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| Parliamentary and Presidential Elections IV | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 22 2014, 12:46 AM (265 Views) | |
| Porcu | Oct 22 2014, 12:46 AM Post #1 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: I will amend a poll to this thread once I'm ready to get the election underway. There's a small lead-up that I want to do before opening up it up to voting. CAMPAIGNS UNDERWAY ACROSS THE REPUBLIC Posted Image Mediolanum, Porcu - In a busy neighborhood in the Larna district of the manufacturing metropolis of Mediolanum is where it can be said the general election officially got underway. Hundreds gathered in a large warehouse to hear from the candidate only recently nominated to represent the Liberal Democratic and Reformist Bloc on the ballot, but were first greeted by a current member of the city council and the Centrist Party candidate for mayor. Campaigns all across the Republic began in earnest at Noon, or very soon after. All in attendance were polite and paid attention during the short address, but it was clear that the star of the event was the soon-to-be-introduced nominee for the presidency. "I only heard of her today actually." one woman said, her young daughter held close in her arms. "I just think that President Ardea Gularis has been a disaster for the country and I'm hoping to hear some real, constructive prescriptions on how to move forward." Curiosity was, admittedly, a large draw for many of those in attendance. In a last minute bid to keep multiple candidates from running, fracturing the centre-right coalition that is imperative stays together, major power brokers in the Liberal Democratic Party and the Centrist Party agreed on a political unknown - a junior member of the Metropolitan Assembly by the name of Aelia Lepida Larenus. Most surprisingly, projected favorites to secure the nomination current junior Consul Marcus Aurelius Cotta and Mayor Marcus Julius Silanus seemed to not have factored in the last-minute negotiations. "The centre-right is desperate." Publius Junius Brutus Professor of Political Science at the Metropolitan University of Capua wrote in an email. "There had been high hopes for the centrist Manius Tricostus Priscus, and while he did manage to cease the massive bleeding in votes, he was not able to jump start the centre-right...The nomination of a novice, a junior politician - particularly from the overseas provinces - indicates that the general secretaries of the main centre-right parties are willing to gamble." Elsewhere, in Asti, the member parties of the Conservative Union opened up their joint general election campaign with a large event entirely devoted to the Member of the Royal Family and Presidential candidate Oppius Decimus Maxentius. A prominent local band opened for the young, aspiring politician and heightened the energy of those in attendance. "A major restructuring of our cities, civil institutions, our universities, and our Republic threatens to undue the leaps in progress we have fought for and maintained...Whereas in our Republic of old the values of hard work, discipline, and risk taking were instilled in our children and rewarded in adulthood, in the Republic of today we see that architecture being demolished...What the socialists and communists fail to realize is that those values, values which built and sustained our glorious Republic for centuries, are not trimming and are not an accessory - they are foundational." While a concern for many, there is a segment of the population (whose size is debatable) who find the mixing of the monarchy with the Republic's long established democracy to be refreshing and invigorating. Many have expressed that his experience can only be positive for the long-term prospects of republican democracy. |
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| Porcu | Oct 23 2014, 06:52 AM Post #2 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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INITIAL POLLING SUGGESTS PRESIDENCY IS ANYONE'S FOR THE TAKING Posted Image Posted Image Ariminae, Porcu - As election day quickly nears a slew of polling data seems to indicate that the presidency is entirely up for grabs between all of the major political candidates. The result, largely driven by an unusually high number of 'undecided' voters, should be a boon to those political parties whose effective chances at securing the presidency are historically low or entirely absent. For instance, going back at least 60 years, no candidate for the Conservative Party has managed to rise above 16%, yet Prince Oppius Decimus Maxentius (pictured right) currently stands at 20%. Additionally, it may appear that the public has finally forgiven the former President Germanicus Cea and his colleagues in the Republican Party: their candidate for the presidency Spurius Julius Cethegus sits at 16%, just outside the margin of error in many of the polls. "If you take a moment to remember the profound disgust that the general public had with [former President Germanicus Cea] and the Republican Party, yes, it absolutely should blow your mind that Mr. Julius Cethegus sits within striking distance of the other candidates - whose parties, while obviously unpopular with various portions of the public, are not scarred by scandal." Faustus Nemarus Dō, political commentator for the PBC, said recently. The sudden surge in support of the former President Vopiscus Tarquinius Atratinus has also taken many by surprise. Running as an independent candidate always proves exceptionally difficult, mostly due to the lack of any structural support offered by a political party or coalition. Nonetheless, Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus has shown himself to be extremely capable. "The man is rightly regarded as a political wonder." noted Septima Avidia Andus Professor of Law at the Metropolitan University of Taurinorum. "His general demeanor and