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Election For Parliament (Two Votes Possible)
Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc 4 (28.6%)
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats 4 (28.6%)
The Greens 1 (7.1%)
Republican Front 3 (21.4%)
United Left 2 (14.3%)
Total Votes: 14
Election For President (Two Votes Possible)
Decimus Marius Quintianus (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc) 1 (9.1%)
Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) 3 (27.3%)
Marcus Holo Benedictus (The Greens) 1 (9.1%)
Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front) 3 (27.3%)
Publius Villus Crassigensis (United Left) 0 (0%)
Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus (Independent/Non-Partisan) 3 (27.3%)
Total Votes: 11
Election For President (One Votes Possible)
Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) 3 (42.9%)
Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front) 4 (57.1%)
Total Votes: 7
Parliamentary and Presidential Elections II
Topic Started: May 11 2012, 09:52 PM (345 Views)
Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

ELECTIONS UNDERWAY ACROSS THE REPUBLIC

Posted Image

Stockholm, Porcu - Local, metropolitan, and national elections promise to be interesting, if not chaotic, and the world's attention momentarily turns to Stockholm as significant changes in policy may result.

With a war finally having been drawn to a close in Africa another in the Americas has erupted, though without our fair Republic in the mix. The state of Porcu is solid, but not vibrant, and the future of the nation is uncertain, if only by the many paths available to her. National polling has consistently shown that the presidential voting, specifically, is more a litmus test of Ms. Gularis herself - which is good news - whereas the parliamentary voting is more a reflection of the parties and parliamentary groups - which is bad news for the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.

Unemployment has indeed increased, but only by a tenth of a percent, to 2.9%. Wages have remained stagnant, whereas national income taxes have more than tripled. Military spending has decreased and domestic spending increased. Only twice has Parliament run a budget deficit, and both of these debts were paid back with the increase in taxes. Very modest reforms in education and transportation administration cap Ms. Gularis' leadership in Parliament.

The President has faced near continuous opposition from Mr. Cea and the Republican Front with regard to foreign policy, but has recently also had to defend herself against the far-left and center-right, the latter a willing legislative partner more often than not. Some presidential candidates are already well known and familiar with the entire process, while some new faces have arrived.

Below is a brief introduction to each candidate, highlighting their stated priorities:

Decimus Marius Quintianus - Popular chairman of the parliamentary group Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc, though he is generally viewed as weak for his perceived lack of leadership while Prime Minister. Supported Gularis' attempts at reaching out to Venice and Russia especially, but would try and pressure for democratic changes in those countries. Domestically, opposes sharp rise in income tax rates and would try to halve them. Would seek to increase national funds devoted to biomedical research and development. Additionally, has forwarded plans on eliminating imports of most foreign sources of oil and natural gas. He would seek to renegotiate terms to the recent HPCO treaty signed in Hong-Kong & Macau.

Canae Ardea Gularis - Staunchly defends her administration's positions on Tanganorium, defense cuts, the Confederacy, and relations with Moscow and Venice. Although environmental policy has largely been left to Greater Metropolitan Areas, more can be done by Parliament to boost research and development of green energy. With discontent rising about taxes, plans are in order to present a large reform package that would lower the national income tax, eliminate some subsidies, and reinvest in educational supplies, such as textbooks and expanded internet access for instructional purposes.

Marcus Holo Benedictus - Party chairman of The Greens, and leader of the parliamentary group by the same name. Pushes for a national board that would approve all environmental projects. Supports Mr. Quintianus' proposal for sharp reduction in oil and natural gas imports, but says that domestic production of natural gas should also be phased out by cleaner sources. Wishes to generalize Patavium's success in developing, distributing, and promoting clean, renewable energy. Has stated his support for the freedom of Blacks in the Confederacy, but not the current war.

Lucius Germanius Cea - Longtime Chairman for the Republican Front, strongly opposes downsizing of the Self-Defense Forces and pushes for increased funding. Supports collection of a national DNA database for use by metropolitan police and national investigative organizations. In contrast to most other presidential candidates, he supports the current war against the Confederacy. Contrarily, he does not support Porcuian involvement in ICON.

Publius Villus Crassigensis - Recently elected party chairman of the Communist Party of Porcu, he takes the same position as Benedictus with regard to the recent outbreak of war between the American Confederacies and Russia, Venice, and the Sectors. Charges that the party has drifted and made major changes to the party platform, most notably dropping tolerance of party members who compromise in drafting legislation. Proposes steeply progressive national income tax rates, relieving those in the bottom 40% from paying any income tax at all (metropolitan or national). Would continue spending cuts in defense, while increasing spending on expanding access to healthcare.

Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus - Veteran of the last presidential election cycle, he is a city attorney and has a significant following in the east of the country, particularly on the island of Leucopetrae. Also pushes for increased spending in healthcare, but suggests funding can be found in savings made by greater efficiency in care. Has repeatedly suggested that monetary union within the HPCO is foolish without stringent treaties on spending, so return to national currencies may be easiest/best. Supports the war against the Confederacy in order to free the slaves.

...


Previous Parliamentary Elections Results:

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats: 280/732; 38,5%
Republican Front: 241/732; 32,9%
Popular Democratic Front (United Left): 123/732; 16,7%
Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc: 40/732; 5,4%
The Greens: 40/732; 5,4%
Independents/Non-Partisan: 8/732; 1,1%

...

Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Parliamentary):

Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc: +2
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats: +2
The Greens: +/- 0
Republican Front: +1
United Left: -1

...

Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Presidential)

Decimus Marius Quintianus (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc): +1
Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats): +2
Marcus Holo Benedictus (The Greens): +1
Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front): +2
Publius Villus Crassigensis (United Left): - 1
Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus (Independent/Non-Partisan): +/- 0


OOC: As always, feel free to comment. Questions from news organizations and journalists are welcome. Yes, two votes for parliamentary and presidential choices is correct. The presidential election will most likely require a runoff election (with a single vote option), so look for that on Tuesday (15 May). Should it be necessary, I will create a new poll for the Presidential runoff election and will run it until the same Friday (18 May) I will close the Parliamentary poll.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

OOC: Many thanks to those that have voted already. I would very much appreciate those that have not already voted to do so. The first round in the presidential election will last until tomorrow night, when I will create a final poll for the runoff election. That poll will last until this Friday (18 May). The parliamentary poll will stay open until Friday.

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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

CEA ALMOST TAKES PRESIDENCY IN FIRST ROUND, GULARIS STUMBLES IN DEBATE

Posted Image Posted Image

Stockholm, Porcu - Roaring from the gate, Mr. Cea, the energetic and powerful leader of the far-right parliamentary group the Republican Front, landed a stunning blow to the incumbent president and looks poised to overpower Ms. Gularis in the runoff election.

The results from the first election are as follows:

Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front) - 41,4%
Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) - 25,0%
Decimus Marius Quintianus (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc) - 16,7%
Marcus Holo Benedictus (The Greens) - 7,2%
Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus (Independent/Non-Partisan) - 6,7%
Publius Villus Crassigensis (United Left) - 3,0%

Whereas, Mr. Benedictus and Mr. Mamercus did well considering their limited national appeal, Ms. Gularis and Mr. Quintianus plummeted. Polling data consistently suggested Mr. Cea would take between 25-30%, so the sudden rush of support must have caught the socialists, in particular, by surprise. Speaking to supporters outside metropolitan headquarters in Capua, Mr. Cea said victory is in sight.

"We have an opportunity now to advance our beautiful republic towards a more humane and just society...Whereas we, as a nation, have been slowly sapped of our honor, sense of duty, and respect by a socialist administration more concerned with kneeling before the other powers of the globe than of standing tall, with decency and self-respect, we now have an opportunity to correct this trend and restore glory to the Republic."

Some question arose afterward about whether or not endorsements would be forthcoming from the defeated candidates. Mr. Crassigensis was firm in his conviction that neither Mr. Cea nor Ms. Gularis are fit for the office, while Mr. Quintianus alluded to the possibility that he would endorse the President. Polling strongly suggests that the liberals and reformists are set to make big gains in Parliament, so an endorsement by Mr. Quintianus may be influenced by the possibility that a Governing Coalition will be needed between the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc. Although no word has come from the greens, it is almost assumed that Mr. Benedictus will push his supporters to vote for Ms. Gularis.

...

Yesterday evening marked a grand opportunity for both Mr. Cea and Ms. Gularis to make their cases for election loud and clear to the citizens of the Republic. The setup was modest and relaxed, as there was no audience (albeit two moderators) and the candidates were seated comfortably at a table. The debate atmosphere only managed to stay calm for the first ten minutes. After, a heavy, hard-charging plan of attack took over for both candidates.

Below are some sample questions and responses:

Moderator: "Madam President, attempts have been made at balancing parliamentary budgets from year to year and while the Self-Defense Forces, in particular, have seen massive cuts other areas have seen large increases; why should voters trust you when you talk of greater fiscal responsibility?"

Ms Gularis: "I first wish to reiterate that these cuts in defense were not just my idea. Members of the Supreme Command, that is to say people who consider these sorts of thing for a living, approved of my initial plans and actually helped and supported my administration in finalizing the cuts in spending...The Republic is not weaker as a result - just the opposite. Our forces are now much more mobile and capable of quickly responding to threats anywhere in the world. As to general fiscal responsibility, I think it's simply lazy to characterize this specific debate in such simple terms...I remind Porcuians that Parliament has run a deficit only twice under my administration, and both budget deficits were closed by a combination of taxes and spending cuts."

