Kohatu Isles
The Caven Polynesian Realm of the Kohatu Isles (Ka Ali'āina Kahēna Polenekia o ka Mokupuni Kōhatu, the Kohatu Isles or Gemica) is a dependent island territory in the Caven Sea. It lies to the south of East Malaysia, west of the East Gemica Islands and east of Justelvard. The Morstaybishlian Sea lies to the south.
The islands were inhabited by the Kōhatuan people, a branch of the West Polynesian family for hundreds of years. They share a close ancestry and relationship with the other people of Polynesia. They share similar religious beliefs and a language, the Kōhatuan language (the official language).
Although dependent on The Oan Isles for external matters such as defence and diplomacy, the government maintains autonomy over most internal affairs. A thriving multiparty democracy arose after the liberation of Kohatu Isles from a single-party state by the Oan government and the National Liberation Movement.
Blessed with an abundance of petroleum under the earth, precious and semi-precious stones, mining plays a large part in the economy. New resources have brought greater wealth, peace and freedom for the people of Kohatu. Unfortunately, the country grapples with corruption, inefficiency in the civil services, and issues with skilled labour.
History
Kohatu War
Geography
The area of the Kohatu Isles comprises 3 islands spanning approximately 20,000 square kilometres. The largest of which is Gemica, followed in size by Stonica then Jewelica. The country lies between the Caven and Morstaybishlian Seas. As an island nation, it has a large exclusive economic zone over waters many times the size of its land territory.
The country has a tropical monsoon climate. It is warm and rainy for much of the year. During the monsoon season, rains increase dramatically. Many areas are prone to flooding during this time. During the dry season, precipitation drops considerably. Temperatures remain consistent during the year, due to the balancing effect of warm water currents from the Aequator and cool water currents from the Antarctic.
The islands generally have a low lying topography. The highest mountain is only 670 metres above sea level. Despite which, the inland terrain has a hilly topography. The coastal areas are low lying and covered with white sandy beaches. On the coasts, salt water mangrove forests thrive, the largest of which are on Gemica island. In land forests are mostly tropical boreal forests.
The islands have a reasonably high level of biodiversity, given their size. Many species of birds rest here on their way to and from the warmer and colder regions further north and further south in their annual migration. The forests and wetlands provide food and shelter to thousands of migratory bird species. In contrast, the islands have a dearth of mammalian life, most of which are agricultural animals like kūri dogs, cattle and horses, introduced over centuries by humans for consumption and labour.
Politics
The political system is dependent on the Oan Isles. Therefore, it takes place in the framework of a constitutional monarch and parliamentary democracy. The country shares a head of state with other members of the Polynesian Union, the Emperor of Polynesia. Because the monarch resides in the Oan Isles for much of the year, he appoints the Viceroy to exercise the role of the monarch on his behalf. This includes signing laws, and other legal instruments, and attending various events. The monarch has the right to warn, encourage and be informed.
The National Assembly comprises the legislative branch and is presided over by the Speaker. The National Assembly passes laws and elects the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the head of government and usually the leader of the largest coalition or party in the National Assembly. The Prime Minister appoints a Cabinet comprised of Ministers of the Crown who head government departments.
The judicial system is comprised of the Supreme Court and various courts. It dispenses justice, settles disputes and ensures that laws conform to the Constitution of the Kohatu Isles. The Constitution is the supreme law. It provides for a democratic system of government. It delineates the areas of responsibility granted exclusively to or administered jointly by the Oan and Kōhatuan governments, and it can only be amended with the consent of both governments.
Under this system, the Oan government has exclusive jurisdiction over defence, foreign affairs and monetary policy. They share jurisdiction over issues such as oil and trade. Most other issues remain the sole responsibility of the Kōhatuan government. Citizens of the Kōhatu Isles are not automatically citizens of the Oan Isles, and vice versa, but have distinct political, economic and personal rights as subjects of the Crown.
The incumbent Prime Minister is Papa Palaoakole, the leader of the Socialist Democratic Party and the former leader f the now defunct NLM. The NLM was the foremost indigenous movement for the liberation of the Kohatu Isles from a one-party dictatorship. It was disbanded upon liberation and annexation by the Oan Isles to prevent a one-party state from forming again.