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Which party are you voting for in the English Parliamentary Election?
Socialists 2 (20%)
Red Ale Party 1 (10%)
Celtic Party 3 (30%)
English National Party 2 (20%)
Unionists 2 (20%)
Total Votes: 10
English Special Election; PM Lansdale to resign, coalition government likely to split.
Topic Started: Jul 6 2011, 01:16 AM (445 Views)
Aelius
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Alanus Lansdale sat on the plane flying back to London, staring out the window as the diplomatic plane just passed the American coastline and flew out over the Atlantic. He thought back to Aelius, his father, and wondered how the English media would take it if they ever got word that Alanus was so connected to the Brotherhood. That idea alone might drive Edward and the Brits to try and invade, he thought. He looked back at his wife and daughter, asleep and smiling, then his son, Richard, playing some game on whatever new mobile platform was in style these days.

Alexis and Elaine seemed so happy here with the Carterets, and I need to spend more time with my family. They're growing up before my eyes and I'm missing out. I want to be there for my kids, completely, I have no desire to be like my "father". This job has been nothing but stress these days, anyway; there's got to be a better way...

Sky News- BREAKING

"Good afternoon, I'm Jordan Rinehart, live from Westminster Palace in London, where Prime Minister Lansdale has called a press conference this afternoon. This was brought on rather suddenly, so we're not sure what exactly the Prime Minister has called this for. He's coming to the podium now."

Alanus drank a glass of water and took a deep breath before beginning his speech. "Good afternoon. I thank you all for coming out today. I have been doing some thinking and soul searching in recent weeks. I've been at the helm of this country for many years now, and there have been plenty of ups and downs. It occurs to me, though, that through my service to the Republic of England, I have been neglecting my duties as a husband and father. I want to spend more time with my family than I have been, but I cannot continue to serve the Republic in my current capacity while trying to complete these familiar responsibilities. Therefore; it is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce my intention to not run for re-election out of the Somerset County seat in Parliament, and therefore resign from the office of the Prime Minister after the next general election in three months."

"I hope to still serve the Republic in another fashion, preferably as England's diplomatic representative to the Confederate States of America, as this would allow my family to be close to the rest of their relatives. I thank all of you for your pride in this great nation, and for supporting me throughout these years. I hope you will continue to have pride in the government that follows, and that you will continue to be the great citizens you have been. Again, thank you, and long live the Republic of England."

===================

"You heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen. Alanus Lansdale, the face of Republic politics since its origin, has announced that he will leave Downing Street after the election, which will pave the way for new leadership and government. We'll have more details for you as we get them, stay tuned."
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Rhadamanthus
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Legitimist

Constantinople made some very discreet inquiries as to whether there might be a potential prime minister who could put together a coalition, and who might advance Roman interests. Such a man might find himself with ample funding.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

The People and Parliament of Porcu wish the Honorable Alanus Lansdale the best in his pursuit of a peaceful and fulfilling private life, and are confident that the English Republic will continue to prosper in the years to come.
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Aelius
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"I thank the People and Parliament of Porcu for their sentiments. I hope they will continue to be a strong friend to the Republic in the future."
-Alanus

SKY News- Election Special

"Good evening, I'm Jordan Rinehart. Tonight, we're going to take a look at the various political parties who will contend for the next election. With me are veteran English political analyst William Barnes, and former representative to Parliament Robert Meredith. Gentlemen, first I will read off the five major parties contending in this election, their political stances, and their party's leader, who would likely be Prime Minister if their party takes control of Parliament.

"On the far left is the English Socialist Party. As the name implies, they advocate a more socialist standpoint to English politics. The current universal healthcare system was originally their brainchild, although it took some tweaking to get into law by Lansdale and his coalition. They support free trade, but in favor of extensive restrictions on corporations, in part to avoid another WesCorp-level incident. They feel that the British aristocracy, led by their king himself, would only lead to an unmitigated disaster if it had any influence on the Republic, and advocates a watchful eye over the Republic's allies in Ireland, given the rather eccentric traits of O'Neill. The party is led by Lauren Still.