comportment do not seem to indicate charisma or political flair, but he has consistently shown himself to be able to engage with voters, win important endorsements, and make people believe that he genuinely desires to improve their condition, and by extent the Republic." While perhaps somewhat worrying, since his numbers have barely risen, the former President currently leads the pack of candidates with 24%. All of this would seem to be terrible news for the Socialist Party, and most commentators and analysts believe that it is, but there is also great concern among rank and file communists, who are genuinely puzzled by Mr. Vibius Pansa's lackluster poll numbers. Quoted as saying that he isn't worried about the current state of the general election race and his place within it, Socialist Party leader Servius Aemilius Cesca (pictured left) has continued to appear upbeat, pushing on supporters and providing encouragement whenever possible. "This is a critical junction and we can either choose to fight or we can choose to simply step aside...I, for one, am not ready to give up yet!" Meanwhile, at the same time that Mr. Vibius Pansa tours the country in the hopes of securing the presidency with an open smile and a list of legislative achievements brought on by the Communist Party there are a growing number of senior communist officials who worry about the General Secretary's performance in the polls. Most perplexing, the Communist Party maintains a near stranglehold on the parliamentary vote, with the Communist League expected to obtain approximately 35-43% of the vote (according to various polls). The strategy then is clear: the party must connect the dots between the work of communists in Parliament and the character and person of Mr. Vibius Pansa himself. |
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| Porcu | Oct 23 2014, 09:50 AM Post #3 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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TO THE POLLS! Posted Image Posted Image Ariminae, Porcu - While the race for the presidency has narrowed as of late, the contest for control of Parliament has opened. A host of topics have captured the acute attention of the Porcuian electorate this election cycle as millions make their way to the polls to vote in person and as millions more cast their ballots safely and securely online. Chief among them: foreign affairs and education. While variations in policy are difficult for some candidates (Consul Aemilius Cesca and Ms. Lepida Larenus, for example) for others the contrast could not be more stark. In one of the recent debates a heavy exchange took place between the former President Tarquinius Atratinus and the Republican Party candidate Spurius Julius Cathegus (pictured right). ... Julius Cathegus: "I think it's quite telling that you would happily give ground to enemies such as Austria or the Byzantines..." Tarquinius Atratinus: "I'm afraid your characterization is childish and incomplete at best." Julius Cathegus: "Protecting the vital interests of the Republic is anything but childish!" Tarquinius Atratinus: "Protecting our interests abroad is not childish and absolutely necessary, you are correct; however, purposefully placing those interests in such a way as to make them easy targets is...I...I understand it might be difficult for you to grasp, but there is a subtlety to international diplomacy." Julius Cathegus: "I'm not interested in serenading our enemies, but crushing them." ... What many voters seemed to have gotten out of that exchange was the calm and collected nature of Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus, versus the heated rhetoric of the republican candidate Mr. Julius Cathegus. That exchange, along with an off-the-cuff remark regarding Yoloyese refugees applying for Porcuian residency in order to escape the devastating civil war - calling them "inbred pagans" and "ungrateful and parasitic", are believed to have been the death nails for his campaign. The centre-right has also faced difficulties of their own. Whereas their parliamentary support has increased (if recent poll results are to be believed), Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc candidate Aelia Lepida Larenus (pictured right) has plateaued in the polls, stuck at approximately 18%. Still, some supporters and even senior centrist and liberal democratic officials seem content with the progression of this election cycle. "On the whole I'd much rather have a larger group in Parliament to counterbalance the communists and socialists than a singular person as President, even if they were a liberal." one anonymous centrist parliamentarian stated recently. Indeed, that opinion might be widely shared, though precious few have openly stated that such is their reasoning. To assist in any last minute decisions, below is a brief introduction to each candidate, highlighting their stated priorities: LARENUS, Aelia Lepida - Native of Avaricum, Ms. Lepida Larenus has emphasized the economic recovery of Avaricum and sought to brand herself as a harbinger of economic prosperity. Ms. Lepida Larenus would seek legislation lowering the income tax burden on those making less than ₤1.000.000, initiating pilot programs privatizing some schools, and legislation geared at changes to the payment incentives for public hospitals. Ms. Lepida Larenus had stated repeatedly that she would veto legislation nationalizing energy corporations, a stated policy goal of the Communist Party. Regarding foreign affairs, Ms. Lepida Larenus envisions the Republic as a "beacon for the untrodden and dispossessed" and has made clear her intention to fully support the Marslavans in any confrontation with Vienna. Ms. Lepida Larenus fully supported the Republic's actions in Yoloys, but felt that the mission was ended prematurely. CESCA, Servius Aemilius - Highly popular within socialist circles, Mr. Aemilius Cesca has pointed to his support of broadly popular legislation passed by the