Barbanera: Difference between revisions

[[File:Cocco Town Hall.jpg|thumb|The Town Hall of Cocco, which serves as the ''de facto'' administrative center of Barbanera. It also serves as a secondary on-location office for the Minister of Barbanera.]]

Due to its precarious geopolitical situation, the island lacks proper representation in the Aponivian House of Confederation. Consequently, Barbanerans have put a substantial focus on municipal elections, which operate regularly. Among these local elections, that of the Mayor of Cocco is seen as having a particular importance. The Mayor of Cocco does not have more power than any other mayor but is seen as an indicator of where the island is headed<ref>''The Barbaneran, March 23rd, 2011''</ref>. The Town Hall of Cocco is also where all mayors meet quarterly to discuss the state of the island. These discussions are attended by the Minister of Barbanera, a member of the Aponivian Cabinet. whoThis reportsMinister's task is to report back to the Prime Ministers. Barbaneranof citizensAponivia dowho notwill havesubmit bills for the Barbanerans if such a saypolicy asrequires toa whovote thisin personthe isHouse of Confederation.

Mayors and councilors campaign together as a ''squadra'' (lit. "team"). The ''squadra'' with the most votes is elected for a four-year term. While many of these teams are independent, some are alligned with particular positions relevant to the island's situation. These major factions are the ''Dividere'' (those wanting West-Zwartbaar to be recognised as a distinct entity), the ''Riunione'' (those wanting the whole island to be under Aponivian control), and the ''Lasciare'' (those wanting to form an independent island nation). Collaboration between the factions is common and those in the same faction do not necessarily agree on all policy.