Constitutional Reform Act of 2026 ================================= HC Bill 28-9 · Constitutional Amendment · 28th Totemian Parliament Introduced: October 25th, 2026 Prime sponsor: Nuxart (Member of the House of Commons; The Birthday Party) ---------- Constitutional Reform Act of 2026 Introduced By: Nuxart (The Birthday Party) Date: October 25th, 2026 Be it enacted by the Emperor’s most Excellent Imperial Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Long title An Act to reorganize and amend the Constitution of the Totemian Empire; clarify the authority and procedures of its state organs; affirm individual rights and protections concerning gender, civil marriage, and property; establish the Totemian Empire's economic, regulatory, taxation, and administrative powers; provide for the status and member-funded maintenance of the State Religion; revise parliamentary, electoral, referendum, oath, and Imperial assent procedures; and make corresponding amendments to the Civil Code. Statement from Nuxart After the failure of my previous bill I present this bill which still introduces the reforms while conceding to certain aspects of my original bill. I see this constitutional reform as one that is desperately needed to improve organization and searchability while updating outdated terms that might’ve referred to a federalist system. Chapter 1 - Constitutional Structure and Citizenship ---------------------------------------------------- Section 1: Unified Constitutional Structure The Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended by repealing the separate heading "AMENDMENTS" and incorporating the provisions formerly under that heading into the Constitution's single article sequence as follows: Former Amendments Article 1 is transferred and renumbered as Article 14, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 2 is transferred and renumbered as Article 15, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 3 is transferred and renumbered as Article 16, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 4 is transferred and renumbered as Article 17, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 5 is transferred to Article 7, Section 2, and consolidated with the existing Article 7 as set out in Section 8 of this Act. Former Amendments Article 6 is transferred and renumbered as Article 18, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 7 is transferred and renumbered as Article 19, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 8 is transferred and renumbered as Article 20, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 9 is transferred and renumbered as Article 21, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 10 is transferred and renumbered as Article 22, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 11 is transferred and renumbered as Article 23, as amended by this Act. Former Amendments Article 12 is transferred and renumbered as Article 24, as amended by this Act. Existing Articles 1–11 retain their article numbers. New Articles 12 and 13 are inserted after Article 11, and new Article 25 is inserted after Article 24. References in the Constitution and Civil Code to a former article under "AMENDMENTS" shall be read as references to its corresponding article or section identified above. AMENDMENTS Section 2: Foundation and Citizenship Article 1 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 1 Article 1: Foundation and Citizenship Section 1: Form of the Totemian Empire 1. The Totemian Empire will be a Unitary semi-absolute monarchy of Kingdoms, Governorates, Imperial Cetés, Territories, and Colonies, Formed by the royals, workers, and subjects of the imperial state. The Totemian Empire is a unitary absolute monarchy and a single sovereign state, comprising Kingdoms, Governorates, Territories, Colonies, Imperial Cetés, and other territorial divisions established in accordance with law. Its constituent governments shall exercise only such powers and limited autonomy as are provided by this Constitution and applicable Imperial law, subject to the sovereign authority of the Emperor. Section 2: Application for Citizenship 2. Every incoming citizen must fill out the application form to be accepted into the Totemian Empire. Exceptions can be made. may be made by the Emperor of Totemia. 3. Every citizen MUST agree to the Oath of Citizenship or an equivalent oath approved by the Emperor., there are no exceptions, the Oaths is as follows; Every citizen shall make the Oath of Citizenship or an equivalent oath approved by the Emperor. The prescribed forms are: “I, N.N. swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a Totemian citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Vasili the First, His Heirs and Successors according to law” OR “I, N.N. do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm, on becoming a Totemian citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Vasili the First, His Heirs and Successors according to law” Section 3: Personal Additions to Oaths and Affirmations Any person making an oath or affirmation prescribed by this Constitution or by law may voluntarily supplement it with personal, religious, cultural, political, or other expressions, including “So help me God”. This includes citizenship oaths and affirmations and those required for any elected or appointed public office or position. The prescribed oath or affirmation shall be made in full. No addition may contradict, restrict, qualify, or negate any of its commitments, replace any prescribed wording, or alter its legal effect. No person shall be required to make an optional addition. Chapter 2 - The Emperor and Chancellery --------------------------------------- Section 3: The Emperor and Imperial Government Article 2 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 2 1. The Imperial Government of the Totemian Empire is the government of the empire, it will be split into 2 tributaries, being the Tributary of the High Government and the Tributary of the Low Government. Article 2: The Emperor and Imperial Government Section 1: Imperial Government The Imperial Government of the Totemian Empire comprises the High Government and the Low Government. Their composition, functions, and respective powers are established by this Constitution and other applicable law. Section 2: High Government and Low Government 2. The High Government consists of the Emperor, the Privy Council, formally His Imperial Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and the New Prefectoral College. The College is made up of the leaders of the constituent countries in the empireTotemian Empire. The Low Government comprises the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, and the Totemian Parliament. 3. The Emperor shall be the Head of state and government, the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Military, Supreme Head of Government, and the Pauramonté of the High Government. He also holds the hereditary title of "King of Omnislavia". The Emperor shall hold ultimate authority in all matters of governance, and his word shall be considered law throughout the Empire. The Emperor's decrees shall take precedence over any conflicting laws or actions, except where this Constitution expressly requires cooperation with other governing bodies. The supreme autocratic power is vested in the Emperor of all the Totemias. It is God's command that his authority should be obeyed not only through fear but for conscience' sake. Section 3: Sovereign Authority of the Emperor The Emperor shall be Head of State, Supreme Head of Government, Grand Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces, and Pauramonté of the High Government, and shall retain the hereditary title of King of Omnislavia. Supreme sovereign authority within the Totemian Empire is vested in the Emperor. Imperial Orders shall have the legal force and precedence established by this Constitution. The powers, functions, and procedures expressly assigned by this Constitution to Parliament, the Chancellery, the courts, and other state organs shall remain in effect. All governmental powers in their widest extent throughout the whole Totemian Empire are vested in the Emperor. Section 4: Imperial Orders 3.1. An Imperial Order is a proclamation or decree issued by the reigning Monarch Emperor. Upon signature, it has the force of law. Section 5: Hierarchy of Legal Authority 3.2. The order of legal authority within the Totemian Empire shall be: first, the reigning Monarch Emperor; second, Imperial Orders; third, this Constitution; and fourth, the Civil Code. Every other law or legal instrument shall be subordinate to the Civil Code unless this Constitution expressly provides otherwise. 3.3. A lower source of law shall comply with every higher source of law. Where two sources conflict, the higher source shall control to the extent of the conflict. Section 6: Codification and Amendment of the Civil Code 3.4. An Act of Parliament shall have force only in accordance with this Constitution. Every Act shall be codified in the Civil Code or shall state exactly how the Civil Code is amended. Until codification is completed, the enacted text of the Act shall control as part of the Civil Code. An Act of Parliament shall have force only in accordance with this Constitution. Every Act shall be codified in the Civil Code or shall state exactly how this Constitution or the Civil Code is amended. Until incorporation is completed, enacted constitutional amendments shall control as part of this Constitution, and other enacted provisions shall control as part of the Civil Code. 3.5. The Civil Code binds the present Parliament and every future Parliament. A bill intended to amend or repeal the Civil Code shall identify the affected provision and state the change expressly. Parliament acting alone shall have no authority to evade that requirement. Once an Act receives Imperial assent, however, an irreconcilable conflict with the Civil Code shall be resolved under the Doctrine of Assented Sovereign Displacement, because the resulting displacement derives from the superior authority of the reigning Monarch and not from Parliament alone. 3.6. He shall be designated as; By the Grace of God, We, Emperor of all the Totemias, King of Omnislavia, Grand Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces, Supreme Head of the Imperial Government, Pauramonté of the High Government, Head of the Commonwealth. His style shall be His/Your Imperial Majesty then Sir. 4. The person of the Emperor is sacred and inviolable. 5. All governmental powers in their widest extent throughout the whole Totemian Empire are vested in the Emperor. Section 7: Imperial Titles and Forms of Address The full Imperial title of the Emperor is: “By the Grace of God, We, Emperor of all the Totemias, King of Omnislavia, Grand Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces, Supreme Head of the Imperial Government, Pauramonté of the High Government, Head of the Commonwealth.” In formal references to the Emperor, use “His Imperial Majesty”. When communicating directly with the Emperor, orally or in writing, address him initially as “Your Imperial Majesty”. “Sir” may be used thereafter where appropriate. Section 8: Succession and Regency 6. In the event that the Emperor is unable to fulfill their duties due to death, abdication, or other reasons, the succession shall proceed as follows: - The Caesarevich of Totemia or designated Heir shall assume the duties and authority of the Emperor. - If the Caesarevich of Totemia or designated Heir is unable or unfit to assume the throne, the line of succession will continue with the Emperor's other children. Suppose this is unavailable, or all heirs are invalid, or any other issue. The Chancellor shall take on the responsibilities of the Emperor as Regent, exercising full authority as outlined in this Constitution until a new Emperor is chosen or a Prince is able to assume the role. The Caesarevich of Totemia, or another heir designated by the reigning Emperor, shall have the first right of succession to the Imperial Throne. Upon the death or abdication of the Emperor, the lawful successor shall assume the Imperial title and all powers, duties, and responsibilities vested in the Emperor. If the Caesarevich or designated heir is unable or legally ineligible to assume the throne, the right of succession shall pass to the Emperor's other children in the order established by law. Where no eligible heir is available to assume the throne, the Chancellor shall serve as Regent of the Totemian Empire, exercising the powers and duties of the Emperor until an eligible heir is able to assume the throne or a new Emperor is lawfully selected. The assumption of a Regency shall not, in itself, confer the Imperial title upon the Chancellor or alter the lawful order of succession. 7. The Emperor approves all laws and bills, and without his assent, no law can come into existence. Section 9: Imperial Assent and Referendum Enactment A bill passed by Parliament shall acquire the force of law upon Imperial assent, in accordance with the legislative procedures established by this Constitution. Laws and constitutional amendments approved by public referendum shall acquire legal effect upon certification of their approval, as provided by this Constitution. Section 10: Imperial Assent to Specified Penalties 7.1. No capital punishment, deportation, exile, long imprisonment, or any of that sort shall be legal without the assent of the Emperor, either by a representative of him or by him himself. Section 11: Immunity of the Emperor 7.3. The Law hereinafter is in the Emperor's name. There is to be no trial against him, and no charges to ever be applied to him. Law and justice in the Totemian Empire shall be administered in the name of the Emperor. The person of the Emperor shall be inviolable and immune from legal proceedings. No court or other state organ of the Totemian Empire shall bring charges against him, prosecute him, or place him on trial. Section 12: Empress and Imperial Consorts 8. If the reigning monarch is female, she shall be titled "Empress suo jure", "Empress regnant", or just "Empress". Their consort shall be titled "Imperial Consort". 8.1. If the reigning Empress has a male consort, he shall be titled "Imperial Consort". 8.2. If the Emperor has a consort, she shall be titled "Queen consort of Omnislavia" if not taken already, until marriage, where she shall be titled Empress designate, where she will become the "Empress consort of all the Totemias" once she is coronated. Section 13: Privy Council 9. His Imperial Majesty's Most Honorable Honourable Privy Council shall continue as the formal cabinet and principal body of advisers to the reigning Monarch Emperor. The Council predates this constitutional provision, and its existence shall not depend upon re-establishment by statute. 9.1. The reigning Monarch Emperor shall be the sole head and presiding authority of the Privy Council. Membership shall be prescribed by as provided by this Constitution, the Civil Code or other law, an Imperial Order, or an Imperial appointment. Unless otherwise provided by law, every Minister shall be a member of the Privy Council by virtue of holding that office. The religious head of the State Religion, as identified by the Civil Code, shall be a member of the Privy Council by virtue of holding that office. Parliament may, by law, designate other offices, ranks, or positions whose holders shall be members of the Privy Council and prescribe the conditions of that membership. Membership arising by virtue of an office, rank, or position shall continue only while the member lawfully holds it and satisfies any conditions prescribed by law. Membership of the Privy Council shall not alter the powers, duties, supervision, or chain of command of any other office held by the member. 9.2. The reigning Monarch Emperor may assign a Privy Councilor or supporting officer to organize a meeting, circulate notice, keep the authorized record, or communicate the Council's advice. Such an assignment shall not create a separate office or confer authority over other Privy Councilors. 10. A Ministry or Department is the principal unit of the High Government, to manage specific sectors of public administration, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will be headed by a Minister or Secretary, by appointment of the Emperor, with term length at His Imperial Majesty's pleasure. Section 14: Ministries and Their Subordinate Bodies Ministries are principal executive state organs of the High Government, each responsible for a defined field of public administration. Every Ministry shall be headed by a Minister and assisted by a Deputy Minister. The Minister and Deputy Minister shall be appointed and may be removed at will by the Emperor. The organization, subordinate Offices and Administrations, and other functions of each Ministry shall be governed by the Civil Code and other applicable law. Section 4: The Chancellery Article 3 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 3 Article 3: The Chancellery Part 1: Shared Chancellery Provisions Section 1: General Elections and Voting General elections for the Chancellery shall be held every 90 days after the preceding general election and shall coincide with parliamentary general elections. Only registered citizens may vote in elections within the Totemian Empire. The Chancellor and Vice Chancellor shall be elected together on a joint electoral ticket consisting of one candidate for each office. Each registered citizen eligible to vote shall have one vote for a ticket. An uncontested ticket shall be returned subject to Imperial confirmation; an election between two tickets shall be decided by simple majority; and an election with three or more tickets shall use single-winner preferential voting with transferable preferences. Chancellery candidates and joint electoral tickets shall comply with the national electoral identity, ballot-presentation, and platform-neutrality guarantees established by Article 12, Section 8A. The Civil Code shall prescribe additional administrative procedures without diminishing those guarantees. If an election produces no winner, no more than 2 public electoral retries shall be held. If both retries fail, the Emperor shall consult the people and select 1 of the following methods to determine the successful ticket: (a) a best-of-3 tic-tac-toe contest; (b) a best-of-3 duel; (c) a decision of the newly constituted Parliament by simple majority; (d) a decision of the Privy Council by simple majority; (e) direct selection by the Emperor; or (f) a decision of the 4 major political parties by simple majority. Contests under paragraphs (a) and (b) shall require the prior, informed, and voluntary consent of both competing tickets and supervision by the Emperor or his authorized representative. The Civil Code shall prescribe the voting, retry, and resolution procedures, including a final deadline and direct Imperial selection where the other methods have not produced a result. The successful ticket shall be subject to Imperial confirmation and the prescribed oaths. Special elections under Article 20 to fill only the office of Chancellor shall follow the corresponding procedures for individual candidates, without displacing a Vice Chancellor lawfully remaining in office. Section 2: Election Approval and Inauguration A Chancellery election shall require Imperial confirmation. Upon confirmation, the successful candidates shall be Chancellor-elect and Vice Chancellor-elect until they take their prescribed oaths and assume office. For a general election, the ordinary inauguration date shall be the 25th day of the month in which the original general election is scheduled. At inauguration, the Emperor or a person authorized by him shall administer the oaths prescribed in Sections 9 and 12 of this Article to the Chancellor-elect and Vice Chancellor-elect. Where Imperial confirmation occurs after the ordinary inauguration date, the confirmed candidates shall assume office promptly following administration of their prescribed oaths, without waiting for another ordinary inauguration date. A special election held under Article 20 shall not be subject to the ordinary inauguration date. A successful candidate shall assume office following Imperial confirmation of the election and administration of the prescribed oath of office. Section 3: Advisory Council of the Low Government The Advisory Council of the Low Government will be the advisory council to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. It will consist of 3 total seats to advise the administration on governance. Part 2: The Chancellor Section 4: Office and Terms of the Chancellor 1. The Chancellor shall serve as the Second in Command of the Government, hereinafter referred to as the Head of the Low Government. The Chancellor is the principal advisor and right-hand of the Emperor, holding the highest possible position attainable by a civilian within the EmpireTotemian Empire. There shall be no limit on the number of terms a Chancellor may serve. Section 5: Candidacy for the Chancellery To run for Chancellor, you must file between the time period shown in the campaigning channel in the community Discord server. If you are not the leader of the party, you must talk to your party leader and get their approval. A candidate for Chancellor or Vice Chancellor shall not stand for election to Parliament at the same general election or at another election whose nomination or polling period overlaps that Chancellery election. Before registration for a Chancellery election, each candidate shall withdraw any such parliamentary candidacy, including an automatic nomination for reelection. The National Electoral Administration shall exclude that person from the corresponding parliamentary candidate list. Participation in a Chancellery electoral retry shall continue the same candidacy for this purpose. Section 6: Powers of the Chancellor The Powers of the Chancellor will include, but are not limited to; passing and vetoing laws from Parliament, appointing and dismissing members of the Advisory Council, advising the Emperor, and so on. Section 7: Executive Orders 1.2. An Executive Order is a proclamation made by the Chancellor. If it relates to major functions of the government, it will need the Emperor's approval; however, if it is minor and within the power of the Chancellery, it will not need approval. 1.3. The Advisory Council of the Low Government will be the advisory council to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. It will consist of 3 total seats to advise the administration on governance. 2. The Powers of the Chancellor will include, but are not limited to; passing and vetoing laws from Parliament, appointing and dismissing members of the Advisory Council, advising the Emperor, and so on. 3. There shall be a General election every 90 Days after the last election. The General Election includes the Elections of the Chancellery and the General elections of Parliament. Only registered citizens may vote in these or any other elections in the empire. There shall be no limit to the number of terms a Chancellor may serve. 4. The Parliament of the Totemian Empire is the bicameral legislative body of the Empire and consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Each House may have no more than sixteen seats, including its presiding officer. The presiding officers shall be the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords and the Speaker of the House of Commons. 4.1. An ordinary bill may be introduced in either House. It shall pass the House in which it was introduced by a two-thirds vote and shall then be sent to the other House. If the other House also passes the bill by a two-thirds vote, the bill shall be sent to the Chancellor. 4.2. If the House in which a bill was introduced passed the bill by a unanimous vote of its entire sitting membership, but the other House fails to approve the same bill by a two-thirds vote on its final vote, the originating House may reconsider the bill. 4.3. If the originating House again passes the exact same text by a unanimous vote of its entire sitting membership, the bill shall be deemed passed by Parliament and shall be sent to the Chancellor without approval by the other House. 4.4. Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 apply equally to a bill originating in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. A vacant seat is not part of the sitting membership, but the absence or abstention of a sitting member prevents a unanimous vote. 4.5. A bill passed under paragraph 4.1 or 4.3 shall be presented to the Chancellor. If the Chancellor does not veto it, it shall be presented to the reigning Monarch. Upon Imperial assent, the bill becomes law. 4.6. If the Chancellor vetoes a bill passed under paragraph 4.1 or 4.3, Parliament may reintroduce the same bill as an Override Bill. 4.7. An Override Bill shall contain the exact text vetoed by the Chancellor and no other provision. 4.8. An Override Bill shall pass only if three-fourths of the House of Commons and three-fourths of the House of Lords vote in favor of both the bill and the veto override. 4.9. A successful Override Bill shall be sent directly to the reigning Monarch for approval. 4.10. If an Override Bill fails, Parliament may submit the bill to a public referendum by a two-thirds vote of each House, subject to Amendments Article 8. 4.11. For an emergency bill, both Houses shall vote simultaneously on the same text. If two-thirds of each House votes in favor, the bill shall be sent directly to the reigning Monarch and shall become law upon Imperial assent. 4.12. Appointments to the House of Lords shall be made by the reigning Monarch. A sitting member of either House may be removed from office only by the reigning Monarch and only for sufficient reason. 4.13. A member of the House of Commons shall be elected, and a member of the House of Lords shall be appointed, for a term of ninety days. Every elected member shall be treated as seeking reelection unless the member declines. If there are no vacant elected seats, every elected seat may be contested. A replaced member leaves office when the reigning Monarch confirms the general election as legitimate. 