Ossurwalder Legislative Expansion (Open, MT)

[Ossurwald]

Ossurwald Velstaad Expansion Election

The Directorate of Ossurwald has set the goal of having the Velstaad (Ossurwald's parliament) reach 733 seats to more accurately reflect the size of its population. After a series of expansion elections, it currently stands at 463 members. Thus, to further grow, the Directorate will add 154 seats (roughly 1/3rd of its existing seats). These seats will be won during another expansion election.

Previous elections have whittled away at the strength of the ruling coalition of the Action and Civic Parties. The coalition now exists thanks only to confidence and budgeting votes from the Progressive Party (known as the Dissent under Velstaad rules). The Opposition, currently the Radical Party, is the largest party in the Velstaad by a mere four seats, prevented from ascending to the Directorate thanks to its unpopularity with established politicians.

The last elections saw a sizable crop of independents elected to the Velstaad, many following in the footsteps of veteran independent politician Ed Isaacs, the comedian-cum-politician who hosts the popular late night program Inside the Velstaad! Indeed, many of the independents are, in fact, comedians.

Likewise, there are a number of minor parties which saw their fortunes rise during the last elections. Currently, the largest of the two parties are the Assembly and the Agarian Parties, who stand at nine and eight MVs, respectively. Behind them is the Socialist League, the Free Communist Party, the National List, the Partitio do Padria, and the Movement for Greater Padrian Freedom; however, the last has its sole MV suspended pending an investigation. Since no minor party has the requisite 12 members necessary to form a Directorate, they are not eligible for a first-rank position on the ballot.

Current Standings in the Velstaad (Number added in last election):
Radical Party: 135 (+34) seats
Action Party: 131 (+36) seats
Civic Party: 75 (+10) seats
Progressive Party: 64 (+23) seats

Minor Parties
Assembly Party: 9 (+4) seats
Agrarian Party: 8 (+4) seats
Socialist League: 4 (+2) seats
Free Communist Party: 2 (+1) seats
Partitio do Padria: 1 (+1) seat
National List: 1 (+1) seat
Movement for Greater Padrian Freedom: 1 seat (suspended) [in white]

Independents: 32 (+25) seats [in grey]

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Major Parties



Action Party

Leadership

Top (L-R): E. Balandros (Leader), D. Kalimson (Foreign Affairs), S. Anderssen (Treasury), R. Bonesteel (War), U. Natto (Interior), N. Gallen (Trade)
Bottom (L-R): H. Ustalo (Dep. Leader), S. Dabbits (Justice), J. Warvagian (Health), Y. Kelimans (Labor), A. Bowers (Energy), M. Storfell (Education)

Background:Born from the left wing of the Workers' Party and a combination with the far left Alliance of the Left, the Action Party has technically been in power since the 2006 elections. Director Emmeline Balandros (a double amputee) has been immensely popular, preventing economic collapse, but a recent illness forced her to temporarily step down. Her successor accidentally undid much of her work, and her return has been a great boon.
Ideologies: Democratic communism, Trotskyism, utopian socialism, Luxembourgism, democratic socialism, market socialism, social democracy
Economic Policy: State interventionism
Social Policy: Socially liberal
Domestic Policy: Strong central government with weaker state governments. Immigration for productive workers.
Foreign Policy: Ideologically-driven pro-democracy foreign alliances

Radical Party

Leadership

Top (L-R): W. Toromek (Co-Leader), I. Zurmatto (Co-Leader), R. Shaflian (Foreign Affairs), A. Helrich (Treasury), R. Vestoppos (War), E. Casendale (Interior)
Bottom (L-R): F. Tustros (Trade), C. Onderssen (Justice), A. Edello (Health), P. Young (Labor), S. Creystrian (Energy), D. Lannbrek (Education)

Background: A merger of the right wing of the United Party and the decimated Reform Party, the Radical Party has seen a blossoming of Ossurwalder liberalism. Their resurgence has made them (narrowly) the largest party in the Velstaad. Under the leadership of Wolfgang Toromek especially, who formerly led the Reform Party after his mentor and Reform founder Giles Young died, the Radical Party has gained popularity as the alternative to the Action Party.
Ideologies: Libertarianism, liberal conservatism, liberalism, conservative liberalism, radicalism, social liberalism, classical liberalism
Economic Policy: Free market economics
Social Policy: Socially liberal with a minority of social conservatives
Domestic Policy: Greater powers to municipal, local governments as opposed to state and central government. Limit immigration to only the best educated in the world
Foreign Policy: Isolationism

Civic Party

Leadership

Top (L-R): A. Mannix (Co-Leader), H. Falstulin (Co-Leader/Justice), S. Hustorn (Foreign Affairs), V. Wevvon (Treasury), S. Fossian (War), E. Mangrek (Interior)
Bottom (L-R): A. Vallos (Trade), G. Ristarn (Health), L. Graddi (Labor), S. Hasdriel (Energy), V. Olloros (Education), C. Astrade (Whip)

Background: The right wing of the Workers' Party and the left wing of the United Party formed the Civic Party as the "sensible" alternative to the Action and Radical Parties. Perceived as the party of the establishment, its pragmatic politics haven't won it many friends. By hamstringing the Workers' Party at the height of its power, it's worked as the junior coalition partner to prevent the more left wing initiatives of the Action Party from being passed. This policy only serves to anger both the right and left wings of the country, and they have not done well in recent elections.
Ideologies: Burkean conservatism, social liberalism, Third Way, social democracy, centrism, pragmatism, syncretic politics, neoliberalism
Economic Policy: Neoliberal economics with some Keynesianism
Social Policy: Socially moderate, believe that change is current unnecessary and would rollback some of the more liberal choices of recent decades
Domestic Policy: Want the balance between states and the central government to remain as it is. Would like to restrict immigration
Foreign Policy: Pragmatic policy favoring multipolar world and international engagement