last Parliament, including that of an Universal Basic Income. The Socialist Party General Secretary opposes any modifications to the organizational structure of the Porcuian educational system, though he has voiced tepid support for reforms to the training and educational regimen for aspiring teachers and school officials. Mr. Aemilius Cesca's vision of foreign policy overlaps nearly exactly with the former president Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus, highlighting Austria as a "major geopolitical concern" for the Republic. Mr. Aemilius Cesca has also repeatedly identified the CMESS, the Baltic State, and the United States as nations which "require vigilance" - he has made clear, however, that his administration would also work to bridge divisions whenever possible and would seek to lesson international tensions. ATRATINUS, Vopiscus Tarquinius - A former President of the Republic, Mr. Tarqunius Atratinus is viewed by many as the safe and reliable choice. Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus has stated that the legislative actions taken by the communist led Parliament are entirely safe; indeed, he has welcomed additional legislation which would "serve to strengthen the bonds that hold all Porcuians together", stating that such popular legislation is popular precisely because of the positive impact that it has on average Porcuians. Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus has emphasized his goal to better relations with the Baltic state and to continue and expand cooperation with nations such as Russia. Additionally, the former president hopes to reach out to regional neighbors Yshurak and Quaon. Finally, Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus has called for specific, targeted defense spending to raise another Legion and another Fleet, stating that far-flung provinces such as Hong Kong & Macau need to have adequate protection from foreign aggressors. PANSA, Publius Vibius - A young politician with deep familial ties to the Communist Party, Mr. Vibius Pansa was a disciple of the late Publius Villus Crassigensis, from whom his fiery style came. Mr. Vibius Pansa has called for the nationalization of major industries, particularly those concerned with energy production and trade. The Communist Party General Secretary has highlighted the communists' legislative achievements at every opportunity, promising to continue to fight for working class Porcuians and the poor. Mr. Vibius Pansa has integrated a key part of the Greens platform into his own, seeking to create a national board that would approve all environmental projects and extend the projects to the overseas provinces. While supportive of the ICON mission to Yoloys, the communist leader respects the decision made by the Tsar and is hopeful that Confederate promises of transparency will come to fruition. Mr. Vibius Pansa, like Mr. Tarquinius Atratinus, believes diplomatic repairs are required at the moment, and with regard to the developing situation in the Balkans would only involve the Republic directly "if the existence of the Marslavan state came into question". Mr. Vibius Pansa has repeatedly stated his intention to deepen ties with the United Federation of African Nations, as well as to non-traditional partners such as the Republic of Salik, Transcaucasia, and Nouvel Louisiana. MAXENTIUS, Oppius Decimus - Royal Prince and younger brother to the King, Mr. Decimus Maxentius' arrival to the major political arena has equally enticed and repelled voters. The young Prince has insisted his candidacy has nothing at all to do with his position and role within the Royal Family, that republican institutions are not threatened and that his concerns, like all Porcuians, revolve around the health and strength of the Republic. Mr. Decimus Maxentius has called for a full repeal of the Universal Basic Income, a partial privatization of the universal, single-payer health service, and the restoration of funds to the military and the Directorate-General which were slashed recently by Parliament. He also would resist attempts to nationalize energy conglomerates by Parliament. Mr. Decimus Maxentius, along with the Republican Party candidate, have been the most vocal regarding the future of Porcuian foreign policy, stating that only drastic measures will prevent the Austrians and Byzantines from carving up the Balkans and south-eastern Europe. Mr. Decimus Maxentius had initially suggested instituting a national military service requirement for all males, but has since shelved that idea. Instead, Mr. Decimus Maxentius desires to expand the number of standing Legions, as well as to fast-track production of several new technologies. His foreign policy would be "guided by the reality that of allies the Republic has few, but of enemies she has many." CATHEGUS, Spurius Julius - Parliamentary veteran and General Secretary of the Republican Party, Mr. Julius Cathegus stands with Messrs. Tarquinius Atratinus and Aemilius Cesca as a well known figure in Porcuian politics. While generally much louder compared to their colleagues on the far-right, the line between the conservatives and the republicans has been blurred recently by the candidacy of the Prince Oppius Decimus Maxentius. Therefore, Mr. Julius Cethegus has been one of the most fervent in seeking to instill doubt in voters minds as to the young Prince's true intentions. Although the Republican leader has been "surprisingly pleased" with the participation of monarchist nations such as Russia, Kasnyia, and Austria in international affairs, he has also warned that such nations naturally harbor a fundamental opposition to republicanism, democracy, and the Republic. Rather than turning to Russia, Kasnyia, or Cologne in the hopes of gaining trust and cooperation, the Republic should focus on "creating states from the ground up whose commitment to republican democracy is unquestionable." Unlike any of the other candidates, Mr. Julius Cathegus has explicitly stated that the Loki oil platforms near the Overseas Province of Narvik are "legal property of the Republic" and has promised to expel the Austrian force centered in Haarstad if elected. ... Previous Parliamentary Elections Results: Communist League - 42,3% ; (330/732) Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc - 25,6% ; (176/732) Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats - 20,9% ; (146/732) Conservative Union - 7,2% ; (50/732) Federation of the Greens - 2,0% ; (14/732) Republican Party of Porcu - 1,0% ; (7/732) Independents - 1,0% ; (7/732) ... Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Parliamentary): Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc: +2 Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats: +/- 0 Federation of the Greens: +/- 0 Porcuian Republican Party: -2 Conservative Party of Porcu: +1 Communist League: +2 ... Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Presidential) LARENUS, Aelia Lepida (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc): +/- 0 CESCA, Servius Aemilius (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats): +1 PANSA, Publius Vibius (Communist League): +1 MAXENTIUS, Oppius Decimus (Conservative Union): +1 CATHEGUS, Spurius Julius (Republican Party of Porcu): -1 ATRATINUS, Vopiscus Tarquinius (Independent/Non-Partisan): +2 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 Thursday (30 Oct) or Friday (31 Oct). Should it be necessary, I will create a new poll for the Presidential runoff election and will run it until the same Saturday (8 Nov) I will close the Parliamentary poll. |
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| Porcu | Oct 27 2014, 08:33 PM Post #4 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: Please vote if you have not done so already! Thank you to those who already have. |
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| Porcu | Oct 31 2014, 02:23 AM Post #5 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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LAST TWO STANDING Posted Image Ariminae, Porcu - The first round of the presidential election has concluded and left two candidates standing, neither with a clear advantage. Final results for the first round are below: ATRATINUS, Vopiscus Tarquinius (Independent/Non-Partisan): 30,8% CESCA, Servius Aemilius (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats): 23,1% PANSA, Publius Vibius (Communist League): 15,4% MAXENTIUS, Oppius Decimus (Conservative Union): 15,3% LARENUS, Aelia Lepida (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc): 7,7% CATHEGUS, Spurius Julius (Republican Party of Porcu): 7,7% In the final debate of this election cycle Socialist Party Secretary General and Parliamentary group Chairman Servius Aemilius Cesca faced off against the former Prime Minister and, later, President of the Republic Vopiscus Tarquinius Atratinus in a contest that saw neither land any heavy blows. Purposefully so. "What we saw yesterday evening was a relaxed, substantive debate." Gaius Naevius Tiburtinus Chief Parliamentary Correspondent for Res Publica said. "There was no yelling, no heavy exchanges...Neither became upset and both were fully concentrated on highlighting how their respective visions for the Republic differed." In a surprising move, Secretary General Aemilius Cesca forwarded a proposal to allow individuals to change or edit their votes for Parliament within the window of the open voting period. The socialist leader had never until this point suggested such a change to the electoral law. "There are a multitude of votes that citizens cast...parliamentary, presidential, metropolitan, etc., and there is a large period of time in which one may have voted but subsequently changed their mind regarding their vote. Perhaps having done some additional research on their potential representatives they wish they could alter their vote." Mr. Aemilius Cesca stated during the debate. "I would help pass legislation that would allow individuals to access their ballot, edit it, and submit it again." When asked former President Tarquinius Atratinus was open to the idea, yet skeptical. "How many times should one be able to withdraw their ballot and resubmit it? What extra security measures will need to be implemented in order to guarantee that each person's ballot remains secure and free from meddling?...The idea is interesting, as it would allow people to rest comfortably with their final decision, but I'm not sure the additional measures needed are practical or merited." The largest differences between the two candidates lies within the realm of domestic policy and it may be there that the contest is settled. ... Current Polling Advantages/Disadvantages (Presidential) CESCA, Servius Aemilius (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats): +/-0 ATRATINUS, Vopiscus Tarquinius (Independent/Non-Partisan): +/-0 |
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| Porcu | Nov 6 2014, 06:54 AM Post #6 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: Just a friendly reminder for those who haven't voted already to please do so! I'll close the poll this Saturday. |
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| Porcu | Nov 8 2014, 07:35 AM Post #7 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: Poll Closed. Thanks to everyone for voting! Presidential Election Result: ATRATINUS, Vopiscus Tarquinius (Independent/Non-Partisan) - 80,0% CESCA, Servius Aemilius (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) - 20,0% ... Parliamentary Election Result: Communist League - 28,2% ; (330/732) Conservative Union - 28,1% ; (157/732) Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc - 28,0% ; (156/732) Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats - 14,0% ; (78/732) Independent - 1,8% ; (11/732) Federation of the Greens - <1,0% ; (0/732) Republican Party of Porcu - <1,0% ; (0/732) |
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11:36 AM Jul 13