4.14. A House Resolution is a formal expression adopted by one House and represents only the position of that House. It shall be adopted by a majority of votes cast unless the rules of that House require a greater vote. 4.15. A Concurrent Resolution is a formal expression adopted in identical form by both Houses and represents the position of Parliament as a whole. It shall be adopted by a majority of votes cast in each House unless the rules of either House require a greater vote. 4.16. A House Resolution or Concurrent Resolution may censure a person or body, approve or condemn conduct, policy, an idea, an event, or a condition, make a recommendation, or issue another formal statement. 4.17. A House Resolution or Concurrent Resolution is not law and requires neither the approval of the Chancellor nor the assent of the reigning Monarch. It shall not amend or repeal law, impose a tax, appropriate money, create an offense, impose a legal duty or penalty, appoint or remove an officeholder, or bind a court, state organ, or person outside the adopting House or Houses. 4.18. A censure under this paragraph records formal disapproval or a political finding of wrongdoing only. It does not establish legal guilt or liability and does not by itself remove, disqualify, or punish any person. 5. To run for Chancellor, you must file between the time period shown in the campaigning channel in the community Discord server. If you are not the leader of the party, you must talk to your party leader and get their approval. 5.1. An election MUST be approved by the Emperor. After it is approved, the winning candidates of the Elections of the Chancellery shall be Chancellor-elect and Vice Chancellor-elect until the 25th day of the month of that election, where they are to be sworn as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. The elected Members of Parliament of the Parliamentary elections will assume their seats after being sworn in on the day the Emperor confirms the election as legitimate. A State Opening of Parliament, a ceremonial re-opening of Parliament, will occur 2-5 days or longer after the Inauguration of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. It will consist of a meeting of both Houses of Parliament assembled in the House of Peers chamber, where the Emperor will speak to Parliament from the throne, outlining the government plan of the elected Chancellor, accompanied by the Empress if applicable, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Advisory Council. 5.2. On that aforementioned 25th day of that respective month, the Chancellor-elect and Vice Chancellor-elect shall be sworn in as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor will become a Member of Parliament automatically. 5.3. Two days before the General elections, the current parliamentary term shall be dissolved via Imperial Proclamation, with all seats in both the House of Commons and Lords becoming vacant. Parliament will reconvene after the Emperor approves of the General election, with all Lords assuming their seats again, and Members of Parliament assuming their elected seats. 5.4. The oath of office for Members of Parliament, the Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor is as follows: Oath of Office for Members of Parliament "I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vasili, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God." The Chancellor shall have the authority to issue executive orders pertaining to medium national laws, provided that such orders receive the approval of the Emperor. Section 8: Regency Duties 6. In the event that the Caesarevich of Totemia or designated Heir to the throne is unable to fulfill their duties, the Chancellor shall assume the responsibilities and authority of the Emperor, in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Constitution. Where a Regency devolves upon the Chancellor under Article 2, Section 8, the Chancellor shall exercise the powers and duties of the Emperor for the duration prescribed in that Section. 7. The Chancellor shall have the authority to issue executive orders pertaining to medium national laws, provided that such orders receive the approval of the Emperor. 8. The Chancellor can be impeached by the House of Commons. If the House of Commons approves of charges, being articles of impeachment, the House of Lords will then hold a trial to determine whether they should be impeached. It will then go to the Chief Justice, and if they agree, it will go to the Emperor, who will have the final say. If either the Articles of Impeachment are not approved, the House of Lords trial fails, the Chief Justice vetoes, or if the Emperor vetoes, the process ends. If they are successfully impeached, the Chancellor will be removed from office and succeeded by the Vice Chancellor on that same day. Section 9: Oath of Office of the Chancellor The oath of office for the Chancellor shall be as follows: "I do solemnly swear(or affirm) to faithfully execute the office of Chancellor of the Totemian Empire. I pledge to protect and defend the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the State, to uphold the rights and freedoms of all Totemians, and to serve the people with loyalty and honour. I pledge my true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vasili, his heirs and successors, and to assist him according to law, in the governance of our Empire, to commit to ensuring its strength and stability, and to preserve, protect, and project our Imperial State, So help me God." “I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of Chancellor of the Totemian Empire. I pledge to protect and defend the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the Totemian Empire, uphold the rights and freedoms of all Totemians, and serve the people with loyalty and honour. I pledge my true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vasili, his heirs and successors, and will assist His Imperial Majesty, according to law, in the governance of the Totemian Empire. I further pledge to ensure its strength and stability and to preserve, protect, and project the Totemian Empire.” Part 3: The Vice Chancellor Section 10: Office and Acting Chancellor Duties 9. The Vice Chancellor will be the top advisor to the Chancellor; they will have limited power in their own right, where they will serve as Acting Chancellor during times where the Chancellor is inactive, busy with other affairs outside of Totemia, or any other event. 9.1. The Vice Chancellor can be separately impeached by the House of Commons. If the House of Commons approves of charges, being articles of impeachment, the House of Lords will then hold a trial to determine whether they should be impeached. It will then go to the Chief Justice, and if they agree, it will go to the Emperor, who will have the final say. If either the Articles of Impeachment are not approved, the House of Lords trial fails, the Chief Justice vetoes, or if the Emperor vetoes, the process ends. If they are successfully impeached, the Vice Chancellor will be removed from office, and the Chancellor will appoint a new Vice Chancellor with the consent of the Emperor. 10. The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and all civil Officers of the Empire shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. 11. Parliament may by law restrict concurrent mandates to prevent abuse of power, conflicts of interest, or improper legislative advantage. 12. A concurrent mandate restriction may suspend powers gained through another office, title, seat, or position, including powers gained through the House of Lords. 13. A person subject to a concurrent mandate restriction shall not lose their office, title, or seat solely because of the restriction. 14. A concurrent mandate restriction shall last for the period provided by law. If no period is provided, the restriction shall last while the person holds the office, title, seat, or position that made them subject to the restriction. 15. A concurrent mandate restriction shall not suspend powers granted to the person through the office being protected from conflict, unless this Constitution allows it. Section 11: Parliamentary Membership The Vice Chancellor shall, upon being sworn into office, occupy 1 reserved seat in the House of Commons by virtue of that office. That seat shall be included within the House’s total of 16 seats and shall remain reserved during a vacancy in the office of Vice Chancellor. It shall become vacant when its holder ceases to be Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor shall exercise the full rights and powers of a member of the House of Commons, including legislative and voting powers. Any parliamentary powers arising from a seat, office, title, or position in the House of Lords shall be suspended while that person holds the office of Vice Chancellor. Concurrent mandate restrictions shall preserve the Commons powers conferred by this Section. A person shall not simultaneously occupy the reserved seat and an ordinary elected seat in the House of Commons. An ordinary elected seat held by a person who assumes the office of Vice Chancellor shall become vacant and be filled under the rules for parliamentary vacancies. Section 12: Oath of Office of the Vice Chancellor The oath of office for the Vice Chancellor shall be as follows: "I do solemnly swear(or affirm) to faithfully execute the office of Vice Chancellor of the Totemian Empire, to support the Chancellor in preserving, protecting, and projecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the State, and to uphold the rights and freedoms of all Totemians. I pledge my true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vasili, his heirs and successors, according to law. I will serve with loyalty and dedication, ensuring the strength and stability of the Imperial State, to assist in all matters necessary for the Empire’s success. So help me God." “I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of Vice Chancellor of the Totemian Empire. I pledge to support the Chancellor in preserving, protecting, and projecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the Totemian Empire and to uphold the rights and freedoms of all Totemians. I pledge my true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vasili, his heirs and successors, according to law. I will serve with loyalty and dedication, ensure the strength and stability of the Totemian Empire, and assist in all matters necessary for its success.” Section 5: Sovereign Authority of the Emperor Article 4 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 4 Article 4: Sovereignty of the Emperor Section 1: Sovereign Position of the Emperor 1. The Emperor is allowed to be a de facto Absolute Monarch, but the Parliament oversees and advises him, but he has total control over the nation, and he is trusted to rule fairly. He is above the Parliament in the status of governmental power and influence. The Emperor shall be the absolute Monarch of the Totemian Empire and hold supreme sovereign authority. Parliament shall participate in the governance of the Totemian Empire through legislation, representation, oversight, and advice to the Emperor, in accordance with this Constitution. The Chancellor shall head the Low Government, advise the Emperor, and exercise the powers assigned to the office by this Constitution. The Emperor shall remain above Parliament and the Chancellor in governmental authority and is entrusted to govern fairly. Chapter 3 - Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Authority ----------------------------------------------------------- Section 6: Constitutional Amendment Procedure Article 5 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 5 Article 5: Constitutional Amendment Procedure Section 1: Methods of Constitutional Amendment 1. This Constitution may be amended by Parliament and the Emperor, or by public referendum where provided by this Constitution. Section 2: Parliamentary Approval and Imperial Assent 2. A constitutional amendment introduced through Parliament shall require approval by 3/4 of each chamber, shall be subject to the Chancellor’s approval or veto, and shall require approval by the Emperor. A constitutional amendment proposed for enactment by Parliament shall require approval by 3/4 of each chamber, shall be subject to the Chancellor’s approval or veto, and shall require approval by the Emperor. Section 3: Constitutional Override Amendments 3. If the Chancellor vetoes a constitutional amendment passed by Parliament, Parliament may reintroduce the same amendment as a Constitutional Override Amendment. Section 4: Scope of a Constitutional Override Amendment 4. A Constitutional Override Amendment shall be limited to the constitutional amendment vetoed by the Chancellor. Section 5: Approval of a Constitutional Override Amendment 5. A Constitutional Override Amendment shall pass only if 3/4 of each chamber votes in favor of the amendment and its veto override. Section 6: Presentation to the Emperor 6. If passed, the constitutional amendment shall be sent directly to the Emperor for approval. 7. If a Constitutional Override Amendment fails, Parliament may submit the amendment to a public referendum by a 2/3 vote of each chamber, subject to the rules for constitutional amendment referendums under Amendments Article 8. Section 7: Submission to Public Referendum Parliament may propose a constitutional amendment for enactment by public referendum under Article 20, Section 18. Section 7: Supreme Court and Judicial Authority Article 6 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 6 Article 6: Supreme Court and Judicial Authority Section 1: Establishment and Position of the Supreme Court 1. There is hereby established the Supreme Court of the Totemian Empire, the highest and final appellate court in all matters of law and justice within the EmpireTotemian Empire. Independent from any tributary, it will serve under no one other than the Emperor. Section 2: Jurisdiction 2. The Supreme Court shall have original and appellate jurisdiction over all cases concerning the interpretation of the Imperial Constitution, the laws of the EmpireTotemian Empire, and disputes of the highest national importance. It shall also have the authority to resolve conflicts between lower courts, government branches, and Imperial trials. Section 3: Composition and Appointment 3. The Supreme Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice and a maximum of 6 Associate Justices, totaling 7, whose appointments shall be made by the Emperor, with advice from Privy Council. Section 4: Qualifications of Justices 4. Justices of the Supreme Court must be distinguished in their legal expertise, proven integrity, and commitment to upholding the laws of the Totemian Empire. The Emperor may select candidates from among the ranks of legal scholars, former judges, or individuals with substantial experience in Imperial law. Section 5: Duties of the Chief Justice 5. The Chief Justice shall preside over the Supreme Court, oversee the administration of judicial matters, and ensure the proper functioning of the Court. The Chief Justice shall also represent the Supreme Court in official matters before the Imperial Court and the Emperor. Section 6: Constitutional Interpretation 6. The Supreme Court shall have the exclusive authority to interpret the Constitution and its amendments. It shall resolve all constitutional disputes and ensure that all laws passed by Parliament are in alignment with the fundamental principles of the Constitution. Section 7: Judicial Review 7. The Supreme Court shall possess the power of judicial review, enabling it to determine the constitutionality of federal laws laws of the Totemian Empire and executive actions. The Court may, in its discretion, strike down any bills, or executive acts that are found to be unconstitutional. Section 8: Final Appeals 8. The Supreme Court shall serve as the final arbiter for all legal appeals within the EmpireTotemian Empire, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of status, have access to impartial and fair judicial review. Section 9: Court Administration and Procedures 9. The Chief Justice shall preside over the Court’s sessions and shall have the power to determine the schedule, docket, and allocation of cases among the Justices. The Chief Justice shall have the power to establish judicial protocols and procedures in collaboration with the Associate Justices. Section 10: Commencement of Court Operations 10. The Supreme Court shall begin its operations immediately following the appointment of the Chief Justice and the selection of Associate Justices as deemed necessary by the Emperor. Section 11: Approval and Effect of Decisions 11. All decisions of the Supreme Court must be approved by the Emperor. After approval, they shall be final and binding upon all citizens, institutions, and branches of government within the Totemian Empire. Section 12: Use of the Death Penalty 12. The death penalty is to only be used in the most serious of crimes, such as treason, planned-out terrorism, mass genocide, rape, child endangerment, and child molestation. The death penalty may be imposed only for the most serious crimes, including treason, premeditated terrorism, genocide, and rape. Chapter 4 - Constituent Government and Military Service ------------------------------------------------------- Section 8: Constituent Constitutions Article 7 and former Article 5 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire are consolidated as Article 7 and amended to read: Article 7 Article 7: Constituent Constitutions Section 1: Authority to Maintain Constituent Constitutions 1. Kingdoms, Republics, and Governorates can have their own constitution under their laws while following alongside the imperial constitution. Kingdoms, and Governorates of the Totemian Empire may adopt their own constitutions in accordance with law. Article 5 Section 2: Popular Adoption and Constitutional Compliance 1. The Kingdoms, Republics, Governates, et cetera, of the imperial union must follow this Constitution, however, if so decided by the people, Kingdoms and Republics may construct their own constitution to follow alongside this one. A constituent constitution shall require the approval of the people of the relevant Kingdom, or Governorate under procedures established by law. Every constituent government and constitution shall comply with this Constitution and applicable law. Section 9: Military Draft and Service Article 8 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 8 1. In time of an active draft, and a member is drafted, they must not leave the empire until their service is no longer needed. Article 8: Military Draft and Service Section 1: Duty During an Active Draft In time of an active draft, a person who has been drafted shall not leave the Totemian Empire until that person's service is no longer needed. Section 2: Minimum Age for Wartime Drafting The minimum age for compulsory military service during wartime shall be 13 years. Section 3: Draft Eligibility Regardless of Gender Every person otherwise liable to military drafting shall be subject to the same rules of eligibility and obligation regardless of actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or gender classification, whether assigned, recorded, attributed, or self-identified. Draft eligibility shall not be reserved to men, and no person shall be excluded or exempted solely on any such ground. Section 10: Legislative Structure and Legal Effect Article 10 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 10 1. The Imperial Structure for law and bill-making is explained in Article 3, where the Parliament shall vote on most laws, and if the Chancellor approves, the Emperor has the final say, and his imperial word is law. Article 10: Legislative Structure and Legal Effect Section 1: Parliamentary Enactment An Act passed by Parliament shall acquire the force of law upon Imperial assent, subject to the constitutional requirements governing its enactment. Section 2: Enactment by Public Referendum A law or constitutional amendment enacted by public referendum shall acquire legal effect upon certification of its approval. Section 11: Constituent Governments and Settlements Article 11 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 11 Article 11: Constituent Governments and Settlements Section 1: Forms of Constituent Government 1. A Kingdom is ruled by a King or a Queen, a Governorate is ruled by a Governor, a Territory is ruled by a Lord Proprietor or the Imperial Government. a Colonial Dependency (a Colony) shall be run by the respective leader title of which the Colony government is made of, such as but not limited to, a Proprietary colony ("Commonwealth of") Section 2: Autonomy and Imperial Authority 2. Kingdoms and Governorates have limited autonomy, so it has previously been stated they can make their own laws but they MUST follow the constitution and the imperial laws. The Imperial Government has the right to dissolve a Kingdom, Governorate, and any other imperial subject And or remove its head of state. Section 3: Independence and Treason 3. A Kingdom or Governorate seeking independence without consulting the Emperor for possible compromises would and WILL be considered First Degree Treason. Section 4: Settlement Administration and Governors 4. All settlements except for Imperial Cetés, Foers (Forts), Campés (Campés), and Beurgs (Settlements outside of Foers) are ruled and managed by their respective imperial subjects. Governors have 2-month-long terms, with a 3-term limit. However, if their population cannot afford to hold an election, the Governor may rule at His Imperial Majesty's Pleasure. 4.1 The Imperial Government rules over Imperial Cetés and Foers (Forts), Campés (Campés) and Beurgs (Settlements outside of Foers). 4.2 Imperial Cetés can be managed by the Emperor if he decides to become Lord Mayor of that Cetés, where the authority moves from the Government to the Emperor himself. Section 5: Status of Constituent Monarchs 5. Kings/Queens are classified as ceremonial monarchs unless otherwise stated, with the same power as a Governor, except for their royal title in their respective kingdom. Section 6: Settlements and Charters 6. The settlements shall be of; Cetés (Cities), Toens (Towns), Staugs (Small Towns), and Detches (Villages) 6.1 Settlements can be registered for charter in the settlement registry, once approved by the Minister of the Interior or the Emperor, the settlement is granted that charter. Section 7: Territorial Divisions 7. Kingdoms will be divided into: Kingdom (Led by a King/Queen, assisted by a Regent & a unicameral legislature called a Royal Council) > Dukedoms/Duchies (Led by a Duke/Duchess) > Earldoms (Led by an Earl/Countess)> Baronships (Led by a Baron/Baroness) (Settlements) All Dukes, Earls, Barons (the nobility) will be apart of the Royal Council. 