Progressive Party

Leadership

Top (L-R): F. Saalvanis (Leader), C. Delarnes (Deputy Leader), H. Canning (Foreign Affairs), G. Bressone (Treasury), Q. Vallorek (War), A. Deppli (Interior)
Bottom (L-R): C. Novos (Trade), D. Lannekhale (Justice), A. Praceos (Health), A. Rankerian (Labor), U. Magrike (Energy), L. Walvek (Education)

Background: Formed from the minor Green League and the nearly-extinct People's Party, the Progressive Party is a resurgent force in Velstaad politics. Written off as a party in its death-throes, the Progressives have twice supported the minority government in confidence and budget votes, and their agenda is stealthily being passed while they remain as the Dissent, constantly criticizing the larger parties. Frederick Saalvanis, their leader, has embraced both an accepting version of immigration and an internationalist view of engagement on foreign affairs.
Ideologies: Liberal nationalism, green politics, progressivism
Economic Policy: Protectionism and Keynesianism
Social Policy: Socially liberal, open to most social practices while encouraging Ossurwalder values
Domestic Policy: Believes state governments should be strong, but balanced by an equally strong central government
Foreign Policy: Internationalism

[Ossurwald]

Minor Parties & Independents


Assembly Party

Leadership

L-R: K. Torny (1st Spokesperson), C. Sadalian (2nd Spokesperson)

Background: Formed from the debates over the western territories, the Assembly Party is a reaction to the overspending of the large banks and corporations which collapsed the national economy in 2008. However, their argument is that all institutions have become overbearing in daily life, and must be rolled back. They chose the bear to represent them as a warning that the market is controlled by the will of the people.
Ideologies: Radical democracy, civil libertarianism, freedom of information, transparency, new thinking, social justice, localism, reformism
Economic Policy: Economic justice, Keynesianism, mixed economics
Social Policy: Social justice, social liberalism
Domestic Policy: A restriction of overbearing power by both business and government, and making both more receptive to citizen needs
Foreign Policy: Non-exploitative international engagement

Agarian Party

Leadership

L-R: S. Fallos (Chair of the West Agarians), S. Ressix (Chair of the East Agrarians)

Background: The Agrarian Party enjoys its greatest success in the state of Kiel, and in the Western Territories. Focused on the food aspects, it's known for saying that "Agriculture is the foundation of all economies." To this end, they are protective of subsidies and other mechanisms which serve to protect farmers and other producers. Sam Fallos, Chair of the Western party, is a major producer of beer in Kiel. Spyridon Ressix is a major livestock rancher in East Ossurwald.
Ideologies: Agrarianism, trade policy
Economic Policy: Protectionism and subsidization
Social Policy: Traditionalism
Domestic Policy: Open immigration for lower wage workers
Foreign Policy: Prefer engagement to keep markets open where Ossurwalder goods can be sold, and keep foreign markets out

Socialist League

Leadership

L-R: A. Osrex (Leader), C. Josgren (Spokesperson)

Background: The Socialist League has long languished as an ignored party, but it finally gained some traction when the Alliance of the Left merged with the left wing of the Workers' Party. Its leader, Arthur Osrex has long been a proponent of what he calls "an independent socialism" that isn't beholden to government considerations or communist or social democratic leanings; much less the pressures of coalition government. The party refused to support the Action-Civic coalition when only two votes were needed to command a majority in the Velstaad, instead opting for a minority Directorate.
Ideologies: Utopian socialism, revolutionary socialism, reformist socialism, democratic socialism
Economic Policy: Socialism
Social Policy: Social liberalism
Domestic Policy: Argues for a strong central government, and the removal of the state governments.
Foreign Policy: Argues for a non-interventionist approach encouraging socialism abroad while standing down Ossurwalder forces.

Free Communist Party

Leadership

Fawzi Labdos (Leader)

Background: The Free Communists were elected out of the controversy over the incorporation of the Western Territories as regions deserving of elected officials. Unpopular in the various states for their stances on social issues, the Free Communist found popularity among the socialists in the Territories, who were more traditional-minded than most.
Ideologies: Anti-revisionist communism
Economic Policy: Communism
Social Policy: Outlaw abortion and gay marriage
Domestic Policy: Radical expansion of the state until it grows so large it collapses forming a stateless, classless society
Foreign Policy: Focusing on building socialism in one country and fostering revolution abroad with a robust military designed for intervention

Partitio do Padria

Leadership

Jon Fresseli V (Leader)

Background: Formed very recently, Jon Fresseli is the scion of a successful brewing family that traces its roots to a person who fought for Padrian independence. Fresseli was the second MV from the Movement for Greater Padrian Freedom (MGPF), a party which was suspended when it militia wing massacred Padrian state legislators. The leader, Amadi Wakesian was arrested, but Fresseli was cleared of suspicion and formed the Partitio do Padria (Party of Padria) as a less offensive alternative to the MGPF.
Ideologies: Padrian sovereigntism, Padrian autonomy
Economic Policy: Free trade, tax haven
Social Policy: Social liberalism via gradualism
Domestic Policy: Greater states' rights, including the ability to unilaterally secede
Foreign Policy: More trade agreements

