Lyserian General Election 2015 - PC / PNL Victory.

[The Free Republic of Taylor Swift]

The Free Republic of Taylor Swift hereby declares its support for the Conservative Party.

[Lyseria]

(Image)

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To the Lyserian Ministry of Industry:

Greetings. We'd like to seek application to open a Legion Advocates Bureau in Lyseria. The Bureau seeks to provide charity services to civilians seeking public service. It is a non-profit organization, and we hope our application will go through smoothly. Representing our Lyserian Legion Advocates Bureau will be Mr John Daniel as Director.

Signed,

Lawrence Doe
Director of Legion Advocates Super PAC
The Legion Foundation
The Legion Corporation

To Lawrence Doe, Director of Legion Advocates Super PAC

We, the Ministry of Industry of The Kingdom of Lyseria, thank you for your wise choice to open these offices in The Kingdom of Lyseria, and are gladdened to see you Christian commitment to charity. We would be more than happy to approve your application with immediate effect.

Offices are available to rent or to buy in our capital of Victoria, as well as in numerous other cities and towns in the Kingdom. The Prime location would of course be in the prestigious Distrito Real (Distrito 1), closest to the Cámara de los Representantes and to the Cámara de Consejo de los Lores del Rey, although this is highly sought after and thus very expensive property. The main Business District of Lyseria, Parque Verde (Distrito 17), is the second most expensive area.

Many foreign offices, particularly those of your nature, choose to set up in one of the quaint rural villages of Lyseria. These quaint little villages offer a good base of operation from which to have room to expand, and the very low cost of these offices makes them highly affordable. Offices in these areas would also surely bolster the status and wealth of these small villages. Of course, any employees you might want to install in these offices would have very far to travel if they wished to meet and converse with top businessmen in Parque Verde or Political Leadership in Distrito Real.

The cheapest office to set up in right now is in the small hamlet of Perla Norte on the Islet of Perla Norte in the South Lyserian Sea, part of Delta del la de Río Garza y la del Lyserian Islotes (Distrito 101).

A slightly more expensive office, but still very affordable and far closer to Lyseria, is the village of Diendevaca in Rocosas Llanura del Sur (Distrito 75).

If none of these offices suit you taste, we have many further options we can present to you. Do not hesitate to contact us should this be the case.

Sincerely

Nicolás Pimientos

Ministro de Industria
Representante de Norte Outer Puertoro (Distrito 79)

[Lyseria]

The Free Republic of Taylor Swift hereby declares its support for the Conservative Party.

Primer Ministro Maria Ramos thanks the Free Republic of Taylor Swift for their support.

[Lyseria]

Various polls have been held by news networks, newspapers and by the electoral commission. Listed below is the current average of all the polls from sources deemed as reputable by the electoral commission.

These polls begin to show the effects the terrorist attack on Paris has had on shifting voters toward more right wing and anti-asylum parties (such as the PC and the PNL)

Wednesday the 18th of November

Poll Average:

Undecided: 14%

PT: 29,1%
PC: 25%
PNL: 21%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,2%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

Poll average from Sunday the 15th of November

Poll Average:

Undecided: 19,1%

PT: 28,1%
PC: 23%
PNL: 19%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,1%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

Poll average from Friday the 13th of November Midday (prior to the attacks on Paris)

Poll Average:

Undecided: 25,3%

PT: 28%
PC: 21%
PNL: 15%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

[Lyseria]

Various polls have been held by news networks, newspapers and by the electoral commission. Listed below is the current average of all the polls from sources deemed as reputable by the electoral commission.

These polls begin to show the effects the terrorist attack on Paris has had on shifting voters toward more right wing and anti-asylum parties (such as the PC and the PNL)

Polls at current (Friday the 20th of November), prior to the debate

Poll Average:

Undecided: 13,5%

PT: 29,3%
PC: 25, 2%
PNL: 21, 2%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,2%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

Wednesday the 18th of November

Poll Average:

Undecided: 14%

PT: 29,1%
PC: 25%
PNL: 21%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,2%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

Poll average from Sunday the 15th of November

Poll Average:

Undecided: 19,1%

PT: 28,1%
PC: 23%
PNL: 19%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,1%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

Poll average from Friday the 13th of November Midday (prior to the attacks on Paris)

Poll Average:

Undecided: 25,3%

PT: 28%
PC: 21%
PNL: 15%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

[Lyseria]

The first debate between the leaders of the 5 major parties was held tonight in the Royal Theatre of Victoria, the capital city of Lyseria. I will post a summary of this debate in parts.

Opening statements:

Primer Ministro María Ramos:

"Four years ago our proud Kingdom of Lyseria was on the verge of chaos. The economy was in tatters, broken by the irresponsible spending and high taxes of the Torres administration. Our nation was in fear of the rising threat of Islamic terrorism, and many feared the Lyseria we knew and loved would last with its values in tact another four years.

Today we have a powerful and growing economy, one aided by a positive business environment and investor friendly policies. Today we are better equipped militarily to defeat the threat of Islamic terrorism, which just a week ago launched a cowardly strike against our friends in France, to whom we extend our sympathy and our support in this dark time.

Under my four years of leadership, Lyseria was not just weathered the storm, it has flourished in it. But there is still much to be done. Our economy can still rise further and our defences against the threats of the outside world can still be tightened. Therefore I ask that you put your faith in me once again, re-elect me, and allow me to carry on in my mission to lead our proud kingdom to even greater heights than we have ever reached before. I thank you."

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero:

"Lyseria today is more divided than it has ever been before. Primer Ministro María Ramos pulls hard to the right and Representante Carlos Domínguez pulls hard to the left. Neither one of these candidates has the ability to unite this nation and bring it forward to success, that is a job only I can perform.

I will balance the compassionless fiscal conservatism of the right with the reckless social spending of the left to find a level that allows people from poorer areas the real chance to succeed without sinking our economy. I will balance the social conservatism of the right with the social progressivism of the left, and will defend the right of gay couples to enter civil unions without infringing on religious liberties and legalising gay marriage. I will keep abortion legal but will not sign any law legalising pot.

A vote for Ramos or Domínguez will throw this nation into chaos. Only a vote for Romero will lead to balance and stability."

Representante Carlos Domínguez:

"In 2008 this world saw a financial crash caused by reckless investments on the part of the corporate elite and excessive military spending in foreign wars. It is strange then that we reacted to this by bailing out the very corporates who caused this problem in the first place, and instead blamed the crash on the education and healthcare spending to the poor, left more desperate than ever after this crash. It is interesting also that there seems to always be more money for these corporates, and more money for war, but never money for education.

My friends, it is time for a political revolution! Let us no longer accept the lies of the corporate elite, let us demand the free education for our children they deserve, let us demand the free healthcare for ourselves we so deserve, and let the tiny corporate elite who have held greedily onto their hoarded and often stolen wealth be forced to return this money to the people!

Let us not be divided by homophobic, racist, Islamophobic, anti-semitic, sexist and xenophobic discourse. Let us unite and stand as the 99% and demand that the system of corporate-political corruption end, and that it end now!"

Representante Marcos Delgado:

"I stand for Lyseria first. The other candidates standing here tonight would probably claim the same, but they are lying.

