Political: Arnland

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Political Overview

Arnland is a multi‐party democratic republic with open elections. While there are now currently seven political parties with varied representation in the National Assembly (NA; Alltinget in Arnish), two political parties have dominated the political landscape in Arnland for the past 25 years. These two parties are Arnland Prosperity Party (APP) representing the center‐right and the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP) representing the social democrat segment of the population. The new constitution was ratified 24 years ago.

Government: Arnland’s unicameral NA consists of 135 seats which are held by members of multiple parties; a "first past the post" system determines the composition of the representation. All members of the NA serve four‐year terms. The President, Sture Pallesson, is the Head of State and is elected by an electoral college made up from the six Arnish counties (län). The Prime Minister, Mr. Bror Jeppessen, is appointed from the majority party in the NA and has two deputies who assist him in leading the Executive Branch of the government and ensuring influence and oversight of the Legislative Branch.

Population: Arns generally lack confidence in the government institutions and officials due to the ineffectiveness of the State. When asked about the effectiveness of the president, the NA, their governor, their mayor, and their city/village councils, more Arns are of the opinion that these institutions are not effective than that are of the opinion that they are effective. On average, the people of Arnland do not perceive the government as a useful source of assistance. Within the last 12 months, about two thirds of Arns did not turn to municipal, police, social welfare departments, or employment centers, considering it unproductive and a waste of time and effort. Instead, neighborhood assistance, family, or local connections proved to be the best way to get out of troubles or when in need of any help. The Arnish social support system has sufficient resources to address social needs. But it does so poorly, due to the lack of centrally overseen funds distribution and corruption on all levels of power.

Foreign Relations: Diplomatic relations with most countries.

Legal System: Civil law.

International Agreements: Arnland is a member of the United Nations (UN) and a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was ratified in 1994. It is a member of the GBCC, but announced its withdrawal recently.

Historical Summary

The Skolkan Empire coalesced slowly during the late 14th and early 15th Centuries, expanding and contracting as circumstances permitted. In its heyday in the mid‐19th Century, it comprised all of what are now the countries of Arnland, Framland, Bothnia, and Otso. Toward the end of the 19th century, it became more and more obvious that the cohesion among the Skolkan nations was rapidly degrading. Arnland felt that its contribution to the Skolkan Empire far exceeded the return. Consequently Arnish leaders raised their voices strongly for independence. These arguments were reinforced as Framland declared independence, and finally Arnland followed on 11 December 1917.

Although Arnland reorganized itself into a multiparty democracy in 1992, Arns were extremely wary of creating a government structure that centralized power. Their fear of returning to a system where regional interests were ignored at the expense of the political elite caused them to create a Republic that balanced power across national and regional lines. Further, it placed the judicial power with the Presidency, the executive power with the Prime Minister and the Government, and the legislative power with the National Assembly.

Arnland sought closer ties with the rest of Europe in order to improve economic conditions. It instituted a government structure that would facilitate Arnland's need for foreign investment in the nation's financial future. Arnland‘s efforts to overcome its historical isolation and underdevelopment saw it make initial strides in the areas of public infrastructure and public services as its fragile democratic structures were developing. During this transitional period from 1992‐1996, the center‐right Arnland Prosperity Party (APP) formed the government.

However, without the experienced structures and processes in place to provide proper oversight of these efforts, both legitimate and illegitimate business entities at the county level exploited these opportunities, and a system of corruption and organized crime took root. Government agencies did not have enough depth or span of control to oversee government spending, and national government efficiency and effectiveness was perceived by the population to be nonexistent.

In 2008, the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP) formed a minority government, passing government legislation based upon support from other parties on an issue-by-issue basis. This created a delicate balance of power in the NA. The ASP pledged to fight crime and corruption, decrease the size and scope of government, and promote economic growth by exploring membership in the European Union (EU). The Arnland Prosperity Party regained control of the Presidency. Corruption, regional influence, and manipulation of the political and legal systems remained firmly rooted in the daily lives of Arns. The lack of a cohesive will, and the adherence to party and individual interests caused the executive and legislative branches of the government to struggle to bring about real reform in its efforts to demonstrate to the EU and other international organizations that it was ready to be taken seriously.

The result of the election two years ago saw the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP), with a reduced percentage of the vote, and decreased number of seats, again formed a government, but this time on a more formal coalition footing with the Social Democratic Party and Arnland Communist Party to gain an overall majority of two seats in the NA. Corruption continues to permeate the Government, which failed to deliver on its previous pledges of fighting crime and corruption, reducing central government control, and improving services on a national scale. Linked to this were allegations of possible vote rigging but as yet nothing has been proved. On the positive side, the Government continued to explore its aspiration of EU membership following initial negotiations in 2012, though it was unable to enter into a Stabilization and Association Agreement. This is an issue that is causing a significant rift between the Prime Minister and the President, who also secured a second and final term in 2016. This was coupled with the increasingly powerful role of key county governors (landshövding) of Skåne, Jönköping, and Kalmar (See Regional Administrative section).

Strategic Aim

Arnland seeks to maintain its independence and neutrality while simultaneously working to become a member of the European Union (EU).

Constitutional Framework

In an effort to safeguard these ideals and the future of its democracy, Arns established a republic that physically separated the responsibility for executive, legislative, and judicial functions. They further attempted to protect their form of government by requiring a 75% vote in the NA to change the constitution. While the powers of government are physically separated, the articles and processes established to enable government actually served to cripple it. Instead they succeeded in placing the real power in the dispersed regions at the county level without effective national checks and balances.

The President, as Chair of the Council of High Justice, uses his position to directly influence the local and regional affairs rather than through the ineffective and inefficient national government apparatus. In doing so, he is seen to be more responsive to the needs of the people and their local and county initiatives than the government. As an individual, his office is most effective when it undermines the other branches of the government and responds to these local interest groups. His control of the High Council of Justice and the Supreme Court enables him to thwart attempts by the executive and legislative branches to re‐balance power or to modify the laws otherwise.

Central Structure

Central Structure of the Arnland Government

Head of State

The head of State in Arnland is the President of the Republic. The President, not necessarily a member of the political establishment, is elected by the people of Arnland every four years through an electoral college. This is based upon representation in "clusters" of five or so electoral districts; there are 35 of these larger electoral districts across the six Counties in Arnland—Skåne seven votes, Jönköping, Halland, and Blekinge six each, Kalmar and Kronoberg five each. Arns vote for party candidates in their political district to represent them nationally. The President is eligible to stand for re‐election once. Following a term out of office, the President may stand for election again with the same restrictions on re‐election. After a period of eight years out of office, the current President is again serving as the President of the Republic in his second term.