"More to the center is the "Party of the Republic", known colloquially as the "Red Ale Party". They are about as close to the current political coalition as one can get, with a reasonable alliance with Ireland, a skeptical contempt, but recognition, of the British government, and a mixture of a strong social safety net with good economic freedoms. Oddly enough, this party is actually led by current foreign minister, Patrick Nielsen.

"A center-right party, the Celtic Party, is led by the Duke of Cornwall, Arthur Connell. It perhaps takes the strongest anti-British sentiment, as it refuses to recognize the British Crown as a legitimate government, and supports closer ties to Ireland. It supports a more laissez-faire approach to economics.

"The English National Party is the farthest right of the parties, led by former footballer Johnathan Hollister. It strongly favors isolationist behavior, including a significant limit on free trade, English withdrawal from the League of Free Nations, and has been critical of Lansdale's leadership regarding the slave riots in the Confederacy.

"On the fringes is the Unionist Party of the infamous Benjamin Cromwell, which advocates attempting a union with the British government. Aside from that and its refusal to recognize Ireland as an independent nation, most of its political leanings are typical right-of center beliefs."

"William, what do you think will occur with this election?"

"I would be watching the Red Ale Party closely. Lansdale's government is relatively popular for one that has been in power as long as it has, and people could see this leadership as a continuation. Despite their close friendship, though, Nielsen is not Lansdale and doesn't quite have the same appeal and charisma that the current PM does. If there ends up having to be a coalition government formed, Red Ale will probably be involved, but it may bow to either the Socialists or the Celtic Party for leadership, if it can't take control. I can't see the Unionists or the ENP making a serious play, but I could be wrong."

"I kind of have to agree with you on this, Will," Robert Meredith replied. "I think the Celtic Party can make some real strides in this election, if things fall correctly. Connell is a tremendous orator, as he rallied this country to William's side at the outbreak of the Irish Civil War. He has a good relationship with the current Prime Minister despite their political and social differences, and I think that they may be the favorites in this election, without Lansdale's charisma to guide things back to a left-center mainline."

"We'll see how it pans out. I'm Jordan Rinehart. Good night."

===============================================

All parties heard and noted Constantinople's offer, and while none ruled it out, only the leadership of the Red Ale Party actively sought correspondence with the possible Roman interests involved at this point.
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Aelius
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Official English Parliamentary Debate

The debate between the five major parties for the upcoming parliamentary elections will begin soon. All English citizens, national and international press, and other interested parties may begin posting their questions. Each party shall be represented by its leader in the answering of these questions, to clarify their positions and help to secure the vote of English representatives.

OOC: Feel free to ask away. After a while, I'll post a poll. Just so we're clear, this takes place after the Galveston crisis.
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Aelius
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OOC: Bump. Let's get things rolling?
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

OOC: I probably won't be able to post anything until the weekend, but I definitely want to post.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."


"Having had a steady and positive relationship exist between London and Stockholm, would you and your party seek to maintain current relations as they exist between England and Porcu, strengthen them, or weaken them?"

"How would English foreign policy change generally, if at all, should you and your party receive the support necessary to govern the English Republic?"

"Briefly, what are the top priorities of you and your party as they pertain to the welfare, protection, growth, and freedom of the English people?"

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Aelius
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Socialist Party: "For decades, Porcu has been the model of an effective government that supports its people while still allowing a productive, thriving economy. Porcuians typically have among the highest quality of life in Europe, and the English Socialists seek to emulate their progress. We feel that England and Porcu can forge a strong, productive alliance of equals, and I personally seek to strengthen relationships with other egalitarian, socially minded nations who share the values of the Republic of England. To that end, we shall strengthen our national healthcare program, work with companies to allow them to make a better England and a better world, refocus our military efforts to act in coalition with our allies and with ICON, and to ensure that the people are free from tyranny by majority, by government, or by one." -Lauren Still

Red Ale Party: "I have had the privilege of meeting with Porcuian leaders for the better part of two decades, and I see how they have made a strong, powerful and free nation. England and Porcu have a strong relationship as it is, and I feel it could be strengthened further. Overall, I intend to follow many of Prime Minister Lansdale's examples, including a strong economy and defense, better and closer relationships with our allies, and a firm stance against the Kingdom of Great Britain should it make any further claims to our rightful nation." -Patrick Nielsen

