In the interest of clarity I would like to post my reply to Ed's question.

I wish to make it clear that my opinion is just that, an opinion. The umpire is the only one who can make an actual decision and could have indeed done so without consulting me.

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Hi Ed

Good to hear from you.

So, as I understand it, PCN was elected normally but made an error in protocol as far as the game rules are concerned by posting his speech in the wrong thread?

Assuming that aside from this he made no other omission or error then I think it safe to assume that the posting of the speech in the wrong thread is an umpire OOC matter and should be decided accordingly PRIOR to the consideration of the election results.

Therefore, if the error was, as you say, noted by you at vote counting time and you decided to allow the candidacy to be valid despite this error (which I confess I would have certainly have also done myself unless there were PC candidates who stood to gain election due to his unforced error, which would be another matter entirely), well then in effect the speaking error never occurred in game so there is nothing for the censor to consider.

I realise that Andrew is making a fine role-playing point that in the best tradition of his fine work adds interest and challenge in-game and it is indeed often tempting to run with it, but quite simply if the matter is a procedural error that has been subsequently sanctioned and 'written-off' by you, then the event never actually occurred so cannot be subject to in-game use subsequently.

I would accuse the tribune of excessive drinking and send him off with a flea in his ear!

Marco

ps. Good to see you are keeping things going. Well done.