7.1 Governorates will be divided into: Governorate (Led by a Governor, assisted by a Lieutenant Governor & a unicameral legislature called a General Assembly > Provinces (Led by a Provost) > Counties (Led by a Sheriff) > Settlement (Led by a Mayor) 7.2 Territories will be divided into: Territory (Led by a Lord Proprietor, assisted by a Deputy Proprietor & a unicameral legislature called a Territorial Council) > Provinces (Led by a Governor) > Counties (Led by a Sheriff) > Settlement (Led by a Mayor) Chapter 5 - Parliament and State Powers --------------------------------------- Section 12: Parliament and Legislative Procedure The Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 12 immediately after Article 11, to read: Article 12: Parliament and Legislative Procedure Section 1: Composition of Parliament The Parliament of the Totemian Empire is the bicameral legislative body of the Totemian Empire and consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Commons shall have 16 seats, including its Speaker and the seat reserved for the Vice Chancellor under Article 3, Section 11. The House of Lords may have no more than 16 seats, including its Lord Speaker. The presiding officers shall be the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords and the Speaker of the House of Commons. Section 2: Ordinary Bills An ordinary bill may be introduced in either House. It shall pass the House in which it was introduced by a simple majority of the valid votes cast and shall then be sent to the other House. If the other House also approves the bill by a simple majority of the valid votes cast, the bill shall be sent to the Chancellor. Constitutional amendment bills, including Constitutional Override Amendments, shall be governed by Article 5. The procedures in Sections 2–6 of this Article shall not replace or dispense with the requirements of Article 5. Section 3: House Override Bills If an ordinary bill is approved by a simple majority of the valid votes cast in its originating House, but fails to receive the required simple majority in the other House on its final vote, the originating House may introduce a House Override Bill. A House Override Bill shall identify the original bill and contain a declaration substantially in the following form: "The bill entitled '[Official Title of Original Bill]', having received the approval of the House of [Originating House], failed to receive the required approval of the House of [Other House]. This House Override Bill is introduced to continue the legislative proceedings of the identified bill without alteration to its original text." A House Override Bill shall require approval by at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in the originating House. Upon its approval, the original bill shall be deemed passed by Parliament and shall be presented to the Chancellor under Section 4 without approval by the other House. Section 4: Presentation to the Chancellor and Imperial Assent A bill passed under Section 2 or Section 3 shall be presented to the Chancellor. If the Chancellor does not veto it, it shall be presented to the Emperor. Upon Imperial assent, the bill becomes law. Section 5: Chancellor's Veto and Chancellor Override Bills If the Chancellor vetoes a bill passed under Section 2 or Section 3, Parliament may introduce a Chancellor Override Bill. A Chancellor Override Bill shall identify the original bill and contain a declaration substantially in the following form: "The bill entitled '[Official Title of Original Bill]', having been passed by Parliament and presented to the Chancellor, failed to receive the Chancellor's approval and was vetoed. This Chancellor Override Bill is introduced to continue the legislative proceedings of the identified bill notwithstanding the Chancellor's veto, without alteration to its original text." A Chancellor Override Bill shall pass only if at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in the House of Commons and at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in the House of Lords are in favor of overriding the Chancellor's veto. Upon approval of a Chancellor Override Bill, the original bill shall be sent directly to the Emperor for Imperial assent, without further approval by the Chancellor. Parliament may refer a proposed law to a public referendum under Article 20, Section 18. Section 5A: Common Provisions for Override Bills Each House Override Bill and Chancellor Override Bill shall identify the original bill by its official title and by reference to the parliamentary record establishing the original bill's text and the legislative action that prevented its advancement. The original bill's text shall be incorporated by reference and need not be reproduced in an Override Bill. An Override Bill shall not amend, replace, or otherwise alter the original bill's substantive provisions. Approval of an Override Bill shall continue the original bill from the stage at which it failed to advance. The Override Bill shall not independently enact the original bill or dispense with any further approval or Imperial assent required by this Constitution. A House Override Bill and a Chancellor Override Bill shall remain subject to the bill-form requirements prescribed by law, but shall be governed by the special voting thresholds in Sections 3 and 5, respectively, rather than the ordinary-bill voting threshold in Section 2. Section 6: Emergency Bills For an emergency bill, both Houses shall vote simultaneously on the same text. If 2/3 of each House votes in favor, the bill shall be sent directly to the Emperor and shall become law upon Imperial assent. Section 7: Appointment and Removal of Members Appointments to the House of Lords shall be made by the Emperor. A sitting member of either House may be removed from office only by the Emperor and only for sufficient reason. This limitation shall not prevent the removal of a directly elected member upon certification of a successful recall in accordance with Article 20. Section 8: Terms of Office and Elections to the House of Commons An ordinary elected member of the House of Commons and an appointed member of the House of Lords shall serve for a term of 90 days, subject to the dissolution and assumption-of-office provisions of Section 12. The Vice Chancellor’s reserved seat shall be governed by Article 3, Section 11. The 15 ordinary elected seats in the House of Commons shall be filled from a single nationwide constituency. Any eligible citizen may file as a candidate. Every incumbent ordinary elected member shall be entered automatically as a candidate for the next general election, subject to continuing eligibility and the right to withdraw. Dissolution before the election shall not cancel that candidacy. If the number of eligible candidates at the close of nominations does not exceed the number of ordinary elected seats to be filled, all shall be returned unopposed and any remaining seats shall be vacant. If there are more candidates than seats, the seats shall be filled by single transferable vote (STV). Each elector shall have 1 transferable vote and may rank any number of eligible candidates in order of preference, up to all candidates on the ballot, without being limited to the number of seats being filled. No elector shall be required to rank every candidate. The National Electoral Administration shall administer nominations, uncontested returns, voting, counting, and vacancies under law. Election or return unopposed shall remain subject to Imperial confirmation and the prescribed oath. The Speaker’s seat shall be included within the House’s total and shall not be additional to it. Section 8A: National Electoral Identity and Ballot Guarantees Every candidate for Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, or an ordinary elected seat in the House of Commons shall have an active National ID, with legal identity verified against the Civil Registry before candidacy is accepted. Every person elected, returned unopposed, appointed, or otherwise entitled to assume a seat in either House, including the Vice Chancellor's reserved seat, shall have an active National ID verified before assuming office. The Civil Code shall provide for correction of administrative errors. A later identification deficiency shall not independently permit removal of a sitting member contrary to this Constitution. Every national candidate ballot shall identify candidates by their legal names in the Civil Registry and the registered political parties under which they stand, or "Independent" if unaffiliated. Members of a Chancellery joint ticket shall be separately identified by office, legal name, and individual party affiliation. Legal names shall appear more prominently, with party affiliation or independent status directly beneath. No honorific, noble title, public office other than the office contested, parliamentary designation, academic or professional title, military or religious rank, or political party position shall appear as part of candidate identification. National ID numbers and confidential identifiers shall not be publicly displayed. Commons candidates shall appear in groups ordered alphabetically by registered political party name, and by surname and then given name within each party group. Independent candidates shall be grouped under "Independent" using the same candidate-sorting rules. Neutral uniform rules shall apply to compound and single legal names. A party's internal hierarchy, incumbency, endorsement, or seniority shall not alter ballot placement. The designation "Independent" and other terms representing the absence of party affiliation shall be protected against misleading registration or use as political party names or ballot designations. No party shall be registered under a name or abbreviation reasonably likely to be mistaken for "Independent", "No Party", "Unaffiliated", "No Labels", or a substantially equivalent indication of non-affiliation. The Civil Code shall provide for name examination, correction, and review. In a contested ordinary Commons election, each elector shall have one transferable vote and may rank from one candidate to every eligible candidate on the ballot. The voter-selected order, not printed ballot placement, governs vote allocation and transfers. The first preference receives the vote initially; subsequent preferences may receive vote value upon lawful exclusion or transfer of surplus. Ranking additional candidates shall not confer additional votes, divide a full vote between candidates at the beginning of the count, or diminish the first preference. Every national electoral ballot shall provide clear, prominent instructions specific to its lawful voting method and medium. No candidate shall be automatically assigned a preference without an affirmative voter choice. Electors shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and correct their preferences before final submission. The National Electoral Administration may conduct elections using paper ballots, a government-developed digital system, an independently provided external platform, or another lawful voting arrangement. No unique government digital voting platform shall be required. Every arrangement shall preserve ballot secrecy, candidate equality, accessibility, all legally permitted preferences, the prescribed counting method, and independently verifiable election records. The Administration shall remain responsible for conduct and certification. The Civil Code shall prescribe further procedures without diminishing the guarantees in this Section. Every ballot cast by a registered elector in a public election, referendum, recall, or other public vote shall be subject to independent verification of lawful recording and inclusion in the result. Ballot secrecy shall bind every public authority, including the Emperor. Administrative privileges, account recovery, or an order for production of records shall not confer access to an identified elector's choices. Where a government-developed digital voting platform is used, electors shall have private access to their voting records and may replace their digital submissions before the final 30 minutes of the relevant voting period, with only the latest accepted lawful submission effective for each contest or question. The Civil Code shall regulate limited participation lookup, private records, trustworthy timing, public verification records and interfaces, independent examination, custody, audit before certification, and review of material irregularities while preserving secrecy. Section 9: House Resolutions A House Resolution is a formal expression adopted by one House and represents only the position of that House. It shall be adopted by a majority of votes cast unless the rules of that House require a greater vote. Section 10: Concurrent Resolutions A Concurrent Resolution is a formal expression adopted in identical form by both Houses and represents the position of Parliament as a whole. It shall be adopted by a majority of votes cast in each House unless the rules of either House require a greater vote. Section 11: Subject Matter and Effect of Resolutions A House Resolution or Concurrent Resolution may censure a person or body, approve or condemn conduct, policy, an idea, an event, or a condition, make a recommendation, or issue another formal statement. A House Resolution or Concurrent Resolution is not law and requires neither the approval of the Chancellor nor the assent of the Emperor. It shall not amend or repeal law, impose a tax, appropriate money, create an offense, impose a legal duty or penalty, appoint or remove an officeholder, or bind a court, state organ, or person outside the adopting House or Houses. A Parliamentary Recall Resolution or Parliamentary Referendum Resolution adopted under Article 20 shall be exempt from the limitations of this Section to the extent necessary to initiate and require the administration of the public vote. The legal effect of the result shall follow Article 20. A censure under this Section records formal disapproval or a political finding of wrongdoing only. It does not establish legal guilt or liability and does not by itself remove, disqualify, or punish any person. Section 12: Parliamentary Elections, Dissolution, and State Opening Parliamentary general elections shall be held every 90 days after the preceding general election and shall take place concurrently with general elections for the Chancellery. Only registered citizens may vote. 2 days before a parliamentary general election, the current parliamentary term shall be dissolved by Imperial Proclamation, with the ordinary elected Commons seats and the Lords seats becoming vacant. Parliament shall reconvene after Imperial confirmation of the parliamentary election. Lords shall resume their seats and elected Commons members shall assume their seats under the applicable confirmation and oath requirements. The Vice Chancellor’s reserved seat shall remain governed by Article 3, Section 11. The elected Members of Parliament shall assume their seats after being sworn in on the day the Emperor confirms the election as legitimate. A State Opening of Parliament, a ceremonial re-opening of Parliament, will occur 2-5 days or longer after the Inauguration of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. It will consist of a meeting of both Houses of Parliament assembled in the House of Peers chamber, where the Emperor will speak to Parliament from the throne, outlining the government plan of the elected Chancellor, accompanied by the Empress if applicable, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Advisory Council. Section 13: Parliamentary Oath of Office Every Member of Parliament shall make the following solemn affirmation before assuming the duties of office: "I solemnly (swear or affirm) that, guided by my political convictions, I will faithfully discharge my parliamentary duties, fulfill my responsibilities to the Totemian Empire, uphold its Imperial Orders, Constitution, Civil Code, and other laws, and recognize the sovereign authority of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Vasili the First and his designated successors." Section 14: Concurrent Mandates Parliament may, by law, regulate concurrent mandates to prevent conflicts of interest, abuses of power, or improper legislative advantage. Such regulations may restrict or suspend the exercise of powers arising from a person's simultaneous holding of multiple offices, titles, seats, or positions, including legislative and voting powers in either House of Parliament, without requiring the relinquishment of any such office, title, seat, or position. Restrictions shall remain effective for the period prescribed by law or, in the absence of such provision, for as long as the conflicting mandates are held concurrently. Powers independently conferred by the office being protected from conflict shall remain unaffected, except where this Constitution expressly provides otherwise. Section 15: Impeachment of the Chancellor The Chancellor can be impeached by the House of Commons. If the House of Commons approves of charges, being articles of impeachment, the House of Lords will then hold a trial to determine whether they should be impeached. It will then go to the Chief Justice, and if they agree, it will go to the Emperor, who will have the final say. If either the Articles of Impeachment are not approved, the House of Lords trial fails, the Chief Justice vetoes, or if the Emperor vetoes, the process ends. If they are successfully impeached, the Chancellor will be removed from office and succeeded by the Vice Chancellor on that same day. Section 16: Impeachment of the Vice Chancellor The Vice Chancellor can be separately impeached by the House of Commons. If the House of Commons approves of charges, being articles of impeachment, the House of Lords will then hold a trial to determine whether they should be impeached. It will then go to the Chief Justice, and if they agree, it will go to the Emperor, who will have the final say. If either the Articles of Impeachment are not approved, the House of Lords trial fails, the Chief Justice vetoes, or if the Emperor vetoes, the process ends. If they are successfully impeached, the Vice Chancellor will be removed from office, and the Chancellor will appoint a new Vice Chancellor with the consent of the Emperor. Section 17: Grounds for Removal on Impeachment The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and all civil Officers of the Totemian Empire shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Section 18: Determination of Parliamentary Votes For the purposes of determining whether a measure has obtained a required majority or fraction of votes in either House, only valid votes cast in favor of or against the measure shall be counted. Absences and abstentions shall not count as votes cast or as votes against a measure, and vacant seats shall not count toward the sitting membership. This Section shall not alter any express requirement concerning the entire sitting membership. A vote in favor recorded for an eligible prime sponsor under law shall count as a valid vote cast only in a digital vote under Section 23. Any formal vote or abstention recorded before voting closes shall replace that default vote. Section 19: Formal Declaration of Imperial Assent The Emperor shall signify Imperial assent to a Bill passed by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire by a dated declaration identifying the Emperor by name and Imperial titles and identifying the Bill by its official title, in the following form: “I, [Name], Emperor of all the Totemias, [Additional Imperial Titles], hereby grant my Imperial Assent to the Bill entitled ‘[Full Official Title of Bill]’, as passed by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire, on [Day] [Month] [Year]. By this assent, the Bill becomes law of the Totemian Empire and takes effect in accordance with its provisions.” Illustrative example only: “I, Vasili the First, Emperor of all the Totemias, King of Omnislavia, Grand Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces, Supreme Head of the Imperial Government, Pauramonté of the High Government, Head of the Commonwealth, hereby grant my Imperial Assent to the Bill entitled ‘Constitutional Reform Act of 2026’, as passed by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire, on 25 October 2026. By this assent, the Bill becomes law of the Totemian Empire and takes effect in accordance with its provisions.” Each bracketed field shall be completed before the declaration is authenticated. The additional Imperial titles shall be those recognized in Article 2, Section 7, excluding the title Emperor of all the Totemias already stated in the declaration. The Bill's official title shall be reproduced as passed by Parliament, and the date shall be written in day-month-year order, with the day expressed numerically without an ordinal suffix, the month spelled out, and the year expressed in four digits, separated by spaces without a comma, for example, 13 October 2026. The declaration shall bear the Emperor's signature or another authenticated expression of assent. It records the grant of Imperial assent and shall not require further approval by Parliament. Section 20: Mandatory Parliamentary Enacting Clause Every bill introduced in the Parliament of the Totemian Empire, including a bill to amend the Constitution, shall contain the following enacting clause before its operative provisions: "Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire, duly assembled, with the assent of the Emperor, as follows:" Section 21: Submission of Bills for Floor Votes A Member of Parliament entitled to introduce a bill may submit it directly to the competent House for consideration and a floor vote. Referral to another body, or that body’s review, approval, recommendation, or other action, shall not be required for the bill to reach the floor for voting. Parliament may obtain research, advice, and drafting assistance. A bill’s progression to a floor vote shall not depend upon the completion of those activities. The submission, consideration, and passage of bills shall comply with the voting thresholds and legislative procedures established by this Constitution, including passage between Houses, Chancellery legislative review where required, and Imperial assent. Section 22: Appropriations Parliament shall have the right, by law, to appropriate funds of the Totemian Empire, determine their use, and amend or repeal appropriations. Parliament may, by law, direct the transfer or reallocation of appropriated funds. Section 23: Digital Voting and Sittings at the Capitol A vote on a bill conducted remotely or through a digital voting period shall remain open to all eligible members for at least 24 continuous hours. The complete text being voted upon shall be available to every eligible member throughout that period. The result shall not be declared final before the period expires, even if the required threshold has already been reached. For parliamentary voting records, the date on which a bill is introduced in Parliament shall be its voting date. All votes cast digitally on the bill shall be recorded under that date, including votes cast after midnight or on a later calendar day. The minimum 24-hour voting period shall be measured from the actual time at which voting opens. The 24-hour period shall not apply to a vote taken during a duly convened sitting of the House in its chamber in the Capitol Building. The sitting and the full text of the bill shall be notified to all members in advance in accordance with the rules of the House. Only members present in the chamber when the vote is taken may vote; every other member shall be recorded as absent. Votes shall be cast during the sitting, and no default sponsor vote, proxy vote, or previously submitted remote vote shall be counted. Use of electronic equipment solely to record votes cast by members present in the chamber shall not make the vote a remote vote. If remote participation is permitted, the 24-hour rule shall apply. These rules shall apply to every vote on the passage, reconsideration, amendment, or veto override of a bill, including constitutional and emergency bills. Section 13: Rights and Powers of the Totemian Empire The Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 13 immediately after Article 12, as inserted by Section 12 of this Act, to read: Article 13: Rights and Powers of the Totemian Empire Section 1: Currency and Monetary Control The Totemian Empire shall possess the exclusive right to create, mint, and issue currency within the Totemian Empire, and shall have authority over the central management, circulation, possession, use, and influence of currency and money within its jurisdiction. Currency may be held by the Totemian Empire, individuals, and private organizations as a temporary possession subject to the Totemian Empire's monetary control. The Totemian Empire may impose taxation, monetary limits, restrictions, and seizures, and may regulate the influence exercised through the possession or use of money. Currency shall serve as a means of exchange for limited resources, labor, and skill. The Totemian Empire may use taxation to recirculate existing currency and manage its supply. The Totemian Empire shall also have the right to borrow money and issue debt. Section 2: Regulation for Social Cohesion The Totemian Empire shall have the right to regulate persons, organizations, economic activity, conduct, association, and expression where necessary for social cohesion or the well-being of the Totemian Empire or society as a whole. This authority shall include the protection of identities and persons associated with those identities where necessary for social cohesion. Regulation under this Section shall be directed to the stated public purpose and shall not be exercised for the private advantage of an officeholder or private actor. The Totemian Empire shall have the right to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the creation, publication, distribution, display, possession, or use of media and other expressive material. Restrictions may apply to particular works or categories of material based on their content, subject matter, form, or method of production. Section 3: Regulation and Control of the Economy The Totemian Empire shall have the right to regulate, direct, organize, and exercise control over the economy, and to participate directly in economic activity. Where the Totemian Empire has established no governing economic policy or restriction, private actors may continue to operate. Such operation shall not limit the Totemian Empire's right to establish policy, impose regulation, or exercise control over the economy. Section 4: Land and Subordinate Governments The Totemian Empire shall have authority over the lands of the Totemian Empire, including lands held or administered by subnational governments and localities. It may establish, alter, reorganize, or dissolve subordinate governments and change their powers, structures, territorial jurisdiction, and control of land. The Emperor may also exercise this authority in relation to subordinate governments. No compensation shall be payable to a subnational government, locality, or other subordinate government for the transfer, taking, or reassignment of governmental land or the alteration of its governmental powers or structure. The Totemian Empire may acquire or take privately owned land. The owner shall receive compensation of not less than 110% of the legally listed property value of the land. Where land is privately owned under the constitutional right to land but has no lawful property listing, a competent court shall determine its ownership, value, and compensation. Compensation shall include the same minimum addition of 10% to the property value determined by the court. Section 5: Strategic Interests and Organs of the Totemian Empire The Totemian Empire shall have the right to protect and control strategic interests in the economy where necessary for social cohesion or the preservation of the Totemian Empire. For those purposes it may introduce regulation, prescribe what activities must or must not be undertaken, impose restrictions, and establish, operate, reorganize, or dissolve governmental organizations and organs of the Totemian Empire. The Totemian Empire may require private organizations to provide goods, services, facilities, information, coordination, or other assistance needed to meet governmental requirements for those purposes. Section 6: Regulation of the Totemian Empire The Totemian Empire shall have the power to regulate itself, including its internal organization, administration, procedures, institutional operations, and the conduct of its organs. Section 7: Exercise and Delegation of Powers All powers vested in or conferred upon the Totemian Empire may be exercised by the Emperor or given effect through Acts of Parliament, Imperial Orders, and other lawful instruments, in accordance with the hierarchy of legal authority. Such instruments may establish state organs or institutions and confer or delegate powers to them, or assign powers to existing organs or institutions. Every state organ or institution shall exercise only powers conferred by law or lawfully delegated to it, within the jurisdiction, purposes, procedures, and conditions prescribed by the governing law or instrument of delegation. Its creation shall not, by itself, confer powers beyond those provided by law. Powers expressly reserved to a particular