I will take the harshest stance against any who threaten the sovereignty and values of our proud Kingdom. I will root out any Islamic terrorists in Lyseria and destroy them, and will prevent any further ones entering our nation. I will set up a program to develop nuclear weapons to protect us against foreign enemies and ensure they fear and respect us. I will not just get rid of the civil unions between gay couples, which already disgrace our Kingdom's Christian ethos and nature, but will further insist upon compulsory shock therapy to cure these poor degenerates of their disease.

And I will do all this without sercumming to the political corruption of Partido Conservador. I will not vote for policies that benefit foreign corporates at the expense of the hardworking Lyserian worker. Neither will I sercum to the political correctness of the Partido del Trabajo. I will not flood this proud kingdom with foreign Muslims with no respect for our values, much like those who attacks our brothers and sister in France, nor will I violate the word of God and the Biblical definition of marriage just to make some queers happy."

Representante Diego Vidal:

"I am the candidate of freedom, and Partido Liberal is the party of freedom.

Lyseria has been trapped in the past, held there by a collection of social conservatives, all to happy to speak of the values of freedom with no understanding of want it really is, and socialists, all to happy to speak of the values of freedom while still advocating authoritarian economic policies that steal from the poor and give to bureaucrats, and policies with no basis in a basic economic course,or indeed in reality for that matter. Lyseria will never move forward with these outdated people in charge.

I promise a free Lyseria, a truly free Lyseria, one where citizens have the real chance to succeed or fail through their own effort. One unburdened with extensive taxation going to outdated and bureaucratic social systems, or a bloated and unnecessarily large military. I promise a Lyseria where all Lyserians will be free, free to marry without the fear of homophobic violence and oppressive laws from the right, and free to speak without the fear of being charged for political incorrectness by the left. I promise a Lyseria that will transcend the binaries of the past, one that will rise to a nation of brilliance where individual freedom is core."

[Ventalia]

Lyserians living in Ventalia have largely supported the Partido Popular (PP).

[Lyseria]

1st issue) The attack on Paris and Islamic Terrorism:

Primer Ministro María Ramos opened by extending her condolences to the people of Paris, and offered the help of Lyseria to the people of France. Ramos then emphasised her tough stance against Islamic terrorism during her term, and her raising of military spending. However, she also emphasised her close cooperation with foreign governments, as well as her commitment to not get Lyseria involved in another costly foreign war if it could be avoided, stating that the last thing Lyseria needs now is "a second Iraq".

Representante Carlos Domínguez responded by first saying that he also extended his condolences to the victims of the Paris attack and their families, and also to the other victims of terrorism who had died in attacks in Baghdad and Beirut the same day. Domínguez went on to say that this was a war that could never be won through military means, but that it was a war of ideas and that if Lyseria and all those who loved freedom truly wanted to win this earthen it would require reaching out to the desperate refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and other conflict zones in the region and offering them a safe haven. Domínguez said that these refugees needed and deserved shelter in this desperate time of conflict and that Lyseria must do its part to help them. He also stated that in times of desperation people were driven to extremism, and that through easing the situation "the oxygen for the destructive fire that is terrorism can be limited". Domínguez suggested that once this was done the nations of the region could crush the depleted ISIS core extremists who remained and restore peace.

Representante Marcos Delgado extended his condolences to the victims of the Paris attack and their families, and wished success to the French government in their war against ISIS. He attacked Domínguez, stating that his policy would flood Lyseria with Muslims with no respective for the Lyserian way of life, amongst whom many could be current or potential future terrorists on Lyserian soil who would attack the people of the Kingdom. Delgado also attacked Ramos however, stating Lyseria would never truly be safe against foreign threats, including Islamic terrorism, until it developed both a nuclear deterrent, and it developed its drone technology and employed them to a far greater extent against foreign threats. Delgado then stated he would be willing to get Lyserian ground forces involved in a limited war to destroy ISIS, but only if the armies of local nations like Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were committed in full force.

Representante Diego Vidal echoed the previous three candidates by extending his condolences to the victims of the Paris attack and their families. He stated that all three previous candidates were completely off the mark however, arguing that Lyseria should not intervene in foreign nations save than to encourage free trade, capitalism and social liberalism. Vidal stated that taking in Muslim refugees would flood Lyseria and stunt the economy, as well as bringing in an electorate opposed on mass to freedom, both economic and social. He also stated however that Lyseria should remain out of foreign wars, leaving it to local powers to sort out, and that military spending should be reduced to a level where Lyseria was able to protect itself and its citizens from attacks by terrorists, stating that few legitimate nations posed any real threat to Lyseria in the modern day and age. Vidal stated if any nation did later threaten Lyseria the military should be expanded again to a level capable of fighting off their attempt.

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero echoed all the other candidates in extending his condolences to the victims of the Paris attack and their families. He suggested that some refugees could be entered into the Kingdom, but only those with economically useful skills or who were willing and able to full low paying jobs with labour shortages, and who had been carefully screened for any links to Islamic terrorism. He also suggested these individuals be searched on arrival and face the normal very extensive process to become a citizen of Lyseria. Romero stated he would offer logistical support and military supplies and advice to other nations engaged in the war against ISIS, but believed that nations within the region should actually handle ISIS themselves and would not commit Lyserian forces unless absolutely necessary.

Domínguez responded to Delgado by saying that the refugees seeking to enter Lyseria were fleeing from Islamic terrorism, and that leaving them in a desperate situation either in Syria or in crowded refugee camps in Lebanon and Turkey was not only a compassionless move, but one which would lead to desperation amongst the refugees that could lead to further violence and extremism. Domínguez stated that it was only unified as one people standing against terrorism that victory could be won, and that a lasting victory could only be one of ideas. He further said that the treatment of refugees by Delgado and others like him helped terroristic groups to convince Muslims of the violence and uncaring nature of the west to get them to join them, and that it was only through welcoming in these refugees that Lyseria could truly dispel that myth.

Ramos responded to both Domínguez and Delgado. She called Domínguez "dangerously naive" and told him "mark my words, you will open the door to let in the poor sheep, and you will not see the many wolves amongst them until they are at your throat". She further said that the nations accepting refugees were doing a fine enough job as it was, and called Domínguez statement about desperation leading to extremism "utterly false", stating that "if you join ISIS you are already evil, and you will be destroyed". She also stated that Delgado's suggestion to develop a nuclear weapon was terrible however, stating that it would violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and would cause unnecessary antagonism with allies such as the USA, Israel, the UK and France. Ramos also stated that she would only commit Lyserian ground troops as a last option, but stated that she agreed with Delgado that local nations in the region should defeat ISIS themselves, but that Lyseria could perhaps play more of a role in aiding this defeat through drone technology.

Despite other candidates wanting to respond, time ran out for this section and the debate moved onto the next topic.

[OOC: To be done tomorrow]

[Lyseria]

Lyserians living in Ventalia have largely supported the Partido Popular (PP).

The Electoral Commission of Lyseria thanks you for informing them of this. Alejandro Romero thanks the majority of Lyserians living in Ventalia for their support in his campaign.

[Lyseria]

2nd debate issue) The student protests

The debate started by the moderator asking all 5 candidates "Many Lyserian students have been protesting over the last month for free quality education, including tertiary education. If you support their demands and would meet them if elected Prime Minister, please raise your hand".

Of the five only Representante Carlos Domínguez raised his hand.

The moderator then asked him "Representante Domínguez, why do you support these demands and how would you cover the costs of them?"

