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This forum is a collaborative series between @Nouveau and @Saint Mark to write about the shared history between the Commonwealth of Nouveauterra and the Principality of Saint Mark, from 890 AF to 1104 AF. Posts will be in semi-chronological order detailing the history between the two nations.

PUBLIC OUTCRY AS CONANIAN OLYMPICS DELEGATION REVEALED The Conanian Sporting Association has been receiving significant backlash from activists across the nation following the reveal of the delegation that will represent Conania at the 18th Winter Olympics. The selection was unveiled earlier this week, and sparked outrage across social media. Activists are taking issue with the complete absence of female athletes in the team, with the choice to only select male athletes deemed as "archaic." Conanian women have become far more vocal about their rights in recent years. Since the dust has settled on the nation's politics, groups of feminists across the country have launched their fight in the name of gender equality. It is well known that our nation has always been a firmly patriarchal society, with women historically being viewed as lesser than their husbands, brothers and sons. But now in this new age of internet and connectivity, the situation is beginning to shift. Viewing women in other countries across the continent and beyond being able to live free has inspired a feminist movement in the younger generation, a trend that started in the major cities but is now spreading outwards to the more rural areas. Fortunata Iacono, a well-known figure in the feminist movement, said on Cheepr, "We see women and girls in other countries who are able to get an education, vote and do things as simple as go to the shops without being dogpiled by men telling them their place. Why can't that be a reality in our country." While the athletes prepare to fly to Liventia to begin their training, a storm is brewing on Conania's streets. With the nation sharing the sporting spotlight for the first time, the issue of women's rights has never been greater. We are seeing daily protests take place outside government buildings, thousands of women turning out to demand an equal standing in society. It's now up to the government to make the call on whether Conania will take that step towards equality.

ARIFIYYAH'S POLITICAL PROCESS We bring a special segment today to explain to the world the unique and complex political pattern in Arifiyyah. Arifiyyah practices a monarchy with semi-absolute power and a constitution that can be amended. The Sultan's Guide is the highest constitution that has been enacted by Sultan Arifyyah II and can be enacted with the consent of the Sultan himself and the people's memorandum. Among the Sultan's absolute powers include foreign affairs, religious affairs, taxation, local government powers, and the military. Tun Bendahara is the fourth most powerful individual in the national government hierarchy after the Sultan, the Sultan's consort, and the Crown Prince. Tun Bendahara acts as a royal advisor and also has some authority over the executive body called the National Administrative Council, which is formed from the majority of the parliament. This position is appointed from the majority coalition in parliament and will take oath Infront of Sultan. The Tun Bendahara and the executive body are empowered in a number of matters including domestic affairs, international trade, national budget matters and other matters enshrined in the national constitution. Arifiyyah also practices parliamentary democracy where 222 parliamentary representatives (the latest number) are elected by the people to represent their respective areas. The majority component will act as the "government" and will be called the National Administrative Council under the leadership of the Sultan and the "head of the government" will be called the Tun Bendahara. Parliament has the power to legislate on matters related to crime, social security, science and technology and others that are important to the people. In the judiciary, the Arifiyyah Supreme Court is a body independent of executive power except for the Sultan as the supreme chief judge, assisted by the Chief Justice and the Attorney General. The Sultan can judge serious cases in the supreme court according to the recommendations of the chief justice. The Supreme Court is at the top of the hierarchy followed by the high courts in each state and then the magistrates' courts at the lowest level. So, it is hoped that this segment will provide a basic explanation to all viewers about the uniqueness of the Arifiyyah government system. Hope to see you again!