Status-Neutral Governance Model

A status-neutral governance model provides operational control during Freeze–Vote–Rebuild without predetermining final political outcomes. This chapter describes the minimal governance structure needed to coordinate security, voting logistics, and reconstruction while preserving neutrality.

Objectives

• Coordinate execution across Freeze, Vote, and Rebuild.
• Provide authoritative dispute handling and escalation channels.
• Prevent any single actor from unilaterally rewriting rules midstream.
• Maintain neutrality by focusing governance on process integrity and compliance, not preferred outcomes.

Core Governance Functions (Minimum Set)

A workable model must cover:

1. Operational Coordination

• Manage day-to-day execution (monitoring, corridors, repair windows).
• Maintain liaison with relevant forces and civil authorities.
• Publish schedules and operational directives where feasible.

2. Compliance Adjudication

• Receive and process contested incident reports.
• Apply incident classification rules consistently.
• Determine when gates are met or breached (subject to verification inputs).

3. Vote Administration Oversight

• Ensure the rulebook is followed and locked.
• Coordinate observer access and safety.
• Ensure dispute-resolution mechanisms function on timelines.

4. Reconstruction Governance Oversight

• Set procurement and audit requirements.
• Tie disbursement to integrity gates.
• Enforce debarments and remediation.

Minimal Institutional Layout (Template)

This template can be implemented as separate entities or one structure with subcommittees:

A. Coordination Council (Strategic Steering)

• Sets high-level priorities and approves phase transitions (based on gate reports).
• Manages political-level escalations and exceptional decisions.
• Ensures domestic approvals gates are met when required.

B. Verification & Monitoring Cell (Technical Authority)

• Maintains incident reporting and classification.
• Operates dashboards and data fusion.
• Produces gate compliance reports.

C. Dispute Resolution Panel (Adjudication Authority)

• Hears contested incidents and Vote disputes.
• Orders remedies (recounts, reruns, corrective measures).
• Enforces timelines and publishes decisions (privacy-aware).

D. Reconstruction Oversight Board (Integrity Authority)

• Approves procurement standards and audit terms.
• Reviews major findings and remediation plans.
• Authorizes tranche releases or suspensions based on integrity gates.

Neutrality Safeguards

A status-neutral governance model requires safeguards against capture:

• Multi-party representation: Balanced membership.
• Rotating terms: And transparent selection criteria.
• Independent oversight: Inspector-general and audit capacity.
• Conflict-of-interest: Mandatory disclosure and enforcement.
• Version-locking: Published rules for emergency changes (rare and time-bounded).
• Transparency: Independent observation and reporting rights.

Decision Rules (Must be Explicit)

Define:

• Quorum requirements.
• Voting thresholds (simple majority vs. supermajority for exceptional actions).
• What decisions are delegated vs. reserved.
• What evidence is required for gate determinations.
• How ties or deadlocks are resolved (fallback arbitration, time-bounded default rules).

Integration with Gates and Escalation

Governance is the “decision layer”; gates are the “control layer.”

• Verification-First Gates
• Escalation & Deconfliction
• Data Governance & Privacy

Drafting Note

When implementing, provide:

• A single chart showing bodies, responsibilities, and data flows.
• A RACI matrix (Responsible/Accountable/Consulted/Informed) for the three phases.
• A public-facing description that is understandable without legal training.