The President is charged with ensuring that the Constitution and all laws are complied with. Constitutionally, he is further charged with the following:

1. Approves the appointment of the Prime Minister (Chairman of the Council of Ministers) from the political party with the most seats in the NA and all of the members of the Council of Ministers;
2. Authority for appointing the Attorney General;
3. Authority for appointing the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and all Supreme Court Justices;
4. Chairs the High Council of Justices;
5. Serves as the ceremonial Commander in Chief of the Arnish Armed Forces in peacetime; and
6. Serves as the Commander in Chief of the Arnish Armed Forces in a state of emergency as decreed by the NA. There are two types of states of emergency:
   1. A non‐military emergency situation that is a governmental declaration, enforced in case of a natural disaster or civil unrest. It also delegates certain powers to the county governors in cases of civil emergency.
   2. A military state of emergency, debated in the NA, but which can only be enforced by the President. The military comes under the control of the President. The civilian population is subject to strict regulations, imposed by the type of emergency. All private and public non‐crucial activities are suspended. Essential services might be disrupted. This situation can be enforced in extreme circumstances, such as war.

Branches of Government

Executive

The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers (cabinet) exercise the executive power in Arnland. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President from the political party with the most seats in the NA. All of the members of the Council are appointed by the President on the basis of the Prime Minister's recommendation. In practice this has tended to be a formality, but in the event that there is a political split between President and Prime Minister, it gives the President the opportunity to influence the executive power of the government.

Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers directs and controls the activities of the ministries and other state institutions.

Arnland Council of Ministers

Legislative

The National Assembly (NA; Alltinget) consists of 135 seats and is elected based upon a "first past the post" system. Parties run candidates in electoral districts and successful individuals serve four‐year terms. With the exception of votes on constitutional amendments, all votes in the NA are based upon a simple majority.

The NA performs the following functions:

• Power to modify the Arnland Constitution with a 75% majority vote of the entire National Assembly
• Debates the direction of domestic policy (to include normative ministerial and government agency acts, regulations, and orders)
• Debates the direction of foreign policy based upon recommendations from the Council of Ministers
• Enacts domestic laws and ratifies international treaties
• Declares states of emergency as required in times of national or regional crisis

Judicial

When the republic was created, Arns sought to further safeguard their new democratic process by constitutionally embodying the judicial power in one body of the government and the executive and legislative powers in another. Although the Judiciary was meant to be controlled by the President, Arns ensured that there were processes and procedures defined in the Constitution to protect against creating a dictatorial regime.

The Constitution provides that all citizens enjoy the right to a fair, speedy, and public trial; however, limited material resources in many instances prevent the court system from processing cases in a timely fashion. If convicted, the accused has the right to appeal the decision within 10 days to the Courts of Appeal.

The assignment of cases to judicial panels at all levels of the judicial system is done by lottery according to procedures provided by law.

As there are no jury trials under the Arnish system of justice, a panel of three judges renders court verdicts.

In September 2006, Arnland ratified Protocol No.6 to the European Convention on Human Rights, abolishing the death penalty for peacetime offenses, but has yet to ratify Protocol 13 for the complete abolition of the death penalty despite pressure from the Arnland Supreme Court.

The Composition of the Court System of Arnland

High Council of Justice. The High Council of Justice is composed of nine members. Three members on the High Council of Justice hold seats based upon the office they represent: the President of the Republic (Chair), the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Minister of Justice. The other six seats are allocated to each of the six counties, and are appointed by the President of the Republic from the County Courts of Appeal, based upon the governor's recommendation. They are appointed for four-year terms and are not restricted in their rights to seek re‐appointment. The High Council of Justice is responsible for selecting and disciplining the judges for the courts subordinate to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Arnland. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the 17 judges of the Court are appointed by the President to four-year terms without restrictions on subsequent re‐appointment. The appointments, however, must be confirmed by the NA. The Supreme Court is split into three panels: Constitutional, Civil, and Criminal. The constitutional panel is chaired by the Chief Justice and serves to judge the constitutionality of all Arnish laws. The criminal panel tries military and criminal cases and the civil panel tries commercial, administrative, family, labor cases, etc. Military personnel are also subject to military law under the Military Act of 1992. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, after taking the opinion of the judges, can move cases from one panel to the other. Decisions of the Supreme Court are proclaimed, along with the reasoning behind the decision, no later than 30 days from the date of the termination of the judicial examination.

Courts of Appeal. Each of the six counties of Arnland has a Court of Appeal. The Courts of Appeal review decisions of the Courts of First Instance in all matters. These courts sit in panels of three judges. Judges of the Courts of Appeal are nominated by the High Council of Justice and appointed by the President.

Courts of First Instance. The Courts of First Instance work according to rules provided in the Codes of Civil and Criminal Law. The territorial jurisdiction of each Court is defined by a Decree of the President of the Republic, based on the recommendation of the High Council of Justice. The Courts are aptly named as "Courts of First Instance,” as they are responsible for initially hearing all forms of legal cases regardless of their nature.

Regional Administration

Most Arns believe strongly in moving away from their communist past and its centralized government structure, which ignored regional priorities, to one that acknowledges local and individual identities and provides opportunities for their success within a national government structure. To date progress has been slow, helping to fuel social unrest. The six Counties in Arnland are: Skåne, Jönköping, Halland, Blekinge, Kalmar and Kronoberg; for more details on regional government see the section on elections.

Domestic Policies

Arnland outwardly represents itself as a modern democratic republic providing equality for all of its citizens through a nationally driven, regionally delivered civil administration system. The national government apparatus is organized into 16 ministries and several agencies and services. The processes and procedures for delivering services are determined nationally; ministers propose policy and legislation is passed in the NA to codify that into law. Ministries fund national government programs according to the budget passed in the NA; usually an annual budget is passed each year in the spring. Civil service components are responsible for monitoring government programs and services in their respective areas of responsibility. Most of the responsibility for delivering these programs is passed to the county commission (landsting) in the six counties within Arnland. The only ministries that are the sole purview of the national level are Foreign Affairs, State and Parliament Relations, Defense, Finance, and Justice. Staffing throughout the civil service is at the pleasure of the government and incoming governments traditionally reward key supporters with patronage appointments in influential offices.

The national budget is established and approved centrally each fiscal year and funding is then provided to the county commissions to deliver the national programs to the citizens of Arnland in all other areas. Service delivery is mandated to be in accordance with the budget and is to be administered following the processes and procedures outlined in the nationally approved policy. Civil servants representing the ministries are dispersed throughout the six counties and are tasked with providing oversight to ensure this process is respected. The county commissions, under the direction and guidance of the governors, are provided with significant budgets to deliver national programs within their respective counties.

The equality of citizens before the law is questionable. However, neither awareness of human rights, nor a culture of standing up to protect them, has been promoted among citizens. That being said, the Arnish Workers Union have conducted rotating non‐violent strikes in attempt to highlight workers’ rights—but with only limited effect. The involvement of a large proportion of the population in the shadow economy, the need to adjust to living under conditions of imperfect laws, and high fiscal pressure does not contribute to fostering a law‐abiding culture among citizens. In practice, the “laws” defined by the activities of local authorities play a greater role on influencing society than effective laws, norms, or the official authority of the nation.