Mr. Cea (in response): "For a period of time I was hopeful that the President was joking when she originally made the case to gut the Self-Defense Forces, but it's abundantly clear that she really thinks we're stupid...Her policies, and those of the socialists in Parliament, have reduced our military forces to a pitiful state - to such a state where I wonder if they are properly considered a standing army at all! Imagine how the Russians, Venetians, Spanish, Romans, Kasnyians, and others must laugh when the Foreign Ministry puts out a strongly worded communiqué...This is nothing short of a disgrace."

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

Moderator: "Switching to foreign policy, as we all know there is a full-scale war occurring in the western hemisphere; Madam President, what prompted the backing down from the protection promise in the Panama Accords?"

Ms. Gularis: "Several considerations were made with regard to that decision. Firstly, decisive pressure was being applied to the TIM in Tanganorium and it was not suggested that forces be deviated from that mission in order to be sent to the Americas. Because of this, the TIM were checked and the capital city of Avaricum was successfully defended. It is entirely possible that little would have remained if Porcuian forces were pulled out of action in Africa. Secondly, I feared that a declaration of war would have irreparably destroyed the improvements in relations with the Russians and Venetians my administration worked so hard for. Additionally, imagine the regular terror of having Russian bombers flying across the Baltic and destroying our cities and towns..."

Mr. Cea: "A terrible thing indeed; imagine, swarms of Russian bombers invading Porcuian airspace nearly unopposed because of the disastrous cuts in military funding."

Ms. Gularis: "We are not in a position to participate in an offensive war! I was not about to risk the lives of thousands solely for the purpose of maintaining our favorable use of the Panama Canal!"

Mr. Cea: "Then your word means nothing to the few remaining allies the Republic has left. You abandoned the American Confederacy and never once spoke with the leadership of the Falkland Confederation and have delivered us as the dogs of the monarchists on the Continent! When have the Russians stood up for Porcuian interests? The Venetians are merely theatrical puppets of the Russians, whom in turn are servants of the Romans and the Emperor in Constantinople."

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

Moderator: "This is for both of you; now, as Porcu is one of the few democratic powers of the world what is the plan for the future, should this war go badly for the Confederacies in the Americas?"

Mr. Cea: "We must assert ourselves as a people again; it is absolutely my conviction that the President's policies have only served to weaken our fine Republic and to cast us Porcuians as a people whose time has passed...Of course, I hope that Porcu continues to support democratic initiatives around the world, but let us keep in mind that democracy and republicanism has almost all but disappeared during the socialist rule. My fellow party members and I understand that we must strengthen ourselves on the home front before attempting to exert ourselves abroad...My hope is that some changes domestically will reawaken the long dormant pride we as Porcuians have been implicitly told to hide under this grotesque administration."

Ms. Gularis: "The plan for the future must always be one of hope; my opponent is completely mistaken when he says that I do not see our Republic as a shining example of freedom, liberty, courage, love, and beauty...Porcuians must understand that suspicion will not be useful in tackling the great international problems that confront the entire globe, nor in advancing positive change domestically...Military strength is only one criteria by which a nation can be judged as powerful and influential. Let us not forget that inspiring research is being done by Porcuian scientists, that beautiful works of art are designed by Porcuian artists, that some educational techniques and methods employed in schools around the world are Porcuian in nature...Cooperation is necessary, not insecurity."

...

Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Presidential)

Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats): +/- 0
Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front): +/- 0

OOC: This last poll will be open until Friday. Sincere thanks to those that have voted thus far (please vote again!).
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

OOC: Just a friendly reminder; I would very much appreciate if those that have not done so already to vote in the parliamentary election (first poll) and the presidential runoff election (third poll). I will be closing the polls tomorrow night.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

OOC: Thanks to everyone who voted! Presidential news report in my news thread.

IC:

Presidential Election Result:

Lucius Germanius Cea (Republican Front) - 66,7%
Canae Ardea Gularis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) - 33,3%

...

Parliamentary Election Results and New Parliamentary Chart:

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats: 275/732; 37,5%
Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc: 242/732; 33,1%
Republican Front: 137/732; 18,8%
The Greens: 55/732; 7,5%
United Left: 18/732; 2,5%
Independents/Non-Partisan: 5/732; 0,6%


Posted Image

Edited by Porcu, May 19 2012, 10:06 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Considering the electoral battering she had taken at the polls, Canae Ardea Gularis was in a surprisingly good mood, though like the grey and wet weather she was certainly not at her best. The time had come to hand over the reigns of power to a bitter adversary. What made matters worse was the feeling that there was still much to be done. There were important international treaties to be signed, landmark pieces of legislation to be signed into law, and historic summits to be held in prestigious venues across the country. Some comfort and reassurance did come with socialist and liberal advances in Parliament, but Gularis disliked the thought of having the staff of the presidential palace - all close friends - serve the individual set to formally replace her in a couple of hours time.