In Domínguez's response he commented on education as an investment for the future, one that would help create educated and skilled Lyserian workers who would excel at jobs both at home and abroad. Domínguez highlighted a good education as helping greatly to get employed, and stated that an educated Lyseria was a prosperous Lyseria.

Domínguez stated that by implementing progressive taxation, whereby the rich would pay a higher rate on higher levels of income, the students demands could comfortably be met. Domínguez quipped "It means the top 1% will be able to afford only one Lamborghini rather than a fleet of twenty, but something tells me most Lyserians care more about providing our youth from all economic backgrounds with the means for success more than the number of cars our wealthiest are able to afford to buy". Domínguez also stated he would cut spending to government subsidies to big Lyserian business (part of the "Lion Economy Strategy"), government sponsored "Morality Workshops" and "Christian Heritage Programs", both of which encouraged traditional Christian morality at school and community level, would end the militarisation of the police (cut spending increases that would see the purchase of armoured vehicles, guns and stun grenades) and would cut military funds for the expensive "Operation Scorpio" (a military training exercise for desert and Middle Eastern style city combat) and the expensive "Operation Oso" (a military training exercise for snow, forest, tundra and Ukrainian / Russian style city combat), but would not cut spending for the expensive "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities), and would indeed increase spending to it.

The moderator then asked Primer Ministro María Ramos about the student protests, given that they had developed under her watch.

Ramos responded by first berating Domínguez for his suggested tax increases and spending cuts to Business, Religion, Police and Military. She argued that this would "cause another economic crash through the irresponsible spending of an economically naive socialist, as we saw under the Torres administration only worse this time". Ramos also said that the cuts to police and military would "leave Lyseria exposed to terrorist attacks" and called the proposed cuts to religion "foreshadowing of the anti-religious policies of Domínguez, who need I remind everyone is an Atheist".

Ramos went on to say that the student demands were impossible to meet without wrecking the Lyserian economy in the process, but stated that she had worked alongside Representante Marcos Delgado and the PNL to pass a law that say a small increase on the flat tax and increases in costs to foreign registration for entry and citizenship to cover the costs of government subsidies to help lower the costs of "economically profitable subjects" (e.g. commerce, medicine, engineering, architecture, agriculture, military) for competent Lyserian born students, but stated that "the taxpayers of Lyseria will not be paying for some foreign slacker of the streets to study philosophy at Victoria university for however long it takes him to fail to get a PhD, just so he can return to the streets unemployed but well able to question if he even exists or some other nonsense".

Representante Marcos Delgado was the next to be called on to comment as Ramos had mentioned him. Delgado pointed out that the policy on education Ramos had adopted had been proposed by a Representative of the PNL, Representante Sofia Marinero, and had been supported by all members of the PNL in the House of Representatives had supported the move while some members of the PC, including Ministro de Finanzas, Augusto Comerciante, opposed the bill.

Delgado said that it was the efforts of the PNL, and not the PC that had gotten this issue addressed. Delgado went on to say that students had every right to protest peacefully without delaying and disrupting the academic process for other students, especially those who had paid for their own university tuition through their own hard work. Delgado said that the police would intervene and break up protests only if they were called to do so by the private owners of university campus or if they blocked public roads and moved on and damaged public proper or private property of other citizens. He did express that the policy of management at Universidad de Leóniudad (often shortened to Leóni) of expelling students and firing staff who actively disrupted the academic process of other students and calling in police to break up forceful blockades was the right decision.

Delgado also proposed raising the flat tax further, quite slightly, and raising the payment for immigrant entrance and citizenship, and that this money should go to specific new sections of the military, police, religious and industry budgets, whereby this money went into helping lower funds for Lyserian-born students further who signed into contracts to go into these fields after their studies in the particular fields of military strategy, advanced police training and riot management, theology and commerce, accounting and business management.

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero was able to respond next. Romero stated that he supported a middle ground between the right and the left, and stated that he supported subsidies for academically capable poor students (Lyserian born and naturalised citizen alike), and that restrictions would not be put on the subject matter, so that this would apply regardless of whether students were studying commerce, military strategy, philosophy or sociology, and that this would be funded by raising taxes somewhat for the wealthiest (by no more than 4% - from the current flat tax of 6.7% to no more than 10.7%), but that the tax rate for the lower and middle class would remain the same. This would also apply to government scholarships for exceptional students (Lyserian born and naturalised citizen alike).

Romero stated that ideally discussions and negotiations would be used first to try pacify students and protestors blocking the academic program of others, but should protester refuse to disperse that the police could and should be called onto campuses by management to disperse protestors and arrest those who used violence against them, but to do so with as little force as possible.

Representante Diego Vidal was now called on to comment, with the moderator noting he had been one of the 9 representatives who had opposed any tax increase and no direct government intervention in education. Vidal confirmed this and stated that, as most economists understood, it was when the market remained as free as possible and taxes were as low as possible that the economy truly flourished. Vidal stated that by keeping taxes very low more people would be employed, and as more people were employed they could fund their own education, that of their children or those of competent individuals lacking the necessary funds. Vidal encouraged private businesses and individuals, as well as religious institutions and community groups to help students achieve their dreams by helping put them through their education. He also stated that by doing this on an individual level rather than at a national level, bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption could be avoided and a relationship of personal and individualistic economic friendships could be developed.

Vidal stated that he opposed the incidents of police brutality against students, but he also opposed the highly disruptive nature of students in many incidents, calling them irresponsible and condemning their blocking of other students from learning, especially those who paid for their own education through their own hard work. He also said that the idea of free education, particularly tertiary education, was economically naive.

Domínguez was given the chance to respond, and highlighted free public universities in Germany as an example of cases where his policy was highly viable. Domínguez also stated that the idea that social spending, particularly education spending, had caused the 2008 financial crash was "beyond ludicrous", blaming it instead on "unregulated risky gambling on the stock exchange by bankers and high up corporates, fallowed by laws that Primer Ministro Ramos voted for while she was then just a representative by the way. When the banks crashed then Representante Ramos was one of those who voted for them to be bailed out with tax payer money, essentially allowing them to make the same bad decisions yet again, levelling no negative repercussions against them and instead writing out the cheque in the everyday taxpayer's name."

Ramos struck back by saying that Domínguez had no understanding of economics and that the 2008 crash had been due, in the most part, to reckless and out of control social spending, that had pushed up taxes and had tipped the economic prosperity of Lyseria and caused the market in Lyseria to crash due to making Lyseria openly hostile toward entrepreneurship and private business. Ramos also said that Germany was obviously a very different nation to Lyseria, and that if Lyserian universities became public their would be issues around the government pushing a syllabus they favoured rather than the most accurate syllabus, as was far more likely to occur at an independent university free of government interference.

Ramos ended by taking a side shot at Delgado, saying that while Representante Sofia Marinero had proposed the adopted bill, and while all 4 PNL representatives had approved it, it had taken the approval of 48 of the PC representatives, including Ramos herself, that had actually gotten the proposed bill passed.

Delgado quipped that soon it would be Ramos and the PC coming to him and the PNL to try get bills approved, when the PNL became the majority government, rather that the other way around.

PNL supporters in the audience cheered while most other audience members and the other candidates on the stage chuckled and the quip.

The next topic of discussion will be posted soon.