National List

Leadership

Nina C. Ollekgaard (Leader)

Background: The National List has greatly suffered until the most recent elections. Never quite able to break into electoral politics, in recent months, the Monarchist Society of Ossurwald has thrown their considerable wealth and support behind the National List, despite Leader Ollekgaard's middle-class background. The National List has adopted the shield of the former ruling dynasty as their symbol, despite denouncements from the living heirs. The party is extremely unpopular, and is linked to proponents of the dictator Ferdinand Murrasos who ruled Ossurwald from the 1870s to 1920s.
Ideologies: Nationalism, Monarchism, Murrasosism
Economic Policy: Protectionism, state capitalism
Social Policy: A return to "traditional" Ossurwalder
Domestic Policy: Greater power to the central government, restricting civil liberties, and a possible return of the monarchy
Foreign Policy: Greater engagement with nationalist and monarchist nations while imposing Ossurwald's will on foreign nations

Independents

Candidates

L-R: J. Cardinal, S. Upright

Background: Independents are a wild bunch in Ossurwald. Typically, those who run as independents don't believe in associating with any party, viewing party politics as corrupt. Other times, the independent may be so at odds with their chosen party that the party refuses to allow them to affiliate. Others are popular figures who don't wish to be associated with one party's platform. Many are comedians, who choose to get involved in politics to "add some levity to the bastards."

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If you'd like to vote specifically for a minor party or for an independent candidate, please specify which one in the thread, otherwise, I'll be the final arbiter of how those votes are assigned. If you'd like to interview a politician about various issues via a news organization, things can be arranged ICly. News will be published periodically reacting to poll numbers.

[Ossurwald]

The Ossurwald Independent

Action Party Leads!
Balandros, Popular As Ever; Minor Parties and Progressives Close Behind

Dir. Balandros at Action Party candidates support dinner

KANNLEM, Ossurwald - Director Emmeline Katherine Balandros, the girl that doctors said would be unlikely to walk, is once again leading her party to victory in the race for control of the Velstaad. Though not personally participating, Balandros' soaring popularity is considered to be a major factor; it was once again boosted by her recent marriage in Ulsthame state to her longtime beau. Speaking on behalf of the Action Party in the election, the Director wasn't celebrating the recent polls. "The numbers are too early to tell. We've been burned by polls before, and our massive blowout last year was totally unexpected. This early lead means nothing, and we'll keep working until we've sewn up our support."

Indeed, voters are still capable of changing their minds, though early votes are coming in ahead of the planned election day of January 24th. Campaign Week has been made a holiday for many, thought citizens are likely to spend time either voting or volunteering for a Velstaad campaign, or talking to one. Canvassers are already a common sight in most of the newly-created districts.

Caroline Sadalian

But voters might have a new squeeze in the form of wily college-grad Caroline Sadalian, who's mounting a spirited campaign for the Velstaad from her hometown in Caldirk, Obricon State. "The parties aren't doing enough to keep people involved," she said, before taking aim at the Action Party's unpopular coalition partner, the Civic Party. "And look what that brings. You have Falstulin Hashim and Aldo Mannix swapping positions all over the place. No one specializes in a given topic, because they're focused on one thing only, getting power. People rise to the level of their incompetence, and as a result, we have an incompetent government because the members of the major parties cannot keep their ambitions in check and do what they know best."

Civic Party leaders responded to these attacks by saying that Sadalian was "an opportunist, relying on ad hominem attacks instead of focusing on the issues."

[Archnar]

President Alex of Archnar and the people of Archnar support the Acion and Socialist Parties.
We belive they best represent the working class and will give the best opertunity for Peace, equlity, enviromental sustainibilty and prosparity. Archnar condems the Free Communist Party for there fascist policies and deceptive lies about Communism.

[Threlizdun]

The people of Threlizdun support the Action Party and the Assembly Party.

[Ossurwald]

Free Communist Headquarters, Albrian Building
Kannlem, Ossurwald

There wasn't so much of a "crowd" of reporters as there was a smattering of bloggers and the like in the Free Communist briefing room. But it was an election year, small parties were doing well, and for the Free Communists, more than no one was a victory, so Party Leader Fawzi Labdos took the podium with gusto.

"I want to thank you all for coming today. Obviously, the capitalist press couldn't be here, so we wish them the worst." This elicited a chuckle from some of the more friendly bloggers, but most stayed silent. "I want to take time to respond the bourgeois lapdog that is the President of Archnar. He derided us as 'fascist' and being 'deceptive' about communism. But instead of endorsing the true communist party in the race, he chose instead to endorse the Action Party and the Socialist League. Anyone could tell you that those two parties are first, hardly communist; and second, they completely condemn the process of proletarian dictatorship. In doing so, they turn their backs on scientific socialism.

"Such willful ignorance about the true reality of communism has allowed many who are not socialists to parade as such. Communism is the rigorous application of scientific socialism to every aspect of life. It exists to prevent the rise of corrupting markets, the concentration of power beside the concentration of wealth. Take a look at the parties currently in power. You will see wealth and power, hand-in-hand.

"Furthermore, the President of Archnar attacks us, while failing to take into account, over even condemn, the fascism of the National List, the Radical Party, the Agrarian Party, the Partito do Padria, or even the Progressive Party. They masquerade un-critiqued by the Archnar government precisely because the Archnar government fears true communism. You see, to poseurs, true communism is terrifying. It threatens to unravel the lies they tell to themselves.

