Hokorians have begun voting on whether the nation should enter free association with the Kingdom of Vistaria, after weeks of debate over the future of the country.

Polls opened at midnight on October 16 and will remain open for two days, with all current Hokorian citizens eligible to vote. The referendum asks voters whether the Hokorian Free Association Act should be approved, with a choice between YES and NO.

The Kora, Willow, has voted in favour of the proposal, despite continuing to favour her original plan for Hokoria to eventually become part of Vistaria.

Two new MPs, no election

The referendum was originally due to take place alongside a Parliamentary by-election for the two vacant seats in Parliament. However, only two candidates registered before nominations closed, meaning no election will be held and both will instead take their seats without a contested vote.

Their arrival is significant for a Parliament which has struggled with inactivity and vacancies in recent months. A lack of participation among elected officials has been at the centre of concerns about Hokoria’s future, with the Kora warning earlier this month that the Government was effectively “non-existent” and that Hokoria was “on its deathbed”.

What is Hokoria voting on?

If approved, Hokoria will remain a sovereign and self-governing nation with its existing Parliament, Government, citizenship and territories, rather than being dissolved or incorporated into Vistaria.

Vistaria would instead take responsibility for foreign affairs and diplomacy, defence and security, the administration of justice and the administration of elections. Parliament could later take any of these responsibilities back without bringing the wider free association arrangement to an end.

The Koru of Vistaria would also automatically serve as Koru of Hokoria, while ordinary domestic government would remain the responsibility of Hokoria’s elected Government.

Free association emerged as a compromise after Parliament rejected the Kora’s original proposal to dissolve Hokoria and transfer Dama and Serenia to Vistaria in September. Unlike that plan, the proposal now before voters keeps the Hokorian State intact while moving several of its responsibilities to Vistaria.

The referendum closes at midnight on October 18.