Her husband stood nearby and looked out and into a small courtyard. The light drizzle of rain that had fallen since the early morning hours continued, slowly accumulating on the window pane until the water drops were heavy enough to slide down. Her children entertained themselves off in a corner.

There was a sudden knock, and while the door to the office was open the gentleman did not step inside, waiting at the edge instead.

"Ah, Atratinus. Please come in." Gularis said, standing.

The Prime Minister took a couple of steps forward before bowing, first at Gularis and then at her husband. The two men exchanged a few words turned to Gularis once again. With a short sigh she handed him a thin folder. Atratinus kept his eyes on her as he held the folder by his side.

"Well, I want to thank you for your support. I admit I was skeptical when you were elected PM, but you've managed very well with Parliament."

"That is very kind of you, Madam President."

"Will you nominate yourself again? Do you know what your chances are at reelection?"

"I will continue my duties to the best of my ability for as long as it is required of me. Should that time end in a few days or a few years is irrelevant to me."

Gularis smiled - just as captivating as ever. Just then an assistant came into the room and informed the President that the President-Elect and his wife were near to arriving. Gathering the children, Mr. Gularis joined his wife and bid best wishes to Atratinus. A weak smile was all Atratinus managed and the curious gaze of one of the children immediately brought that awkward expression to an end. As the presidential family exited the grand and historic office Atratinus honored them with one last, and perfectly flat, bow.

...

Just beyond the premises of the presidential palace huge crowds lined the street. A sea of white flags struck Gularis as ironic and slightly humorous. At regular intervals tall, well built, and immaculately dressed members of the elite Presidential Guard kept watch over events and gave a touch of empire to the centuries old process by which one citizen voluntarily surrendered power to another. Gularis was flanked by her family on the steps of the palace and could see Mr. and Mrs. Cea waving to the crowds from inside a motorcar as it drew near. Eventually, it pulled into the small courtyard at the entrance of the palace and out stepped Lucius Germanius Cea and his wife.

Even from some distance, Cea was visibly ecstatic and seemed to have difficulty not smiling. The Mrs. was much more reserved, expression-wise, but she still was a bear, both in size and appearance. Family fortunes do have a way of mitigating genetic shortcomings. Hand in hand, the two confidently strode towards the palace entrance along a red carpet, finally meeting and greeting Gularis and her family at the end. The customary and polite embrace and kiss on the cheek went somewhat awkwardly, but it was something necessary to bear unless either politician wished to carry some degree of social shame in declining.

Having thus switched places, Cea now watched as Gularis walked down the carpet and away from the palace. She and her husband took a moment to wave and smile at the crowds and television cameras before climbing inside the motorcar. Cea grinned widely and waved as the cameras again turned to him before turning and entering the residence he had desired to call his own for a great many years.

...

The televised ceremony included the awarding of various honors to Cea by the Chief of the Supreme Command of the Self-Defense Forces and a short introductory event where famous cultural figures met and exchanged a few words with the new President. In attendance were a handful of parliamentary members, the Prime Minister naturally among them, who petitioned heavily to be extended an invitation by Atratinus, since the available spots were very limited. After taking the oath of office, with the primary witness being the President of the Constitutional Council of the Republic, Cea delivered a short speech that was positive and hopeful.

"Our fair Republic will endure for many centuries to come and the light she shines for those seeking liberty, equality, and fraternity will not diminish so long as we stand together as a nation."
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Though General Secretary Zelalem Wolde-Yohannes had never personally met Porcuian President Gularis, he'd worked with her government more heavily in the past year or so and was very impressed by the woman's leadership. Naturally also impressed by her beauty, he was perhaps saddened that he'd not bared witness to it personally. Though there was still the chance the former President would indeed travel to Federation territory, she would not in the capacity of leader. Nevertheless, the General Secretary sent a formal letter to the now former President, praising her contributions not only to her country but also to the world, as well as extending to her and her family an invitation to holiday with he and his wife should they wish to visit fair Africa.

A second letter, mailed at the same time in the hopes of reaching Porcu on inauguration day, was sent to the now President of Porcu, Lucius Germanius Cea. Though first filled with the utmost sincerest congratulations to the new President, Zelalem also expressed his and the entire Federation's desires for closer relations with the western democratic power. Both our nations stand on a common ground of liberty, justice, and freedom for all mankind Zelalem wrote. I am fully aware that previous allies have placed your fair Republic into delicate situations, perhaps even leading some of your own citizens to question their ideology. In the Federation you will find a group of nations that reflect your ideals and a true ally with which to rely on. The General Secretary made it clear his dearest hope that in the near future, relations between the Republic and the Federation may be formally cemented.
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