[Lyseria]

3rd debate issue) The economy and income inequality:

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero was the first to comment on this issue. He proposed a progressive tax rate to replace the flat tax, but said that the tax rate would be kept low, particularly for the lower and middle class.

Romero proposed in addition to modest tax increases, the cutting of some spending to spending to government subsidies to big Lyserian business (part of the "Lion Economy Strategy"), the cutting of some spending to the government sponsored "Morality Workshops" and "Christian Heritage Programs", both of which encouraged traditional Christian morality at school and community level, would slow down the militarisation of the police (lower spending increases that would see the purchase of armoured vehicles, guns and stun grenades) and would cut military funds for the expensive "Operation Oso" (a military training exercise for snow, forest, tundra and Ukrainian / Russian style city combat), but would not cut spending for the expensive "Operation Scorpio" (a military training exercise for desert and Middle Eastern style city combat) and the expensive "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities), and would indeed increase spending significantly to "Operation Castillo".

Romero argued that all of this would allow for some limited subsidies for poorer Lyserians in regard to education, healthcare, housing and public transport, especially at a basic level. Romero argued this would create greater income equality and more opportunity for the poor without sinking the economy.

Representante Diego Vidal was next. Vidal stated he would government sponsored "Morality Workshops" and "Christian Heritage Programs", both of which encouraged traditional Christian morality at school and community level, would end the militarisation of the police (cut spending increases that would see the purchase of armoured vehicles, guns and stun grenades) and would cut military funds for the expensive "Operation Scorpio" (a military training exercise for desert and Middle Eastern style city combat) and the expensive "Operation Oso" (a military training exercise for snow, forest, tundra and Ukrainian / Russian style city combat), but would not cut spending for the expensive "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities).

Vidal also proposed that more political power should be devolved to individual communities, allowing them to spend the tax money they raised within their own community rather than nationwide. He also stated that he opposed the tax increases brought by the Ramos administration to subsidies education fees, stating education should be left to the individual, and that private businesses and individuals, including churches and other religious institutions, would be able to donate to individuals they chose to if taxes were cut.

Vidal ended by pointing out that he and his party supported the flat tax, and were the party that supported the lowest overall taxes, arguing that this would create a business friendly environment that would allow more jobs to be created that would benefit everyone at the end of the day.

Representante Marcos Delgado was the next to comment. He stated that the PNL would look after Lyserians first, and would increase funding to religion, police and the military. Delgado argued that not enough was spent on "Morality Workshops" and "Christian Heritage Programs", both of which encourage traditional Christian morality at school and community level, on the proper funding and arming of the police (spending increases that would see the purchase of armoured vehicles, guns and stun grenades for the police) and on "Operation Scorpio" (a military training exercise for desert and Middle Eastern style city combat), "Operation Oso" (a military training exercise for snow, forest, tundra and Ukrainian / Russian style city combat) and particularly on "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities). Delgado also proposed that Lyseria start developing nuclear weapons to act as a nuclear deterrent against foreign threats. Delgado stated that through raising the flat tax slightly, by implementing a tax on foreign born individuals in Lyseria and by significantly raising the cost of immigrant entrance and citizenship application fees, all of this could and would be covered.

Primer Ministro María Ramos stated that in just under four years she had brought the Lyserian economy back from the edge of ruin the Torres administration had left it in through their reckless social spending and high taxes. She defended all her policies. Ramos asked voters to continue to put their trust in her, stating that she had more than proven she was capable of raising the economy to new and greater heights. Ramos stated that following the terrorist attack on Paris she would propose more funds to "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities), and that she would fund this increase through a very small increase to the flat tax.

Ramos stated that she was the only candidate who would be able to properly balance bolstering the economy and keeping Lyseria safe, stating that Delgado's nuclear weapon program would cause tensions with Lyseria's allies of the USA, Israel, France and the UK and would be massively costly. She also stated "you are about to here the economic policies of Señor Domínguez again. These are, just to remind you, a move to slash police and military capabilities as well as our religion and industry budgets, a steep tax increase, particularly on our hardest workers, and the implementation of a massive public system bureaucracy that will sink our economy, create an attitude of entitlement, will punish hard work and innovation and will lead to sub-standard healthcare and education, with education infiltrated by big government interference".

Representante Carlos Domínguez responded by thanking Ramos for proving his suspicion right that she would use her time in this section of the debate to once again lie to the Lyserian people. Domínguez went on to point out the extreme income inequality in Lyseria after 4 years of Ramos, with the richest 10% of citizens earning around that 266 times more than the bottom 10%. Domínguez stated that it was time for the richest to actually pay their dues, particularly the corporate elites and big bankers who had caused the 2008 crash. He went on to say that he would implement progressive taxation, and would see steep increases on the wealthy and especially the super wealthy. He also vowed to implement taxation on high levels of inheritance, stating that "if you are passing on a few thousand Coronas, your old family car or a small flat to your son or daughter, you will face no charge, but if you want to pass down your private jet, your mansion, your fleet of luxury cars or a fee of a billion Coronas or so, you are going to face a hefty tax on that. You will still be able to get them, but we are going to tax that and put that toward funding quality universal healthcare, free quality education, welfare and cheap housing for the homeless and the starving, public transport and environmental funds for parks and green areas. In short we are going to give all citizens a real chance to succeed, and create a healthy environment for them to succeed in."

Domínguez ended by stating that he fully supported money toward "Operation Castillo" (a military training exercise for military response to terrorist attacks in Lyseria, particularly Lyserian cities), and had indeed proposed an increase in spending to it, but did not see the need for "Operation Scorpio" and "Operation Oso", both of which were tailored toward foreign invasions, or indeed to the expansion of the Lyserian drone project, that Domínguez stated he would cut back on. Domínguez also stated he supported keeping the police as police, as defenders of the law, rather than as the military force Ramos wanted to turn them into to oppress the "ever so dangerous threat of unarmed and peaceful students with dangerous placards".

Vidal responded to Domínguez by saying that, in regard to inheritance tax, he felt it was wrong to "tax people in death even after a long life of tax already". Vidal also stated that, while Domínguez proposals of the cuts to military, religious and police spending were good, his outdated and naive socialist policies and oppressive tax rate would wreck the Lyserian economy and its international status as a nation attractive to foreign business. Vidal also took aim at Delgado, stating that the nuclear weapon project he proposed was "utterly outdated, needlessly expensive and would wreck our relations with many of our allies, as it violates the nuclear non-proliferation treaty". Vidal ended by asking Delgado "which major nation with nuclear weapons are we actually supposed to be deterring with these nuclear weapons?"

Delgado responded by saying "Russia, China, Pakistan, North Korea and, potentially in the future, Iran. I will not make the mistake of thinking that these sleeping giants and small but dangerous extremists could not rise up and threaten us one day, and I will not simply rely upon our allies in the USA, Israel, France and the UK to protect us. If Lyseria is threatened we will threaten back, and if Lyseria if struck WE will strike back! This is the problem with you liberals, you think you are so clever and so safe with your words and your treaties and your human rights protections, but when the real powers come to steal your life and liberty it is us, us real conservatives, that are the only ones with the guts and the strength to throw them back into the sea".

Delgado recieved a resounding cheer from his supporters, and actually also from many PC supporters.

