Official Opposition

In the Parliament of the Republic, the Official Opposition is the largest party in the National Assembly which is not a member of the government. The opposition party with the most seats is designated the Official Opposition, and keeps that title until the next election or until they join the government. The Official Opposition is granted more speaking time on the floor of the National Assembly and traditionally organizes the activities of the opposition. Other opposition parties will often follow the lead of the Official Opposition when deciding how best to oppose the actions of the current government. The current Official Opposition following the September elections is the Democratic Progressive Party.

Creation of the Office

The Office of the Official Opposition was created during Joe Rogan's first cabinet as a part of his greater Reform Bill. This Reform Bill established the political opposition office, formalized Prime Minister's questions formatting and schedule, as well as established formal parliamentary meeting times, sessions and rules. The bill received near universal support, and was thus enacted immediately. It also provided a measure preventing future modification to the legislature's format without waiting one term.

The Kuomintang was the first to hold the office of official opposition. They formalized many of the offices rules and precedents through this term, and generally were considered to be thankful for the extra political power.

Definition

As per the Reform Bill, the Official Opposition is formally the Largest party in the National assembly which is not a government member. They gain numerous advantages over other opposition parties, including;

• Legal powers:
  • Closest seats to the government in power, allowing them to debate and confer more easily.
  • First opportunity to ask questions during PMQ's, triple the questions of each other opposition party. The Reform Bill defined this as 15 questions, which each opposition party getting 5 if not the official oppositon.
  • The official opposition gets the first mandate to form a government should a vote of no confidence pass, even if they aren't the largest remaining party.
  • Weekly meeting with ruling government to negotiate whatever is relevant at the time.
  • Priority Hotline to the Prime Minister's office, mandated by law to be maintained at all times.

• Precedentary Powers:
  • Considered the leader of all opposition parties, they often work under the Official Opposition to a degree.