Celtic Party: "The Porcuians have been steadfast defenders of freedom and democracy, as they should be. We shall maintain our current good relations with Porcu, and strive for more trade opportunities with them and the rest of the free world. Under our leadership, the Republic of England shall never surrender to those that wish to rule unjustly, and people shall be free to make their own successes in one of the greatest countries on earth." -Arthur Connell

English National Party: "While we admire the ideals that Porcu represents, and we will continue to maintain good relations, we feel that perhaps it would do England more good to somewhat withdraw from international affairs and trade agreements. The best way to ensure that England remains safe and stable is to see to its own affairs and defense, and not to deploy men around the world to fight for a cause that does not benefit herself." -Johnathan Hollister

Unionist Party: "England is a part of the isle of Brittania as a whole. Porcu has been shown to be a consistent friend of the entire isle, and has been characterized by consistently using logic and thinking before it acts. This is admirable, and we would wish to maintain these relations, as well as thawing with our northern neighbors. Peace on Brittania will do more than anything to ensure the safety and stability of all parties on the island, and perhaps to eventually unify the people behind common goals of prosperity, peace and freedom." -Benjamin Cromwell
Edited by Aelius, Aug 6 2011, 12:54 AM.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

What does your party think in regards to the current political climate of Europe? Are there any areas or specific nations your party, if put in power, would focus on?

Noting only one political party who has so far spoken of the crisis, where do the others stand in regards to the current developments out of the Confederate States of America? Where do you stand on the issue of slavery and, if elected, what role would you attempt to play in resolving the issues of the C.S.A?

Where does your party stand on relations with Africa? Does any of your parties find any nations on the continent so close to Europe that they might seek out and strengthen relations with?
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Aelius
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Socialists: "Europe has always been a place of dueling ideologies and governments. Wars these days are rarely fought for territory anymore, but over politics. To that end, I would like to see peace be achieved between the Irish and the Moffs specifically, but increasing efforts by all nations to achieve peace throughout the continent. As to the Confederacy, I hope that they will end the crisis and abolish slavery as soon as is feasible, and we would seek to assist both the African-American community and the Confederate government in coming to an amicable solution, as satisfactory as possible to all parties. I know of no current African nations that the Republic has relations with, but we would seek to do what we could to improve relations in Africa, and assist the peoples there in achieving peace and propserity." -Still

Red Ale: "Europe has always been a busy place when it comes to diplomacy. My experience as English Foreign Minister will prove invaluable to trying to calm the savagery that occasionally befalls the Continent and its nature of alliances. With the help of the other major players of the Continent, such as Russia, Rome, the Union of the Pyrenees and Venice we will try to seek peace for the Continent. As I witnessed the beginnings of this crisis in the Confederacy first hand, I know that it is a complex issue and requires a complex solution, and I will assist their leaders in coming to a beneficial solution. We had relations with the Ulganians for a time, and we would like to have positive relations with them once more, as well as any other peaceful African society." -Nielsen

Celtic Party: "Europe is almost always on the verge of war, and we must be ready for any conflict. By standing strong with our allies, including those in the Confederacy, we will be ready to take on any hostile force that threatens freedom, whether it comes from the North or elsewhere. While slavery is not something we personally condone, and the Confederacy should take steps to abolish it, the methods they choose should not put their own nation at risk, and the decision ultimately rests with them, not the international community." -Connell

ENP: "In many ways, it seems most beneficial for English well-being to stay out of the morass that is European conflict. What the CSA does with their internal politics is their own business, although we would gladly offer counsel, if asked, but if anything else is required, it would be uncertain on our part." -Hollister

Unionists: "Europe is ridden by division and conflict, over small, trivial matters. Strong leadership is needed to navigate through the various messes that would come up, and peace and unity must prevail over all things. The Confederacy should take steps to reduce slavery, but it must be on their own terms to ensure their nation's survival and prosperity, and requires a strong, firm hand to guide them through these most difficult of times." -Cromwell
Edited by Aelius, Aug 18 2011, 11:32 AM.
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The Authority of the Grand Moff
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 *  *  *  *  *
The sole following question was submitted to all of the English political parties:

Quote:
 
"What is the Purpose of the State?"



