E X A R C H

~Governance and Structure~
The Commission for the Establishment of Civilian Interests serves as an executive body that has the ability to grant and monitor governing authority within the Confederation. While not a legislature, the COMECI exists to ensure that the Confederation's needs for infrastructure, policy, economy, and governance are met; usually by appointing personnel and resources to oversee, alter, or resolve issues.
POSITIONS
The Commission for the Establishment of Civilian Interests is made up of several positions with varying responsibilities and powers.
Prefects - These members are the main body of the COMECI, making up the majority of its members. Prefects are appointed by planetary and systems Governors and, in rare cases, the Imperial Ruling Council (IRC). These members, instead of passing laws and regulations, are given a unique authority to initiate the process to commission actions on behalf of the Confederation, often in the form of expanding or creating agencies to handle certain issues within a sector of governance. Additionally, Prefects serve as a pool of candidates the Confederation can, and will, pull from in order to enact its will. The appointments given to chosen Prefects are usually prestigious.
Supervisors - Supervisors are officials commissioned by the COMECI to administer specific domains of statecraft, ranging from taxation and hyperlane regulation to broader civil and economic affairs. Drawn from the existing body of Prefects and appointed by their peers, Supervisors are entrusted with a rare blend of regional autonomy and Imperial authority. Though they are granted considerable latitude in managing their operations, Supervisors operate under clearly defined expectations and strict budgetary oversight from the COMECI. Importantly, while they may be commissioned by the COMECI, they do not hold voting seats within it. Upon the conclusion or expiration of their commission (terms of which vary by assignment), Supervisors typically face one of two outcomes: reappointment to Prefect within the COMECI, or reassignment to another supervisory role within the Confederation’s administrative structure.
Quaestor-General - A special position designed to investigate and rout out inefficacies and corruption within the Confederation, even at the highest levels of government. Quaestor-Generals are, more often than not, appointed from the upper-ranks of the Imperial Secret Service, by either High Prefectorial and Exarchal commissions, the Imperial Ruling Council, and very rarely the Empress. This position wields a considerable amount of authority, access to certain resources, and uninhibited access to most Imperial systems.
High Prefects - These members of the COMECI, for all intents and purposes, are viewed as senior members and leadership. Appointed by their peers to lead ‘Authorities’ that overlook certain affairs of state. These include, but are not limited to, Authority for Academic Order, Authority of Medicines, and Authority for Civilian Infrastructure. High Prefects are the members that approve or void Prefectorial commissions, unless it is a commission regarding sensitive areas or information, then it is elevated to the highest office. They also answer directly to the Exarch of COMECI.
Liaisons - Comprising the smallest segment of the Commission for the Establishment of Civilian Interests, they serve as representatives of external organizations that hold vested interests in the civilian interests of the Confederation. They do not appoint commissions nor hold in authority in the COMECI, instead they offer counsel, provide testimonies, offer institutional perspectives, and can act as advisors to sitting Prefects and High Prefects on matters relevant to their organizations. The majority of Liaison appointments are temporary or rotational, often filled by officials from their respective organizations on a term basis. These positions are typically appointed by their home institutions and approved by a Prefectorial committee to avoid conflicts of interest or overreach. However, a select few Liaison positions are considered permanent, due to the critical nature of the institutions they represent. These include:
- The Imperial Ruling Council Liaison – Serves as the voice of the IRC within the COMECI, often relaying executive opinions, emergency directives, or classified assessments.
- The Imperial Military High Command Liaison – Acts as a bridge with the military, offering input on defense policy, military readiness, and wartime legislation.
- The ISS Liaison - Provides guidance and intelligence to COMECI as necessary, to inform them of threats to the Confederation and request discretionary resources.
- The Knight-Commander Liaison – A representative of the Order of Imperial Knights, this Liaison ensures that the interests and ethical perspectives of the Imperial Knights are considered during deliberations and commissions.
Exarch - The Exarch serves as the supreme overseer of the COMECI and presiding officer of all Prefectorial sessions, debates, and deliberations. Appointed directly by the Empress, the Exarch acts as an extension of Her Imperial authority within certain administrative frameworks of the Confederation. Charged with maintaining order during COMECI proceedings, the Exarch manages debate protocols, casts tie-breaking votes, and possesses the authority to approve or nullify select Prefectorial commissions. Additionally, the Exarch oversees all reviews related to appointments and commissions, represents COMECI at official state functions, and holds the power to convene emergency sessions when required. In all matters, the Exarch stands as both facilitator of governance and guardian of Imperial integrity, ensuring that the will of the Empress and the stability of the Confederation remain paramount.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Commission for the Establishment of Civilian Interests’ responsibilities include:
- Appointing and granting Supervisors the authority to carry out their commissions within defined parameters. Their commissions can include trade, taxation, infrastructure, and civil administration.
- Appointing Supervisors to run non-military efforts, such as dispensing aid and relief efforts.
- Appointing Quaestor-Generals to investigate corruption, abuse of power, and misconduct in Imperial efforts.
- Managing the Confederation's budget, allocating resources to civilian projects, infrastructure, and economic initiatives. Regulating corporate activity and interstellar trade agreements to maintain stability and growth.
- Resolving disputes between planetary administrators, corporations, and trade factions.
- Negotiating and maintaining diplomatic relations with external powers.
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