Republic of Tökland
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Republic of Tökland Republik Töklern tö | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Motto: Ür land, ür luben | |
| Anthem: Stëjan, Stëjan Tökler! | |
| Capital | Kappë |
| Largest city | Mëdstein |
| Official languages | Töklandic, English, |
| Demonym(s) | Tökler |
| Government | Constitutional republic |
• President | Jakob Stefansönn |
• Deputy | Stefan Normansönn |
| Legislature | Parliament of Tökland |
| Establishment | - 11 May 1999 (founded as Republic of Tökland) - 23 September 2016 (claimed independence) |
| Population | |
• Census | 164,500 |
| Currency | Tök |
| Time zone | (UTC+0) |
The Republic of Tökland, commonly known as Tökland , is an entity which purports to be a republican nation-state but is typically classified as a micronation. It is located in the South East of the United Kingdom. Tökland has claimed the land, but it is seen by the British Government as Maidstone District. It is entirely enclaved by the United Kingdom. It has seven citizens, however 164,500 people are seen by the Tökland government as 'mitleberen' (those who reside in land claimed by the Tökland people). It has an area of just over 313 square kilometres. Divided into 12 municipalities, its capital is Kappë and its largest city is Mëdstein.
History
Foundation
The history of Tökland goes back to the late 20th century, when, in 1999, the newly formed Tökland Liberation Front (TUA), led by Jakob Stefansönn, claimed sovereignty over Tökland, a small landlocked enclave of South-East England. The new nation would however not be recognised by the country that surrounded it, England, until the year 2016. By early 2000 a constitution had been written, and the first parliament held in the capital city, Kappë. The first Senatë was made up of senior members of the then-defunct TUA, with the first democratic elections being held in 2002, Stefansönn regaining the post of President. Though not gaining official status, during this time period many infrastructure projects took place, including the vast improvements to the only motorway through the country, the M1.
Move for independence
Despite a promising beginning, in 2014, a faction of the population, incorporating sixteen members of the Senatë, threatened a revolt against the authorities, unless a move to secede from the United Kingdom was initiated within two years. Plans were quickly put into place to hold a referendum in July 2016, on whether to remain part of the UK, or to leave and form a fully independent state. With an 86% 'yes' vote, there was an overwhelming vote in favour of independence.
Result
| Summary of the referendum |
Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 104,206 | 86% |
| No | 16,964 | 14% |
| Total | 121,170 | 100% |
| Eligible voters | 144,190 | |
| Turnout | 121,170 | 84.0% |
This vote meant that independence was declared on 24 July 2016. This was made a national holiday.
Government and Politics
The governance of Tökland is defined in the 1999 Konstitution as 'a multi-party parliamentary representative democratic republic'. Both federal legislative power and executive power is exercised by the Senatë and the Kabinette and is not concentrated in any one person. is vested in both the Kabinette and the two chambers of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. For any amendment to the constitution, a referendum is mandatory; for any change in a law, a referendum can be requested (optional referendum). Through referenda, citizens may challenge any law voted by federal parliament and through federal popular initiative introduce amendments to the federal constitution.
The President
The President's title is purely nominal - the Kabinette acts as a collective head of state. However, Jakob Stefansönn was made President for Life under a 2006 Referendum. The Kabinette does have a leader, yet this is nominal only, usually a post taken by the most senior member of the Kabinette.
Culture
Media
There are five Töklandic television stations; the three state-run channels (TV1, TV2, and Drë), and the two privately held networks, Tökvisie, and Kanal5. English television, such as the BBC are available free-to-air (subject to a UK TV licence being paid). There are only two Töklandic radio stations, both state-owned, but British channels can be accessed via DAB radios.
Sport
As of a referendum of 2002, football is the official sport of Tökland. The Töklandic national football team is not a member of FIFA or UEFA, yet plays unofficial games against local teams. Anna Pedersdötter is a WTA Tour tennis player from Tökland; she is the only professional Tökler in individual sport. The EnsteLiga (known as the EBank EnsteLiga for sponsorship reasons) is the top level of club football in Tökland, consisting of 12 teams. The current champions are Kickers Grönstäd.