Midterm Senate Satisfaction Poll Analysis
Written by Seva
Introduction
The Senate term is already more than halfway through, and according to tradition, the Europeian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) recently asked citizens how well they feel our Legislative branch has performed so far. Note: this poll only includes five out of the six senators currently in office, as the now former Senator Common-Sense Politics (CSP) was only replaced by the newly elected Josi a week ago. This term has not nearly been as controversial as the previous one, however, you can still expect some juicy comments and perhaps surprising results. Overall the poll received only 19 respondents, which was 2 fewer than the previous Senate satisfaction poll. You can read more about the 75th Senate of Europeia here.
Overall Senate Approval
This Senate as a whole has been one of the more popular Senates, with a staggering approval rating of 84,2%. Only one respondent indicated dissatisfaction with the Senate, which, combined with only 2 respondents strongly approving of it, reinforces the general impression of an uncontroversial Senate that does its work diligently but without many breakthroughs, which is arguably what the legislative branch needs after two extremely action-packed and intense terms. The comments do not give any more insight, mostly stating that the Senate is quiet but is doing what it has to.
Senate Speaker Darkslayer
Speaker Darkslayer, serving his third term as a Senator and first term as Speaker, receives an approval rating of 79%, which is twice as much as his predecessor did. His performance was strongly approved of by 47,4% of the respondents, and only one other senator managed to get the same strong approval. Having been seen as the natural successor to former two-time speaker Lloenflys, there is no surprise Darkslayer has excelled in the role. The comments paint a picture of a very competent speaker, with only one indicating some sort of disapproval that is rather directed at Darkslayer's job as a senator than a Speaker.
Senator Aexnidaral
Next up is Senator Aexnidaral, one of the more experienced senators. His rating is 73,7% - 26,3% very satisfied - and no respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his work. Aexnidaral is the embodiment of this Senate - everything he has done has been very quiet, and he has been far from the spotlight. Comments reflect his quietness, and one respondent had expected more activity from Aexnidaral.
Senator Forilian
First-time Senator Forilian returns an approval rating of 68,4%, marginally lower than any other senator, and the highest disapproval rating as well. This might be explained by his controversial suggestion to accelerate Cabinet confirmations, without waiting for the sixth senator as Speaker Darkslayer decided. Although Forilian consequently ended the heated discussion he had ignited, some respondents' answers were influenced by the incident. All in all, for a first-time senator, Forilian returns an impressive rating. Apart from reflecting on the aforementioned incident, comments indicate approval of Forilian's performance but do not highlight anything in particular about it.
Senator Istillian
Senator Istillian received the same approval rating as Speaker Darkslayer (79%). Same as Forilian, he is a first-time Senator; however, he had served in many positions in the executive branch before. Unlike Darkslayer, not a lot of people are very enthusiastic about Istillian's performance, with 26,3% of respondents strongly approving of it. Only one comment was submitted about Istillian, indicating that he exceeded expectations of at least one person.
Senator Malashaan
Such a lot of good things have been said about Malashaan that it is a nearly impossible task to come up with anything original to say about him. He returns an approval rating of 84,2%, the highest in the Senate, and shares the first place with Darkslayer in terms of "very satisfied" answers. Malashaan has served countless terms as Senator and Speaker, and it is no surprise that he has excelled in this Senate as well. The comments were generally very positive, including one that claimed Malashaan is the best senator so far, though some respondents pointed out his support of Forilian's decision about the Cabinet confirmations, and one unreasonably complained about inactivity.
Re-election perspectives
Unsurprisingly, more than 50% of respondents are ready to re-elect the current Senators, though Aexnidaral and Forilian do not receive as much support as the others.
Who do people want to see in the Senate next term?
A relatively low number of people have been suggested for the 76th Senate, compared to previous polls. Candidate in the previous election Seva and Minister of World Assembly Affairs SkyGreen24 each received the support of 3 people; now-Senator Josi followed with 2 comments mentioning them; promising newcomer Androxis, retired multiple-time speaker Drecq, and Maowi, who is currently on a leave of absence, were each mentioned once.