Motion to Expel Senators Dwtl and PiT

[Јas]

Whether Senators DWTL and PiT committed a crime is a matter for the courts. I bring this motion because they tried to undermine the democratic process in a manner which is not, and should not, be consistent with their standing as Senators of Atlasia.

Whether or not it was a violation of the letter of the law, is certainly a violation of the spirit of it. Senators DWTL and PiT, like the rest of us, took an oath to preserve, protect and defend as best they can the Constitution of Atlasia - a Constitution which enshrines democracy, which seeks to promote justice and ensure domestic tranquility.

I believe they have been found wanting, indeed, quite severely so. For that reason, I ask my fellow Senators to make clear that their behaviour and actions are unacceptable and unbecoming, by approving their expulsion from this chamber.

[Јas]

Whether Senators DWTL and PiT committed a crime is a matter for the courts. I bring this motion because they tried to undermine the democratic process in a manner which is not, and should not, be consistent with their standing as Senators of Atlasia.

Whether or not it was a violation of the letter of the law, is certainly a violation of the spirit of it. Senators DWTL and PiT, like the rest of us, took an oath to preserve, protect and defend as best they can the Constitution of Atlasia - a Constitution which enshrines democracy, which seeks to promote justice and ensure domestic tranquility.

I believe they have been found wanting, indeed, quite severely so. For that reason, I ask my fellow Senators to make clear that their behaviour and actions are unacceptable and unbecoming, by approving their expulsion from this chamber.

They took an oath to the Consitution in their capacity as a Senator, not as a private citizen. Nor is there any indication that they have violated any part of the Constitution or indeed it's spirit. Nor have they flouted, to our knowledge at this stage before any legal response, any electoral law through purposeful spoiling of the ballot to affect the outcome of the race, nor were supporters of an opposing candidate breaking any law or practice by effectively 'ballot stuffing' the polls before they closed. All that was exploited was a loophole.

The Senate, of all bodies should be most familiar with that practice

I'll put you down as an 'undecided' then.

[Јas]

It is up to we Senators to decide what morals and standards we hold each other to, just as much as it is up to the people. DWTL will be re-elected to the Senate, this is not in doubt. The RPP's cadre of silent voters will see to that. We can though send a powerful message - that we hold our elections and electoral process in some esteem and that as sworn defenders of the Constitution, we are guardians of that process as much, if not moreso, than anyone else.

This motion makes a statement that the behaviour in question was unacceptable for any member in good standing of this chamber. I will be asking my fellow Senators to make that same statement by voting in favour of the motion.

[Јas]

DWTL will be re-elected to the Senate, this is not in doubt. The RPP's cadre of silent voters will see to that.

If you feel that way, how about an up-or-down public referendum on whether DWTL & I should run for re-election as Senators?

With due respect, this isn't about whether you run for re-election or not; or whether you egt re-elected or not. As far as I'm concerend that is a totally separate issue and not a matter for consideration here. If you want to run an opinion poll of this, please feel free.

I'm asking the Senate to take a stand against unacceptable interference in the electoral process. As far as I'm concerned there is no middle ground on this issue. It's a point of principle. I will be voting for the motion because I feel strongly that the actions constituted completely unacceptable behaviour for Atlasian Senators.

[Јas]

DWTL will be re-elected to the Senate, this is not in doubt. The RPP's cadre of silent voters will see to that.

If you feel that way, how about an up-or-down public referendum on whether DWTL & I should run for re-election as Senators?

With due respect, this isn't about whether you run for re-election or not; or whether you egt re-elected or not. As far as I'm concerend that is a totally separate issue and not a matter for consideration here. If you want to run an opinion poll of this, please feel free.

However, you said that DWTL wouldn't have to face the voters because there are more than enough RPP hacks to guarantee his victory anyway. What I'm saying is that if he faces an up-or-down referendum on the issue, the voters would get to decide on his future as a Senator, as it were.

Well, that's not really what I said. DWTL would face the voters and would almost certainly be legitimately re-elected - but I wouldn't use the word 'hacks' (or any such inflammatory language) lightly.

(The RPP seems to have an active membership of about 6, but reserves of voters who do nothing but appear on election day when called upon by the party - I wouldn't call these people 'hacks', not do I deny the legitimacy of their votes, it's just a pity that these people play such a peripheral role in Atlasia.)

As I understand it, DWTL is running for re-election and the voters will decide on his future.
However, as I've said, as far as I'm concerned, that's really not relevant to this issue.

[Јas]

I move that the vote on the motion be opened.

[Јas]

Aye