"We're fighting for a radical new society. Archnar and the other 'left' parties, and I use that word as loosely as possible, are campaigning. Any true leftist can tell you that democracy is a bourgeois institution used to keep the proletariat oppressed. It is an opiate, vote for this capitalist puppet and everything will be okay. There can only be international revolution, and that's what Archnar fears. After all, it it could happen in Ossurwald, it could happen in Archnar. Thank you."

He stepped down. That should show them!

[Greater Evil Imperial Japanese Dystopia]

The People's Huangdiist Teikoku officially offer support for the Socialist League & Free Communist Parties.

[Ossurwald]

The National Gazette

Radicals Behind!
Blames "False Promises" From Progressives for 17% Share of Polls

Radical Leader Wolfgang S. Toromek Shares Cigars with Campaign Staff

NARBORISHA, Honnavan - Thought not facing reelection himself, Wolfgang Toromek has been hitting the interview shows and writing his daily blog and columns for other papers. In between, he's also taking time to stump for Radical candidates throughout the country. "My travel schedule is full," he told The Gazette, making clear that he believes the Radical Party's 17% showing in the most recent polls of the newly-created districts is not a terrible position. "It's clear voters believe we need to make improvements, and we're going to listen to them," he said.

But actions speak louder than words, and Toromek's arrival in Narborisha in solidly Radical Honnavan state signals a party not looking to find more votes, but protect what it already has. Massive rallies for Radical politicians are common in the state. Indeed, Toromek held a massive rally with Minister-President of Honnavan Lynn Wanelaw, packed with supporters. Critics are suggesting that such rallies are to give the appearance of popular support, despite the poor showing. They also suggest that Toromek is worried about the more right-wing, conservative members of his party, who may be looking at the ultra-conservative National List as a possible alternative.

Lochan Ulferian, film star

One other possibility for Toromek's appearance in the Radical stronghold state is the possibility of being usurped by the support the film industry (based out of Honnavan's Canding) is giving to the Progressive Party. The Progressives have been paying their dues and focusing on targeting issues that directors and stars find appealing. Getting Lochan Ulferian; star of movies like The Left-Handed Man, Open and the television show Organized; to run for office as a Progressive was a big win. Ulferian is one of Honnavan's rare native sons who go into the film industry, popular throughout the state. His candidacy is believed to be giving a big boost to other candidates in-state.

[Threlizdun]

The people of Threlizdun must voice the same convictions as the President of Archnar. Communism is an ideology by and for the people, not members of the party. The belief that the state would be the leading force behind a stateless system is absurd. Their advocacy for supressing the rights of others and establishing backwards conservative notions on same-sex marriage and a woman's reporductive rights doesn't belong in this century. While the President Alex and the vast majority of Threlizdunians do not agree on all matters, we can vouch that they are no fascists, and are legitimate democratic socialists.

[Ossurwald]

The people of Threlizdun must voice the same convictions as the President of Archnar. Communism is an ideology by and for the people, not members of the party. The belief that the state would be the leading force behind a stateless system is absurd. Their advocacy for supressing the rights of others and establishing backwards conservative notions on same-sex marriage and a woman's reporductive rights doesn't belong in this century. While the President Alex and the vast majority of Threlizdunians do not agree on all matters, we can vouch that they are no fascists, and are legitimate democratic socialists.

Press Release on Statement by Gov't of Threlizdun

The recent statement on behalf "the people of Threlizdun" goes to show that other nations are threatened by the adherence of the Free Communist Party to true scientific socialism. Democracy itself is a bourgeois notion, one which invariably leads to oligarchic collection of power. The conflation of "democracy" and "socialism" is an abhorrent aberration, one which could only be dreamed up by corrupted socialist parties enticed by the promises of "liberal democracy". Furthermore, the idea that "the people of Threlizdun" would suggest that Archnar's President was doing anything more than fantastical thinking shows just how little they truly understand socialism and communism. It's an established fact that the progression from capitalism to socialism to true communism requires a strengthening of the state, to form a dictatorship of the proletariat by the vanguard party (in this case, the FCP). Such a dictatorship would ensure an orderly transition to a true workers' paradise, one in which a stateless society would exist. The belief that any other route is possible is an invention of the ruling liberalist-capitalist class.

The FCP's positions on abortion and homosexuality are predicated by the need to control the demographic numbers and create a true "communist generation" that would be divorced completely from the pre-communist world, preventing the reproduction of liberal ideas.

This has been republished by http://www.WestNottashier.local.dro, http://www.VaibereReport.dro, & http://www.left-wing.dro.

[Bentietum]

Exarch Venedikt wishes to express his fondness and support for the National List. The Exarch would love to see Ossurwalder prosper, and to do so, a powerful central figure is necessary. Only through an efficient, autocratic government instated for the express good of the citizenry has the power to make the often drastic steps necessary to promote the interests of a nation as a whole. Exarch Venedikt would also like to extend his condolences to the Ossurwalder royal family for the seemingly terminal levels of democracy to be found in their nation. The Exarch recommends insurgency, which Bentietum would be all too happy to assist in until the very moment the royal family is in their rightful place.