Domínguez interjected "And yet when it comes to protecting foreign refugees, men, women and children escaping a war zone and seeking a better future we turn our backs on them? How is that either brave or noble?"

Delgado struck back "They have their own country to take care of, let them and other nations in the region handle ISIS, let Lyserians handle Lyseria".

Domínguez: "And yet we created this chaos in the first place, through our invasion of Iraq and through the disbanding of the Iraqi military, many of whom joined ISIS".

"That was not me" stated Delgado, turning on Ramos, "that was these folks over here".

"I will remind you that I opposed to Iraq war and campaigned on getting out of it" stated Ramos. "And I will neither get involved in developing nuclear weapons or flooding our Kingdom with refugees, both of which will destabilise us".

The moderator stepped in to restore order and to move on to the next topic.

[Lyseria]

The moderator asked candidates to keep statements brief as they were not running to schedule.

4th issue) Law and Order / Police Brutality:

Representante Marcos Delgado started by stating that he supported the police of Lyseria, and understood that they had one of the most difficult jobs in all of the Kingdom. Delgado stated that he understood that there were some "bad apples" amongst the police force, but on the whole that they were a brave and noble group of protectors and upholders of the law. Delgado stated that in many cases police had been provoked to violence by "wild and completely inappropriate actions by unruly thugs amongst the student protest movement. I believe that most of the police acted very admirably under the highly trying circumstances. I fully support more funding toward the police".

Representante Carlos Domínguez struck back by saying that many police had acted with completely unacceptable levels of violence against peaceful and unarmed students. He stated "however the majority of the blame cannot be positioned against these hard working men and women, simply doing their jobs, but rather against the politicians, four of whom are standing here tonight, who silenced and ignored students again and again until they finally rose up and demanded to be heard. The majority of blame must go to the corporate elites who demanded that these savage cuts to education be made, and against the corporate media who lied and told us that free quality education for all was impossible or would wreck the economy, both of which are utterly untrue. The police on the whole are hard working men and women, it is the politicians, corporate elite and corporate media that caused the situation to become this desperate, and thus set the scene for violence, who are truly to blame. That being said, those police who did exert absolutely extreme and unnecessary force, such as those who beat Juana Pastor, an unarmed woman of 18, to death, should be sought out, tried and face life imprisonment".

Primer Ministro María Ramos was brought in to respond, given that the protests and police response, as well as the death of Juana Pastor, had happened under her watch. Ramos started by extending her deepest condolences to the friends and family of Juana Pastor and vowed to carry on doing her best to find the "handful of savage animals amongst our noble police force responsible for her death". Ramos then turned all her fury on Domínguez saying "how dare you accuse me of causing this violence? How Dare You? If anyone is responsible here it is you and the other leftist fools like you, who have sold these lies of entitlement to students, who have incited violent elements of these protests to use violence against the police, leaving the police no choice but to respond to these thugs".

"You call unarmed students fighting for quality education thugs?" asked Domínguez.

The moderator interjected, "please Representative allow the Prime Minister"

Ramos cut the moderator off "No Señor Domínguez, listen slowly and maybe you will understand, I am calling the violent thugs who attacked police what they are. Many students remained peaceful, and, provided that they do not disrupt students who actually want to work they should be allowed to protest in peace".

Domínguez interjected again. "And yet these students do want to work, and have the intelligence and work ethic to succeed, but many of them will be denied the opportunity to just because of the economic situation they are born into".

"Please Representative Domínguez allow the Prime Minister to finish, we will bring you back in for a comment later" said the moderator. "Please continue Prime Minister".

"I stand with the majority of our hard working police force and will work hard to deal with the few problematic elects of them" Ramos concluded.

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero was next, but appeared to have been caught a little off guard at the start by the rapid nature and back and forth of the conversation, as well as Ramos's brief summing up. "Oh me? Right, um yes. Um well yes I extend my deepest condolences to the Pastor family, and promise to do my best to bring those who caused her death to justice. I believe that the police are, on the whole though, good hard working people I stand with. I believe that the students very often acted out of turn and with unacceptable disrespect for our brave police officers. I think the level at which they are being militarised is to too great an extent however. I would continue the provision of some armoured cars, guns and stun grenades, only for very extreme circumstances of course, but would not spend nearly as much as the conservatives are spending on them. The police are a force to keep the peace and uphold the law, not a wing of the military to be sent in with combat level weapons and tactics".

Representante Diego Vidal was last to comment. "I also wish to extent my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Juana Pastor. I vow to you that we will find and charge the monsters that committed this grievous act against this unarmed woman, who was stolen from us all too soon".

Vidal then turned on Domínguez, condemning his statement that he and others who did not "crumble to unrealistic student demands" were responsible for the "violent situation caused by some violent elements in a mostly peaceful protest and some overly aggressive police in a, admittedly over militarised, but on the whole mostly noble police force. Maybe it would be better for Señor Domínguez to stop advocating free education and actually take a course in basic economics and learn how impractical his suggestion is". Vidal smiled at his quip.

Domínguez struck right back. "Maybe Señor Vidal would like to take the time to come out of his gated community and see the situation on the streets. Maybe Señor Vidal would like to take the time to leave his circle of adoring fans of Libertarian students from rich backgrounds and speak to students working three jobs while doing their degree, just to try and afford paying for their next year of tuition. Maybe Señor Vidal would like to take the time to leave the House of representatives, where he opposed any government subsidies to education, and come and stand with the protestors and see the desperation in their eyes, the desperation but also the hope".

Vidal was left somewhat shocked by the attack and declined to respond to it.

The fifth and final topic was then moved onto.

[Lyseria]

5th and final topic) Social issues, notably gay marriage.

The moderator started by going over the fact that earlier this year the Constitutional Court of Lyseria voted 4 to 3 to legalise gay marriage, in line with a section in the Lyserian Constitution of 1972, the first and holding one of the Kingdom, stating "Roman Catholicism shall be the official religion of the Kingdom, however, all citizens shall have the freedom to practice whichsoever religion they should choose and whichsoever interpretation of that religion they should choose, or practise no religion should they so choose, provided that in the practise of this religion or lack of practise in religion they do not cause physical harm to others or pose a genuine threat to society and social order".

The legislature swiftly approved an amendment (which received the neccessary 2 / 3rds majority in the House of Representatives, 2 / 3rds majority in the King's Council of Lords (where the vote actually ended up being passed unanimously) and approval of the King) which added the Line "However, this does not extend to the right for two or more individuals of the same gender, or more than two individuals of the same gender (with gender here defined as a male being of the XY chromosomes and a female of the XX chromosomes), or any individual and one directly of his or her bloodline (father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, uncle, aunt, first-cousin or second-cousin) or any human and non-human to enter into the union of marriage".

The ammendment was supported by the PC, the PP and the PNL. The PT and the PL strongly opposed the ammendment and were able to filibuster for eight days (including the two day weekend) in the House of Representatives before the ammendment was passed there, giving many gay couples the oppertunity to get married across the country. Once the ammendment went to the King's Council of Lords it was passed unanimously without debate (as neither party that opposed it had any seats there) and was signed by King Alfonso XII immediately to come into effect the day afterward (the earliest that can apply on a non-ememrgency bill or amendment).

