Ár Ré leadership election, 4206

Ár Ré held a leadership election in 4206 to elect a successor to Ember Powell, who resigned in 4206 after having to proceed to a second round in a vote of no confidence. 61,525 votes were cast in this election and Cherry O'Malley, the Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, won the election convincingly.

Background
Ember Powell gradually began to turn the party around. She became the party's presidential contender in 4182, marking the return of Ar Re in presidential politics. Her lucky break came in the election of January 4193, when she gained a narrow lead in the presidential election to make it to the second round, which she won comfortably. She became the first President of Kirlawa from Ar Re in almost 100 years.

Although it was usual practice in the previous century for presidential contenders to win one election and subsequently withdraw their candidacy, Powell broke with tradition and contested the July 4196 presidential election, in which she increased her margin of victory over the third-placed contender in the first round, and won the presidential election with a slightly smaller majority. She became the first President of Kirlawa from Ar Re to serve two consecutive terms.

Despite her success, the party began to slip in the polls and by the 4200 election, Powell failed to enter the second round and the party lost 33 seats. When the party lost a further 33 seats, Powell was fatally diminished in her seat of power. In 4206, Powell faced a vote of no confidence from within her party. Although she won the first round, she was unable to secure a majority and had to proceed to a second round. She eventually resigned as Leader, triggering a leadership election. Cherry O'Malley, the then Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, won the election comfortably.

Procedure
The last constitutional review was held in 4200, but no changes have been made. Up to only six candidates can participate in the leadership election. Candidates need not be holding public office, but have to be a member of Ar Re for at least three years, and must receive at least one "endorsement". This endorsement could come from either a sitting Ar Re member of the General Assembly, from the Regional Assemblies, by the incumbent Leader of Ar Re (if he/she is not a sitting member), or from a former President of Kirlawa who represented Ar Re. If more than six candidates apply, the six candidates with the highest number of endorsements will be selected to participate in the election.

Declined

 * Angus Pollux, the Deputy Leader of the Party and Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs. Endorsed O'Malley.
 * Jennifer Bowens, Spokesperson for Environment and Tourism. Endorsed Powell O'Malley.

Aftermath
Cherry O'Malley comfortably won the election and became Leader of Ar Re. She went on to win the subsequent presidential primary.