[Ossurwald]

The Journal of Kannlem

Valloens Denounce Foreign Support for the List
List Leader Says Party Dedicated to "Democratic Victory" While Stadtwalda Says Foreign Statement a "Dangerous Sign"

Fmr. Dir. Tancred M.W.O. Valloen (top)
Alexis S.O. Valloen, ED of the PSJ (bottom)

KANNLEM - An announcement by the Exarch of the Stratocratic Kingdom of Bentietum in which the foreign leader suppressed support for the violent overthrow of the government by the National List has been criticized from all sides, including the National List itself. The most vociferous denunciation has come from the House of Valloen, the former ruling family of Ossurwald, which ruled as Dukes from the late 1600s to the mid-19th Century. The rebuke came because Exarch Venedikt of extended "condolences... for the terminal levels of democracy to be found in [Ossurwald]" to the family.

In a statement released to the press, Tancred Martinus Wolodymyr Ochieng Valloen, the Co-Head of the House of Valloen and Action Party MV for Revolution Courts-Erostei in Faelshier, said the statement from the Exarch was "disturbing." "I cannot, in good conscience, believe that any decent person would issue such a statement. Indeed, these are words which can only come from the mouth of a monster. To not only denounce the Ossurwalder system of government, but to express support for its violent overthrow... it disgusts me. Our system has been forged in revolution, and tempered by the test of time. I am honored to be a duly-elected member of a ruling party; I am honored that Director Balandros asked me to step in during her absence and take over as Acting Director. That this monster Venedikt could issue such a statement shows his ignorance of what makes a true Ossurwalder."

His twin sister, Alexis Socorro Ophelia Valloen went even farther. "The idea of anti-democratic rule in Ossurwald is completely antithetical to existence of our nation. The greatest thing to happen to this nation was the advent of democratic rule in the days of Peter Pedronek. We know what violent overthrow of government by reactionary forces brings to this country, we had it in Murrasos' time; a corrupt government held together only by caudillos and bossism. An unstable government, one which is rotten from the inside out. Ossurwald boasts one of the least corrupt governments imaginable. We have offered our citizens agency; this [expletive deleted] would have us take it away. That he could think to even extend condolences to us, for such a terrible reason... well, if he was dying of thirst in the desert, I wouldn't even piss in his mouth." Ms. Valloen, who works as the Executive Director of People for Social Justice, was visibly upset during the reading of the statement.

NL Leader Nina C Ollekgaard

For her part in the whole mess, National List leader Nina C. Ollekgaard told the press that "the List is committed to bringing its vision of a restored Ossurwald under a monarch to life through peaceful means. Mr. Venedikt obviously went too far, offering to assist in the creation of an insurgency. We will win this fight by the ballot box. We trust the people of Ossurwald to make the right decisions for themselves." Ollekgaard has faced increasing calls from within her own party to resign. Last year, she led her party to defeat, losing her seat in the Velstaad. She regained it by moving to another district during the last expansion election. Critics of her party (which are legion) said that Ms. Ollekgaard is an obvious proponent of "caudillism".

Prof. Jacob Occian, who teaches Ossurwalder History at the University of Svashi said that the developments were troubling. "Obviously, it's been clear that Ollekgaard favors autocratic government. But we've had it, and each time it's ended in revolution. Our democratic systems have never faced popular revolution, but rather it is the concentration of power in the hands of fewer and fewer people that stifles it and ultimately led to the last two republics' undoing. 1659, 1848, 1928; these were all revolutions that broke out as the autocratic rulers were at their most corrupt. Luckily, in this election, we have a party dedicated to extending more power to the citizen on the street." The last was a reference to the Assembly Party, which has focused on grassroots organizing and been highly critical of the state of Ossurwalder democracy.

Stadtwalda Calleido

Questions submitted to the War Department returned only the prepared statement that "Ossurwald remains vigilant against foreign aggression." When asked about the possibility of an invasion by Bentietum, Stadtwalda Dalibor I. Calleido told reporters that "I think it's just braggadocio by this Venedikt fellow. Regardless, we will keep our KADO allies, especially Lamoni, in the loop. At the end of the day, Ossurwalders are committed to keeping the democracy that their grandparents and great-grandparents fought for. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Ossurwald has kept abreast of military advancements in the goal of providing the most bang for our buck."

Overblown posturing or prelude to invasion? Only time will tell.

[South Bentietum]

Free Bentietum News

Earlier today, press secretary Jules Heine issued a written statement regarding the Kingdom's latest international faux pas.

"It's come to our attention that the Northern Regime has expressed interest in establishing diplomatic links with the nation of Ossurwalder, even at the cost of violence. The Thadeus administration cannot have the Kingdom speaking for the whole of Bentietum, and as such we've decided to throw in our support to the Agrarian Party. Contrary to popular belief in the north, prosperity does not start in government but with the common man. We believe that rural development is a basic unit of national prosperity. In our own lands, before succession, our greatest industrial centers were founded on what used to be our agricultural capitals, and we have no reason to believe Ossurwalder couldn't benefit from a similar situation."

The release drew criticism from underground Loyalist media, claiming the Thadeus administration has no long-term interest in Ossurwalder, but just wants to assert itself as a force of opposition to the Kingdom and cash in on a boost to Ossurwalder's agricultural sector at the same time. Though unsubstantiated, Loyalist media also accused Southern officials of attempting to coerce cheaper prices on agricultural goods out of Kiel in exchange for special military protection in the invent of hostilities with the Kingdom.

