Krikaré

The Krikaré [kree-KAR-ray], also called the Kritarchy or House of Elders, is the legislative body of the church-state of Ororr. It enacts all laws and regulations both spiritual and temporal, regarding the administration of the church and the nation. Members have the courtesy title “Krimaha” or “Krilato”, Elder-Mother or Elder-Father.

The krikaré are all former members of the executive leadership, the Gamiri, meaning they were formerly elected to at least one of the nine executive leadership roles. Members can propose legislation which if passed by the krikaré must be enacted by the executive, the Gamiri. The National Convocation can oppose any new legislation by majority vote, but their veto must be wielded by the Pokamusa, the most senior leader of the Gamiri.

Individual members are all former leaders elected by their peers. Many acquire senior leadership roles in other church-state institutions, being leaders in the priest-military, heads of religious colleges, Chief Readers of influential pandatas and so on. They are forbidden from administrative roles in governance or to be leaders in commerce, but otherwise are extremely influential.

Numbers fluctuate but there are usually around two to three hundred members, with an average of three new Mabireks being created each year.

The krikaré has regularly scheduled formal meetings, with additional sessions being called by the most senior members of the assembly.

The First Gamiro also has the power to summon the krikaré, usually at times of crisis.

The krikaré has a strict order of precedence determining the seniority and authority of its membership. This is based primarily on the number of years each individual served as Gamiro, and the highest rank they attained. “Nine Star” kritarchs are the most senior, having achieved all nine ranks including Prime Gamiro. Rank is also determined by length of time served in the krikaré, and by a history of proposing successful legislation.

In formal debates, members speak by order of precedence so that in a limited timescale, on the most senior often get to speak, though all have an equal vote. Junior kritarchs often debate and ally themselves with senior members

The most senior Kritarch is called the Amaikim, “One Who Speaks for the Mother”. The Amaikim has the power to summon the krikaré, to dissolve sessions, and to nominate speakers by precedence. Formal precedence is determined by a committee consisting of the Amaikim and the two oldest male and female members, the Honoured Mother and Honoured Father, plus two krikaré responsible for keeping the official records. Disputes regarding precedence are brought first to them, and can then be taken to the house.

All significant nation-wide legislation must be sponsored by at least one senior kritarch plus a second of any rank. Legislation with full assent of the house is handed immediately to the Gamiri for enactment. Legislation without unanimous approval may then be passed to the Convocation who may debate details and either approve or reject it. The proposing kritarch has the ability to withdraw proposed legislation at any time. This can frustrate the will of the Convocation who which to discuss controversial plans but are unable to if the plan is withdrawn.

The Consistory Council is a subdivision of the kritarchy that rules purely on religious matters. Consistory councils are not a standing body, but are appointed to investigate and rule on strictly defined matters of doctrine, religious practice, or disputes.