The Forum Elites are those that always seem to find government positions, no matter what. People like MAS who jump around and always seem to be elected, even though they are incompetent. The Forum Elites almost always would rather give themselves government positions rather than people who haven't been around as long. They also try to interfere with another region's elections.
As for the questions:
1. KEmp, Alcon, Andrew, Peter Bell, MAS, JFK, ColinW
2. I don't believe there is a conspiracy. Rather just a group of people who make sure to back each other first.
3. Power
4. Nothing you can do except leave or wait for them to leave.
Yea, I've interfered in so many regional elections and have tons of power.