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Aelius
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Socialists: "In our opinion, the State is necessary to defend its people from any who would seek to exploit it, whether it be a foreign threat or a domestic threat. Corporations, if used improperly such as the WesCorp incident in Iceland all those years ago, can put its homeland and the lands and well-beings of others in jeopardy. However, they can improve society well, if they are not allowed to run amok. The State is there to protect and ensure the well-being and rights of its people, and must use the people's mandate to do what is right." -Still

Red Ale: "The State has a great responsibility to its people. Defense, economic responsibilities, social responsibilities, scientific research, and general law and order are at least partly the responsibility of the government. However, the State must take care not to infringe on the rights and personal lives of its people, and must allow them to succeed and prosper, while not letting the less fortunate of the society fall through the cracks." -Nielsen

Celtic Party: "First and foremost, the government is responsible for the defense of its nation. Outside invasion can not be tolerated, and it must be shown to be so. While there should be safeguards to ensure the health, education and well-being of those who actually need assistance, the government should leave their interference in people's lives and business's operations to a minimum." -Connell

ENP: "The state's responsibility should be protection, both from foreign and domestic threats. English commerce must be protected from foreign manipulation, by means of tariffs, should it be necessary to combat predatory trading. The English military is an arm of the State, and should be used exclusively for the defense of the Republic, not for interference in other affairs." -Hollister

The Unionists had no official response to this question.

OOC: Any other questions? I'll probably post the poll up in about three days.
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Aelius
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The polls have opened, and the election has begun. The English people are heading for the polls to decide the future of English politics.

OOC: Vote how you would if you actually lived in the Republic. Percentages gotten will represent the percentage of seats each party gets. I'll close the poll in about a week, but feel free to do something IC regarding the election here if you want.
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Aelius
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Norman Warlord
OOC: Just bumping this to see if anyone else is interested in voting.
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Aelius
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"Good evening. Jordan Rinehart here with William Barnes and Robert Meredith. The election has come to a conclusion with a hung parliament and no clear winner. The Socialists, Celts and ENP all managed to claim roughly 25% percent of the vote, and therefore 25% of the seats in Parliament. Gentlemen, what do these results tell you about the future of the Republic?"

Barnes: "I'm surprised at how well the ENP fared in this election. There must have been a large portion of the population that really felt that the Republic was going in the wrong direction, or at least disapproved of Lansdale's handling of foreign affairs. I don't see where this isolationism comes from, and how it could be beneficial to the Republic."

Meredith: "Well, given the current cold-war like state of Europe and the wars in Ireland and the CSA on Lansdale's watch, I can kind of see where this comes from. Neutrality may be a better course of action in the short term, should war break out yet again in Europe and the British try to interfere in the war."

Rinehart: "What would you say is the biggest surprise from this election?"

Barnes: "Outside of the ENP's rapid rise, I'd have to say that the utter failure of the Red Ale to perpetuate their influence is the biggest shock. They barely managed to make 8% of the vote tally, most from Lansdale's old home of Bristol. Their vote is influential enough that they may be able to form part of a coalition with the Celts or Socialists, but I sincerely doubt they could have much influence outside of that path."

Meredith: "I'm honestly surprised the Unionists did as well as they did. They managed to get 12% of the votes, outdoing Red Ale. That said, they still don't really have enough pull to make a difference, as their primary message--unification with Great Britain--is at odds with every other party's line. They could vote with the Celts or ENP on various issues, but I sincerely doubt they'd be able to form a serious part of any coalition government."

Rinehart: "So where do we go from here?"

Barnes: "Oddly enough, the Celts are the most centrist major player on the board. I expect that what remains of Red Ale will throw their support behind Connell and the Celts, and the 5% of independents may join them or vote with them, but that would put them at 38% at best. That would still outdo the ENP and the Unionists, if they were to somewhat align, at 37%. The Socialists can mount a major opposition party, but if Red Ale joined with the Socialists, they'd only do 33%, still not enough to make a majority government. The Celts and the ENP aren't terribly far off in terms of domestic policy, but their foreign policies are completely at odds, so while that would make a majority coalition, there are some deep wedges to bridge, and I don't think that they can do that."