Ministry of the Interior

The Arnland Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the following:

• National Registration Directorate: Deals with registering Arnland citizens, issuing passports and driving licenses, etc.
• Aliens Registration Directorate: Deals with registering immigrants in the country and providing them documents such as resident permits
• Internal Politics Directorate: Deals with electoral processes and refugee requests
• Cyber Security Directorate: Deals with cyber defense of critical infrastructures and information systems, and with cybercrime such as online child pornography, internet fraud, etc.

Ministry of Public Order

The Arnland Ministry of Public Order is responsible for administering the following: law enforcement, penal services, border security, coast guard, and fire and ambulance services. The Ministry sets the policy and allocates national funding to programs according to the priorities outlined in the budget established by the NA. Specific policies and standards for the level of service to be provided in both peacetime and in times of crisis are established by the Arnland Civil Defense Agency on behalf of the Ministry staff, who perform a more administrative role. Each service or agency, while maintaining national organizational structures, is controlled at the county level, with the exception of the Arnland Border Security Service.

Ministry of Public Order

Law Enforcement

Organized under the Arnland State Police Service (ASPS), law enforcement is provided in Arnland by three different police organizations: the ASPS (national level), the Arnland Län Constabulary (county level), and the Arnish Kommun Law Enforcement Agency (municipality level).

Arnland State Police Service (ASPS)

The ASPS is coordinated by a national headquarters (HQ) in Alsstad and one county headquarters (LHQ) in each of the six counties. It was established to maintain public order in areas of national importance as well as areas that traditionally extended beyond individual county borders. With a mere 3,000 personnel distributed across six ASPS police districts; the capabilities of the force are stretched. It is the most professionally trained of the Arnish Police, headed by a commissioner, and it is officially assigned the following national tasks:

1. Counter-terrorism (CT)
2. Combating Organized Crime (OC)
3. Transportation Security
4. Counter Narcotics
5. Anti-corruption
6. VIP Protection

While ASPS is responsible for combating organized crime, they have little expertise in this area. They are especially deficient in the areas of illegal cryptocurrency mining, money laundering, and Dark Net/Dark Wallet operations. ASPS is attempting to make progress in this area, but to date have no arrests or convictions in this area.

The ASPS has limited capability to analyze evidence related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

1. Exploitation and explosive ordnance/IED disposal (EOD/IEDD) within Arnland is ASPS responsibility.
2. ASPS CT bomb disposal division has level 1 capability.
3. Arnland Government have national level 3 capability, but with some limitations.
4. ASPS CT bomb disposal division has full capability to conduct IEDD and has modern equipment (but no ECM). The bomb disposal division has limited endurance and consists of only a few teams located in Alsstad, Kalmar, and Jönköping.

Arnland Län Constabulary (ALC)

The ALC does not have a national headquarters. Policies and standards are developed and promulgated by the Arnland Civil Defense Agency (ACDA). However; there is no command or control relationship unless there is a declared emergency and the ACDA is empowered by the Prime Minister to assume responsibility for incident management. Each county administers its own ALC in accordance with the policies and standards outlined by the ACDA and using both national and county budget resources. With little national oversight, the ALCs tend to be poorly trained and responsive to their respective governors, who appoints the ALC Chief. ALCs are officially tasked with the following regional policing functions:

1. Tactical emergency response
2. Alcohol, gaming, and firearm control
3. Highway traffic and safety
4. Crime investigation and prevention

Arnish Kommun Law Enforcement Agency (AKLEA)

The AKLEAs do not have national or county headquarters and report directly to the Municipality Commissioners. The AKLEAs is officially tasked with the following:

1. Municipality traffic and safety
2. Municipality crime investigation and prevention
3. Municipality emergency response unit
4. Municipality by‐law enforcement and investigation
5. Municipality outreach services

Arnland Penal Services (APS)

Established in 1992 to replace the communist structure that existed to support the fallen regime and its repressive ways, the APS has evolved little during this time period. It is still largely used to serve those in power in the country. While a national service headed by a government-appointed commissioner appointed by Minister of Public Order and administered in divisions coinciding with the appropriate county, the real power and influence rests in the county. Each APS division is responsible for providing the security services to the penal institutions within their respective county. Penal institutions are divided across the country with one general prison per county, and the prisoners are assigned to penal institutions by the court responsible for the case and not by the severity of the crime committed. A number of specialist prisons exist for special need prisoners (political, violent, and mental).

Recent efforts by the government to address shortcomings in the penal system and the APS, an organization that it is constitutionally responsible for, have resulted in improvements. In an effort to upset the Presidential and county stranglehold on the judicial system, and to demonstrate to the outside world that it was working to meet international standards, the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP)-controlled Ministry of Public Order accepted international funding and oversight to reform the APS. While this met with significant resistance within the countries the government has improved training for the APS and funded infrastructure improvements in counties that showed willingness to cooperate.

Since 2008 the Arnish Human Rights Committee, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been carrying out a three‐year monitoring program of the APS, the prisons, and pre‐detention centers in Arnland. The Committee concluded in 2011 that in general, the APS and the institutions that it was responsible for had improved. However, while APS training had improved and professionalism within the ranks was starting to take root, the county governor influence within the APS was still evident.

Arnland Border Security Service (ABSS)

Established officially in 1992, the ABSS transitioned almost directly from its predecessor under the communist regime; loyalties to corrupt communist government power brokers have shifted instead to organized crime under the new government structure. A largely professional force, it is responsible for border integrity and security to include the following:

1. Port, airport, and border security
2. Immigration control
3. Emigration control
4. Cross‐border commerce/Customs/Excise policing
5. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) enforcement (with the Coast Guard)
6. Human/Drug trafficking
7. Smuggling

The ABSS is a national law enforcement agency with a largely functioning national administration. The Director of ABSS is appointed by the Minister of Public Order and is responsible for four divisions: maritime (Karlskrona), land (Jönköping), air (Alsstad), and Liaison and Coordination/National HQ (Alsstad). Specialist branches within each of the divisions are established to conduct operations across the roles assigned to the ABSS within their respective domains and the Liaison and Coordination Division synchronizes ABSS activities both within the service and externally to other government agencies, departments, and international partners. Traditionally the roughly 6,000 uniformed staff have been centrally controlled and centrally located near the respective headquarter sites in an effort to minimize county influence on national border security. The ABSS personnel provide regional and local support to border security through rotating surges of personnel, thus limiting ties to specific counties.

Border security operations are directed by the ABSS HQ and coordinated by the Liaison and Coordination Division. Priorities are dictated by the Director based upon the inputs from the respective divisional HQs and the Arnland Intelligence and Security Services. Traditionally, the ABSS has mounted its most significant operations in support of maritime and land border security, to maintain EEZ control, and to stem organized crime (with ASPS). The big issue for the ABSS is securing the land border with Torrike, which is increasingly becoming a main transit route for organized crime activities and in particular illegal drugs, arms, and human trafficking.