Representante Diego Vidal was the first to be allowed to comment, as he was one of the only 18 Representantes to oppose the amendment. Vidal stated that supported marriage equality for all and that the arguments against the marriage of two consenting adults of the same sex were just as ridiculous and flawed as those that had existed prior to the 1972 Constitution legalising interracial marriage.

On other social issues Vidal stated he and his party were pro-choice, supported legalising marijuana for over-18s and wanted to keep alcohol and tobacco legal over the age of 18. They also supported handguns, rifles, shotguns and automatic weapons, as well as concealed and open carry, outside of restricted areas and private businesses and property where the owner limited it, for all Lyserian citizens over 18 without violent criminal histories or links to terrorist groups. Vidal supported ending compulsory military service (currently 2 years compulsory service for all Lyserian men once they had finished Highschool).

Representante Marcos Delgado opposed legalising gay marriage, stating it violated the sacred definition of marriage as bestowed by God. Delgado further supported compulsory shock therapy for homosexuals to "cure them of their disease", stating "we must not kill homosexuals, we must cure them".

Delgado is pro-life, stating "I do not support the murder of babies, not in the case of rape, not in the case of incest, not when the mother's life is in danger. The mother has been bestowed with a child by God. She must do everything she can to keep this baby alive and raise it in this world as a good Christian". Delgado opposed legalising marijuana, and wanted long prison sentences and heavy fines for those caught dealing it, and fairly long for those using and possessing it. Delgado supported keeping alcohol and tobacco legal for over 18s. Delgado also supported handguns, rifles, shotguns and automatic weapons, as well as concealed and open carry, outside of restricted areas and private businesses and property where the owner limited it, for all Lyserian citizens over 18, except in the case of early military conscription at age 17, without violent criminal histories or links to terrorist groups. Delgado wanted to keep compulsory military service for all Lyserian men after they had finished Highschool.

Representante Carlos Domínguez slammed Delgado for almost all of his policies. Domínguez stated that marriage was pre-biblical and that gay marriage should and must be legalised, and vowed he and his party would carry on fighting to legalise it.

Domínguez supported stated he and his party were pro-choice, supported legalising marijuana for over-18s and wanted to keep alcohol and tobacco legal over the age of 18. Domínguez wanted background searches and gun licenses for all guns, with licences distributed provided handlers could pass a basic test on gun safety and passed an eye test, with the licence lasting 5 years and then a check up being done. All guns could only be brought over the age of 18 Domínguez supported more extensive licences and backup checks for more dangerous guns. Domínguez stated that concealed and open carry licenses would only be distributed to citizens who passed extensive tests on marksmanship, stress management and extensive background checks, and that these would only last 1 year before being renewed. Domínguez supported ending compulsory military service (currently 2 years compulsory service for all Lyserian men once they had finished Highschool).

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero emphasised his middle ground status in his answers. Romero stated he supported keeping civil unions legal for gay couples, but opposed gay marriage as he believed it infringed on religious freedom.

Romero stated he was pro-choice, opposed marijuana legalisation but wanted lower sentences for marijuana dealing and repeated usage and possession, and fines for first time use or possession. Romero wanted to keep alcohol and tobacco legal for over 18s. Romero wanted to keep handguns and shotguns legal for all non-violent Lyserian citizens over 18. He wanted wanted background searches and gun licenses for all guns, with licences distributed provided handlers could pass a basic test on gun safety and passed an eye test, with the licence lasting 5 years and then a check up being done for machine guns and rifles. Romero also stated that concealed and open carry licenses would only be distributed to citizens who passed extensive tests on marksmanship, stress management and extensive background checks, and that these would only last 2 years before being renewed. b]Domínguez[/b] supported ending compulsory military service (currently 2 years compulsory service for all Lyserian men once they had finished Highschool).

Primer Ministro María Ramos stated that she intended to get rid of civil unions for gay couples, and opposed legalising gay marriage, as both violated religious freedom. However she also opposed compulsory shock therapy for homosexuals and physical homophobic violence.

Ramos was pro-life, including in the case of rape and incest, in which case she did encourage church run institutions to take in these children should the mothers not want them after they were born. Ramos opposed marijuana legalisation and supported the current sentences against it. She supported keeping alcohol and tobacco legal for those over 18. Ramos also supported handguns, rifles, shotguns and automatic weapons, as well as concealed and open carry, outside of restricted areas and private businesses and property where the owner limited it, for all Lyserian citizens over 18, except in the case of early military conscription at age 17, without violent criminal histories or links to terrorist groups. Ramos wanted to keep compulsory military service for all Lyserian men after they had finished Highschool.

Due to limited time cross questions couldn't be asked.

Now for closing statements.

[Lyseria]

Closing statements:

Primer Ministro María Ramos:

"Over the past four years I have lead this nation from one on the brink of chaos to prosperity and safety. I have rebuilt our economy, shredded by the reckless spending of the Torres administration. I have made us safer, rebuilt the military and police to a level capable of defending Lyseria against Islamic Terrorism, while keeping us out of foreign wars. I have restored much of the Christian values this nation holds dear to it, and illegalised abortion. I ended the misinterpretation of the Constitutional Court in legalising gay marriage by passing an amendment. However, I also railed against the homophobic violence and compulsory shock treatment used and pushed for by the far right.

Under my watch Lyseria has risen to its former glory, and broken past it to new levels., but we can still go further, still fly higher.

I ask you to trust in me once again, and I will not disappoint you, I will make this great Kingdom of ours greater still. I ask you to allow me to finish the good work I have started."

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero:

If their was any doubt that this nation was not divided, tonight has made that clear. Ramos, while trying to lead Lyseria forward, pulls this nation toward a compassionless capitalistic future interwoven with outdated conservatism. Domínguez is a well meaning but naive socialist, who will wreck our economy. His social policies further infringe on religious freedom. Vidal is an out of touch liberal whose economic policies will leave the poor with no hope of success, and further his social policies infringe on religious freedom. Finally Delgado is a ultra-conservative whose policies against foreigners and homosexuals are unacceptable.

A vote for any of these candidates will pull this nation in the wrong direction. Only a vote for Romero will lead to balance and stability."

Representante Carlos Domínguez:

"Tonight we have heard 4 different candidates tell us that providing free quality education for all is economically unviable, and let 2 of these 4 propose we spend more on training missions and drones with the capabilities for foreign wars. Tonight we have heard 3 candidates tell us that gay marriage should be illegal, lying to us that it goes against religious freedom, just as interracial marriage supposed did, all the while assuring us they want to move Lyseria forward to a brighter, better and freer future. Tonight we have heard another 3 parties state they will not allow in any refugees, men, women and children, from a war torn region, and a 4th candidate tell us they will only allow in a handful of those who will do menial labour, and yet these candidates still claim Lyseria can be called a great and glorious Kingdom while we do this. Tonight 2 parties have told us civil unions and abortion should be banned, with abortion including in cases of rape and incest, and one party stating it thinks homosexuality is a sickness and proposing compulsory shock treatment to cure it. This same party thinks abortion should also be illegal when the mothers life is in danger.

Only one party here tonight has proposed a real vision for the future where the rich will pay their dues, one where everyone will have an opportunity to succeed, regardless of the economic background, religion, race, gender, sex or sexuality. That is my party. That is Partido del Trabajo. I ask you to vote for us. I ask you to allow us to help you make a Lyeria where all can succeed, where all can prosper, not just a select few. I ask you for your support."

