Soheran

Description

The Holy Socialist Republic of Soheran is a populous socialist state governed by the chief religious figures of vira uri adilen, the Path of Righteousness - the official religion of Soheran. A devout nation, some 91% of the population subscribes to the Path of Righteousness. Despite this, however, atheists and members of other religions are granted religious freedom, and services are provided to all in a secular format, to ensure that no one is excluded.

Politics and Government

While officially all power is held by the priestly hierarchy, in most areas the population, with official approval and encouragement, elects secular local governments. Typically, the regional religious leader defers to these councils, though he or she still has ultimate control. Such governments, however, only exist on the lower levels of government; neither at the provincial nor at the national level are there such entities. Every two years, a binding referendum is held on whether or not the theocratic system should be maintained; never has the vote in support descended below 91%.

National governance is in the hands of the Holy Voice of Righteousness, Camserin Lorealian, and the ten Holy Councilors of Righteousness. The ten Holy Councilors decide on matters of law, but the Holy Voice can throw out their decision if he wishes, though he cannot impose his own. The Holy Voice has great power over the religious hierarchy, with the capability to promote, demote, and dismiss any priest but a Holy Councilor, but the Holy Council, voting unanimously, can can remove him or nullify a decree of his regarding the hierarchy.

Two controversies influence the politics of the Holy Socialist Republic. The first is the religious dispute between the strict advocates of religious purity versus those of a more liberal orientation. The second is the question of evangelism. One faction holds that the Path of Righteousness should attempt to spread itself internationally, where currently it has only a minor presence, and the other that to do so would be arrogant and contrary to the spirit of the Path. The current Holy Voice is a moderate on both matters, and is regarded as someone who is very capable of letting the two sides compromise with one another and heal divisions.

Two political organizations oppose the current religious control of Soheran. The first is the Secular Socialist Organization of Soheran, aiming at secularizing and democratifying the political system in order to create a truly democratic socialist state. The second is the Liberal Party of Soheran, a political party whose objective is massive capitalist economic reforms as well as the secularization and democratization of Soheran. Neither faction has a large degree of popular support, but both are loud voices in the national media for change.