organ, institution, or office shall be exercised or delegated only in accordance with the provisions governing that reservation. Section 8: Military and Security Forces The Totemian Empire shall have the right to establish, maintain, organize, equip, and operate its own military and security forces, within and outside its territory, in accordance with this Constitution and applicable law. Section 9: Borders, Immigration, and Citizenship The Totemian Empire shall have the right to control its borders and regulate entry into, residence within, and departure from its territory, including immigration, admission, naturalization, and citizenship. Section 10: Foreign Relations The Totemian Empire shall have the right to conduct foreign relations; recognize foreign states and governments and withdraw such recognition; establish and maintain diplomatic and consular missions; conclude, amend, and terminate treaties and other international agreements, including military treaties and alliances; participate in international organizations; and impose, modify, and lift sanctions. Section 11: State Provision and Development The Totemian Empire shall have the right to establish, provide, maintain, and operate services, industries, infrastructure, and facilities, including education, healthcare, housing, transportation, utilities, communications, and social assistance. The Totemian Empire shall have the right to directly undertake production, including the creation of goods, commodities, works of art, and other material or intellectual works. The Totemian Empire shall also have the right to directly undertake construction, alteration, repair, renovation, and demolition. Section 12: Ideological and Cultural Work The Totemian Empire shall have the right to create, publish, distribute, and promote propaganda; develop and promote ideologies; and undertake ideological education and cultural work. The Totemian Empire shall have the right to identify, designate, preserve, restore, and promote cultural heritage, including works of art, historic sites, monuments, artifacts, archives, traditions, and other material or intangible heritage. Section 13: Legal Instruments and Bodies of Rules The Totemian Empire shall have the right to establish, recognize, organize, regulate, amend, and repeal legal instruments and bodies of rules, regardless of their title or designation. The Totemian Empire may determine their legal status, scope, and position within the hierarchy of legal authority. It may prescribe procedures for their adoption, amendment, administration, and enforcement. The Totemian Empire may give legal effect to instruments and rules adopted by state organs or organizations and determine whom they legally bind. Recognition shall not, by itself, make state approval a condition for an organization to adopt or amend its own internal rules. Section 14: Standards and Official Records The Totemian Empire shall have the right to establish and regulate standards of measurement, timekeeping, identification, certification, and classification. The Totemian Empire shall have the right to conduct censuses, compile statistics, maintain official records and registries, and determine their legal effect. Section 15: Natural Resources and Environmental Protection The Totemian Empire shall have the right to explore, develop, manage, conserve, and regulate natural resources. The Totemian Empire shall have the right to protect and restore the environment, preserve ecosystems and wildlife, prevent and control pollution, and establish protected areas. Chapter 6 - Civil Rights and Protections ---------------------------------------- Section 14: Religion, Expression, Assembly, and Petition Former Article 1 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 14 and amended to read: Article 1 1. The government shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Low Government for a redress of grievances. Article 14: Religion, Expression, Assembly, and Petition Section 1: Freedom of Religion Every person shall enjoy freedom of religious belief and practice. No person shall be compelled to profess or renounce a religion or participate in worship. Religious practice may be restricted by law only where necessary and proportionate to protect the public interest. Section 2: State Religion The establishment of a State Religion, its replacement by another religion, or the removal of its status as State Religion shall require approval by public referendum under Article 20. The proposition shall identify the religion concerned and set out the complete proposed legislative text. A proposition establishing or replacing a State Religion shall include: (A) the official name of the proposed State Religion; (B) its organizational hierarchy, listing every office, its powers, and its position within that hierarchy; and (C) its foundational rules governing its organization and internal affairs. The hierarchy and foundational rules shall be set out in the proposed amendments to the Civil Code. Where replacement is proposed, the proposition shall identify both the existing State Religion and its proposed successor. Upon Imperial assent to an Act of Parliament providing for a change in status under this Section, the National Electoral Administration shall submit the proposition without requiring a petition or further parliamentary referral. Assent shall qualify the proposition and start the timetable in Article 20, Section 16. Approval shall require the applicable threshold in Article 20, Section 3, calculated under Section 7. The change shall take effect upon certification under Article 20, Section 17, or on a later date specified in the approved text. The Totemian Empire may support the State Religion by law. The State Religion shall be a religious organization and shall not constitute a state organ. Its religious offices and internal governance shall be prescribed by the Civil Code and its lawful canon law. Section 3: Protection of Other Religions The establishment or support of a state religion shall not authorize interference with other religions, the destruction of their institutions or places of worship, or restrictions imposed solely because they differ from the state religion. Section 4: Canon Law A state religion may govern its internal affairs through canon law, subject to this Constitution and the Civil Code. The Civil Code may prescribe its scope, limits, and procedures for adoption and amendment. Section 5: Structure and Hierarchy Upon the establishment or reorganization of a state religion, all offices, their powers, and their place within its hierarchy shall be set out in a dedicated section of the Civil Code. Its canon law shall conform to that structure and clearly identify the authority of each office. Section 6: Funding and Grants Public funding may be allotted to the State Religion for purposes authorized by law. Grants may be made available to the State Religion and other religious organizations from funds authorized for that purpose, under fair and transparent eligibility criteria. Member-funded religious maintenance taxation shall be governed by Article 9. Section 7: Freedom of Expression and the Press Every person shall enjoy freedom of expression and the press, including the right to seek, receive, and communicate information and ideas through any medium. These freedoms may be restricted by law only where necessary and proportionate to protect the public interest. Criticism of public authorities or religious institutions shall not, by itself, justify restriction or punishment. Section 8: Media and Expressive Material The creation, publication, distribution, display, and possession of media and expressive material may be regulated by law, subject to Section 7. Any restriction shall identify the material or conduct concerned and the public interest protected. Section 9: Peaceful Assembly and Association Every person shall enjoy freedom of peaceful assembly and association. These freedoms may be restricted by law only where necessary and proportionate to protect the public interest. Section 10: Petition and Protection of Rights Every person shall have the right, individually or collectively, to petition the Imperial Government, subnational governments, localities, and their respective authorities for redress of grievances, without retaliation for doing so. Restrictions under this Article shall be subject to judicial review. The powers provided by Article 13, Section 2, insofar as they concern rights protected by this Article, shall be exercised subject to this Article. Section 14A: State Religion Referendums Title 1, Chapter 1, Article 5 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Section 5 immediately after Section 4, to read: Section 5: State Religion The establishment of a State Religion, its replacement by another religion, or the removal of its status as State Religion shall require approval by public referendum in accordance with Article 14, Section 2 and Article 20 of the Constitution. The proposition shall identify the religion concerned and set out the complete proposed legislative text. A proposition establishing or replacing a State Religion shall include: (A) the official name of the proposed State Religion; (B) its organizational hierarchy, listing every office, its powers, and its position within that hierarchy; and (C) its foundational rules governing its organization and internal affairs. The hierarchy and foundational rules shall be set out in the proposed amendments to the Civil Code. Where replacement is proposed, the proposition shall identify both the existing State Religion and its proposed successor. Submission, approval, certification, and commencement shall follow Article 14, Section 2 and Article 20 of the Constitution. Recognition of a religious organization under this Article shall not confer the status of State Religion. Section 15: Military and Security Forces Former Article 2 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 15 and amended to read: Article 2 1. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, and under the imperial law, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed under the appropriate laws and restrictions. Article 15: Military and Security Forces Section 1: Subnational Military Forces Subnational governments shall have the right to establish, organize, equip, and maintain their own military forces, subject to this Constitution and the Civil Code. Section 2: Locality Security Forces Localities may establish and maintain security forces but shall not establish or maintain military forces. Section 3: Private Security Forces Private persons may establish and maintain security forces upon notifying the Imperial Government of their name, identifying symbols, and responsible leadership. Any additional requirements or restrictions governing such forces shall have effect only if prescribed in the Civil Code. Section 4: Regulation Parliament shall have authority to regulate military and security forces established under this Article. Such regulations shall have effect only if the Civil Code is amended to provide for them. Section 5: Weapons and Vehicles Every person, and every military or security force lawfully established under this Article, may acquire, possess, carry, and use weapons and vehicles for lawful personal defense, security, or military purposes, subject to this Article. Section 6: Restrictions and Public Approval Any law restricting or prohibiting the acquisition, possession, carrying, use, sale, or distribution of weapons or vehicles for personal defense, security, or military purposes shall require passage by Parliament, Imperial assent, and approval by public referendum. Such restrictions shall have effect only if the Civil Code is amended to provide for them. Upon Imperial assent, the National Electoral Administration shall submit the approved text to a public referendum without requiring a petition or further parliamentary referral. Approval shall require at least 60% of participating voters, calculated under Article 20. The restriction shall take effect only after certification of approval, or on any later date specified in the law. These requirements shall apply equally to subsequent amendments imposing, extending, or strengthening a restriction, notwithstanding the expiry of the protection period under Article 20. Section 7: Storage and Training Rules governing storage or training shall not require public referendum approval. Such rules shall not be used to impose restrictions on acquisition, possession, carrying, use, sale, or distribution without satisfying Section 6. Section 16: Quartering of Soldiers Former Article 3 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 16 and amended to read: Article 3 Article 16: Quartering of Soldiers Section 1: Consent and Legal Requirements for Quartering 1. No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Section 17: Searches and Seizures Former Article 4 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 17 and amended to read: Article 4 1. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, 2. But upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Article 17: Security Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures Section 1: Security and Warrant Requirements The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Section 18: Equal Civil Opportunity Former Article 6 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 18 and amended to read: Article 6 1. All citizens and subjects have the right to open a business, buy land, apply for a job, work for the government, seek education, and ride public transportation, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, or political stance. Article 18: Equal Civil Opportunity Section 1: Equal Civil Opportunity Every citizen and every other person lawfully resident in the Totemian Empire shall have the right, subject to applicable legal qualifications and procedures, to establish and operate a lawful commercial organization, acquire and own land, seek employment in the private sector or public service, pursue education, and use public transportation. Access to these activities shall not be denied or restricted solely on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or political opinion or affiliation. Section 19: Right to Seek Refuge Former Article 7 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 19 and amended to read: Article 7 1. All people, no matter ethnicity, sexual orientation, past actions, as long as no major crimes, in other nations, have the right to refuge in our territories. 2. However, the Government has the right to refuse. Article 19: Right to Seek Refuge Section 1: Right to Seek Refuge Every person shall have the right to seek refuge in the Totemian Empire and to have that request considered by the competent state organ in accordance with law, without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or political opinion. Section 2: Determination of Refuge Applications The competent state organ may grant or refuse refuge on grounds established by law, including serious criminal conduct, material threats to public safety or state security, or material fraud in the application. The right to seek refuge shall not, by itself, confer an unconditional right to enter or remain in the Totemian Empire. Section 20: Voting, Referendums, and Recall Former Article 8 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 20 and amended to read: Article 8 Article 20: Voting, Referendums, and Recall Section 1: Voting Rights 1. All citizens shall have the right to vote in elections, public referendums, recalls, and other public votes when provided by law. Section 2: Ballot Petitions Citizens may place a proposed law, constitutional amendment, amendment or repeal of ordinary law, or recall on the ballot by petition. A petition shall require valid signatures from at least 10% of the number of citizens who cast a valid ballot in the most recent Imperial general election, rounded up to the next whole number and subject to a minimum of 1 signature. A citizen voting in more than 1 contest at that election shall be counted once. The National Electoral Administration shall publish the resulting signature requirement. Section 3: Public Referendum Approval Thresholds A public referendum concerning ordinary law shall pass if at least 60% of participating voters vote in favor. A public referendum concerning a constitutional amendment shall pass if at least 70% of participating voters vote in favor. Section 4: Recall Eligibility and Approval 4. A recall may only be used against an office filled by direct public election, except as provided in this Section for an appointed replacement Vice Chancellor, and shall pass if at least 60% of participating voters vote in favor. An ordinary elected office filled by an unopposed return shall be treated as an office filled by direct public election for the purposes of recall. An appointed replacement Vice Chancellor shall become eligible for recall after 14 consecutive calendar days of service under that appointment. A recall petition against that appointee may not be filed, and a Parliamentary Recall Resolution against that appointee may not be adopted, before that period has elapsed. This waiting period shall not restrict impeachment or any lawful power of the Emperor. Section 5: Certification and Protection of Referendum Laws 5. A law, amendment, or repeal approved by public referendum shall take effect once certified. Parliament shall not amend, repeal, suspend, or weaken a law approved by public referendum for 90 days after certification, unless approved by another public referendum. Section 6: Removal and Filling of Vacancies Following Recall 6. An official removed by recall shall be removed from office once certified, and a new election shall be held or an appointment may be made by the Emperor to fill the vacancy. A successful recall shall remove the official from office upon certification. The resulting vacancy shall be filled under the succession, election, or appointment rules applicable to that office, including Section 11 for vacancies in the Chancellery. 7. For this Article, participating voters shall mean citizens who cast a valid vote on the question being decided. Section 7: Participating Voters For the purposes of this Article, participating voters means citizens who cast a valid vote in favor of or against the question submitted. Citizens who do not vote, abstain, or cast an invalid vote shall not be included in the total of participating voters. The applicable percentage required for approval shall be calculated solely from the valid affirmative and negative votes cast on that question. Where no valid affirmative or negative vote is cast, the proposal shall not be approved. Section 8: Referendum Enacting Clause Every proposed law, constitutional amendment, or repeal submitted for enactment by public referendum shall bear, upon approval, the following enactment clause: "Be it enacted by the People of the Totemian Empire, as follows:". This clause shall be used in place of the parliamentary enactment clause. The legal effect of the measure and the certification of the referendum shall continue to be governed by this Article. Section 9: Parliamentary Recall Resolutions Parliament may initiate a recall referendum against the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, or both by a Parliamentary Recall Resolution approved by at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in each House. Approval by both Houses shall be required; the procedure for passing an ordinary bill without the other House's approval shall not apply. The resolution may originate in either House and shall identify the official or officials concerned. A Parliamentary Recall Resolution shall not constitute a bill and shall require neither the Chancellor's approval nor Imperial assent. Neither the Chancellor nor the Emperor may veto or prevent a recall referendum lawfully initiated under this Section. Upon approval by both Houses, the resolution shall be transmitted directly to the Emperor and the National Electoral Administration, without any requirement to collect petition signatures. The right of citizens to initiate a recall by petition under Section 2 remains unaffected. Where both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor are named, each shall be the subject of a separate recall question. The outcome concerning one shall not determine the outcome concerning the other. The resolution shall not itself suspend or remove either official. Section 10: Calling and Conduct of Parliamentary Recall Referendums Within 5 days after parliamentary approval of a recall resolution, the Emperor shall issue a proclamation fixing the date of the referendum. The vote shall take place no earlier than 7 days and no later than 21 days after that approval. If the Emperor does not issue the proclamation within 5 days, the National Electoral Administration shall fix the vote for the 21st day after parliamentary approval. The National Electoral Administration shall conduct and certify the recall referendum in accordance with law. A recall shall succeed if at least 60% of participating voters vote in favor. The Emperor's proclamation shall fix the date only and shall not constitute an approval of the recall or a power to cancel or postpone it beyond the period prescribed in this Section. No further approval by Parliament, the Chancellor, or the Emperor shall be required for a certified recall to take effect. Section 11: Succession and Vacancies Following Recall Upon certification of a successful recall of the Chancellor, that office shall immediately become vacant. If the Vice Chancellor remains in office and is able to serve, the Vice Chancellor shall immediately exercise the duties and powers of Acting Chancellor until a successor assumes office. If both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor are recalled, or if the Vice Chancellor is unable or ineligible to act, the Emperor shall appoint an Acting Chancellor without delay. Pending that appointment, the Emperor may directly exercise the governmental functions necessary for continuity. Parliament may recommend an Acting Chancellor but shall not appoint one by resolution. A special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Chancellor shall be held within 21 days after certification of the recall, unless the next regularly scheduled general election is due within that period, in which case the vacancy shall be filled at that general election. Where both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor are recalled, the election shall fill both offices. The successful candidate or candidates shall assume office following Imperial confirmation of the election and administration of the required oath of office, without waiting for the ordinary monthly inauguration date. Where only the Vice Chancellor is recalled, the Chancellor may appoint a replacement with the consent of the Emperor in accordance with the constitutional rules for filling that vacancy. A recall of the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor shall not dissolve Parliament, vacate other parliamentary seats, shorten the parliamentary term, or alter the date of the next regularly scheduled general election. An Acting Chancellor shall remain subject to the constitutional limitations applicable to that office. Section 12: Limitation on Repeated Recall Proceedings No further recall referendum may be initiated against the same person in respect of the same office until 30 days have elapsed after certification of the preceding recall referendum, whether that referendum succeeded or failed. This limitation shall apply to parliamentary and citizen-initiated recalls, and a duplicate recall proceeding against the same person and office shall not be commenced while another is pending. The limitation shall attach only to the particular person and office concerned. It shall not apply to a successor occupying that office, to another office held by the same person, or to a different officeholder. It shall not restrict Parliament's power of investigation or impeachment or any lawful constitutional power of the Emperor. Section 13: Ballot Wording and Statements of Effect Every referendum, recall, or other public vote decided between 2 alternatives shall provide the choices “IN FAVOR” and “AGAINST”, identify the measure or office concerned, and explain the effect of each choice in neutral language. Legislative propositions shall be presented through an official title, a descriptive title stating the principal legal changes, and the prescribed statements of effect. A vote in favor shall support the proposed action, and a vote against shall oppose it. A recall question shall ask whether the named officeholder should be removed from the specified office. The ballot shall state the applicable approval threshold and any certification or other condition required for the result to take legal effect. Ballot wording shall comply with the constitutional procedures governing the particular vote. Section 14: Registration and Collection of Citizen Petitions An organizer shall file the complete proposed text, or the name and office of the person whose recall is sought, with the National Electoral Administration. Within 3 calendar days after receipt, the Administration shall register the petition and publish its text, signature requirement, and collection deadline, or give written notice identifying a specific legal or filing defect. The organizer shall have 5 calendar days to correct a notified defect. Registration shall concern legal eligibility and completeness, without assessment of political merit. Signatures may be collected for 30 calendar days after registration. The signature requirement shall be fixed at registration. Each signatory shall be a registered citizen eligible to vote on the question when signing, and may sign once. The proposed text or recall target shall remain unchanged throughout collection. An organizer who changes either shall register a new petition. Signatures shall be capable of verification, including through secure digital means, and may be withdrawn before submission for verification. Signing shall support placing the question on the ballot and shall not bind the