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     Witnesses continue to recognize legitimacy
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== Witnesses continue to recognize legitimacy ==

Witnesses continue to recognize legitimacy when authority remains aligned with responsibility, history, and lawful conduct.  
Legitimacy is not self-declared—it is affirmed over time by those who witness.

Recognition is ongoing, not permanent.

=== What recognition by witnesses means ===
Recognition by witnesses means that:
* authority is exercised within its limits
* responsibilities are being fulfilled
* conduct remains lawful
* history has not been denied or rewritten
* relationships remain balanced

Legitimacy exists only while recognition continues.

=== How recognition is maintained ===
Witness recognition is maintained through:
* consistent lawful conduct
* adherence to Ayaawk
* fulfillment of obligations
* transparency in decision-making
* willingness to answer for outcomes
* correction when error occurs

Trust is renewed through action.

=== Role of witnesses in evaluation ===
Living Witnesses:
* observe ongoing conduct
* compare actions to past acknowledgments
* recall conditions attached to authority
* speak when legitimacy weakens
* affirm legitimacy when alignment remains

Witness silence or withdrawal is meaningful.

=== Loss of recognition ===
Witnesses may withdraw recognition when:
* authority exceeds its limits
* responsibility is avoided or denied
* harm is left unaddressed
* history is misrepresented
* protocol is ignored

Loss of recognition signals unlawful authority.

=== Restoration of recognition ===
Recognition may be restored through:
* acknowledgment of breach
* corrective or restorative action
* renewed witnessing
* reaffirmation through feast acknowledgment
* demonstrated change in conduct

Restoration requires proof, not promise.

=== Intergenerational recognition ===
Recognition extends across generations.

Future witnesses assess:
* whether obligations were carried forward
* whether unresolved matters were addressed
* whether authority remained accountable

Legitimacy must survive succession.

=== Core principle ===
'''Authority endures only while witnesses continue to recognize it.'''  
Legitimacy lives in ongoing affirmation, not past claim.

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== Future links ==
* [[Living Witnesses]]
* [[Conduct remains lawful]]
* [[Responsibilities are fulfilled]]
* [[Ayaawk is upheld]]
* [[Limits on authority]]
* [[What happens when responsibilities are violated]]