The Citizens’ Party of Sandus has concluded its Sixth Party Congress on 5 November 2016 under the slogan “Securing the Party’s Future and the People’s Prosperity.” This congress has been considered important for its role in establishing the Party’s platform and constitution. These two important by-laws for the Party were meant to be drafted earlier in 2016 after the Fifth Party Congress in November 2015, but were not due to the Sôgmô’s and the Secretary’s busy schedules. Now, these documents will be drafted ahead of the Winter Solstice election in December.
Also a matter of important concern was Jacob Barnet’s Matter Realism and how it is to be reflected in Sandus. The discussion however was not concluded, meaning that it is a discussion bound to continue in the future. It was decided however that the Party would receive certain select policy decision-making powers, especially taking over the role of the Commission for the Command Economy (CCE).
The Congress was opened by Party Secretary Adam Camillus von Friedeck at 11:12 SLT. The Internationale was recited at 11:13 and was followed by a statement by the Secretary on the role and work of the Party. Discussion began by 11:32.
The first matter on the agenda was the Party’s platform. Attendees of the congress were asked about the role and functions of the Party in the Sandum constitution, what the platform would say about the Party’s role, and what the constitution of the Party might include on this subject. All agreed with the long-held view that the Party exists as a think-tank and planning organ. It was agreed that it should develop a central committee to bring continuous governance to the Party both in its meritocratic function as a advisory body and as a planning organ. In addition, it was decided that the Party should take over certain policy areas, especially concerning the economy and security. The Party will take over the functions of the CCE, will perform state security functions, and will also have a limited diplomatic role — for example, both now and in the future, the Minister of Diplomatic Affairs should be a member of the Party.
Next the Congress considered the matter of ideology. It was decided that the Party would continue to abide by the broad and wide-ranging Socialist view established by the Fourth Party Congress in 2014. In addition, the Party denied liberalism to be added to the platform, instead giving preference to Socialist personal liberties.
Third, the Party determined that a select group of Party members would draft the platform and the constitution of the Party. Next, it was decided that both documents would be ratified at the Winter Solstice election ahead of the Winter Solstice on 21 December.
The Party then moved from considering the platform to the constitution, saying that the constitution would not be a long document but would be authored in the vein of the Sandum Founding Law. The constitution would include sections on the Secretary’s role, the role and composition of the Central Committee, and also the procedure for developing Party policy.
The last section to be discussed was on Matter Realism, with a recess from 13:07 to 14:25 SLT. No decisions were made from this discussion, though there was some reconciliation amongst the two factions of Matter Realists and Cultural Realists.
Finally, at 15:12, the Party Secretary began the electoral process for a new secretary. Adam Camillus von Friedeck nominated himself as a candidate for the next term. At 15:22, the Secretary moved to vote and, at 15:23, he was unanimously elected by acclamation.
At 15:38, the drafting committee was composed by those in attendance.
The Sixth Party Congress was adjourned at 15:44.
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