ETHERWIND, KW-688 - In what officials are calling “completely necessary step for securing democratic integrity of planetary elections, comrade,” Etherwind’s governing body passed new legislation requiring all voting CEOs to present FIOC-issued identification cards during upcoming planetary elections.

Voting with your FIOC ID. ¹

Governor Rwinner16, CEO of Willow Enterprises and definitely-not-biased FIOC member, defended the controversial measure during a press conference held in orbit around Etherwind’s primary military installation.

“Is simple process, yes? You want vote, you join glorious FIOC brotherhood,” explained Rwinner16, adjusting their imported ushanka hat. “Besides, if CEO is true patriot of Etherwind, why they not already part of FIOC? Is suspicious, no?”

The new identification cards, which will be manufactured exclusively by Silicon Solutions (coincidentally another FIOC member), must be printed on “authentic space-grade polymer” that can only be produced by Innovative Refining (also, coincidentally, a FIOC member).

“Is very secure, very advanced technology,” boasted Viktor Cheesov, CEO of Flaming Cheese Inc. “Each ID has holographic watermark of Karl Marx riding bear through space. Is impossible to forge, unless you have exact same manufacturing processes that we totally not monopolizing.”

Non-FIOC companies have expressed outrage at the new requirements. “This is ridiculous,” stated one independent CEO who wished to remain anonymous for fear of their shipments being ‘randomly’ inspected by FIOC-affiliated customs officers. “I employ 500 workers and pay my taxes in CIS credits like everyone else. But apparently, that’s not enough to have a voice in our democracy unless I join their little club.”

The application process for obtaining a FIOC ID includes:

• Submitting application in triplicate, written in red ink extracted from Etherwind’s rare crimson beetles
• Providing proof of having shared at least three workplace motivational posters featuring space cats
• Demonstrating ability to properly pronounce “bureaucratic efficiency” with thick accent
• Payment of 10,000 CIS credits processing fee (only acceptable in unmarked credit chips delivered to unnamed location)

When asked about concerns that the new law might disproportionately affect non-FIOC businesses, Dima Turdinski of Turdmaker Industries responded, “Is feature, not bug, comrade. In FIOC, we have saying: In space, no one can hear you complain about voter suppression.”

The law is set to take effect immediately before the next planetary election cycle, giving companies approximately three standard days to complete the extensive FIOC membership application process, which notably includes a mandatory six-week waiting period.

At press time, sources reported that Silicon Solutions was experiencing “temporary” production delays, affecting all non-FIOC ID card applications.

Editor’s Note:
When pressed on enforcement of the new law, no comment was provided. Seems we’ll find out in the next election how this will work out.