Ár Ré leadership election, 4311

Ár Ré - Party of Kirlawa held a leadership election from January to July 4311 to replace Michael Arthur-Doyle, who resigned earlier in January. Eileen Thompson, the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, won against James MacLauren-Olivier, a backbencher. A total of 37,969 votes were cast.

Background
Just one year to go to the general election, Michael Arthur-Doyle shocked the party membership by tendering his resignation before the 4312 elections. Previously, he had withdrew his candidacy for the presidency just before the 4308 elections. In an extraordinary vote, the party membership agreed not to contest the 4308 presidential elections, instead delaying the primary until after Arthur-Doyle stood down.

Most party insiders expected this date to occur sometime after the 4312 elections, and that the party would also forfeit participation in those elections. However, Arthur-Doyle explained that, due to old age and failing health, he had to resign early to "quickly find someone to lead us into the next election".

Procedure
The last constitutional review was held in 4300, but no major changes have been made. Up to 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". The nature of this endorsement was enlarged since the last election to include not only sitting Ar Re members of the General Assembly, Regional Assemblies, the incumbent Leader and a former President of Kirlawa from Ar Re, but also to former Cabinet members of Ar Re.

If more than six candidates apply, the six candidates with the most endorsements will be selected to participate in the election.

Timeline

 * Remainder of January: Candidates are able to submit their nomination papers.
 * February 1 - April 31: Campaigning.
 * May 1 - May 30: Postal ballots are sent to all eligible voters, and can be returned during that period.
 * June 1 - June 15: No further postal ballots are sent out, but ballots may continue to be submitted until June 15.
 * June 15 - June 29: Postal ballots are tabulated and the new leader of Ar Re is announced on June 29.
 * June 30: Leader-elect formally sworn in at a special party conference.

Aftermath
Thompson won the election but with a depressed party turnout. The lack of enthusiasm regarding her candidacy and election led to the party suffering moderate losses in the subsequent 4312 elections, where the number of seats fell to the 140s. However, Thompson would eventually capitalise on her positions and leadership, and bring the party to greater heights in the coming elections.