Meredith: "Connell's got a distinct advantage, as the Socialists and the ENP are too far apart to make any threat to the Celts. No one force is powerful enough to overpower the others by itself, and the Celts could form a minority government if they wanted to, and try to fish for votes from the left and right sides of Parliament, if it came down to it."

Rinehart: "It's going to be an interesting next few days in London as they try to straighten this out. Stay tuned to EBC News for further updates."
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Aelius
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Celtic Party Offices, London

Arthur Connell stood at the balcony, overlooking the Parliament building smoking his pipe. A drizzle had fallen over the city, as it did in England that time of year, and the political uncertainty seemed certain to continue as long as the mist would be in London.

"Mr. Connell, sir?" His assistant called into his office. "The Prime Minister is here to see you."

"Send him out to the balcony." Connell took another puff from his pipe as Lansdale came to his side. "It's funny how this political system works, isn't it, Alanus?"

"Indeed."

"How was Ireland?"

"About as always. The O'Neill line doesn't seem quite as friendly as the Siadhail line was. But, I suppose they're not my concern now."

Connell nodded and puffed again on his pipe before offering it to Alanus, who refused. "No thanks, Arthur. You know I don't smoke."

"So what'd you come down here for, anyway?"

Alanus drank some water before speaking. "Patrick and the rest of Red Ale are going to fall in line behind your party, as long as you keep them in their current positions in government, or offer them some other concessions."

"That wouldn't give me a majority."

"Nobody's going to get one, Arthur, but this will give you a plurality that can't be approached. Just get votes from the more moderate elements of the other parties."

"I don't know, Alanus--"

"Damn it, hurry up and take over so I can get out of this job." Lansdale grinned, and Connell shook his head, smiling a little bit.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do."

"Good man. Congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister, and good luck." Lansdale shook Connell's hand.

EBC News- BREAKING NEWS

"We've just received word that the Red Ale Party has, in fact, agreed to terms with the Celtic Party leadership, and, in forming the largest coalition, will be able to form a minority government and break the stalemate. For the time being, at least, Arthur Connell will be the new Prime Minister of the English Republic. The Socialists, ENP and Unionists all will likely try to protest this formation of government, but it is unclear if they can drum up the necessary support to overcome the Red-Celt government. We'll have more on this story as it develops."
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

The People and Parliament of Porcu are pleased to see the free expression of opinion by English voters and are proud to stand by them as friends and allies, and hope that consideration for proper and well-managed governance will now take precedence for elected officials.
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Sedulius
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I congratulate Prime Minister Arthur Connell on his victory, for it is a victory for all Celtic peoples. I am sure much can be done with our cooperation, and I certainly look forward to it.

-Aodh Mór Ó Néill, Impire na hÉireann
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Aelius
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"I thank the Irish and Porcuian leaders for their show of support. I only hope that I can serve the people of this great Republic as well as my predecessor, and ensure its survival and prosperity for years to come."

-Arthur Connell, Prime Minister of England
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Rhadamanthus
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Legitimist

The Roman Empire congratulates the new government and looks forward to cooperation in international affairs.
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Toussaint
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Major
"The Kingdom of Great Britain denies the legitimacy of the new rebel leadership, and calls on other nations to do the same. As soon as order is restored in the southern provinces, these rebel leaders will be tried and executed for their treason against a united Britain."
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Aelius
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"The Republic of England will not be bullied by a nation that sees war as the only solution. Any idiotic attempt by the "British Crown" to invade this Sovereign Republic will fail just as thoroughly as its attempts to occupy Ireland did. My apologies to the rest of the international community, but my response to a foreign aggressor that wants me dead and our people as slaves is as follows: Take your so-called "legitimacy" and shove it up your arse."

-Arthur Connell, Prime Minister of England
Edited by Aelius, Sep 19 2011, 02:35 AM.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

The Russian Empire gives no official response to the elections.
_______________________________________

Given the events in the Confederate States, only informal congratulations are sent.
_______________________________________

The East African Federation would like to formally congratulate the parties and the English people for their election.
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