signatory’s vote. Section 15: Verification and Review of Citizen Petitions The organizer may submit the petition for verification before the collection deadline and shall submit it no later than that deadline. Within 7 calendar days after submission, the National Electoral Administration shall certify that the petition qualifies or issue a reasoned notice identifying invalid signatures and any shortfall. The organizer shall have 3 calendar days to correct verification errors or supply evidence concerning signatures already submitted. New signatures may be added only within the original collection period. A final decision shall be issued within 3 calendar days after the correction period ends or the organizer submits a final response, whichever occurs first. The Administration shall publish the verified total and reasons for its decision while protecting signatories’ private identifying information. An organizer or directly affected person may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction within 5 calendar days to challenge registration, rejection, verification, or failure to meet a deadline. The court shall hear the matter on an expedited basis and may correct the decision, require performance, or order qualification upon proof that the legal requirements are met. A challenge shall not suspend a qualified petition unless the court orders otherwise. Section 16: Referendum Timetables Within 5 calendar days after a petition is certified as qualified, a court orders its qualification, or a Parliamentary Referendum Resolution is adopted under Section 18, the Emperor shall issue a proclamation fixing the voting period. For an ordinary-law or constitutional referendum, voting shall open no earlier than 14 calendar days and close no later than 35 calendar days after that qualification or parliamentary adoption. For a citizen-initiated recall, voting shall open no earlier than 7 calendar days and close no later than 21 calendar days after qualification. Each voting period shall last at least 48 continuous hours. The complete proposal, neutral ballot wording, voting instructions, and applicable threshold shall be published at least 7 calendar days before voting opens. If no proclamation is issued within 5 calendar days, the National Electoral Administration shall conduct a 48-hour vote ending on the last permitted day. A vote may be combined with another scheduled public vote within these limits. The proclamation shall fix the timetable. A qualified citizen petition shall require neither parliamentary approval, Chancellery approval, nor Imperial assent, and no such approval shall be required for its certified result to take effect. The Administration shall give effect to these deadlines unless a competent court orders otherwise. Citizen-initiated recalls shall remain subject to Sections 4 and 12. Section 17: Counting and Certification of Referendums and Recalls The National Electoral Administration shall count the votes and publish and certify the result within 3 calendar days after voting closes. Where a recount or audit is necessary to resolve a material discrepancy, it shall publish the reason within that period and complete certification within 7 calendar days after voting closes, unless a competent court orders otherwise. The certified result shall state the valid votes for and against, the applicable threshold, and whether the proposal passed. The legal effect of an approved measure or recall shall follow Sections 5 and 6. Section 18: Direct Parliamentary Referendums Either House may introduce a Parliamentary Referendum Resolution proposing a new law, a constitutional amendment, or an amendment or repeal of existing law for decision by public referendum. The resolution shall set out the complete proposed legislative text and identify its official title and the provisions to be enacted, amended, or repealed. A Parliamentary Referendum Resolution shall be adopted by a simple majority of the valid votes cast in each House on the same text, subject to the House override procedure in Section 19. The resolution may be introduced before, during, or after parliamentary consideration of the proposal. A preceding bill, veto, or unsuccessful override shall not be required. The resolution shall require neither the Chancellor’s approval nor Imperial assent. Upon adoption, the presiding officer of the House completing the referral shall transmit the adopted text and voting record directly to the Emperor and the National Electoral Administration. Adoption shall qualify the proposition for the timetable in Section 16 without a petition or collection of signatures. Voting on the resolution, including reconsideration under Section 19, shall follow the digital voting period, voting-date record, and Capitol sitting rules in Article 12, Section 23. The date of parliamentary adoption shall be the actual date on which the final required vote closes. The referendum shall be counted and certified under Section 17. Approval shall require the applicable threshold in Section 3, calculated under Section 7. The approved legislative text shall acquire legal effect under Section 5, subject to any later commencement date in the measure and any constitutional implementation period. A measure governed by Article 15, Section 6 shall be submitted under that Section. Parliamentary recall referrals shall proceed under Section 9. Section 19: House Override of a Referendum Referral If a Parliamentary Referendum Resolution passes its originating House by a simple majority of the valid votes cast but fails to obtain a simple majority on the other House’s final vote, the originating House may reconsider the identical referral and proposed legislative text. Upon approval on reconsideration by at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in the originating House, the resolution shall be deemed adopted by Parliament and shall proceed under Section 18. The reconsideration shall be identified in the parliamentary record as a House Override of a Referendum Referral. Section 21: Property Rights and Self-Defense Former Article 9 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 21 and amended to read: Article 9 Article 21: Property Rights and Self-Defense Section 1: Personal Property 1. Private Property is a right given to all citizens once they own land of any kind. Every citizen shall have the right to acquire, own, possess, use, and dispose of personal property in accordance with law. Personal property includes homes, land, household goods, personal effects, animals such as horses, tools, and other possessions held for personal or household use or for work performed by the owner. Property used as capital to profit from the labor of others or to collect rent is not personal property for the purposes of this Article. Section 2: Self-Defense on Personal & Private Land 2. Self defense of shoot on sight is regulated by state law or imperial law. Self-defense on personal and private land, including the use of firearms, shall be governed by applicable subnational law, subject to superior law. If allowed, landlords have the right of self-defense on trespassers. This is only in effect if they are threatening you or harming you. You can not just harm someone for walking on your land. Section 3: Right to Private Property and Labor Power Persons and entities shall have the right to acquire, own, use, and dispose of private property, subject to the sovereign authority of the Emperor, the Imperial Orders, this Constitution, the Civil Code, and other applicable law, provided that its exercise does not conflict with Imperial interests or the interests of the Totemian Empire. For the purposes of this Article, private property means property held as capital through which its holder derives income from the labor of others or collects rent. Classification shall depend on the holder's relationship to the means of production and the property's actual use, not its size, value, or designation. Property held for personal use or directly used in its owner's own labor remains personal property under Section 1. Labor power means a person's physical and mental capacity to work and may be employed by others through voluntary paid labor in accordance with law, workers' rights, remuneration, and lawful working conditions. At particular historical stages of economic development, private property may contribute to the development of productive forces, the expansion of production, and the creation of social wealth. In light of prevailing material conditions and relations of production, the Totemian Empire shall encourage and guide lawful private economic development while retaining the authority to supervise and regulate such activity in the public and Imperial interests. Section 22: Emergency Shelter and Essentials Former Article 10 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 22 and amended to read: Article 10 Article 22: Emergency Shelter and Essentials Section 1: Emergency Shelter and Basic Essentials 1. In times of imminent wartime, famine, or catastrophe, all citizens, no matter what ethnicity, sexual orientation, et cetera, are entitled to a safe bunker with the basic essentials of life, for no extra cost. Section 23: Forced or Slave Labor Former Article 11 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 23 and amended to read: Article 11 1. The formation of a company, organization, or anything of that sort that exploits the use of forced, slave labor, is prohibited. Article 23: Organizational Restrictions on Forced or Slave Labor Section 1: Formation and Registration of Organizations The formation or registration of a commercial organization or other organization for the purpose of exploiting forced or slave labor is prohibited, regardless of its legal form or ownership structure. Section 24: Subnational and Local Regulation of Substances Former Article 12 under the heading "AMENDMENTS" of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is transferred and renumbered as Article 24 and amended to read: Article 12 1. The use of recreational, and medical drugs such as Smokeleaf and Shrooms, is up to the constituent countries to decide how they are regulated, same as Alcoholic Beverages. Article 24: Regulation of Substances and Territorial Limits Section 1: Subnational Regulation The competent subnational governments of the Totemian Empire may regulate, permit, restrict, or prohibit the cultivation, production, possession, sale, distribution, and use of substances within their respective jurisdictions, subject to superior law. This authority includes Smokeleaf, Shrooms, alcoholic beverages, and other substances, whether now known or later developed, for recreational, medical, or other purposes. Section 2: Protection of Lawful Conduct in Other Jurisdictions No subnational government shall create or enforce criminal, civil, or administrative liability, penalties, or other sanctions for conduct involving those substances that occurs wholly within another jurisdiction and is lawful under the law of that jurisdiction and superior law. This prohibition includes authorizing private lawsuits or penalizing assistance to such lawful conduct. A person's residence, registration, or presence within the regulating jurisdiction shall not, by itself, permit punishment for that conduct elsewhere. Section 3: Open Containers and Unsealed Packaging No subnational government or locality, or authority acting under either, shall prohibit or penalize the personal possession or transport of alcoholic beverages or recreational or medicinal drugs solely because a container or package is open or unsealed, part of its contents has been removed, or the substance is not enclosed in sealed packaging. This rule applies in public places, on roads, and in vehicles. Section 4: Imperial Supremacy and Enforcement Any subnational or local law, order, judgment, or enforcement action contrary to this Article or superior law shall have no legal effect to the extent of the conflict. The Emperor or a court of competent jurisdiction may order the offending action to cease, impose monetary penalties on the responsible subnational government or locality, and suspend or restrict its regulatory or enforcement powers. Section 25: Gender and Civil Marriage The Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 25 immediately after Article 24, to read: Article 25: Gender and Civil Marriage Section 1: Legal Recognition of Gender Every person shall be entitled to equal protection and civil legal recognition irrespective of actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Protection shall not depend upon inclusion in a fixed or exhaustive list of gender classifications or upon whether a person's gender corresponds to the sex recorded or attributed at birth. Section 2: Civil Marriage Every person possessing legal capacity to marry shall have the right to enter a civil marriage with another freely consenting person, subject to the applicable legal requirements concerning age, capacity, and any existing undissolved marriage. Civil marriage shall be available on equal terms without exclusion or disadvantage on account of either person's actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Section 3: Equal Civil Standing of Spouses Spouses shall possess equal civil standing and receive equal legal recognition, responsibilities, and protections. The Government shall provide for the recognition, registration, and dissolution of civil marriages. Administrative or procedural requirements shall not be used to defeat the rights secured by this Article. Chapter 7 - Civil Code Interpretation and Drafting -------------------------------------------------- Section 26: Legal Meaning of Gender Title 1, Chapter 1 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 11 immediately after Article 10 and before Chapter 2, to read: Article 11: Legal Meaning of Gender Section 1: Definition of Gender For purposes of this Civil Code and instruments made under it, "gender" means a person's sex-related or gender-related status, identity, expression, or classification, whether assigned, attributed, recorded, expressed, or self-identified. The term encompasses sex-based classifications and gender identities and shall not be limited to a fixed number of categories, an exhaustive list of designations, or classifications recognized at the time of enactment. Section 2: Interpretation Legal recognition or protection of gender shall not depend solely upon anatomy, appearance, medical treatment, an official record, social convention, or conformity with a predetermined label. Both actual and perceived gender shall fall within the meaning of this Article. Sexual orientation is distinct from gender and concerns the direction or pattern of a person's romantic or sexual attraction. Section 3: Application Every reference to gender in this Civil Code or an instrument made under it shall be interpreted in accordance with this Article. Section 4: Simplification of Digital Services For administrative simplicity, the Totemian Empire shall not be required to enumerate, display, or provide a separate selectable category for every gender encompassed by this Article in any official website, digital service, online form, database, or electronic interface. The Totemian Empire may use standardized, limited, or optional gender categories for those purposes without restricting the general legal definition of gender established by this Article. Section 27: Legislative Formatting and Amendment Markings Title 1, Chapter 1, Article 10 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Sections 3 and 4 immediately after Section 2, to read: Section 3: Headings, Paragraphs, and Lettered Points Every new bill shall present each section heading in the form “Section X: Name”, with a single space after the colon. Article headings shall follow the corresponding form “Article X: Name”. The first paragraph or subordinate heading shall begin on the next line, without an intervening blank line or additional paragraph spacing. A heading shall be kept with the text immediately following it. Separate body paragraphs shall be divided by 1 empty paragraph. Line spacing shall be Single (100%), with 0 points before and after paragraphs. A new article or section heading shall be preceded by 1 empty paragraph when it follows body text or a completed list. Consecutive headings and the text immediately following a heading shall have no intervening empty paragraph. Lettered points shall use consecutive lowercase labels in parentheses, beginning with “(a)” and “(b)”. Each point shall begin on its own line. Consecutive points within the same list shall have no blank lines or additional paragraph spacing between them. 1 empty paragraph shall separate the list from a preceding or following body paragraph. Where a list follows a section or article heading directly, the heading shall remain immediately above the first point. Section 4: Coloring and Strikethrough of Legislative Amendments A bill proposing to amend an existing legal instrument or body of rules shall reproduce the affected provisions and distinguish unchanged wording, proposed deletions, and proposed additions. Within those provisions, unchanged wording shall appear in black (#000000). Proposed deletions shall appear in red (#FF0000) with strikethrough. Proposed additions shall appear in purple (#66135A) without strikethrough. A replacement shall display both the deleted wording and its proposed replacement. These requirements shall apply regardless of the title or designation of the instrument being amended. New provisions proposed for insertion into an existing instrument shall appear in purple. The ordinary text of a standalone bill shall appear in black. When an amendment is incorporated into the instrument it changes, deleted wording shall be removed and the resulting operative text shall appear in black without amendment strikethrough. These presentation requirements shall govern bills introduced after this Act takes effect. They shall be applied consistently with the constitutional right to submit bills for floor votes. Correction of presentation shall not require prior referral to or approval by another body. Section 28: Legal Interpretation and Code Structure Title 1, Chapter 1 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Articles 12 and 13 immediately after Article 11, as inserted by Section 26 of this Act, and before Chapter 2, to read: Article 12: Interpretation of Legal Expressions Section 1: Meaning of “By Law” “By law” means as established or authorized by applicable law. “As required by law” means that applicable law imposes the requirement concerned. The applicable law shall be determined by its scope and place within the hierarchy of legal authority. These definitions shall take effect on October 25th, 2026. Earlier legal effects shall be determined under the law applicable at the relevant time. Section 2: Chancellery Legislative Review “Chancellery legislative review” means the exercise of the Chancellor’s authority to approve or veto a bill under the legislative procedures established by the Constitution. Chancellery legislative review shall apply where required by the Constitution. Parliament may overcome a veto through an Override Bill or a Constitutional Override Amendment, or submit a measure to public referendum, under the applicable constitutional procedures and voting thresholds. Other constitutional procedures permitting a bill to proceed without the Chancellor’s approval shall remain available. A measure approved by public referendum shall take effect upon certification as provided by the Constitution. Article 13: Structure and Citation of the Civil Code Section 1: Order of Divisions The Civil Code shall follow this order, from the highest organizational division to the lowest: Title Chapter Article Section Paragraph or lettered point Each division shall fall within the division immediately above it. A Chapter shall be contained within a Title, an Article within a Chapter, and a Section within an Article. No lower division may contain a higher division. Section 2: Numbering Titles shall be numbered throughout the Civil Code. Chapter numbering shall restart within each Title, Article numbering within each Chapter, and Section numbering within each Article. Numbered divisions shall use Arabic numerals. Lettered points shall use lowercase letters in parentheses. Section 3: Citations A complete citation shall identify the Title, Chapter, Article, and Section, followed by the relevant paragraph or lettered point where needed. Chapter 8 - Parliamentary and Electoral Administration ------------------------------------------------------ Section 29: Parliamentary Bills and Procedures Title 2, Chapter 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 4 immediately after Article 3 and before Chapter 4, to read: Article 4: Bills and Legislative Procedures Section 1: Parliamentary Bills Every bill introduced in Parliament, including a bill to amend the Constitution or the Civil Code, shall contain the following enacting clause before its operative provisions: "Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire, duly assembled, with the assent of the Emperor, as follows:" Section 2: Name, Purpose, and Scope Every parliamentary bill shall state the name by which it is to be identified and cited. It shall also include a section headed “Purpose and Scope” before its operative provisions. That section shall begin with “An Act” and state the subject and purpose of the bill. Section 3: Date of Introduction Every parliamentary bill shall state its date of introduction under the label “Date”. The date shall use month-day-year order, with the full month name, the numeric day followed by its correct ordinal suffix (st, nd, rd, or th), a comma, and the four-digit year, as in “October 13th, 2026”. Section 4: Sponsors and Party Affiliations Every parliamentary bill shall identify its introducing sponsors before the enacting clause. Each sponsor shall be listed by personal name, without an official title, followed by party affiliation in parentheses, in the form “Name (Party Affiliation)”. A sponsor with no party affiliation shall be shown as “Name (Independent)”. The first listed sponsor shall be the prime sponsor. Where a bill has more than one prime sponsor, all prime sponsors shall be listed first under the heading “Prime Sponsors”, and every person in that group shall be a prime sponsor. Other sponsors shall follow under the heading “Co-sponsors”. Section 5: Sponsor Statements A bill may include one or more statements by its sponsors or co-sponsors. Each statement shall be headed “Statement from Name”, using only the personal name of the person making it, without an official title or party affiliation. Statements may discuss any subject and include references or quotations. They shall be presented separately from the operative provisions, shall have no legal effect, and shall not enact, amend, repeal, or override law. Section 6: Prime Sponsors’ Votes During a digital vote on a bill, each prime sponsor entitled to vote in that House shall be recorded as voting in favor by default. Any formal vote or abstention recorded before voting closes shall replace that default record. At a sitting governed by Article 12, Section 23 of the Constitution, a prime sponsor shall vote during the sitting and shall be recorded as absent if not present in the chamber when the vote is taken. No sponsor shall be counted more than once in the same vote. Prime sponsors are encouraged to cast formal votes. Section 7: Public Referendums A proposed law, constitutional amendment, or repeal submitted for enactment by public referendum shall use the following enacting clause in place of the parliamentary enacting clause: "Be it enacted by the People of the Totemian Empire, as follows:" Section 8: Legal Effect The required enacting clauses shall not alter the voting procedures established by the Constitution or substitute for Imperial assent or certification of a public referendum, as applicable. Section 9: Appropriations Parliament shall have the right, by law, to appropriate funds of the Totemian Empire, determine their use, and amend or repeal appropriations. Parliament may, by law, direct the transfer or reallocation of appropriated funds. Section 29A: Veto Override and Direct Referendum Referrals Title 2, Chapter 3, Article 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 3: Veto Override Section 1: Override Bill If the Chancellor vetoes a bill passed by Parliament, Parliament may reintroduce the same bill as an Override Bill. An Override Bill shall be limited to the bill vetoed by the Chancellor. An ordinary bill vetoed by the Chancellor may proceed through a Chancellor Override Bill under Article 12, Sections 5 and 5A of the Constitution. Constitutional amendments shall proceed under Article 5 of the Constitution. Section 2: Veto Override Requirements An Override Bill shall pass only if 3/4 of each chamber votes in favor of the bill and its veto override. A Chancellor Override Bill shall require approval by at least 2/3 of the valid votes cast in each House. If passed, the bill shall be sent directly to The Emperor for approval. Upon approval of a Chancellor Override Bill, the original bill shall be presented directly to the Emperor for Imperial assent. Section 3: Public Referendum If an Override Bill fails, Parliament may submit the bill to a public referendum by a 2/3 vote of each chamber. Parliament may refer a proposed law, constitutional amendment, or amendment or repeal of existing law to a public referendum by a Parliamentary Referendum Resolution under Article 20, Section 18 of the Constitution. If at least 60% of participating voters approve the referendum, the bill shall take effect once certified as a law approved by public referendum. Approval, counting, certification, and legal effect shall follow the applicable provisions of Article 20 of the Constitution. For this Section, participating voters shall mean citizens who cast a valid vote on the question being decided. Section 30: Referendum and Recall Ballots Title 2, Chapter 10 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 3 immediately after Article 2 and before Chapter 11, to read: Article 3: Ballot Wording and Statements of Effect