16 March 2011


THREE CANDIDATES hold water - securing seven wizengamot nominations each. Meet the three candidates hoping to succeed Perspolis Zephyr as Minister for Magic.

Ignatius Prewett III, wizengamot elder, was the first to secure seven nominations according to sources. Prewett has served on the Wizengamot for two decades, and was previously Head of the British Office of the International Magical Trading Standards Body for 26 years, with service totalling four and a half decades.

Prewett, known to be pro-werewolf rights (his grandson, also Ignatius, is a werewolf) is pureblood, but part of the resistance during the second wizarding war, helping to hide muggleborns. His supporters nominated him for many reasons, but the majority for his stance against dementors. Prewett has rarely spoken out against Zephyr, and is expected to continue with her policies with little change. Critics consider Prewett soft, and that he is easily swayed by issues close to home.

Edwin Glass, Head of the Department for Magical Accidents and Catastrophes and wizengamot elder, is considered Prewett's only real competition for the post, despite nominating Prewett for the post. Glass is the longest-serving Department Head currently with a decade at the helm of Level 3, serving as an obliviator before this.

Glass' proposers support his policies to upload existing wizarding law, holding the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to greater account and to increase the transparency of the Department of Mysteries, policies few can disagree with in recent weeks. He would also like to increase the number of witches in senior posts within the Ministry. Critics suggest Glass is too hardline in his approaches, and his reasons to increase female representation are not as innocent as they appear.

Miranda Storm, Head Healer of St Mungo's Hospital is considered the underdog for the post, nominated just before the deadline. Although Storm has no political experience other than her appointment as wizengamot elder, her proposers support her for her alternative views, and to ensure witches are represented.

Storm's short time as Head of St Mungo's has seen her take on crises and those closest to her say the hospital has never been stronger. She does not shy away from conflict. Critics suggest Storm is poorly prepared and is best retaining her healing expertise at St Mungo's.

The ancient waters of acclamation were set in place by the wizengamot and Chief Warlock, Minerva McGonagall confirmed the start of wizengamot discussions to find the new Minister. The waters respond to public opinion of the candidates during the decision-making period, during which time the candidates attempt to demonstrate their good standing and suitability while the wizengamot hold regular debate.

Minister Zephyr was selected as Supreme Mugwump at the International Confederation of Wizards earlier this month, and will take up her post as soon as a new Minister is found.