Gomba'hara

The Gomba'hara (Saryan: Literally Rule Man, meaning Ruler) is the highest office in the Saryan Democratic Empire. The holder of the office is elected to serve a term of ten years, and can serve only three consecutive terms.

Election
The Election of the Gomba'hara takes place every ten years. After the election, the winner officially takes office only three days later, though the winner often keeps on the previous ruler as an advisor for a month or so.

Transition
Since the winner of each election takes control almost immediately, the transition period is very abrupt. On the day that the winner takes control, the military pledges allegience to him, and the planetary governors also take a similar pledge. An example of one of these rough transitions is when Ikoro Tymshon, a fairly peacful ruler, was replaced by Yacovo Shmertzki. Shmertzki tripled the military presence around major planets, and deported most Terran citizens from the capital world.

Gomba'thinta
Whenever a woman has been elected to the office, the name is properly changed to Gomba'thinta, meaning "Rule Woman." Though it is proper to do so, many people still refer to the office as the Gomba'hara.