Section 1: Application and Administration The National Electoral Administration shall apply this Article to referendums, recalls, and other public votes decided between 2 alternatives, whether conducted on paper or electronically. Candidate elections shall follow their applicable voting method. Section 2: Required Ballot Information Each legislative proposition shall display, in order, its proposition number, applicable referral designation and subject, an official title identifying the measure and the legal provisions concerned, a descriptive title summarising its principal provisions, and the separate statements of effect prescribed by Sections 4 and 5. The descriptive title shall state the proposed legal change in concise, neutral, declarative language. The statements of effect shall be followed by the instruction “Select 1 choice” and equally prominent selectable choices marked “IN FAVOR” and “AGAINST”. The applicable approval and legal-effect notice shall appear separately. Recall, retention, and other questions shall follow Sections 6 and 7. Each proposition or question shall remain distinguishable from the others. Its identifying information, titles, statements of effect, voting choices, and notices shall appear as distinct elements separated by clear spacing. The voter shall be able to read all required information before casting the vote. Section 3: Referral Designations A measure referred by Parliament shall bear the designation “Referred to the People of the Totemian Empire by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire”, followed by “Relating to [subject]”. A measure referred by the Emperor shall use “Referred to the People of the Totemian Empire by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor”, followed by the subject. A measure initiated by citizen petition shall use “Proposed by petition of the People of the Totemian Empire”, followed by the subject. Where the petition seeks approval or rejection of an identified enactment, the designation shall use “Referendum requested by petition of the People of the Totemian Empire”. A citizen-initiated recall shall use “Recall requested by petition of the People of the Totemian Empire”. A parliamentary recall shall use “Recall referred to the People of the Totemian Empire by the Parliament of the Totemian Empire”. Each designation shall identify the officeholder and office concerned. Section 4: Standard Statements of Effect Each statement shall begin with the applicable prescribed words and be completed with a concise explanation of the actual legal consequence: “A vote IN FAVOR shall have the effect of [principal consequence of approval].” “A vote AGAINST shall have the effect of [principal consequence of rejection].” Where rejection leaves the existing law unchanged, the default statement shall be “A vote AGAINST shall have the effect of retaining existing law relating to [subject].” For a constitutional proposition, it shall be “A vote AGAINST shall have the effect of retaining the existing constitutional provisions relating to [subject].” The subject shall be specified in each completed statement. The statements shall accurately explain the principal changes, material exceptions, and consequences needed to understand each alternative. Where rejection would prevent commencement, end or revive a provision, or produce another result, the statement shall explain that result. Where no relevant law exists, it shall describe the existing legal position. The explanations shall be neutral and shall be read with the approval and legal-effect notice under Section 8. Section 5: Laws, Amendments, and Repeals For a proposed new law, the statement shall read “A vote IN FAVOR shall have the effect of enacting [official title] to [principal legal changes].” The statement AGAINST shall use the applicable existing-law form in Section 4. For a proposed amendment, the statement shall read “A vote IN FAVOR shall have the effect of amending [identified instrument or provisions] to [principal legal changes].” The statement AGAINST shall identify the existing law or constitutional provisions that would be retained. For a proposed repeal, the statements shall read “A vote IN FAVOR shall have the effect of repealing [identified law or provisions]” and “A vote AGAINST shall have the effect of retaining [identified law or provisions].” Where an enactment already passed is submitted for approval or rejection, the statements shall explain whether each outcome would bring it into force, maintain it, prevent its commencement, or end its operation. Any resulting suspension, revival, or transition shall be described where material. Section 6: Recall Questions A recall shall ask “Shall [name] be removed from the office of [office] by recall?” The officeholder and office shall be identified in full. Each officeholder shall be presented as a separate question where required by Article 20 of the Constitution. The statements shall read “A vote IN FAVOR shall have the effect of removing [name] from the office of [office] by recall” and “A vote AGAINST shall have the effect of rejecting the recall of [name] from the office of [office].” The applicable approval and certification requirements shall be stated under Section 8. Any election of a replacement shall be presented as a separate electoral contest. Section 7: Other Binary Questions For another lawfully authorised binary vote, the ballot shall identify the proposed action and explain the consequences of approval and rejection using the prescribed statements of effect. Where a question is used, it shall state the proposed action directly. An advisory vote shall be prominently designated “Advisory” and its statements shall explain the recommendation made by each outcome. A retention vote, where authorised by law, shall ask “Shall [name] be retained in the office of [office]?” The statements shall explain the actual consequences of retention and non-retention under the law establishing that vote. Section 8: Approval, Certification, and Protection Notice The ballot shall state the applicable approval threshold, including the required percentage or fraction and the votes or electorate used to calculate it, together with the certification and commencement conditions governing legal effect. The National Electoral Administration shall use the threshold prescribed for the particular vote by Article 20 of the Constitution or another applicable constitutional provision. For an ordinary-law proposition, the ballot shall also state: “Notice: A law approved by public referendum may not be amended, repealed, suspended, or weakened by Parliament for 90 days after certification unless the change is approved by another public referendum.” Where a ballot contains more than 1 ordinary-law proposition, the notice may appear once before that group if its application to every proposition in the group is clear. Section 9: Publication and Accuracy The National Electoral Administration shall prepare the ballot wording from the complete authorised proposal and official referral records. Before voting opens, it shall publish the final ballot wording, the complete proposal or recall question, the applicable legal authority, and voting instructions within the constitutional timetable. Before publication, the Administration shall compare each title, summary, statement of effect, and notice with the submitted text and applicable law. It shall verify the referral designation, principal changes, material exceptions, consequences of rejection, approval threshold, and commencement conditions. The prescribed statements shall be completed with the actual subject and consequence. A correction shall be published before the corrected wording is used. Section 10: Full Text Links on Government Developed Platforms Where a government developed platform, as defined in Article 6, Section 1, is used, each legislative proposition shall display a clearly labelled hyperlink beneath its approval and legal effect notice reading “Read the full text of Proposition [number]”, with the proposition’s actual number inserted. The hyperlink shall provide access to the complete authorised legislative text submitted to the vote, including every schedule or annex forming part of that text. The linked version shall correspond exactly to the proposition on the ballot. Opening or closing the linked text shall preserve the elector’s unsubmitted selections. The text shall remain accessible throughout voting and shall be preserved with the Ballot Record under Article 6, Section 14. Section 31: House of Commons Elections Title 2, Chapter 10 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 4 immediately after Article 3, as inserted by Section 30 of this Act, and before Chapter 11, to read: Article 4: House of Commons Elections and Single Transferable Vote (STV) Section 1: Nominations and Uncontested Returns The National Electoral Administration shall maintain the list of eligible candidates for the ordinary elected seats in the House of Commons. The list shall include incumbent ordinary elected members automatically entered under Article 12, Section 8 of the Constitution, unless they withdraw or cease to qualify. Other eligible citizens may apply within the same published nomination period, whether independent or affiliated with a political organization. Party affiliation shall not be a condition of candidacy. Every applicant for an ordinary elected Commons seat, including each incumbent automatically nominated for reelection, shall possess an active National ID recorded in the Civil Registry. Before certifying a nomination, the National Electoral Administration shall verify the person's legal name, electoral eligibility, and identification status against the authoritative records of the Ministry of Interior. An administrative error may be corrected before the applicable nomination deadline. A person whose ID is not active shall not be certified as eligible while that deficiency remains. Nomination and ballot identification shall use the verified legal name, not an account username, title, or nickname. The Administration shall publish the election calendar and nomination requirements before nominations open, allow at least 7 calendar days for nominations, and publish the final candidate list at least 3 calendar days before polling opens. Candidates shall receive equal filing opportunities. The calendar shall identify the seats to be filled, the withdrawal deadline, and the time for correcting filing defects. Where eligible candidates do not outnumber the ordinary elected seats to be filled, the Administration shall return them unopposed on the scheduled election date. Otherwise, it shall conduct a secret nationwide ballot by single transferable vote (STV). Returns and results shall be submitted for Imperial confirmation and the prescribed parliamentary oath. Section 2: Ballot and Preferences Each registered elector shall have 1 ballot carrying an initial value of 1 vote. The elector may rank 1 or more distinct eligible candidates, using 1 for the first preference, 2 for the second, and consecutive numbers thereafter. An elector may rank every candidate on the ballot and shall not be limited by the number of seats being filled, whether in a general election or a by-election. No elector shall be required to rank every candidate. Later preferences shall be used only when a transfer reaches them, and candidates who are no longer continuing shall be skipped in favor of the next ranked continuing candidate. Ballots shall give candidates equal presentation and permit partial rankings. Replacement digital submissions shall be governed by Article 6, Section 12. Section 3: Electoral Quota The electoral quota shall be the whole number obtained by dividing the total number of valid ballots by the number of ordinary elected seats being filled plus 1, disregarding any fraction, and then adding 1. The quota shall be fixed for the count. Blank or wholly invalid ballots shall be excluded. For a general election filling 15 ordinary elected seats, the divisor shall be 16. A ballot shall not be invalid merely because it ranks fewer candidates than the number of seats. Section 4: Counting and Transfers Each valid ballot shall first be credited to its highest-ranked continuing candidate. A continuing candidate is one who has not been elected, excluded, or lawfully withdrawn from the count. A candidate whose total reaches or exceeds the quota shall be declared elected. Surpluses shall be transferred using the weighted inclusive Gregory method. For an elected candidate, each ballot’s current value shall be multiplied by the candidate’s surplus divided by the total vote value credited to that candidate. The resulting fraction shall pass to the next ranked continuing candidate. The balance shall remain credited to the elected candidate. If no further continuing preference is available, the transferable fraction shall be recorded as exhausted. Surpluses shall be processed from largest to smallest before any exclusion. Where no surplus remains to be transferred and seats remain unfilled, the continuing candidate with the lowest vote total shall be excluded, and each ballot credited to that candidate shall transfer at its current value to its next continuing preference. If none remains, its value shall be recorded as exhausted. The count shall continue until all seats are filled or the number of continuing candidates equals the number of unfilled seats, when those candidates shall be declared elected. Ties affecting an election, exclusion, or transfer order shall be resolved by comparing totals at the most recent earlier stage at which they differed. If no such stage exists, the Returning Officer shall determine the tie by a publicly recorded drawing of lots. Section 5: Vacancies and the Vice Chancellor’s Seat The Vice Chancellor’s reserved seat shall be excluded from the ordinary election and quota calculation. Candidates on a Chancellery ticket shall be excluded from the parliamentary candidate list in accordance with Article 3, Section 5 of the Constitution. The Commons election shall be counted, certified, and submitted for Imperial confirmation independently of the Chancellery election. If an ordinary elected member is later appointed Vice Chancellor, the ordinary seat shall become vacant upon assumption of that office and be filled under this Section. The reserved seat shall be filled through the office of Vice Chancellor. An ordinary elected vacancy arising during a term shall be filled by a nationwide by-election within 21 calendar days after it arises, unless the next general election falls within that period. The elected member shall serve the remainder of the parliamentary term. The nomination, uncontested-return, and single transferable vote (STV) rules shall apply according to the number of vacancies being filled. Where seats remain vacant because insufficient eligible candidates have applied, applications shall remain open. The Administration shall arrange a by-election within 21 calendar days after receiving a valid application, subject to the same exception for an approaching general election. If no valid ballot is cast in a contested election, no contested seat shall be awarded on that poll; the Administration shall conduct a fresh poll within 14 calendar days. Section 6: Counting Rules, Records, and Review Before nominations open, the Administration shall publish uniform implementing rules for ballot validity, withdrawals, count sequencing, numerical precision, rounding, and recounts. The rules shall preserve every unambiguous usable preference, prevent any ballot from acquiring additional value through transfer or rounding, and give effect to Sections 2–4. A defect in a later ranking shall not invalidate an earlier unambiguous ranking. The Administration shall publish the number of valid and rejected ballots, the quota, each stage’s candidate totals, transfers and exhausted values, any tie decision, and the provisional and certified results. It shall preserve the records needed to reproduce the count while maintaining ballot secrecy. Counting software shall implement the published rules and permit independent verification. Candidates may request a recount on stated grounds of material error or irregularity and seek expedited judicial review. No implementing rule shall change the number of seats, the electoral quota, the transfer method, or the constitutional confirmation requirements. Section 7: Ballot Presentation, Voting Instructions, and Voting Arrangements (A) Candidate Identification and Alphabetical Ordering Each candidate shall be displayed by their verified legal name, prominently and in larger text, with their registered political party or "Independent" displayed directly beneath in smaller legible text. No title, honour, rank, office, parliamentary designation, professional or academic title, internal party position, ID number, System ID, account identifier, or residence shall be displayed. A generational suffix within the legal name shall not be prohibited as an office or title. Candidates shall be grouped alphabetically by the officially registered names of their parties and alphabetically by surname, then given name, within each group. Independents shall be grouped under "Independent" and sorted by the same rules. The Administration shall publish neutral conventions for compound surnames and single legal names. Party officials, incumbents, and endorsed candidates shall have no priority. Printed order shall not determine voter preference. (B) Preferences and Ballot Format Each candidate shall have a clearly identifiable means of receiving a numerical preference. Electors may rank one, several, or all candidates, without regard to the number of seats. Preferences shall be consecutive and distinct, beginning at 1. The same candidate shall not receive multiple preferences and the same ranking shall not be assigned to different candidates by the ballot design. Lawful partial rankings remain valid to the extent of their unambiguous usable preferences. (C) Required Prominent Instructions The following instructions shall appear prominently before the candidate list, with the heading and principal instructions in bold, subject to equivalent changes of wording necessary for the voting medium: "HOUSE OF COMMONS — HOW TO VOTE You are electing Members of the House of Commons. There are 15 ordinary elected seats at a general election. You have ONE transferable vote. Choose the candidate you most want elected as your FIRST preference. Then, if you wish, select your SECOND preference, followed by your THIRD and later preferences, in the order you prefer. You may stop whenever you wish. You may rank one, several, or every candidate. You do NOT have to rank 15 candidates simply because 15 seats are available. Your first preference receives your vote initially. If a candidate receiving your vote is eliminated, your vote passes to your next-ranked candidate still competing. If your candidate is elected with more votes than required, part of your vote's value may be transferred to your next available preference. Your chosen ORDER determines where your vote can transfer. Ranking more candidates does not give you more votes, divide your vote among all the candidates you rank, or weaken your first choice. Use each preference number only once. Leave blank any candidate you do not want to rank. Review your choices and their order before you submit your ballot." An automatically numbered digital ballot may describe selecting candidates in sequence instead of writing preference numbers, but shall convey the same legal meaning without referring to controls the platform does not provide. In a by-election, the Administration shall replace the general-election statement of 15 seats with the actual number of ordinary elected seats being filled, and shall adapt any explanation of surplus transfers to the applicable number of seats and lawful counting method. No ballot instruction shall misstate the number of seats contested or describe a function unavailable in the voting medium. (D) Additional Explanation The Administration shall make an example available to every elector explaining that a ballot ranking A first, B second, and Z third initially counts for A; if A is eliminated, the vote transfers to B if B is still continuing, otherwise to Z if Z is continuing. The explanation shall cover surplus-value transfers, the skipping of elected or excluded candidates, and exhaustion when no ranked continuing candidate remains. Voters shall not be required to calculate transfers themselves. (E) Platform Authorization and Neutrality The National Electoral Administration may authorize paper ballots, an internally developed digital system, a suitable external electronic voting platform, or another arrangement consistent with the electoral law. Lack of suitable government infrastructure, the independence of an external operator, and other reasonable electoral-administration grounds may be considered when choosing a platform. An external voting platform or paper ballot may use a layout suited to its medium, subject to the substantive requirements of this Section. Before approval, the Administration shall verify that it can display all eligible candidates, accept every lawful preference without an artificial limit based on the number of seats, keep votes secret and secure, implement the counting rules, allow correction before submission, and retain auditable counting records. Use of an external service shall not transfer legal authority over election certification or ballot eligibility to the service provider. (F) Government-Developed Digital Interface Where the Government develops a dedicated digital ballot interface, it shall use the following standard for ranked voting: (a) A candidate-selection area headed "Find candidates" and a preference-review area headed "Your preferences" shall appear side by side where screen size permits. On smaller screens, both areas shall remain readily accessible, with a visible summary of the number of preferences selected. (b) Electors shall be able to search by legal name and filter by political party, including "All parties" and "Independent". Clearing a search or filter shall restore the prescribed candidate order. Searching, filtering, or moving between areas shall preserve existing preferences. (c) Selecting "Rank" beside a candidate shall add that candidate as the next preference and assign the next consecutive number automatically. Every eligible candidate may be ranked. An already ranked candidate shall be clearly identified and shall not be added twice. (d) The preference-review area shall display the selected candidates in order, with their legal names, affiliations, preference numbers, and the total number ranked. Each entry shall provide controls to move it up, move it down, or remove it. Changes shall automatically renumber the remaining preferences. These controls shall be accessible without drag-and-drop. A "Clear rankings" control shall require confirmation before removing all preferences. (e) Before final submission, the elector shall be shown the complete ordered list for review and correction. Submission shall require a separate affirmative action. The interface shall explain that the elector has 1 transferable vote and may stop ranking at any point. An external voting platform or paper ballot may use another layout where it preserves all substantive voting rights and accurately records the elector's chosen order. (G) Paper Voting, Accessibility, and Review A paper ballot shall provide a numerical ranking field for every candidate, on multiple pages where necessary. All voting methods shall provide accessible instructions and an opportunity to check or correct selections before final submission. The Administration shall publish the operative instructions and medium-specific rules before voting opens. No such rules shall change the number of Commons seats, the quota, vote-transfer procedure, or the constitutional guarantees. Section 32: Chancellery Elections Title 2, Chapter 10 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 5 immediately after Article 4, as inserted by Section 31 of this Act, and before Chapter 11, to read: Article 5: Chancellery Elections and Preferential Voting Section 1: Joint Electoral Tickets The Chancellor and Vice Chancellor shall be elected jointly through one nationwide electoral ticket consisting of one eligible candidate for each office. Both candidates shall consent before registration. No person may stand on more than one ticket or for both offices at the same election. Candidates may be from the same or different political organizations or may be independent, subject to lawful eligibility and nomination requirements. Each Chancellor candidate and Vice Chancellor candidate shall possess an active National ID issued through the Civil Registry and shall have their legal identity and ID status verified by the National Electoral Administration before their candidacy is accepted. This requirement shall apply independently to each member of a joint ticket, including candidates standing without party affiliation. The official legal name recorded in the Civil Registry shall be used for nomination, ballot identification, and certification. A candidate who does not meet the requirement shall be given a reasonable opportunity to correct a registry or identification error before the nomination deadline, but shall not be certified as eligible while the deficiency remains. A candidate for Chancellor or Vice Chancellor shall not stand for election to Parliament at the same general election or at another election whose nomination or polling period overlaps that Chancellery election. Before registration for a Chancellery election, each candidate shall withdraw any such parliamentary candidacy, including an automatic nomination for reelection. The National Electoral Administration shall exclude that person from the corresponding parliamentary candidate list. Participation in a Chancellery electoral retry shall continue the same candidacy for this purpose. Each registered citizen eligible to vote shall be entitled to one ballot in the Chancellery election. A vote for a ticket applies jointly to its Chancellor and Vice Chancellor candidates. For purposes of