Coast Guard (CG)

The Arnland Coast Guard (CG) is a uniformed service under the Ministry of Public Order but with links to the armed forces. It is entirely "civilian," but some conscripts can perform their military service in the CG. The CG Headquarters is collocated with the Navy at the Karlskrona naval base and there are six further CG stations at Västervik, Kalmar, Simrishamn, Höllviken, Helsingborg, and Falkenberg.

The CG is charged with the following roles and missions:

1. Implementing Arnland’s maritime safety policy;
2. Maintaining safety in the Arnland maritime search and rescue area;
3. Assisting the smooth flow of maritime traffic into and out of Arnland;
4. Planning for and helping to prevent environmental disasters;
5. Contributing to combat cross-border crime (in conjunction with the Navy, Police, and Customs).

Although it is small, with only some 400 staff, it is relatively well equipped with seven surveillance craft, two environmental patrol vessels, and around 35 small inland and coastal boats (mainly rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBS) and high-speed motor craft). In addition, two Islander aircraft and three helicopters are contracted for pollution control, surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR) around Arnland’s territorial waters and EEZ.

CG officers have limited police powers and are armed with personal weapons only. CG vessels are unarmed. The CG coordinates SAR operations through a Maritime Rescue Operations Center in Karlskrona. Copies of its surveillance and operations reports are fed to the Navy operations center. It also coordinates with both the Navy and the Danish and Torrikan SAR organizations.

Arnland Fire and Ambulance Services (AFAS)

The Arnland Fire and Ambulance Services Agency is an administrative body that loosely administers the municipality-delivered fire and ambulance services. It provides the national program funding for services (a small portion of its overall budget that is largely derived from municipality taxes), and monitors service standards as they are established by the Arnland Civil Defense Agency (ACDA). The Chief of AFAS is a civil servant who serves at the pleasure of the Minister of Public Order. With very little operational or financial control, this position is historically assigned by the governing party to a minor/insignificant government supporter.

Arnland Air Traffic Control Organization (AATCO)

Arnland Air Traffic Control Organization (AATCO) is a state‐owned public enterprise with around 400 employees that provides air navigation services for civil and military traffic in Arnland. AATCO handles almost 300,000 airspace movements a year. Since the 1990s, AATCO has operated an integrated civil‐military air navigation service and provides air navigation services for both civil and military aviation. Since 1 January 2008, AATCO has overall responsibility for air navigation services during all stages of readiness for both civil and military aviation. Air navigation services are performed for military aviation at military airports and at certain civilian airports, as well as in the airspace itself, because the Arnish Armed Forces do not have their own air navigation services. AATCO is the leading actor for local air traffic control services and other support services for Arnish airports. AATCO works actively to streamline operations and improve customer care. AATCO took over local air traffic control operations at all airports. The control center is located in Alsstad.

AATCO has a well‐developed cooperation with the armed forces at both a strategic and tactical level, as well as in the operational production of air navigation services. Collaboration with the Ministry of Defense includes total defense cooperation in order to plan and carry out preparations to handle situations during peace time and exercises, as well as on high alert and at war. The Arnish Armed Forces are represented on the board of AATCO. AATCO has specific responsibility for crisis readiness and particular responsibility prior to and during alerts. AATCO also engages a duty officer.

Cooperation permeates almost all areas of air traffic control and aims to create a robust air navigation service for both civil and military aviation. This cooperation also includes the training of AATCO’s air traffic controllers to ensure the necessary competence to handle upcoming military traffic and the training of the Arnish Armed Forces’ reserve officers in air navigation services. Cooperation on technology and systems is far‐reaching and complex because the common system and technology form one of the cornerstones of civil‐military integrated air navigation services. In large part, the systems and technology are shared.

Arnland Security Coordination Center

Arnland Security Coordination Center – National Level

In the event of a significant crisis or threat to the State, the Crisis Response Group can, with the Prime Minister’s approval, establish a dedicated (24/7) security coordination center:

• It is chaired by the Minister of Public Order (MoPO) in his capacity as a deputy prime minister (DPM), and comprises representatives from ACDA, AISS, Coast Guard, MoH, and Ministry of Defense (MoD) (including ADF, SDF, and HN Steering Committee).
• It brings together a multi‐ministerial, multi‐disciplined, civil‐political‐military structure to address issues at the national level. In addition and as appropriate, it provides guidance and direction to county and lower echelons.
• The ASCC can invite additional parties as “invited participant” as determined by the crisis.

Safety and Security Protocol of Nuclear Sites in Arnland

The responsibility for the safety and the security of the three nuclear sites in Arnland (Bärseback, Oskarshamn, and Ringhals) is divided among several private companies and public agencies. Although Torrike owns the plants in Oskarshamn and Ringhals, Arnland is responsible for the security.

1. The owner of the plant is primarily responsible for safety and security inside the fence. For guarding the premises of the plant, there is a contract with a local private security company.
2. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, Industry, and Energy (METIE) is responsible for energy policy. The Arnland Nuclear Energy Program (ANEP) deals with all nuclear power issues on behalf of the METIE. This includes monitoring and inspecting the technical security situation of the plants.
3. The Arnish Radiation Safety Authority (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten) was created under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment as the regulatory authority for nuclear safety, radiation protection, and nuclear nonproliferation.
4. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspects the plants and advises the Arnish government on nuclear safety (POC: ANEP). This includes advice on cyber defense.
5. Municipalities provide fire and ambulance services, loosely administered by the Arnland Fire and Ambulance Services Agency (AFASA).
6. The ACDA is responsible for coordinating responses during a nuclear incident and the associated security.

Emergency Services

Arnland Emergency Services – In Case of Civil Emergency

The Arnland Civil Defense Agency (ACDA)

The ACDA is responsible for all elements of disaster planning and civil emergencies. It is the umbrella organization responsible for standardizing the provision of emergency services in Arnland during peacetime and for coordinating it in times of civil emergency or crisis. Established in 1993 as a result of a review process conducted by the newly elected government, it sought to reduce the power the Arnland Armed Forces exercised in the area of civil defense during communism; assigning it to the Ministry of Public Order. While successful in doing so, it was also perceived by some as an exercise seeking to provide opportunities for influential Arns in the business community to access government contracts and funds. This problem is exacerbated as certain responsibilities are delegated down to the county governors and administered by the county commissions. Each has its own agenda, from improving political influence to ensuring local businesses benefit—albeit with financial kickbacks. As a result, the counties tend to be well supported at the expense of national capability.

Role. The ACDA is a non‐uniformed organization established to coordinate emergency responses to disasters, crisis situations, and incidents that threaten public safety and security that exceeds the capability of local first responders. This responsibility extends to but is not limited to the following services: law enforcement, fire, ambulance, prison security, border security, hazardous material response, and nuclear incident response.

Aid to Civil Power. The ACDA’s responsibility to coordinate responses includes the responsibility for security during the event. When it is determined by the ACDA that the requirement to provide security exceeds the capability of the assigned agencies, the ACDA may request, through the Minister of Public Order, the assistance of the military to fulfill the security task. The request is approved by the Prime Minister and assigned to the Minister of Defense to provide the appropriate forces. In these extreme cases, the assigned responsibility for security remains with the ACDA, with the military in a supporting role.