[Ossurwald]

The Ossurwald Independent

Action Party Projected to Win Big
Party Likely to be Returned to #1 Position in the Velstaad

Ulric Natto speaks to Action rally

KANNLEM - Action Party headquarters are abuzz with polling data, organizational information, and volunteers and staffers. With four days to go until the election, spirits are high. The Action Party has not fallen below 30% of the polls, a sign which people here say is for the best.

"Obviously, with four major parties and numerous little ones, we're not going to see a majority share," says Lyuben Osekian, Director of Communications for the Action Party. "The closest we got was the 49% we had last year, and if you'll remember, that victory didn't turn out the way we'd planned. We're sitting pretty with what we've got, and our goal is to move that just a few percentage points higher, while getting less support for our opponents."

Indeed, with a projected addition of 48 seats, it seems the Action Party could be in prime position to return to its position as the Velstaad's largest party. But their gain may come at the cost of losing their coalition partner, the Civic Party, which has fallen behind in the polls, with only 8% of likely voters saying they'd be likely to vote for the party in the election. Civic Party co-leader Hashim Falstulin told The Independent that he thought voters would come around.

Hashim Falstulin

"Obviously, voters will be attracted to overheated rhetoric and the wings of political discussion. But the reality is that at the end of the day, what they want is government that functions efficiently, functions well, and doesn't just do what's popular. They want pragmatic government. That's what the Civic Party, alone, is offering to every single voter in this country. No bells, no shiny whistles. It's what the people want."

But that messaging is starting to ring hollow. Falstulin himself is considered one of the least popular politicians in Ossurwald. His advocation of "Third Way" and neoliberal politics during the 1990s and early 2000s while Deputy leader of the Workers' Party is viewed as largely responsible for the failure of the Workers to capture the Velstaad during that time period; it took openly socialist Emmeline Balandros to return the left-wing to power. Falstulin is also seen as failing to provide criticism of the policies that caused the 2008 Economic Collapse, though how much power he actually had in the Party is debatable. Certainly, he received the epithet of "the Puppetmaster" for his actions.

[Ossurwald]

The Journal of Kannlem

Agrarian Party Says Foreign Support Welcomed
Plays Up Support While Critics Say Foreigners Appear "Clueless" About Ossurwald

Sam Fallos, Chair of WAPO at Kiel's Best Brewery

KIEL, Kiel - Sam Fallos, speaking on behalf of the West Agrarian Party of Ossurwald (WAPO) said that he welcomed the Agrarian Party's support from the Unilateral Cooperative of South Bentietum, a secessionist state from the Stratocratic Kingdrom of Bentietum which just days ago threatened Ossurwald. South Bentietum's press secretary Jules Heine issued a statement arguing for basic Agrarian Party platforms, such as viewing the economy from its agricultural base, which Fallos and his counterpart in the East Agrarians, Spyridon Ressix, have described this as the "Agriculture First" policy. "It's clear," said Fallos, "that Ossurwald must look at its agricultural base first and foremost. It is clear that this is the direction the international community is moving towards. It's clear that we cannot hide our heads in the sand. We focus on sowing the seeds, and this economy will grow."

But political opponents have seized upon the exact wording of the statement from the UCSB to attack the international support. Dissenting Secretary of the Interior, the Progressive Party's Allon Deppli, highlighted the last sentence of Mr. Heine's statement. "When the Agrarians' foreign allies say things like 'our greatest industrial centers were founded on what used to be our agricultural capitals, and we have no reason to believe Ossurwalder couldn't benefit from a similar situation,' it exposes them as failing to do their research. They believe Ossurwald is a backwards nation. They believe we are underdeveloped. They believe we are incapable of truly understanding how our own economy developed. I, for one, find it offensive that the Agrarians could praise such a gross misunderstanding of the Ossurwalder economy."

[Ossurwald]

The National Gazette

Civic Party Praying to Prevent Rout
Popular Action Party and Progressives Rumored to be Considering Coalition

Paden Breckos, Candidate for the Velstaad

KANNLEM - The people have turned against junior government coalition partner in the Directorate, the Civic Party. Polling at just 8% of the vote, their projected pick-up is so small that the Progressives, who are outpolling even the Radical Party, are likely to move into third place in the Velstaad. Such an event could bring the Progressive Party, who have so far been hesitant to be in power, into the government. Party insiders in both the Action Party and the Progressive Party say that overtures between Director Emmeline Balandros and Leader of the Dissent Frederick Saalvanis have happened. Whether Saalvanis would take over as Deputy Director is unclear.

It should be noted, that just a year ago, Saalvanis was the Secretary of Trade in Balandros' first directorate. The two apparently have a fine working relationship, and could easily take that up. Some people inside Aodhan House, the Director's residence, say that Balandros is chafing having Civic Party members be in her cabinet, and that having former Stadtwalda Aldo Mannix as her Deputy Director is causing undesirable second-guessing in her Directorate. Whether such rumors are true are currently unsubstantiated, but this election could send liberals and conservatives into the wilderness, while a new left-wing coalition rules. One more interesting thing, Emma Kalimonson, former Secretary of the Interior in Balandros' first directorate and wife of current Secretary of Foreign Affairs David Kalimonson is looking to reclaim a seat. Polls show her doing surprisingly well in a new constituency, and Saalvanis could be tempted to return her to government.

