Mazar
The Mazars are the members of the Commonwealth, one of the three pillars of Zaljan governance. Typically ruling on matters of the economy, business practices, and public health, there are a total of three-hunred fifty Mazars, who meet in the Common House, a massive meeting hall in the Crystal Capitol Tsen Ikha. They meet for six days at a time, taking six days off, on and off for ten months of each year.
The Commonwealth is divided into two houses, called the Sister Council and the Commons (or the Commonweal or the Common's Will). The Sister Council holds one-hundred-seventy members: fifty from the Mystic City of Bariat Uur and one-hundred-twenty from the Crystal Capitol Tsen Ikha. The Commons holds one-hundred-eighty members, twenty from each of the nine Zaljan Prefectures.
Members of either house are called Mazars, sometimes called Sister Mazars or Common Mazars. Far more frequently, however, they are referred to as the Hammers and Spades, respectively, referring to the symbol of the Commonwealth.
Qualifications
Ostensibly, there are no qualifications for a position. However, because a candidate must win an election and move to the Crystal Capitol, positions tend to be won by merchants or those with strong connections to landowners. Many vissiers have served in the Commonwealth, especially on the Sister Council. Ironically, because they already live in or near Tsen Ikha, many members of the Sister Council may hale from more humble origin than the Commons.
Requirements
Candidates must be natural born citizens of the Prefecture from which they serve, and be at least twenty years of age.
Appointment
Mazars are popularly elected every six years within their own Prefectures/Cities. All citizens of the Prefecture/City may vote for these representatives.
Duties
Mazars are expected to represent the wellbeing of the common folk.
Responsibilities
Mazars meet for six hours a day, six days at a time, to discuss, enact, or retract commissions to the Khan. The Khan is lawfully required to follow and enact these commissions, unless vetoed by the Khan, the Solulanate, and the Maliqate together.
Benefits
Mazars are payed what would be considered a remarkable salary for the poorest of folk. They also receive free though modest lodging in the Common House. Any Mazar that serves for eighteen years or more is granted a pension upon retirement equaling another fifteen years' pay.
Type
Civic, Political
Form of Address
Maz
Alternative Naming
Hammers, Spades
Source of Authority
Elected directly from their home Prefectures (Commons) or Cities (Sister Council)
Length of Term
Six Years
Related Organizations