Respective levels of first responders are required to provide emergency services in their assigned geographical areas of responsibility. The ACDA is responsible for coordinating emergency services in circumstances where local or county means and capabilities are exceeded.

Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy

Elections

The first general election in Arnland was held in 1992, following the fall of communism the year before. It was effectively a two‐party election with only the Arnish Prosperity Party (APP) and the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP) able to mount credible candidates. With the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP) formed almost exclusively from members of the leadership of the communist regime, the APP achieved control of both the Office of the President and Prime Minister. Since that time, general and local elections have been fraught and plagued by electoral fraud. Several parties have admitted that the campaigns were very expensive; costing them several times the legitimate sources of funding. In some cases party candidates have funded their campaigns from their own pockets based upon the success of their businesses; others have had financial backers which they have chosen not to disclose publicly. In addition, candidates have been known to channel funds from the public purse to support their campaign activities. In an attempt to control funding and reduce time away from the routine government business official campaigning is restricted to 90 days before the elections.

Despite its problems with holding transparent and fair elections, Arnland does not appear to have a strong domestic election monitoring movement. While the “Transparency” group attempts to mobilize elements of its organization to “poll watch” on election day, their inability to do so in the majority of locations and the lack of will of the people and the government to deal with any allegations makes the activity more of a statement rather than a means to achieving any real progress.

Election Process. Presidential, National Assembly, and county commission elections in Arnland are held simultaneously every four years in November. Arns vote separately for the Office of the President (Electoral College), the NA, and the county commission. The Presidential election is scheduled for the second Tuesday in November with the President being sworn in on Friday of the election week. Elections for the NA and county commission follow on the third Thursday in the month with the Prime Minister and successful candidates taking office immediately thereafter. The reality is that, even if candidates are successful in holding their position little government business is completed in the final quarter of an election year.

Suffrage. Arnish citizens over the age of 18 who are registered on the county voter's registration list may vote in all levels of the elections in Arnland.

Arnland National Electoral Commission (ANEC)

ANEC was established to among other things organize elections into various political offices in the country. The functions of ANEC include the following:

1. Organize, undertake and supervise all elections in Arnland.
2. Register political parties in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and Act of the National Assembly;
3. Monitor the organization and operation of the political parties, including their finances; conventions, congresses and party primaries.
4. Arrange for the annual examination and auditing of the funds and accounts of political parties, and publish a report on such examination and audit for public information;
5. Arrange and conduct the registration of persons qualified to vote and prepare, maintain and revise the register of voters for the purpose of any election under this constitution;
6. Monitor political campaigns and provide rules and regulations which shall govern the political parties;
7. Conduct voter and civic education;
8. Promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.

ANEC is assisted in its tasks by six län electoral commissions (ALEC), one per county, following the standards and direction of ANEC as a central coordination body.

Presidential

Each party runs one candidate for the Office of the President. In practice the primary candidates have been from the two main parties. More recently ‘political sponsorship’ from the minor parties for independent candidates from the business world is becoming more significant. Votes for the President are cast as part of an Electoral College system which allocates 35 ‘district’ votes across the six counties; a fact that is enshrined in the Constitution of Arnland to protect against centralized control of the office. Counties determine how the Electoral College will allocate its votes through a majority vote in the county commission which is presided over by the governor. Four of the counties: Skåne, Halland, Jönköping and Kalmar have allocated all of their Electoral College votes to the candidate with the most votes in the county. Kronoberg and Blekinge allocate votes in accordance with the percentage of the popular vote within the county. There is no legal act that binds Electoral College voters to vote in accordance with the way that the county allocates the votes. With the exception of Kronoberg and Blekinge, where it is suspected that the Electoral College voters were compromised, voters have always followed the direction of the governor. Note that the Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (GADA) is not fully represented in the following tables because it came into being in 2012.

The President is elected by Electoral College for a term of four years with the right to stand for one re‐election. Candidates may stand for the position again after withdrawing their nomination for one term.

National

The election of the NA is based upon representation by electoral district; there are 35 districts across the six counties in Arnland. Arns vote for party candidates to represent them nationally. Candidates are awarded a victory based upon the First Past the Post system. The vote for control of the NA and thus the Office of the Prime Minister tends to be based on ideology; how Arns perceive the country should be administered and governed.

							2016 Elections
	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	Electorate	Seats
	%	%	%	%	%	%
	Vote	Vote	Vote	Vote	Vote	Vote
APP	63	41	49	47	38	40	424,689	54
ASP	37	48	38	38.8	48	43.7	463,973	59
SDP	0	7	8	7.5	3	3	31,852	4
ARP	0	4	3.8	5	10	8.5	90,246	11
ALP	0	0	1.2	1.3	0.3	0.3	3,185	1
ACP	0	0	0	0.4	0.7	2.7	28,667	3
GADA	0	0	0	0	0	1.8	19,111	3
	100	100	100	100	100	100	1,061,723	135
Total	950,456	960,568	975,956	986,738	1,016,374	1,061,723	1,061,723	135
APP = Arnland Prosperity Party                                 ARP = Arnland Republican Party (1995)
ASP = Arnland Socialist Party                                     ALP = Arnland Liberal Party (1998)
SDP = Social Democratic Party (1995)                      ACP = Arnland Communist Party (2003)
GADA = Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (2012)

In 2016, there were 1,685,274 Arns eligible to vote. 1,061,723 people, or 63%, actually voted.

Counties

The election that is perceived by Arns to be the most important to their personal well‐being is for the position of governor and for the members of the county commission. With direct influence on how national funds are allocated and regional services delivered within the county, this election is the most fraught with influence peddling and corruption. Arns cast their ballots for candidates that represent the national parties, but that in large part have affiliation and loyalty to those parties in name only.

International Relationships

Arnland International Relationships

Foreign Policy

Arnish foreign policy supports its strategic goal of maintaining its independence. The regional and international relationships it maintains and the priorities that are placed in maintaining them change as the ruling parties change and are a major cause of internal political tension. Arnland’s changing foreign policy makes it difficult for the EU and Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC) to fully understand their relationship with Arnland, how to interact with them and what the broader implications are for the region. The EU has been in negotiations with Arnland over membership but has yet to enter in to any formal Stabilization and Association Agreement.

Global Politics

European Union (EU)

Arnland is currently pursuing a path of greater European integration. Its primary long‐term goals are to gain EU membership and to promote closer ties with its neighbors through bilateral agreements. Arnland is a member of a number of international organizations, as well as multiple regional organizations and initiatives. In 2009, Arnland filed its application for EU candidacy. In December 2010, Arnland and the EU had planned to sign a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) as the first step to EU membership but concerns over internal security and welfare issues in Arnland put those plans on hold. The SAA outlined the conditions that Arnland would be required to meet to proceed with the application process. Those conditions (Copenhagen conditions), focused on implementing essential rule of law reforms, curbing corruption and organized crime and addressing welfare reform. All of these initiatives would, in Arnland’s opinion, serve to further demonstrate its independence from its regional neighbors’ sphere of influence.