Representante Marcos Delgado:

"I said it at the start and I will say it again. I stand for Lyseria first. The other candidates standing here tonight have claimed they also do, they have lied.

Partido Conservador has failed to uphold the true values of our Kingdom. They have failed to get rid of civil unions for gay couples and oppose our attempts to cure these sick individuals. They have been lax in their defence of Lyseria, and it has taken us real conservatives to pressure them into action.

Partido del Trabajo have shown themselves to be nothing but naive socialists and out of touch leftists, who would wreck our nations economy and flood it with foreigners, and would open our doors to potential terrorists.

Partido Liberal have shown themselves to be out of touch liberals, which no understanding of the workers, and with social policies that violate every religious freedom and moral of our proud kingdom.

As for Partido Popular, well I hardly think we need to worry about them, surely it is apparent how little spine these moderate pushovers have, lacking the balls to even propose strongly leftist or liberal pseudo policies, while swiping feebly at the strong policies of the right.

Many may not like me, but I am the man who will save this nation. I will protect us from foreign threats and Islamic Terrorism. I will defend our Christian values. I will put Lyserians and Lyseria first.

I don't ask you to vote for me. I am telling you, if you love Lyseria like I do, you will vote for me."

Representante Diego Vidal:

"I am the candidate of freedom, and Partido Liberal is the party of freedom.

Every other candidate tonight has proposed a future with further restrictions here, more taxes there to pay for more bureaucratic spending there. I will not do that. I will legalise gay marriage, abortion and marijuana. I will cut spending on our military and police to a level where they will defend our nation with absolute capability, rather than train for expensive, bloody and pointless foreign wars. I will cut taxes for everyone, rather than punishing hard workers and throwing their hard earned money into misguided and bureaucratic social nightmares.

I am the candidate for truly free Lyseria. If you love freedom like I do, you will vote for me."

[Lyseria]

Tonight, Saturday the 21st of November, a political discussion was held between 5 parties who support the Student Protest.

The discussion was held in the Millennium Hall of Universidad de Victoria (UV). It was chaired by the unofficial spokeswoman of the nationwide protests, Señorita Rosa Alfarero.

The 5 speakers answered questions from the students.

The first speaker was Raquel Izquierdo, leader of the Partido Verde, currently in an alliance with the Partido del Trabajo who also support the student protests, but Representante Carlos Domínguez agreed to just watch the date and answer questions afterward, as he spoke at the official debate between the leaders of the 5 largest parties last night, and it was agreed that each party / alliance would only have one main speaker.

The second speaker was Matías Rodriguez, leader of Partido Socialista.

The third speaker was Lilith Noche, acting spokeswoman of the Partido Anarco-Comunista while their leader, Daniela López, faces ruling in court for disobeying orders of police and obstruction of justice. This came when she and many others marched peacefully with students on the House of Representatives, a march that was broken up by police, who argued it was a potential threat. López refused two royal pardons, stating she would only accept one if student demands were met, and was denied bail when she stated she would just take part in another protest if she were released on it.

The fourth speaker was Angela Ruiz leader of the Partido Pirata.

The final speaker was Loco Rubén, leader of the Muy Tonto Partido. He attended with his joint candidate for Prime Minister, a cat named Señor Biggles, who the Muy Tonto Partido are trying to get declared as King of Lyseria.

[Lyseria]

Raquel Izquierdo vowed to fight for greater environmental protections as well as for free quality education. Izquierdo also proposed spending to make university campuses more eco-friendly. She also promised to fight for the entrance of refugees escaping the violence in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East to Lyseria to get refuge.

She vowed to ensure that Representante Carlos Domínguez stuck to his word on his Democratic Socialist and Progressive promises, although stated that she trusted him and had met few people more devoted to their promises.

Matías Rodriguez caused a stir and faced many boos for opposing allowing refugees entering Lyseria. He also faced boos for his opposition to gay marriage, civil unions, abortions and marijuana. Rodriguez stuck to his guns however and vowed to fight for free quality education, even if the students and he opposed one another on social issues.

Lilith Noche stated that "when Partido Anarco-Comunistacome to power, as we will this election, we will get rid of money and private property. Lyseria will become a collections of cooperative collectives, wherein all people will work toward a common good, and where all will cooperate with one another". She also stated "We will end the oppressive social policies of the current regime. We will legalise gay marriage, consensual polygamy, consensual incest, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and all other drugs. We will advise against the use of more harmful drugs, but we will not force people to not take them or punish them for doing so". Noche also stated her party opposed the system of royalty and nobility in Lyseria, and would allow them to keep their titles should they want, but would strip all unearned political power from them. She stated that anyone could declare themselves a King, Queen, Duke, Duchess, Lady or Lord, but what really mattered was working together to create a better world for all.

Angela Ruiz received cheers for her promises to reform copyright laws, create real freedom of information, protect the privacy of all, ensure transparency in government and set out establishing direct democracy. Angela Ruiz also vowed to fight for free education for all students and stated that she would be happy to cooperate with the other parties present on issues they agreed on.

Loco Rubén received the most laughs. Rubén spent quite a while before the debate handing out "obligatory funny hats" and vowed to fight for getting animals, particularly cats, voting rights.

When asked about his position on free quality education Rubén stated that not only would he insist upon free quality education, but he would also tax the nobility and use this money to buy free beers, wine, coffee or orange juice with ecstasy for every student every day. He would also make it compulsory for all politicians and bankers to appear in play showing at every educational institution every year in which they must all act out their spirit animal, whom students would decide on. He suggested that the spirit animal of Representante Marcos Delgado, leader of the PNL, was a self conscious gay chicken trying to deny its own sexuality and insisting it is a hawk, that the spirit animal of Primer Ministro María Ramos was a hyena with dentures that just wanted to be loved, that the spirit animal of Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero was a tortoise on ecstasy that didn't want to admit it was and denied ever using it, and that the spirit animal of Representante Carlos Domínguez, leader of the PT was a friendly, handsome and outgoing but stubborn thrush who really just wanted to build a really awesome nest to hang out with everyone and party. Domínguez, who was present, confirmed that this was indeed his spirit animal.

Loco Rubén had a long debate with some students about whether dogs or cats were better, but many students agreed that the cat Señor Biggles should indeed replace King Alfonso XII as king, or at least co-rule with him.

[Lyseria]

The students have agreed to allow a representative from the World Anarchic Union to speak at their discussion. They welcome the support of foreign nations and would be interested to hear what they have to say.

