Every year, one of the Edge’s seven city council members comes up for re-election. The election is city-wide and generally non-partisan.Since the single incumbent is often
running against several competing candidates, a majority vote is rare, and there is usually a run-off between the number one and number two candidates.The incumbent, who has had seven years to do favours since the last election, usually wins; but those seven years are also spent making enemies, so victory is rarely assured.Anyone of adult status and with a permanent address can vote, but it costs $5 (to cover the costs of the election). The homeless are disenfranchised and the poor rarely vote.
The seven council members see to the day-to-day needs of the city, including road construction and repair, fire protection, and sewage.The Peace Force, however, is not under their jurisdiction. It is a branch of the Al Amarjan government. (When it needs to, the council can appeal to the Peace Force to enforce its rulings.) The main task the council has is hiring and overseeing the City Manager. The terms of the City Manager’s contract are open to negotiation.
The current City Manager, John K. Mohammad, works as a negotiator, mediator, and ombudsman for the city. He encourage businesses to build and develop according to his undefined plans, and throws the support of the city behind those who play ball.
Some might see this system as being terribly corrupt.The typical Al Amarjan would respond that it’s only what happens behind the scenes and between the lines in other countries; at least here you have no delusions about what you’re dealing with.