Arnland’s EU ambitions are being monitored closely by GBCC whose individual members have different relationships and views. Despite the complexity of the rules, regulations and standards to be navigated, the EU is nevertheless both a major trading partner and potential market for GBCC members and Arnland benefits from this as a gateway to Europe, in particular for Torrike. To that end the GBCC tends to apply those standards to its manufacturing and transportation to reap the benefits. However, where the GBCC would take a more hardline view is any formal cooperation on Defense as the EU Treaty of Lisbon (1 December 2009) introduced the Common Security and Defense Policy binding its members by a solidarity clause on matters on European defense. These tasks include:

• Humanitarian and rescue tasks
• Conflict prevention and peacekeeping tasks
• Tasks of combat forces in crisis management
• Joint disarmament operations
• Military advice and military assistance
• Tasks in post conflict stabilization

Most controversial is that the Treaty of Lisbon introduces for the first time a mutual defense clause, specifically binding EU Member States. If a member State is the victim of an armed attack on the territory, it can rely on the aid and assistance of the other member states, which are obliged to help. Although the declaration on the establishment of the GBCC contained a statement that it ‘is not an alliance directed against other states and regions and it adheres to the principle of openness’, many observers believe that one of the original purposes of the GBCC was to serve as a counterbalance to NATO and other organizations such as the EU with a military structure.

Olvana

Arnland and Olvana have open diplomatic channels. Arnish objectives are to increase exchanges on all levels in order to enhance political cooperation bilaterally, with a view to reinforcing its importance as a nation independent of its past membership of the GBCC. In its relationship with Olvana, Arnland seeks to:

1. Promote substantial cooperation based on equality and reciprocity and put more emphasis on information technology, energy and infrastructure to include gaining financial support for areas with potential mutual benefits;
2. Expand cooperation in the areas of culture, public health, agriculture and tourism to enhance bilateral ties.
3. Benefit from Olvana’s increased economic out-reach programs (outstripping Britain, Germany and France combined) through purchase of surplus military hardware.

Arnland is aware that withdrawal from the GBCC and potential membership of the EU, not least the implications of the Treaty of Lisbon, will not be viewed favorably by Olvana. Arnland seeks to maintain favorable bilateral relations with Olvana in particular inward investment and continued contribution to ensuring regional stability.

Donovia

Arnland and Donovia have normal political relations. While Arnland is more focused on increasing its relationship with the West for economic reasons, it is extremely cognizant of the importance of Donovia’s position as a regional counter‐balance to NATO.

NATO

Arnland’s official position on NATO has to date coincided with its membership in the GBCC; ensuring a counterbalance to the perceived encirclement of the region by NATO. Arnland’s real position on NATO is somewhat less transparent as it takes steps to establish a closer European relationship. Membership of the EU would have military implications including those associated with the EU’s partnership with NATO. NATO and the EU share strategic interests and cooperate on crisis‐management, capability development and political consultations.

Since adoption of NATO’s Strategic Concept (November 2010) which identifies the need for the Alliance to address emerging security challenges, several new areas of cooperation with the EU are under consideration, in particular energy security issues, terrorism and cyber defense. Additionally, NATO looks to the EU to help fulfill its aspirations of a comprehensive approach. Arnland’s closest neighbors in the south (Denmark, Germany, and Poland) are both NATO and EU members and are applying political pressure to Arnland to work more closely with them on defense and security matters. Torrike is fully aware of NATO air policing operations in the Eastern Baltic and would not wish to see further encroachment from the south through Arnland

Regional Actors

Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC)

Logo of the GBCC

The Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union. Member States consist of all former Skolkan countries of the Gulf of Bothnia: Arnland, Bothnia, Framland, Otso, and Torrike.

Arnland has, to date, cooperated closely with its neighbors through the GBCC, which it joined in 2001, and informally in political matters through direct consultation. Arnland was a founding member of the GBCC Interbank Association established in 2005 and had been in negotiations to join the GBCC economic framework since 2009. It continues to cooperate bi‐laterally within the region in economic and social matters where it deems it is in its’ best interest.

Frustrated by the perceived lack of tangible benefits since joining GBCC and failure to be accepted into the GBCC economic framework, the Arnland Prime Minister surprised the Council of Heads of Government meeting, held in Alsstad last year, by announcing the withdrawal of Arnland from the GBCC.

The decision is yet to be ratified by the Council of Heads of State but this is seen as a formality as the Arnish Government has no interest in backtracking on the decision as it believes the current level of bi‐lateral cooperation with GBCC member nations, and through organizations like the Regional Anti‐Terrorist Structure, is sustainable and in everyone’s interest.

On the military front Torrike and Arnland cooperate for naval training and maintenance as part of the Karlskrona naval base lease Memorandum of Understanding. Bi‐lateral agreements also envisage the possibility of joint exercises between the two nations. Perhaps of greater significance, with the change in focus of the NOM/Arnland Popular Front (APF), is continued membership of the Regional Anti‐Terrorist Structure (RATS) as the primary vehicle for implementation of member state security cooperation: “its function is to coordinate the activities of GBCC states’ law enforcement structures and special services.” Arnland had taken an increasingly robust stance against the NOM but with the emergence of the more radical and violent APF has shown itself incapable of dealing with the expanding threat and will continue to rely on external support.

Bothnia

Arnland had maintained good relations with Bothnia out of necessity as a regional partner in the GBCC, and would wish to keep some form of bi‐lateral relations outside that framework. They will limit their cooperation militarily, participating in and facilitating low‐level exercises and combined training opportunities where they are mutually beneficial, though the relationship is somewhat more complex.

The fact that Arnland and Torrike also share use of the Karlskrona naval base is an added complication for Bothnia that makes it difficult for a simple bilateral military relationship. Although they have no historical cultural or social ties, their economies are somewhat linked and where mutually beneficial, they maintain trade routes and trade‐related infrastructure (primarily maritime).

Arnland remains key to the safe transit of nuclear waste, through the Öresund, to Bothnia’s nuclear fuel re‐processing and waste program at the deep level repository next to its nuclear power site at Olkiluoto on the west coast. Built using innovative yet untested techniques it did satisfy inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but controversy has continued to plague the facility following a series of accidents and incidents in its short history

Framland

Arnland fosters a mutually cooperative relationship with Framland. Their shared historical cultural and social links and their proximity geographically have resulted in Arnland accepting Framland as a favored trading partner, maintaining trade routes through Torrike and through the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Both Arnland and Framland are dependent upon Torrike due to their political and economic regional power.

