Sillian politics:
There are 102 senators, from these, three are chosen to serve as the Triumvrant. The Triumvarant administers the area of the government that they are elected to, but must abide by the will of the senate, though they can introduce issues to be discussed and make proposals, but do not cast votes themselves. The Triumvrant's power lasts for two years, and members can be re-elected indefinitely. As of the present, the current members have been serving for just over a year and a half, and the next election is rapidly approaching. Each senator is elected for a 10 year term by a vote of land-owning male citizens (land-owning female citizens are allowed to vote on the isle of Narisus*).
The members of the triumvrant are:
Magister Militum: Master of the Soldiers. Currently Martialis Caelius III (8th term). An old general who had great success in his younger days. He is held in high esteem as a brilliant tactician and one of the greatest generals who ever lived. He is not very adept at politics, but he runs on his ability to win wars, and he wins because he does. The senators like winning wars, so it's pretty sure they're going to keep re-electing him until he dies, retires, or goes senile. His second in command is general Gaius Valerius Venustus, who will likely win Magister Militum after Martialis dies or retires, as his hand-picked successor.
Magister Nummus: Master of the Coin. Currently Aquilus Livius (1st term). A young, bright politician, Sillia has been rich for a long time, and they don't like loosing their money. Aquila ran on increasing the national treasury, but hasn't been able to come through on his promise as the war with Endoria is expensive and has reduced trade. He's pinning his hopes of another term on arguing that he kept the treasury in the best state possible given the circumstances. He is an able politician and has some support, but it is likely to be a close vote. His opponent, Caesius Mus, claims that he's been skimming off the top, but is unable to prove it.
Magister Civilis: Master of State. Currently Ovidius Aelius (3rd term). He gained his position by promising political favors, and has kept it by keeping those promises. He generally does Sillia well, but especially well in his supporters' areas and less so in others. Saenecio Fortunaus is rallying the other members, and has been making plays to secure some swing votes. The coming election will see if he is successful or not.
*The Isle of Narisus became a part of the Sillian empire around 20 years ago on the condition that land-owning female citizens were allowed to vote and participate in politics. Currently there is one female Narisian serving as a senator, and she, along with the other (male) senator from Narisus is pushing hard for female inclusion in politics across all of Sillia. The movement is swiftly gaining support after they stopped focusing on senators and started talking to their wives.
Runners for the coming elections:
Magister Militum: Valerius Rufinus. A younger man, who only served as much time as required in the army. Running against the legendary general leaves him little hope. He has some support from his close friends, but Martialis' stellar record leaves him little hope of winning. Most view him as an ambitious youngster who needs to learn his place. His position that Martialis is too old isn't a winning one.
Magister Nummus: Caesius Mus claims that Aquilus is skimming off the top, but has been unable to prove it. He argues that his opponent has lost the republic money, which he will reverse. He plans to cut military spending, arguing that Martialis' genius will let them prevail despite more limited spending, and he may be right. This puts him in the odd position of supporting Martialis' candidacy while Martialis opposes his. Caesius knows that Martilis is a poor politician, and his strategy is shrewd, but he may have underestimated how much power Martilis' word carries on military matters.
Magister Civilis: Saenecio Fortunaus is has forged an alliance with those neglected by Ovidius. Ovidius has been shrewd, however, and has been generous with 51 senators (one more than is needed). Saenecio will need to turn at least two to his side if he hopes to win. He's having a tough time, as Ovidius has always came through on his promises, and Saenecio is still a bit of an unknown quantity in that regard. Ovidius will try to "outbid" Saenecio at every turn, and is likely to be able to do so as his reputation in such deals is a good one. Saenecio is trying to make deals in secret so that Ovidius can't one-up him. Only when the votes are cast will anyone know if he has been successful or not.