Dep. Dir. Aldo Mannix, at a recent KADO summit

An attempt to play up their "popularity" hasn't helped the Civic Party, who have earned a reputation as backstabbers when they sundered both the Workers and United Parties last year, parties which had existed in Ossurwald since the 1940s. Aldo Mannix, the once-popular Stadtwalda, has become the public's scapegoat for everything wrong with government, getting hit from both sides. Notably, anti-war protestors poured a bucket of red paint on his during a protest at the international summit of the Korsreidh Agreement's Defensive Organization. Mannix may not seek another term when the next general election rolls around.

Popularity hasn't been an issue for the Action Party, who besides being led by Emmeline Balandros (perhaps one of the most popular Directors since the 1930s), are also fielding well-liked candidates, like Paden Breckos, who promised voters that Ossurwald would take a more internationalist view of the world. The Civic Party's support is also being eaten away by minor parties looking to gain ballot access.

[Ossurwald]

The Ossurwald Independent

Three Minor Parties May Become Major Ones
Assembly Party, Agarian Party, and Socialist League May Gain Enough Seats to Gain Ballot Access

Prof. David Sabrosian, Assembly Party Candidate

ROAHILLEM, Veltrio - David Sabrosian, an Assembly Party candidate for the town of Roahillem and currently a professor at Roahillem College, looks likely to defeat six other opponents for the chance to become the Assembly Party's first MV from the area. Sabrosian's research has been an underpinning of the Assembly Party, and his calls for more responsive government have been greatly appreciated here. He's further helped by the waning popularity of the Civic Party, which doesn't seem likely to gain much from this election.

The math is also beneficial to the Agrarian Party and the Socialist League, both of which have received far greater international support. It would take just four more seats to get the Agarian Party in, which party officials say is completely possible. However, it's unclear whether the Socialist League will be able to propel themselves into a coveted slot as Ossurwald's seventh major party. Faced with lackluster leadership in the form of Arthur Osrex and a need for 8 seats, many say it's unlikely.

Jane Whitemore, Assembly Party Candidate

The Assembly Party also is gaining a boost from support from veterans. This is helped by the addition of Jane Whitemore as a candidate. Previously Whitemore served in the Ossurwald Republican Army's Peace Bureau in New Edom. Her return to Ossurwald led to the publication of Lessons from Edom, a policy book which is likely to become more influential as rumors swirl that the Velstaad is likely to take up a possible return to New Edom in the form of another peacekeeping operation. Whitemore greatly increases the foreign policy credentials of the Assembly Party.

[Ossurwald]

The Journal of Kannlem

Exit Polls Show Action Victory Likely
Progressives Also Likely to Knock Civic Party to Fourth in Velstaad

Director Balandros' book, Take Action

OSSURWALD - A nine-point lead over their closest opposition signals a strong shift in support away from the Radical Party and back towards the Action Party. The left-wing coalition party is likely to retake its place as Ossurwald's largest and most popular party, a position it held before the beginning of the set of expansion elections aimed at taking the Velstaad up to 733 seats. Pollsters are largely attributing this swing back to the Action Party due to the return of Emmeline Katherine Balandros to the control of the party. Her socialist pedigree and hard-luck story is considered to be far more powerful than Acting Director Tancred Valloen's life of relative ease and riches as a scion of Ossurwald's former ruling family.

Observers are most likely to be reading Ms. Balandros' Take Action to get an idea of her new agenda, published on January 2nd. In it, she lays out the following proposals:
[list=][*]Increase income equality among people to rebuild social trust
[*]Protect human rights abroad
[*]Greater unionization
[*]Expand social safety net
[*]Begin creating government-owned industries to compete with private ones to provide revenues to the nation[/list]

Frederick Saalvanis, the next Deputy Director?

How the math plays out may mean a three or four party coalition government. The hope for the Radicals would be bitter feelings between the Civics and the other parties; the minor parties for cutting into their support, the Progressives for leap-frogging them, and the Action Party for demoting them. If the Civics withdrew from a coalition, Balandros would be forced to rely on Progressives, minor parties, and independents to gain enough votes to keep the Directorate. Alternatively, there could be a hung Velstaad, in which case Ossurwald would be once again left without a government. However, polls are showing clear leads for both the Progressives and the Action Parties, making such a result unlikely.

[Ossurwald]

The Journal of Kannlem

COMEBACK KIDS

Director Emmeline Katherine Balandros

KANNLEM - Action and Progressive Leaders declared victory last night as the parties made massive gains over their opponents. The Action Party returned to its position as Ossurwald's largest with 49 new seats, making it a force to be reckoned with. Jubilant supporters filled local candidate's offices. In Kannlem, newly-elected MV Gabriel Wiersa welcomed Director Emmeline Balandros on stage to speak for him. Speaking to a televised audience, Ms. Balandros congratulated first Mr. Wiersa, and then the other elected Action Party candidates, and then the voters. "Thanks to you," she said, "we can ensure that our party's agenda of equality and liberty is fulfilled." Observers immediately began talk that Ms. Balandros intends to not renew the coalition agreement with the Civic Party.

And it couldn't come at a more opportune time. Across the river, the Progressive Party celebrated a 35-seat gain in the election, second only to the Action Party. Frederick P. Saalvanis, the Progressive Leader, said he "overjoyed at this victory. The People of Ossurwald have made clear that they want the Progressives to do well. We will not let them down." The Progressive Party's predecessor, the People's Party, was in coalition under Ms. Balandros prior to the March 2011 election. When asked if he'd been in touch with the Action Party on forming a government, Mr. Saalvanis merely said that "the Director has called to congratulate our party on its showing, and I likewise congratulated here. Other than that, I really cannot say."