Torrike

The relationship between Torrike and Arnland is cooperative but complicated. After the Skolkan Empire was dissolved, the two nations continued to live in a state of economic symbiosis. Arnland’s withdrawal from GBCC is, in principle, unlikely to change that situation. Much of the relationship is managed through key individuals such as the President, Governor of Jönköping, and key local businessmen who have enormous influence not only with the Arnish‐Torrikan Governments but also with President Pallesson. Arnish businessmen who also have Torrikan business interests are acutely aware of the potential benefits of closer economic and trading ties with the EU. Balanced trade and research and development have been mutually beneficial to both countries. However, Torrike’s political and economic maturity has enabled it to overshadow and dominate Arnland in the past and will have to work hard to ensure this situation continues as Arnland drifts down the road to EU membership.

Numerous border incidents occurred between the two nations in recent years and many Arns believe that Torrike’s intention is a future occupation and annexation of Arnland. While Arnland would prefer to be more independent to counter Torrike’s ambitions, it is too small a nation and too immature in its development to demonstrate this beyond words. The fact that Arnland agreed to allow Torrike to maintain its naval base at Karlskrona, given the potential threat it poses to that independence, gives proof to the challenges it has in placing national politics and pride above economic opportunity.

The agreement on Karlskrona expires in the near future and initial negotiations between the two countries have begun. Arnland seeks to achieve radical changes to the agreement to strengthen regional bi‐lateral opportunities and reduce the influence of Torrike. However, Arnland does recognize that the Karlskrona agreement generates significant economic benefit, job security for the local citizens, and that shared operating costs reduce the strain on an overstretched Arnish Defense budget.

Out of necessity, Torrike has a long‐term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Arnland for the delivery of nuclear generated power from the facilities at Oskarsham and Ringhals. The MOU also addresses the shared ownership of a specially designed, civilian-operated, armed ship which moves nuclear waste from power plants in both Arnland and Torrike to Bothnia. Responsibility for security for the Arnish nuclear facilities lies with the Ministry of Public Order – Arnland Civil Defense Agency and a specifically trained company of the Arnish Special Forces performs all security operations. However Torrike, due to concerns over the potential terrorist threats and the activity of militant environmental campaigners, pays especially close attention to the status and capability of the security force.

Otso

Arnland maintains normal government to government diplomatic relations with Otso. Their economic ties are primarily limited to fishery operations however Arnland’s cooperation on trade in this area is selfishly motivated. Arnland does not have any historical cultural or social ties with Otso and it is more concerned and interested in focusing itself on improving its relationship with the West.

Denmark

As a result of their geographic proximity, the relationship between Arnland and Denmark is both intimate and occasionally fractious. Both nations have a keen interest in ensuring that maritime trade flows smoothly through the international waterway separating them. The physical link (bridge/tunnel) over the Öresund provides an additional point of cooperation. They have a number of bi‐lateral arrangements relating to customs, security and emergency response to ensure the smooth and safe operation of this link. The power grids are also interconnected (power to the Danish Island of Bornholm comes from Arnland) and the single gas pipeline to Arnland comes from Denmark. There is also a growing Danish community, many migrating from Bornholm Island, in Alsstad who are taking advantage of cheaper cost of living and improved infrastructure in south west Arnland. To facilitate regular transit between the two countries a special annual multiple entry visa was introduced for residents of Denmark's Copenhagen region and Arnland's Alsstad region in Skåne. An additional special authorization work permit is required for non-citizens in either country, again this must renewed annually.

There are a number of areas of significant discord. This growing Danish community in Alsstad is a political irritation for Denmark and has led to occasional tense exchanges between the two governments. The “bright lights” of Denmark are a major draw for economic migrants from Arnland and there is a growing perception in the northern counties that Alsstad as a city and Skåne as a county are becoming too ‘elitist’. Denmark tends to readily accept highly qualified individuals while discouraging the lesser skilled. This in turn feeds a general Arnish view that Denmark is deliberately promoting a “brain drain” and reducing Arnland’s ability to grow out of its current problems. That said, Arnland cannot afford to lose the economic opportunities that Denmark presents and, as such, they strive to maintain trade, common infrastructure, and cooperate at the operational level on, for example, Öresund bridge operations, regional Search and Rescue (SAR), antiterrorism and economic agreements.

On other issues Denmark strives to create a green and sustainable society and although once at the forefront of nuclear research the government passed a resolution in 1985 that nuclear plants would not be built in the country. While it still imports 10% of its domestic needs from nuclear sources (primarily Arnland), Denmark had serious concerns over the safety and security of the nuclear facilities in Barsebäck, just 20 km from Copenhagen. This has led to public demonstrations in Copenhagen and political friction was one of the reasons that Arnland closed down the plant. Moreover an Arnish proposal to create a new storage facility for nuclear waste at this site has already been the subject of intense bilateral diplomatic negotiation. This means that while there are areas of cooperation, in overall terms, the relationship is tenuous.

Politically, Arnland finds the Danish view of the country and its prospects (which is widely reported in the Danish media) highly irritating. However, withdrawal from GBCC has Arnland rethinking its relationship with its EU neighbors. While Arnland does not wish to show weakness and maintains a hardline on its nuclear program and the increasing ‘brain drain’, it will seek other avenues to strengthen its relations with Denmark. For example as a major trading partner and the route through which much of Arnish (and indeed Torrikan) exports enter the EU, Arnland pays a great deal of attention to its links to Denmark and again seeks to ensure that the relationship runs smoothly.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Arnland maintains normal diplomatic relations with all of the Baltic States and will endeavor to expand bilateral cooperation and agreements and through joint maritime training to help bolster its position in the region following withdrawal from the GBCC. Arnland understands its responsibilities and contribution to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region for maritime trade, access to the fishery and more broadly other resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Arnland cooperates with all of the Baltic States at the operational level in SAR, anti‐terrorism and countering OC.

Germany

Arnland is looking to build its relations with Germany over and above the current agriculture related trade, electricity and maritime agreements to gain support both politically and financially for its EU aspirations. Arnland is conscious of need to maintain, and indeed strengthen, the trade route to and through Germany.

Poland

Arnland exports electricity to Poland and will seek to expand trade through Poland to the larger EU market.

Norway

Arnish relations with Norway are currently limited however, Arnland would wish to access ‘Norway Grants’ as a means of funding projects to meet its EU aspirations. Norway is one of the few western European countries not to be a member of the EU however it maintains a high level of economic and political integration with the EU and its members. It does this primarily through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants to help reduce social and economic disparities in the EEA.

International Treaties

Arnland is a signatory to the following major international treaties: UN Charter; GATT; Fourth Geneva Convention; Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone; Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage; WIPO; Nuclear Non‐Proliferation Treaty; Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties; Patent Cooperation Treaty; Ramsar Convention; IPC Agreement; Biological Weapons Convention; London Convention; Sulphur Emissions Reduction Protocol; Nitrogen Oxide Protocol; UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances; Montreal Protocol; UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; Ottawa Convention; Chemical Weapon Convention; Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage; the UN Convention on Law of the Sea; Patent Law Treaty and the Kyoto Protocol.

International Organizations

Arnland is a member, associate member or observer member of the following international organizations: ADB (non‐regional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, EHEA, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, GBCC, UN (UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO), Universal Postal Union, World Bank Group (IFC), WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, Zangger Committee.