this Article, an eligible registered citizen is a citizen lawfully entitled to vote in that election. Replacement digital submissions shall be governed by Article 6, Section 12. Section 2: Determination of Voting Method The National Electoral Administration shall determine the method by the number of eligible tickets at the opening of polling: (a) one ticket shall be returned unopposed, subject to Imperial confirmation; (b) exactly two tickets shall be decided by simple majority voting, each eligible registered citizen selecting one ticket; and (c) three or more tickets shall be decided by single-winner preferential voting through the instant-runoff method of transferable preferences. A ticket shall win a direct two-ticket contest only by receiving more than half of the valid votes cast. Where no ticket is eligible, the Administration shall reopen nominations and arrange a fresh election under the applicable election calendar. The voting method shall not change during counting solely because a ticket is excluded. Section 3: Preferential Ballots and Transfers Where preferential voting applies, each eligible registered citizen may rank tickets in order of preference, assigning 1 to the preferred ticket, 2 to the next preferred ticket, and so on. Ranking more than one ticket shall be optional. A ballot with a clear first preference shall remain valid notwithstanding an omitted or defective later preference, to the extent that an unambiguous preference can be given effect. Every valid ballot shall initially carry one vote allocated to its highest-ranked continuing ticket. A ticket receiving more than half of the continuing valid votes shall win. If no ticket has that majority, the ticket with the fewest votes shall be excluded. Each of its ballots shall transfer at its existing value to the highest-ranked ticket that remains in the count. A ballot without a further continuing preference shall be exhausted and excluded from subsequent majority calculations. No ballot shall gain additional value through transfer or be credited to more than one continuing ticket in any round. Counting and transfers shall continue until one ticket has more than half of the continuing valid votes or only one ticket remains, subject to Section 4. Each transfer shall apply jointly to both candidates comprising the ticket. Section 3A: Chancellery Candidate Identification and Ballot Standards (A) Joint Ticket Identification Each ticket shall display its Chancellor candidate and Vice Chancellor candidate together as a single electoral choice, identifying each by the office contested and verified legal name recorded in the Civil Registry. Each legal name shall appear prominently, with that candidate's own registered political party or "Independent" directly beneath in smaller legible text. The candidates may have different affiliations. Titles, honours, ranks, other offices, credentials, internal party positions, National ID numbers, and personal account identifiers shall be omitted. (B) Instructions for Preferential Voting Where 3 or more eligible tickets stand at the opening of polling, the following instructions shall appear prominently before the ticket list, with the heading and principal instructions in bold: "CHANCELLOR AND VICE CHANCELLOR — HOW TO VOTE You are electing 1 Chancellor and Vice Chancellor together. Each ticket contains a candidate for each office. You have 1 vote. Choose the ticket you most want elected as your 1st preference. Then, if you wish, select your 2nd preference, followed by your 3rd and later preferences, in the order you prefer. You may rank 1, several, or every ticket, and may stop whenever you wish. Your vote initially counts for your 1st preference. If no ticket has more than half of the votes still in the count, the ticket with the fewest votes is eliminated. Its votes transfer to each voter's next-ranked ticket still competing. If you have no further preference still competing, your vote takes no further part in the count. This process continues under the counting and deadlock rules. Your chosen order determines where your vote can transfer. Ranking another ticket does not weaken your 1st preference or give you another vote. Each preference applies to both candidates on that ticket. Review the tickets and their order before submitting your ballot." Instructions shall describe the controls actually provided. A paper ballot shall provide a numerical preference field for every ticket and instruct electors to write distinct consecutive numbers beginning at 1. (C) Shared Digital Interface Standard For preferential voting, the government-developed interface standard in Article 4, Section 7(F) shall apply to joint tickets. The selection area shall be headed "Find tickets"; the preference-review area shall be headed "Your preferences". Searching shall match either candidate's legal name, and party filtering shall include a ticket where either candidate has the selected affiliation. Each selection and preference-list entry shall identify both candidates, their respective offices, and their individual affiliations. Ranking, reordering, or removing an entry shall affect the whole ticket. (D) Other Voting Methods and Platforms Where exactly 2 eligible tickets stand at the opening of polling, the ballot shall prominently instruct: "Choose 1 ticket for Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. Your choice applies to both candidates on that ticket. Review your choice before submitting your ballot." A government-developed interface shall display 2 selectable ticket cards, side by side where screen size permits and stacked on smaller screens. Each card shall identify both candidates under paragraph (A). Selecting a card shall select the whole ticket and replace any previous choice. The interface shall display the selected ticket, permit the elector to change or clear that choice, and provide a separate review and final submission. Where 1 eligible ticket stands, the Administration shall publish its unopposed return and the requirement for Imperial confirmation under Section 2. The National Electoral Administration may authorize an external voting platform or paper ballot under the platform, accessibility, secrecy, review, and audit requirements of Article 4, Section 7. An external platform may use another layout while preserving every lawful ticket preference and the prescribed counting method. The Administration shall publish uniform instructions appropriate to each voting method and medium before polling opens. Section 4: Electoral Deadlocks An electoral deadlock exists where the last two continuing tickets receive equal valid vote totals, no valid vote is cast in a contested election, or an unresolved exclusion tie prevents the lawful determination of a winner. An exclusion tie shall first be resolved by comparing the tied tickets' totals in the most recent preceding round in which they differed. If no such difference exists, no random drawing, arbitrary exclusion, or selection by lot shall determine the outcome; the election shall be declared deadlocked. Section 5: Public Electoral Retries Following certification of an electoral deadlock, a first additional nationwide public election shall be held. Polling shall open within 5 calendar days after certification, remain open for 48 continuous hours, and be certified within 2 calendar days after polling closes. If that election also fails to determine a winner, a second and final additional public election shall be held under the same deadlines, measured from certification of the first retry. Only tickets still in contention at the unresolved stage of the original count may contest the retries. The procedures in Section 2 shall apply to the number of continuing tickets; where two remain, the contest shall be by simple majority, and where three or more remain, it shall use transferable preferential voting. No more than two additional public elections may be held for the same original electoral deadlock. If the second retry fails, Section 6 shall apply. Section 6: Extraordinary Electoral Resolution When the second additional public election fails to determine the successful ticket, the Emperor shall consult the people of the Totemian Empire and, within 1 calendar day after certification of that result, select and publicly declare any 1 of the 6 methods prescribed by Section 7. No method shall take precedence over another. The Emperor shall publish the consultation undertaken, the method chosen, and the reasons for that choice. Consultation is not an additional public election or a referendum. Each selected method shall be completed within 2 calendar days after its declaration, subject to the final selection procedure in Section 8. The overall resolution period shall end 7 calendar days after certification of the second failed public electoral retry. If a selected method has not produced a valid result by its deadline, Section 8 shall apply. Section 7: Authorized Extraordinary Resolution Methods (a) Tic-Tac-Toe Contest. The Chancellor candidates of the two final competing tickets may determine the successful ticket through a best-of-three tic-tac-toe contest. The first to win two decisive games wins; drawn games shall not count. Before play begins, both Chancellor candidates and both Vice Chancellor candidates must be informed of the rules and consequences and give explicit, voluntary consent, with a continuing right to withdraw before the contest is decided. The Emperor shall supervise the contest personally or through an expressly appointed Imperial representative. The games and result shall be formally recorded. (b) Duel. The Chancellor candidates of the 2 final competing tickets may determine the successful ticket through a best-of-3 duel. The terms shall be agreed by both participants and approved by the Emperor. Both Chancellor candidates and both Vice Chancellor candidates shall be informed of the terms, risks, and electoral consequences and give express, voluntary consent before the duel begins. Consent may be withdrawn before the contest is decided. The Emperor or his expressly appointed representative shall supervise the duel. The first candidate to win 2 decisive rounds shall determine the successful ticket. (c) Emergency Parliamentary Decision. The newly constituted Parliament shall decide between the remaining tickets at an emergency joint sitting of the House of Commons and House of Lords. Only members of that newly elected or appointed Parliament who have lawfully assumed office and taken their oaths may vote; members of the preceding dissolved Parliament have no vote by virtue of their former membership. Each participating member shall cast one vote in a combined tally. A ticket receiving a simple majority of the valid votes cast shall be selected. Abstentions and absences shall not be counted. This special constitutional electoral procedure is not an ordinary bill or resolution and requires no Chancellor approval. (d) Privy Council Decision. The Emperor may refer the remaining tickets to His Imperial Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. Members entitled to vote shall vote under its lawful procedures. A ticket receiving a simple majority of the valid votes cast shall be selected, and the result shall be recorded and transmitted to the Emperor. (e) Direct Imperial Selection. The Emperor may select one of the remaining tickets directly after consultation with the people. The Emperor shall identify the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor candidates together in an authenticated public Imperial declaration. (f) Decision by the Four Major Political Parties. The Emperor may refer the remaining tickets to the four major political parties of the Totemian Empire, determined by their legal recognition or, in the absence of an established designation, by the greatest verified registered memberships as of the date of the original election. Each party shall appoint one authorized representative and exercise one vote for one remaining ticket; the four votes shall be counted together. A ticket receiving a simple majority of valid votes cast shall be selected. No party shall have more than one vote. The record and result shall be provided to the Emperor. Section 8: Failure of an Extraordinary Resolution Method If the chosen method cannot proceed because a required consent is withheld or withdrawn, fails to produce the required majority or decisive result, or reaches its deadline without a valid result, the Emperor shall, after renewed consultation with the people, select and declare another authorized method within 1 calendar day, subject to the final selection deadline. Selection of another method shall not restart the overall resolution period. If no successful ticket has been determined by the end of the 6th calendar day after certification of the second failed public electoral retry, the Emperor shall consult the people and determine the successful ticket by direct Imperial selection no later than the end of the 7th calendar day. A method still pending at the end of the 6th day shall end without a result and give way to that final selection. A failed extraordinary method shall not authorize a third public electoral retry. Section 9: Certification and Assumption of Office The National Electoral Administration shall publish and preserve the voting method, eligible tickets, valid and invalid votes, first-preference totals, every exclusion and transfer, exhausted ballots, ties, retry results, any extraordinary selection and its procedures, and the provisional and certified result. Ballot secrecy shall be maintained and the records shall permit independent verification and lawful recount or review. A successful ticket, whether elected, returned unopposed, or selected through a lawful extraordinary method, shall be submitted for Imperial confirmation. Following confirmation, its candidates shall be recognized as Chancellor-elect and Vice Chancellor-elect and shall assume office after the prescribed oaths in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution. If an ordinary inauguration date has passed while the election remained unresolved, assumption of office shall occur promptly upon confirmation and the oaths. Section 10: Special Elections and Continuity Where a special election fills both Chancellery offices, this Article shall apply to joint tickets. Where a special election under Article 20 of the Constitution fills only the office of Chancellor, eligible individual candidates shall replace joint tickets for purposes of Sections 2–9 and the sitting Vice Chancellor shall remain in office unless independently removed or disqualified by law. For a single-office contest, consent and participation requirements for ticket members in Section 7(a) and (b) shall apply to the two final Chancellor candidates alone. The parliamentary candidacy restriction in Section 1 shall also apply to a single-office contest. A deadlocked Chancellery election shall not suspend the separately confirmed parliamentary election. Members of the newly constituted Parliament may assume their seats and participate in Section 7(c) regardless of whether the Chancellery election has concluded. The reserved Commons seat shall be held by the person lawfully holding the office of Vice Chancellor and shall be vacant while that office is vacant. Section 32A: Electoral Security, Verification, and Digital Voting Records Title 2, Chapter 10 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Article 6 immediately after Article 5, as inserted by Section 32 of this Act, to read: Article 6: Electoral Security, Verification, and Digital Voting Records Section 1: Application and Voting Platforms This Article shall apply to elections, referendums, recalls, and other public votes held by ballot of registered electors under Totemian law, including national, subnational, and local contests. It shall govern preparation, registration, procurement, testing, voting, processing, counting, audit, certification, and preservation of records, including services supplied by external providers. A dedicated digital voting platform developed by or specifically for the Government is a government-developed platform for this Article. An existing external service authorised by the National Electoral Administration is an external platform. The Administration may select a lawful voting arrangement according to its suitability and the requirements of this Article. Section 2: Totemian Electoral Security and Verifiability Standard The Administration shall prescribe and publish the Totemian Electoral Security and Verifiability Standard. It shall specify verifiable technical requirements, responsible functions, assessment procedures, and the dated editions applicable to each voting method and component. Its minimum requirements shall incorporate and require compliance with the following applicable standards: (a) the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)5 for electoral secrecy, equality, verification, observation, and independent examination; (b) the applicable software-independence, auditability, integrity, access-control, and usability requirements of VVSG 2.0; (c) NIST VTS 200-1 for election-infrastructure risk management, NIST SP 800-218 version 1.1 for secure development, and the applicable Level 3 requirements of OWASP ASVS version 5.0.0 for critical election web applications, subject to any statutory transition expressly applicable to client authenticator hardware; (d) NIST SP 1500-20, SP 1500-101, SP 1500-103, and SP 1500-100 revision 2 for interoperable ballot definitions, event records, cast-vote records, and results; (e) RFC 3339 for exchanged timestamps, NIST SP 800-53 revision 5 controls AU-8 and AU-9 for time records and their protection, and the time-assurance requirements in Section 13. The Standard shall identify the scope and applicability of each adopted requirement and the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance. An equivalent measure or later edition shall require a published technical assessment and independent examination. A version fixed by law shall be changed only by the authority and procedure required under that law. Requirements governing a poll shall be settled before it opens; emergency corrections shall be recorded, independently reviewed, and applied consistently without retrospectively changing voter entitlements or the counting rule. Section 3: Responsible Officers and Separation of Duties The Chief Electoral Registrar shall designate the responsible Returning Officer, qualified independent reviewers, and record custodians. Their functions and material conflicts of interest shall be recorded. An independent reviewer shall not examine work for which that person was responsible or have a material candidate or campaign conflict. A qualified person outside the Administration may be appointed for that function. Critical operations involving ballot definitions, election software, opening keys, primary evidence, or certification shall require recorded authorisation by at least 2 distinct persons. Custody and access shall be limited to the functions assigned. Reviewers shall submit their findings without alteration by the persons whose work is reviewed. Section 4: Examination and Preparation Before first use, after material changes, and before each poll, the system and its operation shall undergo examination appropriate to the change and risk. Examination shall cover approved software and dependencies, authentication, ballot presentation, all permitted preferences, accessibility, secrecy, administrator privileges, verification, counting, recovery, and protection against interference. Where Title 1, Chapter 7, Article 9 of the Civil Code is in force, every covered digital electoral system, including an external platform, shall comply with its WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. The Administration shall verify that compliance before authorizing use. This requirement applies to the complete electoral process presented through the system, including authentication, ballot instructions, access to the submitted text, selection, correction, review, submission, and confirmation, while preserving secrecy and independent choice. The Returning Officer shall record the approved build and ballot configuration, verify the authoritative candidate and elector information, conduct tests with known results and defective or interrupted inputs, and confirm the opening, closing, and recovery arrangements. Material changes and their tests shall be identifiable in the election record. Section 5: Ballot Evidence and Secret Choices Electronic voting shall provide evidence permitting the lawful recording, inclusion, and counting of ballots to be verified independently of the recording and counting software. The method shall use voter-verifiable primary records or an independently examined end-to-end verification protocol appropriate to the contest. The protocol shall separate identity and participation information from secret selections and prevent the recovery of identified choices through administrative access, account recovery, or custody of counting keys. Counting shall use anonymous ballot evidence or verified aggregate computation. Any anonymisation, mixing, or decryption necessary for counting shall be independently verifiable. Anonymisation shall remove recoverable identity correlations before individual selections are decrypted for counting or tally review. Authenticated evidence sufficient for verification shall be preserved in separate custody outside the exclusive control of the operating host and its administrator. Custodians may use protected offline media or physical records. Where paper is primary evidence, the elector shall be able to inspect the human-readable choices before casting the record into secure custody. Section 6: Processing, Reconciliation, and Exports The Administration shall account for submissions received, accepted, rejected, superseded, anonymised, counted, or awaiting determination. Each material exclusion or correction shall have a recorded lawful basis and independently verifiable supporting evidence. Receipt, acceptance, effective-ballot status, and final inclusion shall be recorded as distinct events. The record shall include approved configurations, examinations, ballot evidence, reconciliations, complete counting stages, custody and access records, incidents, corrections, audit findings, and certification. It shall support documented machine-readable exports and readable tables or spreadsheets. Identity records and secret preferences shall be separated in storage, exports, and access permissions. Public release and record interfaces shall comply with Sections 14 and 15. Section 7: Verification Before Certification Before administrative certification, an independent reviewer shall reconcile the preserved evidence and independently recompute the result for every seat, ticket, or question. Verification shall cover lawful replacements and exclusions, each material transfer, exhausted value, quota or majority calculation, precision rule, and tie decision. Reusing production totals alone shall not constitute independent recomputation. A complete independent recount against the preserved primary evidence shall be the default. A sampling audit may be authorised only under a published method independently validated for the precise counting rule, capable of verifying every reported winner or outcome, with a stated risk limit and escalation to the necessary further examination or full recount. Material discrepancies shall be resolved before the affected result is certified. The method, findings, and resolution shall be published subject to ballot secrecy. Eligibility, participation, and replacement checks shall use protected administrative records or privacy-preserving proofs. Tally verification shall use anonymised ballot evidence or verified aggregate computation. The verification method shall demonstrate the correspondence of eligible effective submissions and counted evidence without disclosing a link between an identified elector and unencrypted selections. Audit identifiers shall be independent of National ID numbers, account identifiers, private receipt references, and publicly observable submission order. Identifying timestamps, network addresses, device data, and other correlating metadata shall be removed or protected before selection evidence is made available for tally review. Reviewers shall receive only the evidence necessary for their assigned functions. Review assignments and released datasets shall not combine identity-linking material with unencrypted choice evidence. Access to verification records shall not authorise reconstruction or disclosure of identified choices. Before evidence or exports are released, the Administration shall independently assess whether individual records, distinctive rankings, small groups, or combinations of datasets would reveal choices. The public package shall use privacy-preserving proofs, safe aggregation, delayed release, or necessary redaction while preserving meaningful verification. An audit requiring protected ballot evidence shall use controlled access and publish its method, checks, findings, and nonidentifying verification evidence. Section 8: Incidents and Judicial Directions The Administration shall preserve incident evidence and assess the effect on eligibility, secrecy, availability, timing, and the result. Protective action shall be reasoned, recorded, proportionate to the affected process, and preserve unaffected votes so far as practicable. Where a material incident prevents required verification within a statutory certification period, the Administration shall promptly apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for directions. The court may order protective measures and the shortest necessary extension, giving written reasons and providing expedited consideration. Recounting, restoration, suspension, or a replacement poll shall follow the applicable law and any lawful judicial direction. Section 9: Preservation and Production Before polling, the Administration shall publish a retention schedule covering the official evidence and protected personal records. Evidence necessary for verification shall be preserved through the