Ár Ré leadership election, 4270

Ár Ré - Party of Kirlawa held a leadership election from July to December of 4270 to replace Jennifer Bowens, who resigned earlier in July. Michael Arthur-Doyle, the Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, won the election convincingly against backbencher Thomas Ericsson. A total of 43,995 votes were cast.

Background
Although the party's performance only dipped slightly in the general election held earlier that year, Jennifer Bowens made the surprise announcement that she would resign as Leader of Ár Ré, citing old age as a primary reason.

Procedure
The last constitutional review was held in 4250, 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.

Timeline

 * Remainder of July: Candidates were able to submit their nomination papers.
 * August 1 - November 31: Campaigning.
 * December 1 - December 10: Postal ballots are sent to all eligible voters.
 * December 11 - December 20: Postal ballots have to be returned to Headquarters or the provincial office for counting.
 * December 21: The results of the ballot are tabulated and the new leader of Ar Re is announced.
 * December 24: Leader-elect formally sworn in a special party conference.