Composition of the Senate

Written by submergency

Ex Officio Senators:

The Seastead’s Senior Executive Officers are “ex officio” voting Senators. They may attend Senate meetings and have right to speak and vote. Seneior Executives are appointed by the Foundation subject to advice and consent of the Senate. Their appointment requires the confidence of the Senate. This is expressed by a simple majority vote.

The occupants of the following nine positions are “ex officio” Senators:

  • Director
  • Captain
  • Chief Scientist
  • Chief Purser
  • Deep Home Fellows (5)

Elected Senators:

There are nine elected Senators. There are as many elected Senators as there are voting “ex officio” Senators.

Elected Senators are conscripted through the Mana system.

In total, there are eighteen voting Senators.  All voting Senators are held accountable under the Mana system for each vote they cast.

Non-Voting Senators

The heads of functional departments and other executive level position occupants are non-voting “ex officio” Senators. They may attend Senate meetings and have the right to speak when a matter affecting their functional area or responsibility is being considered.  Their appointment is subject to the confidence of the Senate.

The occupants of the following fourteen positions are “ex officio” non-voting Senators:

  • The Senate Clerk
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Executive Officer
  • Master at Arms
  • Chief Engineer
  • Chief Steward
  • AI/IT Manager
  • Chief Medical Officer
  • Principal Teacher
  • Food Safety Manager
  • Farm Manager
  • Meat and Dairy Manager
  • Food Processing Manager

The mana of non-voting Senators is not affected by Senate  votes.
In total, there are thirty-two voting and non-voting Senators.