any cause, save advocacy of treason under the law or the degradation of any peoples. Any political group must give a semi-annual accounting of income and expenditures, available for public reading.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="3" |Party
!Abbr.
!Ideology
!Position
!Leaders(s)
!Deputies
!Lords
!Hergilsey
!Alexandretta
!Membership
|-
|{{Bg||#8ac54c}}
|
|The Greens United
|GN
|Green politics<br>Liberal socialism
|Left-wing
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|77|291|#8ac54c}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|20|187|#8ac54c}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#0070c0}}
|
|New Progressive Alliance
|NPA
|Social democracy<br>Big tent (left)
|Center-left
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|77|291|#0070c0}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|56|187|#0070c0}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#ff9900}}
|
|Nazarene Heritage Union
|NAZ
|Nazarene democracy<br>Classical liberalism
|Center-right
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|40|291|#ff9900}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|16|187|#ff9900}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#7030a0}}
|
|Royalist Party
|RP
|Monarchism<br>Conservative liberalism
|Right-wing
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|32|291|#7030a0}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|27|187|#7030a0}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#ff3a1c}}
|
|Socialist Party
|SP
|Democratic socialism<br>Left-wing populism
|Left-wing
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|25|291|#ff3a1c}}
|style="background:#ddd;" |—
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#fdd765}}
|
|Meckelnish Alternative
|ALT
|Social liberalism<br>Libertarianism
|Center-right
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|17|291|#fdd765}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|15|187|#fdd765}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#c00000}}
|
|New Revolutionary Party
|REV
|Libertarian communism<br>Secularism
|Radical left
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|14|291|#c00000}}
|style="background:#ddd;" |—
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#707070}}
|
|Rhinoceros Party
|RNO
|Syncretism<br>Direct democracy
|Center
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|7|291|#707070}}
|{{Template:Composition bar|3|187|#707070}}
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#528034}}
|
|Party for the Animals
|PFA
|Animal rights<br>Democratic socialism
|Left-wing
|
|{{Template:Composition bar|2|291|#528034}}
|style="background:#ddd;" |—
|
|
|
|-
|{{Bg||#000000}}
|
|Citizens' Nation
|CN
|National conservatism<br>Right-wing populism
|Radical right
|
|style="background:#ddd;" |—
|{{Template:Composition bar|1|187|#000000}}
| 
|
|
|}

=== Former political partes ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="3" |Party
!Abbr.
!Ideology
!Position
!Final leaders(s)
!Final membership
!Notes
|-
|{{Bg||#00b0f0}}
|
|Party for Harmony
|HMY
|Progressivism<br>Humanism
|Center-left
|
|
|Merged with the New Progressive Alliance in {{AN|1722}}
|-
|{{Bg||#f5e60a}}
|
|Voluntaryist Bloc
|VB
|Voluntaryism<br>Social liberalism<br>Libertarianism
|Right-wing
|
|
|Merged with Meckelnish Alternative in {{AN|1721}}
|}

== Previous contests ==

=== Parliaments ===

* First Parliament: {{AN|1685}}—{{AN|1690}}
* Second Parliament: {{AN|1690}}—{{AN|1695}}
* Third Parliament: {{AN|1695}}—{{AN|1700}}
* Fourth Parliament: {{AN|1700}}—{{AN|1705}}
* Fifth Parliament: {{AN|1705}}—{{AN|1710}}
* Sixth Parliament: {{AN|1710}}—{{AN|1715}}
* Seventh Parliament: {{AN|1715}}—{{AN|1720}}
* Eighth Parliament: {{AN|1720}}—{{AN|1723}}
* Nineth Parliament: {{AN|1723}}—{{AN|1728}}
* 10th Parliament: {{AN|1728}}—{{AN|1733}}
* 11th Parliament: {{AN|1733}}—present

=== Election of 1723 ===
The {{AN|1723}} general election for the Chamber of Deputies was the first off-cycle election in the history of Meckelnburgh following the dissolution of Parliament by Queen Ĉielero III two months prior. The election was triggered by the so-called "[[Confederate States of Floria|Florian]] Question." In {{AN|1722}}, the New Progressive Alliance, in coalition with The Greens United for 38 years, abandoned the coalition to vote with Their Royal Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition to end sanctions against the Confederate States of Floria following the [[Florian invasion of Port Balaine]] in 1706. The eventual backlash resulted in the collapse of the coalition and the failure of Parliament to govern. A snap election was thus held after Parliament was dissolved.

==== Results ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Affiliation
! colspan="4" |Votes
! colspan="3" |Deputies
|-
!Total
!%
!HGY
!%
!Before
!Elected
!Change
|-
|{{Bg||#8ac54c}}
|'''The Greens United'''
|1,644,326
|37.9%
|63,548
|28.3%
|77
|112
| +35
|-
|{{Bg||#ff9900}}
|Nazarene Heritage Union
|624,902
|14.4%
|27,189
|12.1%
|40
|43
| +3
|-
|{{Bg||#ff3a1c}}
|'''Socialist Party'''
|454,998
|10.5%
|15,910
|7.1%
|25
|29
| +4
|-
|{{Bg||#7030a0}}
|Royalist Party
|370,046
|8.5%
|13,694
|6.1%
|32
|25
| -7
|-
|{{Bg||#0070c0}}
|New Progressive Alliance
|348,808
|8.0%
|43,606
|19.4%
|77
|25
| -52
|-
|{{Bg||#fdd765}}
|Meckelnish Alternative
|263,856
|6.1%
|28,096
|12.5%
|17
|19
| +2
|-
|{{Bg||#c00000}}
|New Revolutionary Party
|285,094
|6.6%
|9,263
|4.1%
|14
|19
| +5
|-
|{{Bg||#528034}}
|'''Party for the Animals'''
|157,666
|3.6%
|4,831
|2.2%
|2
|10
| +8
|-
|{{Bg||#707070}}
|Rhinoceros Party
|136,428
|3.1%
|13,994
|6.2%
|7
|9
| +2
|-
|{{Bg||#000000}}
|Citizens' Nation
|41,476
|1.0%
|3,939
|1.8%
|—
|—
|—
|-
! colspan="2" |Total
!4,327,600
!99.7%
!224,070
!99.7%
!291
!291
!—
|-
| colspan="2" |Invalid ballots
|12,619
|0.29%
|585
|0.26%
| colspan="3" |
|-
| colspan="2" |Registered (% turnout)
|5,045,554 
|86.0%
|267,533 
|84.0%
| colspan="3" |
|-
| colspan="2" |Majority of Government
| colspan="4" |
|156
|151
| -5
|}
[[Category:Meckelnburgh]]