Political Entities

Arnland is a multi‐party democratic republic with open elections. There are currently seven political parties, of which five have representation in the Alltinget. Two political parties have dominated the political landscape in Arnland since 1991, the Arnland Prosperity Party (APP) representing the center‐right and the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP) representing the left segment of the population. Since 2012 and the emergence of GADA, the political landscape has comprehensively changed in East Arnland.

Political Parties

• Arnland Prosperity Party (APP): Center‐Right Wing
• Arnland Socialist Party (ASP): Left Wing
• Arnland Republican Party (ARP): Right Wing
• Social Democratic Party (SDP): Center‐Left Wing
• Arnland Communist Party (ACP): Communist/Extreme Left
• Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (GADA): Marxist/Extreme Left
• Arnland Liberal Party (ALP): Center/Center‐Left Wing

Arnland Prosperity Party (APP). The APP is a center‐right political organization and has held either the Office of the President or the Office of the Prime Minister since its inception; holding both offices once from 1992 ‐1996. It is historically the most dominant party in Arnland, traditionally having the strongest links to the governors and thus control of the Electoral College and the Presidency.

Arnland Socialist Party (ASP). On the left of the political spectrum is the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP), primarily made up of the remnants of the former communist party.

Arnland Republican Party (ARP). The principal small party on the right is the Arnland Republican Party, which has historically aligned with the APP when required to form a coalition in the NA; it currently has the third largest number of seats in the parliament.

Social Democratic Party (SDP). The SDP is a small but vocal party representing center‐left interests on the political spectrum.

Arnland Communist Party (ACP). Formed in 2003, the ACP seeks to appeal to the traditional left‐wing, communist voter who is no longer represented by the ASP as it moves closer from the left to the center. The ACP did not get any representatives elected to the NA in 2004 but did succeed in getting one seat in 2008 and added a further one in 2012 and 2016. Though their presence in the NA is small, as part of the coalition, the ACP is becoming increasingly vocal and would expect to see an increased share of the vote in future elections. The recent arrival of the Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (GADA) on the political scene may lead them to rethink their strategy.

Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (GADA). General: The Greater Arnland Democratic Alliance (GADA) is a Marxist/Extreme Leftist party that seeks to legitimately assume control of the Arnish Government, through populist support, in order to transform Arnland into a Marxist state that will potentially reunify Arnland, Torrike, and Framland. GADA aims to serve as an example to the world on how technology, a green agenda and the unique wisdom of the GADA leadership can make Marxism succeed despite its past failure in Arnland.

Arnland Liberal Party (ALP). Formed in late 1998, the ALP is a small party with limited influence in government. The ALP has never succeeded in electing a representative to the NA; however, the party has played a spoiler role in the last couple of elections, taking votes away from the ASP and SDP.

Other Political Entities

Interest Groups

Arnish Workers Union (AWU). A representation of the labor movement within Arnland, its strongest ties are with the SDP and more recently the ASP, who traditionally support labor interests when in power.

Federation of Employers in Arnland (FEA). Representative of the business elite in Arnland, it has a strong influence in the political and commercial activities within the country; positively and negatively, legally and illegally. Traditionally aligned with the APP, it shifts support to the party most able to enable and facilitate their business activities and protect their interests.

Arnland Federation of Trade Unions. The AFTU is an all‐Arnish voluntary association of trade unions that represents the national‐level industrial sector in the city of Alsstad and its surrounding region. It is the largest trade union confederation in Arnland, with more than half a million members. As of March 2016, 19 national trade unions and ten regional trade unions were associated with the AFTU. The aim of the AFTU is to express and represent the interests and protect the rights of its member organizations, coordinate their collective actions, promote unity in the trade union movement, represent and protect labor and the socio‐economic rights and interests of trade union members before state and local authorities, and represent the interests of members in their relationship with employers and their organizations. At the international level, the AFTU is affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation and with links to the ASP.

Free Arnland Front. Free Arnland Front (FAF) has similar goals to GADA and by non‐violent means wants to establish an Independent and Self Sustainable Marxist Arnland free from Western influence. Ideologically it wishes to safeguard the environment and remove reliance on nuclear power‐Ideological. It wishes to create an economically and technically independent Arnland which attracts foreign investment, reduces the brain drain, redistributes wealth and increases environmental industrialization. The main means of focusing anti‐government messages is by demonstrations, civil disobedience and slow working action with a strong social media network.

Pressure Groups

Transparency. The most vocal legally organized pressure group active at the national level in Arnland is “Transparency”, a group established to challenge the political and judicial systems in Arnland to deal with corruption and its influence. Transparency, led by the charismatic Sofia Lindtner, aims at coordinating international and national anti‐corruption efforts in Arnland and several other regional member countries. Transparency promotes the adoption of international legal instruments, good governance, strengthening the rule of law, transparency and integrity in business operations and the development of an active civil society in order to fight corruption.

Female Equality Movement (FEM). FEM is a protest group based in Alsstad, founded in 2008. The organization is well known in the country for organizing protests against human trafficking, international marriage agencies, sexism, sexually based violence and other social, national, and international ills. Female university students between 18 and 20 years old form the backbone of the movement. Some of the aims of the organization are to develop leadership, intellectual and moral qualities of the young women in the Arnland and to build up the image of Arnland, the country with great opportunities for women. As of late June 2017, the organization is contemplating becoming a political party to run for seats in the next parliamentary election.

Greater Skolkan Movement (GSM). The existence of the GSM is another complication for the Arnish Government. The GSM has the appearance of a political party but is in reality is a pressure group. Its policies can be summarized as follows; the breaking up of the Skolkan Empire was a historic error; Arnland, Framland and Torrike form a natural geographical, linguistic and economic entity and there is insufficient diversity between these ‘nations’ to justify their separate existence.

Political and Campaign Funding

Political parties in Arnland receive public funds, largely in proportion to the seats won in the NA. Nevertheless, parties evidently need substantial additional resources to compete effectively in the political process. There are no meaningful restrictions on party or campaign finance. The law prohibits financial aid from foreign governments and companies but not from foreign political organizations or from any local persons or organizations. There are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be donated by business interests or individual citizens to political parties or candidates. During the last election there was a significant rise in political funding from private business. The election law had a new provision requiring disclosure of expenditures, but compliance was incomplete and there was no enforcement or ability for authorities to investigate. Many Arnish politicians own or have close relatives who own businesses that directly benefit from patronage. Some politicians own their own newspapers or television stations, which are used for political and economic ends.

The absence of legislation on conflicts of interests and party finance has also produced advantages for those businesses that have financed political campaigns. These companies certainly have been privileged in receiving government contracts; they may also be avoiding taxes by financing key officials.

The “Transparency” group has unsuccessfully attempted to force the two largest political parties to enact the necessary reforms to restrict if not eliminate this practice with a view to legitimizing the electoral and political processes in Arnland. EU membership may be the catalyst that “Transparency” needs to cause the powerbrokers within the system to embrace meaningful change.