applicable challenge periods and final resolution of pending recounts, investigations, or proceedings requiring it. Access, transfer, and lawful destruction shall be recorded. Published result summaries and audit reports shall be retained as permanent public records. The Emperor and courts of competent jurisdiction may require production of lawful election records, subject to the constitutional secrecy of identified choices. Production shall use verification evidence that preserves that secrecy. Section 10: Individual Participation Lookup A government-developed platform shall provide an individual participation lookup during and after active voting, separate from secret ballot records. An authenticated registered elector may inspect their own status and may request the participation status of another elector for a specified ballot, contest, or question by supplying that person's complete National ID number, recorded first name, and designated surname. The service shall return only the single matching participation record. It shall provide no voter directory, name-only search, partial-number search, suggested identities, or bulk participation listing. For this Section, the National ID number is the stable person identifier assigned by the Office of Civil Registration, distinct from a credential-issuance reference, seal reference, PIN, or account identifier. The name fields shall correspond to the authoritative registry meanings under the applicable National ID legislation. Renewal, replacement, or expiry of a credential shall not erase the person's earlier participation records or create another person record. The requesting elector shall satisfy the authentication required for their own lawful access. The target number and matching particulars shall identify only the limited participation record; they shall confer no access to the person's credential record, private voting history, authenticators, or secret choices. The requester shall not be required to obtain or enter another person's PIN, passkey, or recovery material. The response shall show only the ballot and contest or question, and whether a submission is recorded or awaits verification. A confirmed blank submission shall establish participation. It shall omit selections, rankings, blank or nonblank status, replacement counts, submission times, confidential identifiers, and links to secret ballot evidence. A failed or incomplete match shall not return suggested corrections or disclose the unmatched identity particulars. Identifying participation detail shall be withheld to the extent necessary where its combination with released results or other records would identify choices. The owner shall retain private access to their own status. The service shall apply proportionate query limits and anti-enumeration controls, protect query particulars from public logs and shared caches, and record authorised use without linking the lookup to secret selections. Identifying lookup fields shall be transmitted in a protected request body and excluded from URLs, public telemetry, and publicly accessible request logs. Section 11: Private Voting Records A government-developed platform shall provide each elector with a private record of that elector's digital submissions. It shall show the ballot and question, submitted selections or rankings, receipt and acceptance information, replacement history, the effective submission, and the outcome of inclusion verification. A submission shall not be described as finally counted merely because it was received. Selection history shall be encrypted under material controlled by the elector and accessible through authenticated voter-side processing. Administrators shall hold no key, recovery mechanism, or impersonation function enabling them to read that history. Counting keys and personal-history keys shall be separate. Account recovery may restore participation access and prospective voting without revealing earlier choices; recovery of encrypted choice history shall depend on material controlled by the elector. The elector shall have private access while the records are retained and an opportunity to retain an encrypted personal copy before lawful deletion. Official receipts shall establish submission and processing status without certifying an identified elector's choices to third parties. Personal choice history shall remain a private reference record. Independent examination shall assess the verification protocol, software delivery, administrator compromise, recovery, and risks of coercion arising from continuing access. Section 12: Replacement of Digital Votes On a government-developed platform, an elector may submit replacements for an identified contest or question as often as desired before its replacement cutoff. The cutoff shall be 30 minutes before the published closing instant. No replacement first received at or after that cutoff shall be accepted. If the voting period is 30 minutes or less, replacement voting shall be unavailable. An initial submission shall remain permitted until closing. A replacement shall require affirmative confirmation and operate only upon the identified contest or question. Other effective submissions shall be preserved. The platform shall display the replacement cutoff and closing time and prominently advise an elector making an initial submission during the final 30 minutes that further changes will be unavailable. Only the latest accepted lawful submission received within its applicable deadline shall be effective for each elector and contest or question. The protected receipt sequence shall determine the order and whether a submission is initial or a replacement, regardless of the order in which processing finishes. Concurrent or pending requests shall not bypass the cutoff by being described as initial submissions. A confirmed blank replacement shall supersede the earlier submission and be treated as blank under the applicable counting rule. A failed, rejected, or incomplete attempt shall leave the preceding accepted submission effective. Earlier submissions shall be excluded from the count but preserved to the extent necessary for reconciliation, verification, and the private record. A valid initial submission received before closing, or a valid replacement received before the replacement cutoff, may complete validation and durable recording afterward. The system shall distinguish a receipt awaiting validation from confirmed acceptance. A late replacement shall not cancel the existing effective submission. An external platform may offer replacement voting under these rules where authorised before voting opens. Where voting channels are combined, the Administration shall publish and test a lawful procedure for channel changes and priority that ensures only 1 effective ballot per elector and contest. Channel changes shall preserve secrecy and shall not permit an existing vote to be replaced during the final 30 minutes. Section 13: Trusted Electoral Time The Administration shall designate a UTC-traceable time reference and publish each poll's opening, replacement-cutoff, and closing instants in UTC and the official local time with its applicable offset. Exchanged time records shall conform to RFC 3339. The technical Standard shall prescribe timestamp resolution, the maximum permitted uncertainty, reference checks, drift monitoring, and bounded operation during loss of a reference. Where network time is used, it shall use authenticated synchronisation through NTP with Network Time Security under RFC 8915 or an independently examined equivalent. A locally managed system may use a validated local time reference with documented calibration, drift bounds, and witnessed checks. The approved method shall demonstrate that its claimed accuracy is maintained throughout polling. Each complete authenticated submission shall receive a protected receipt sequence and a timestamp at the designated intake. Receipt, acceptance, durable recording, and later evidence timestamping shall retain their actual distinct times. A monotonically increasing sequence shall determine the order of submissions, including those with equal displayed times. Sequence continuity shall be protected across restarts. An elector's device clock shall not determine timeliness or replacement order. Clock corrections, source changes, loss of synchronisation, restarts, and their effects shall be recorded and independently examined. A correction shall preserve the original records and shall not retrospectively alter their sequence or the published deadline. Where uncertainty could affect whether a submission preceded the replacement cutoff or closing, the submission and timing evidence shall be preserved for expedited determination under rules published before polling, subject to judicial review. It shall remain provisional until resolved. Where cryptographic timestamp tokens are used, they shall comply with RFC 3161 and the applicable policy and security requirements of ETSI EN 319 421 version 1.3.1, or an independently examined equivalent. The election record shall identify the issuer, source, accuracy, validation material, and limitations of the attestation. A later token shall attest the existence of the protected data at that later time and shall not replace the actual intake record or constitute proof that the submission was timely received. Section 14: Ballot Records and Live Public Verification A government-developed platform shall provide a public page designated a Ballot Record for each official ballot and an index designated Ballot Records. Each record shall have a stable public Ballot ID, shared by submissions made using that official ballot. Each contest or question within it shall have a stable identifier. A Ballot ID shall be distinct from an elector's identity, private receipt, or individual submission reference. The page shall be accessible without authentication and available before voting opens, throughout active voting, and afterward under the retention rules. It shall publish the approved ballot and rules, candidates or options, voting method, opening time, replacement cutoff, closing time, software and configuration identification, test and approval records, public operating events, recorded corrections, audit reports, certification, and the verification methods and evidence suitable for public release. Public events shall be published as they occur, with their actual event and publication times, a protected public-event sequence, and any delay or service interruption identified. The record shall retain authenticated versions and corrections without silently overwriting earlier published material. Signed manifests and preserved copies shall permit independent comparison and detection of inconsistent versions. The public-event sequence shall be separate from private submission sequences. During active voting, live publication shall be confined to nonidentifying operational information and verification material safe for that stage. Candidate or option totals, partial tallies, and records capable of linking a person to secret selections shall remain sealed until the relevant contest or question closes. Counting stages and permitted results shall then be published as they become available. Raw per-voter logs shall not be made public merely because they form part of the protected election record. The page shall provide a downloadable, documented verification package containing the public records, their authenticated versions, relevant verification software or independently reproducible checking instructions, and privacy-preserving evidence sufficient to check the recorded outcome under the approved method. A record digest or signature alone shall not constitute proof of correct eligibility, inclusion, or counting. Any published commitment to secret ballot information shall use an independently examined hiding construction appropriate to the protocol. The same Ballot Record page shall provide a public view, an authenticated individual participation lookup, and an owner-only private-record view, each subject to its required permissions. The public response shall contain only public material; protected information shall be retrieved separately under the required authorisation and voter-side protection. Role-specific visibility shall be enforced by the service rather than by hiding fields already delivered to an unauthorised viewer. Section 15: Verification and Record APIs A government-developed platform shall provide documented, versioned application programming interfaces for the public Ballot Records, individual participation lookup, and authorised private record functions. Documentation shall identify the data schema, stable identifiers, release stages, authentication and authorisation requirements, query limits, pagination, error responses, and verification procedures applicable to each interface. Public verification interfaces shall provide read-only access to the same approved public data and downloadable evidence available on the Ballot Record. Protected interfaces shall enforce server-side authorisation for each requested record, property, and action. Knowing a Ballot ID, National ID number, or receipt reference shall not confer authority to retrieve a private record or alter a vote. The participation interface shall accept only the limited individual query permitted by Section 10. The interfaces shall use protected transport, validated inputs, fresh and appropriately restricted credentials for protected operations, replay and request-forgery protections where applicable, bounded requests, and proportionate resource and query limits. The service shall separate public, participation, personal-history, and restricted-audit permissions. Shared caches, public error responses, telemetry, and public logs shall exclude protected particulars and secret selections. Audit and service accounts shall have separately authenticated credentials restricted to their lawful functions. Public access shall not expose administrative controls or bypass the elector's required authentication, private decryption material, replacement cutoff, or voting deadline. Verification traffic shall be managed to preserve capacity for lawful voting and record access. Before use and after material changes, independent examination shall test cross-account access, object and property authorisation, enumeration, secret leakage, cache behaviour, replay, rate limits, clock-boundary handling, and consistency between the page, API, exports, and authenticated record versions. Assessment shall apply the relevant ASVS requirements and address the risks described in the OWASP API Security Top 10, 2023 edition. Section 33: Concurrent Parliamentary Mandates Title 2, Chapter 3, Article 1, Section 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Section 3: Restricted Offices The Chancellor shall be restricted from exercising concurrent mandate powers during their tenure. If the Chancellor holds any parliamentary office, seat, title, or position at the same time as the office of Chancellor, the parliamentary powers of that office shall be suspended for the duration of their tenure as Chancellor. The same restriction shall apply to the Chancellor-elect during the period between their election and their assumption of office. The Vice Chancellor shall be restricted from exercising concurrent mandate powers during their tenure. If the Vice Chancellor holds any parliamentary office, seat, title, or position at the same time as the office of Vice Chancellor, they may not use that parliamentary office to gain legislative advantage, parliamentary authority, or voting power not otherwise provided to them through the office of Vice Chancellor. While holding the office of Chancellor, a person’s legislative, voting, and other parliamentary powers arising from any office, seat, title, or position in either House of Parliament shall be suspended. The same restriction shall apply to the Chancellor-elect until assumption of the office of Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor shall exercise the full rights, powers, and privileges of membership in the House of Commons, including legislative and voting powers, through the seat held by virtue of that office. Those Commons powers shall remain exercisable under this Article. While holding the office of Vice Chancellor, a person’s legislative, voting, and other parliamentary powers arising from any office, seat, title, or position in the House of Lords shall be suspended. The person may retain the affected office, seat, title, or position for the duration of that restriction. Section 33A: National ID Verification for Members of Parliament Title 2, Chapter 3, Article 1 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended by inserting Section 4 to read: Section 4: National ID and Parliamentary Records Every individual elected, returned unopposed, or appointed to the House of Commons or the House of Lords, including the holder of the Vice Chancellor's reserved Commons seat, shall possess an active National ID verified against the Civil Registry before lawfully assuming parliamentary office. The competent parliamentary authority shall record compliance without publicly disclosing the ID number or other confidential identifiers. A sitting member shall maintain an active National ID. A subsequent administrative error or loss of identification status shall be referred to the competent civil-registration authority for correction and handled subject to the Constitution. No loss of ID status shall independently empower an administrator to remove a sitting member contrary to constitutional rules on removal, recall, or vacancy. Section 33B: Protection of Independent Electoral Designations Title 2, Chapter 11, Article 2, Section 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Section 3: Examination and Status Changes The Administration shall examine applications, prevent materially deceptive or conflicting names, verify required persons and documents, classify the organization, approve or refuse registration, record changes in name or status, and register mergers, conversions, dissolutions, and closures. A refusal, suspension, or cancellation shall state its legal and factual basis in the administrative record. The National Organizations Administration shall refuse the registration, recognition, or proposed renaming of a political party or other political organization whose official name, abbreviation, or electoral designation would reasonably cause an elector to mistake it for the absence of political party affiliation. The designation "Independent" and expressions such as "No Party", "No Political Party", "No Party Affiliation", "Unaffiliated", "Nonpartisan", "No Label", and "No Labels" are protected against such misleading use. Confusing translations, spelling variations, abbreviations, and the addition of a word such as "Party" shall not defeat this protection. The Administration shall apply an objective likelihood-of-confusion standard and provide written reasons for refusal. An applicant may offer a distinguishable replacement name and pursue ordinary administrative or judicial review. Independent candidates shall not be represented as a registered political party. Section 33C: Designation of the Civil Registry Title 2, Chapter 9, Article 6, Section 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Section 3: Imperial Civil Registry The Office shall maintain the Imperial Civil Registry for civil-status records assigned to the Ministry by law, including civil marriages and divorces, citizenship applications and oaths, and other records concerning the legal status of natural persons. Title 2, Chapter 9, Article 2, Section 3(d) of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: (d) maintain the Territorial and Settlement Register, Settlement Registry, Imperial Civil Registry, Imperial Register of Electors, and Unified Register of Organizations through the competent organs of the Ministry; Title 2, Chapter 10, Article 2, Section 1 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Section 1: Imperial Register of Electors The National Electoral Administration shall maintain a single Imperial Register of Electors derived from the Imperial Civil Registry and other authoritative records. Only registered citizens who satisfy the qualifications established by the Constitution and other law may be entered as electors. A Policy Order shall not create a new qualification or disqualification for voting or candidacy. Title 1, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 3 of the Civil Code of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Section 3: Divorce Either spouse may initiate a divorce. Consent of both spouses shall not be required for divorce if one spouse lawfully initiates it and the divorce fee is paid. The fee to register a divorce shall be 1,000 SL. Once the divorce fee is paid and the divorce is filed, the marriage shall be dissolved under Totemian civil law. The Office of Civil Registration within the Ministry of Interior shall record civil marriages and divorces in the Imperial Civil Registry under Title 2, Chapter 9, Article 6. -------- Chapter 9 - Taxation and Religious Maintenance ---------------------------------------------- Section 34: Taxation and Religious Maintenance Article 9 of the Constitution of the Totemian Empire is amended to read: Article 9: Taxation Section 1: Authority to Impose Taxes 1. Parliament may impose, amend, renew, suspend, or repeal an imperial tax by Act of Parliament. The reigning MonarchEmperor may do the same by Imperial Order. Section 2: Required Legal Particulars 2. An Act or Imperial Order imposing a tax shall state the tax's name, the person, property, transaction, income, activity, or other subject taxed, the rate or method of calculation, the date on which it takes effect, and the authority responsible for its administration. Section 3: Tax Code Entry 3. No tax may be collected until it is listed in the Tax Code of the Civil Code. The Tax Code entry shall identify the legal instrument imposing the tax and shall accurately state every matter required by paragraph 2Section 2. Section 4: Updating and Observance of the Tax Code 4. The Tax Code shall be updated without delay whenever a tax is amended, renewed, suspended, repealed, expires, or otherwise ceases to operate. No tax may be collected contrary to its current Tax Code entry. 5. This Article replaces and repeals the former restriction on recurring imperial taxation. Section 5: Minimum Period Before Taxation Takes Effect A newly imposed or reintroduced tax, or an amendment increasing liability, extending the taxable class or base, or advancing a payment date, shall take effect no earlier than 7 full calendar days after the later of its lawful enactment or issuance and the recording of its complete operative Tax Code entry. The day of the later event shall be excluded when calculating that period. No liability under the new or increased charge shall accrue for an earlier date or period. This waiting period shall apply to taxation imposed by any state organ, subnational government, locality, or other public authority. The imposing instrument may prescribe a later commencement date. Collection shall follow the first lawful scheduled collection date or payroll release on or after commencement. Administrative preparation may begin before commencement. A reduction, exemption, suspension, or repeal may take effect immediately. Continuation of an existing tax at the same or a lower burden, without interruption or an earlier payment date, shall not restart the waiting period. Section 6: State Religion Maintenance Tax Parliament may, by Act of Parliament, or the Emperor may, by Imperial Order, impose a State Religion Maintenance Tax for the maintenance and lawful activities of the State Religion. The tax may be calculated by reference to members’ bank balances, taxable payroll remuneration, taxable property, or a combination of those bases, corresponding to the Wealth Bank Balance Tax, Payroll Tax, or Property Tax as provided by law. Liability shall attach only to individuals who have voluntarily declared and recorded their membership for civil taxation purposes. Residence, ancestry, attendance at a ceremony, or an assertion of membership by another person shall not alone establish liability. An individual may withdraw that declaration through an accessible civil procedure; future membership-based liability shall end from the recorded effective date of withdrawal. Liability lawfully accrued before that date shall remain payable. The imposing instrument shall identify the liable members, taxable base, rates or calculation method, applicable exemptions, commencement date, collection frequency, administering authority, and destination of receipts. The tax shall be separately identified and accounted for, including where calculated by reference to property, and shall be subject to Sections 2–5 and applicable tax exemptions. Section 7: Religious Tax Plans and Administration The competent religious authority of the State Religion may submit a proposed maintenance-tax plan to Parliament or the Emperor. The proposal shall state its intended expenditure, taxable membership, proposed bases and rates, exemptions, and collection frequency. Its assessment and collection arrangements shall align with the tax administration, valuation, payroll, and collection schedules prescribed by the applicable taxation policy. A maintenance-tax bill shall follow the ordinary legislative procedure under Article 12. An Imperial Order may establish the plan under Section 1. The enacted instrument shall prescribe collection through the competent revenue authorities and authorized financial systems. Receipts shall be earmarked for the State Religion’s maintenance and lawful activities, after collection costs expressly authorized by the imposing instrument. They shall be treated as membership revenue collected for that purpose rather than as a grant from general public funds. Separate accounts and records shall identify the amounts assessed, collected, transferred, spent, and remaining. The State Religion’s receipt or administration of that revenue shall not confer state-organ status or independent public taxing powers upon it. END OF BILL