Progressive Leader Frederick P. Saalvanis, future Deputy Director?

The refusal of Saalvanis to dismiss rumors of a possible Action-Progressive coalition supported by minor parties signals suggests that the Progressives are considering an offer of coalition. They have not been shy to swipe down such rumors in the past. But with 309 seats needed to form a government, it's likely any government will require independents before it could survive.

[Greater Evil Imperial Japanese Dystopia]

More Support Provided

The Politburo officially offers more support to the Free Communist Party, worth around ¥13.8 billion in Imperial Yen ($17.6 billion in Universal Standard Dollars)

[Ossurwald]

The National Gazette

Who's To Blame?
Fall of Civic Party to Usher in New Big Government Era, National List Scores

Critics attacked W.S. Toromek

KANNLEM - Victory for the Action and Progressive Parties and a clear defeat to both the Civic and the Radical Parties is the news coming out of today's elections. Conservative and centrist parties faced a reversed course after left-wingers struck back in an election fueled by demagoguery and anti-capitalist rhetoric. Already, both parties are discussing why their losses were so large, and how the crippled Progressive Party was able to make such an astounding comeback, dropping the sensible Civic Party into fourth place.

The Civic Party defeat is obvious. Lacking any type of institutional support from news, it failed to garner an endorsement from any of the Big Three Newspapers (The Journal, Gazette, and Independent endorsed the Progressives, Radicals, and Assembly Parties, respectively), meaning that readers were uninterested in its platform. Furthermore, it cannot compete in the marketplace of ideas, providing nothing new but "moderation" and an ever-shifting definition of "centrism", ideals wholly unappealing to voters. Crippled by the view of the Party as nothing but traitors to left and right, any momentum the Civic Party might've had was quickly finished off by the rise of the Agrarian and Assembly parties.

Casimir Onderssen (top) and
Palmer Young (bottom)

Less obvious is the defeat of the Radical Party. Though highly-popular throughout the year and in previous expansion elections, the Radical Party managed to come in third, fifteen points behind the Action Party. With this loss, they lost their place as the largest party in the Velstaad, and can thus no longer be held to represent the popular views of Ossurwald. Most insiders are placing blame for the shellacking on Radical Co-Leaders Wolfgang S. Toromek and Ike Zurmatto. More critics are saying that the Radical Party's system of two leaders is causing untoward trouble. They point to the success of the Progressives and Action Party as proof of this; both parties are led by only one person whereas both the Civic Party and Radical Parties lost. At times, the neoliberalism of Zurmatto seemed to contradict the libertarianism of Toromek. Thus, Radicals are proposing the Party choose one leader.

Though obviously there are both Toromek and Zurmatto camps, these are largely based on old party allegiances; Zurmatto commands the respect of Radical members formerly part of the United Party, and Toromek those who joined from the Reform Party. But both could face insurgent candidates for leadership from the party's respective wings. On the former United side, Casimir Onderssen is a well-respected politician whom many like. On the former Reform side is Palmer Young, the son of Reform Party founder Giles Young, whose protege was Toromek; Young ran a pitiful campaign for Stadtwalda in 2011.

National List Leader Nina Ollekgaard

But while the Radical Party attempted to assign blame, and the Civic Party tried to dodge it, the National List was celebrating a good showing in the polls. Despite disastrous foreign support that threatened war on Ossurwald to bring them to power, the National List was able to add two more MVs to its total, making it a far stronger party than it was before. Leader Nina Ollekgaard told a crowd of supporters at the List's headquarters that "today, we showed Ossurwald that it's not a bad thing to believe in your country. That there's nothing to be ashamed of by saying what you truly think. This was a win for freedom, for tradition, and plain old Ossurwalder values."

[Ossurwald]

The Ossurwald Independent

Ballot Access for Assembly and Agrarian Parties
Fall of Civic Party to Usher in New Big Government Era, National List Scores

Leuthar R. Okos, Assembly MV

KANNLEM, Ossurwald - Astounding victories for minor parties allowed two minor parties to gain enough seats to gain ballot access for the next elections. The Assembly and Agrarian Parties both managed to increase their numbers above the 12-member threshold necessary to form a directorate. The Assembly party picked up six seats, giving them 15 seats in the Velstaad. The Agrarian Party took five seats, giving them 13 in the Velstaad. Both parties have laid out ambitious positions for the Velstaad.

The Assembly Party says it will work on reforming governance. Promising to "bring forth a new era of citizen-dominance," the party told reporters that "the era of total top-down leadership is over. The dinosaurs of the past are not up to the task of adapting to new circumstances fast enough. This party has no youth wing, because all party members' ideas are valid for discussion." However, people have criticized the Spokescouncil of the Assembly Party as being an extremely slow decision-making tool. Observers argue that the necessity of organizing around Velstaad politics will force the Party to become more streamlined and hierarchical, a topic of some discussion within Assembly Party meetinghouses. But new blood like 20-year old Leuthar R. Okos

Spyridon Ressix, Chair of the East Agrarians

Elsewhere, the Agarian Party was playing up its gains, saying that the results meant that "farmers and ranchers in Ossurwald will have a strong voice to argue for the necessity of focusing on agricultural policies. "If the economy was a tree, we have been examining every part of it except the roots to come up with solutions for its problem. It's time to look at the roots of the economy, food policy, and strengthen those policies to assist Ossurwalder farmers and ranchers." Others in government are countering that agricultural forces already have too much sway in the country's politics already.