[World Anarchic Union]

In World Anarchic Union, what was happening in Lyseria in regards to the students' protests and the general election had captured the eyes of a majority of the population, supporting the students, their demands and the parties which sought to meet them, especially Partido Anarco-Comunista and Partido Pirata
The representatives from World Anarchic Union, who had arrived to speak to the students to show their support for their demands, with the inclusion of another, older man stood up and stood next to Ana Ramona Naváez who spoke.
"Brothers and Sisters of Lyseria,
We wish to show our utmost respect and our solidarity with your cause, the cause of the students and those who are repressed for the gain of the capital. You have shown that the ruling class always has obstacles and that those obstacles are what causes change and progress. Standing up to the oppressors, whatever form they take is always signs of a true democracy. The people of World Anarchic Union congratulate you once again and we are all very eager to see the results of your general election and, of course, the results of your protests. For that, even if there are differences between us and what we represent and what some of the representatives of the parties assembled here represent, we are glad those parties support your rightful cause! We hope that equality and justice prevail in these elections!
Lastly, for those who met with us in this very university some days ago, you will notice that there is a new member among our group."
Ana Ramona Naváez pointed towards the older gentleman who waved towards the students and allowed her to continue.
"This man is comrade Ernesto Herrero. He is regarded as one of the most important people alive in World Anarchic Union due to his contribution in its establishment. He was once a student and a notable, and quite infamous for the bourgeois authorities, protest organizer who led many successful protests against the corrupt government, most notably one where, after weeks of massive student demonstrations, the workers joined the protests and the country basically shut down. It was then that one of the first communes of World Anarchic Union was established. At the age of 92, he is an active member of the community and wished to travel this long journey to thank you, the students and their supporters and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.
We can all agree with comrade Ernesto and we invite students to travel to World Anarchic Union for academic purposes should they wish. We will help in any way we can the students and their various supporters in any form. Solidarity!
Viva la democracia! Viva la libertad!"
As she said that, she raised her fist, holding a red and black bandana, along with the other representatives of World Anarchic Union.

[Lyseria]

In World Anarchic Union, what was happening in Lyseria in regards to the students' protests and the general election had captured the eyes of a majority of the population, supporting the students, their demands and the parties which sought to meet them, especially Partido Anarco-Comunista and Partido Pirata
The representatives from World Anarchic Union, who had arrived to speak to the students to show their support for their demands, with the inclusion of another, older man stood up and stood next to Ana Ramona Naváez who spoke.
"Brothers and Sisters of Lyseria,
We wish to show our utmost respect and our solidarity with your cause, the cause of the students and those who are repressed for the gain of the capital. You have shown that the ruling class always has obstacles and that those obstacles are what causes change and progress. Standing up to the oppressors, whatever form they take is always signs of a true democracy. The people of World Anarchic Union congratulate you once again and we are all very eager to see the results of your general election and, of course, the results of your protests. For that, even if there are differences between us and what we represent and what some of the representatives of the parties assembled here represent, we are glad those parties support your rightful cause! We hope that equality and justice prevail in these elections!
Lastly, for those who met with us in this very university some days ago, you will notice that there is a new member among our group."
Ana Ramona Naváez pointed towards the older gentleman who waved towards the students and allowed her to continue.
"This man is comrade Ernesto Herrero. He is regarded as one of the most important people alive in World Anarchic Union due to his contribution in its establishment. He was once a student and a notable, and quite infamous for the bourgeois authorities, protest organizer who led many successful protests against the corrupt government, most notably one where, after weeks of massive student demonstrations, the workers joined the protests and the country basically shut down. It was then that one of the first communes of World Anarchic Union was established. At the age of 92, he is an active member of the community and wished to travel this long journey to thank you, the students and their supporters and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.
We can all agree with comrade Ernesto and we invite students to travel to World Anarchic Union for academic purposes should they wish. We will help in any way we can the students and their various supporters in any form. Solidarity!
Viva la democracia! Viva la libertad!"
As she said that, she raised her fist, holding a red and black bandana, along with the other representatives of World Anarchic Union.

The students and other members of the audience give a massive cheer at the end of the speech. Many go afterward to thank Ana Ramona Naváez, Ernesto Herrero and the others for their support. Many students are also overjoyed to hear about the invitation to travel to the World Anarchic Union for academic purposes.

The leaders of the various parties present also thank you for your support.

Representante Carlos Domínguez says he would look forward to a time at which Lyseria and the World Anarchic Union can work together to help better the lives of all of their people, as well as the lives of those suffering elsewhere in the world.

Matías Rodriguez thanks you for the speech, and for your commitment to leftist economic policies.

Angela Ruiz and Lilith Noche thank you for your inspiring speech and unwavering support. They are also both thrilled to hear about the strong support for there political parties in the World Anarchic Union.

Loco Rubén asks if you have your obligatory funny hats yet, and then starts trying to distribute them to you. And then also thanks you for the speech, which he calls "marvellously scrumptious".

Señor Biggles looks at you in that disdainful way cats do that says "if you don't have food I don't care who you are, if you do have food maybe I'll tolerate you for a while, maybe even appreciate you, who knows, I'll decide".

[Lyseria]

A winner poll was done just after the main 5 Party debate on Friday and over yesterday asking audience members and voters who had watched the debate who they thought had performed best. Here are the results:

Debate Winner:

1st) Representante Carlos Domínguez of the PT: 39%
2nd) Representante Marcos Delgado of the PNL: 26%
3rd) Primer Ministro María Ramos of the PC: 24%
4th) Representante Diego Vidal of the PL: 7%
5th) Líder de la Oposición Alejandro Romero of the PP: 4%

To be clear these are not the voting polls, which include all 10 parties and ask who voters would vote for rather than who they thought won the debate.

However, the winner poll has given a massive boost in confidence to the Domínguez and the PT, who were seen by most polled, by a comfortable majority, as having won the debate.

The poll also gave a boost in confidence to the Delgado and the PNL, who caused an upset by Delgado being seen by the second highest number of those polled as having won the debate, the first time in Lyserian electoral history a candidate outside of the major two parties has been ranked in one of the two top slots in performance in a debate, in this case second.

Representante Diego Vidal also expressed contentment at his 7%, an impressive number for a party that only won 4% in the last general election in 2011.

Primer Ministro María Ramos dismissed her third place ranking as "a statistical fluke" and stated that the high numbers for Domínguez and Delgado were just due to "citizens polled preferring theatrics in debates over real sensible policies". Some political analysts suggest the third place position, while only narrowly behind Delgado, is a disaster for Ramos's re-election campaign.

The clear loser of the debate was Líder de la Oposición Alejandro Romero, whose campaign has been going from loss to loss. Many voters see Romero as too moderate and cautious. Romero is hated on the left for breaking away, along with 21 other former PT representatives, to form the Partido Popular after Romero lost the PT leadership challenge to Domínguez. Romero is distrusted on the right as he was Primer Ministro Juan Torres's Segundo Ministro during the 2008 financial crash and is often associated with that collapse.

Romero's performance in the debate was also seen as greatly lacking in charisma, and some political analysts have suggested the PP might fail to hold onto any of their 22 seats in the upcoming election. Romero dismissed the claims, stating "they will date Domínguez but they will marry Romero", a play on the 2004 US Democratic Party Primary where John Kerry defeated Howard Dean after Dean was initially doing very well, with some quipping "Dated Dean, Married Kerry". Whether Romero's confidence pays will be seen in time.

[Lyseria]

OOC:100 international votes have been cast.

To reward this stellar effort you all get a belly dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAOa2maPPj0

[Lyseria]

Polls at current (after the debate) - Sunday the 22nd of November:

Poll Average:

Undecided: 1,4%

PT: 35,3%
PC: 26, 2%
PNL: 24, 4%
PL: 5%
PP: 4%
PS: 2%
PAC: 1,5%
PPi: 1%
MTP: 0,2%
PAM: 0,1%

Polls on Friday the 20th of November, prior to the debate

Poll Average:

Undecided: 13,5%

PT: 29,3%
PC: 25, 2%
PNL: 21, 2%
PP: 5%
PL: 4%
PS: 1,2%
PAC: 1%
PPi: 0,5%
PAM: 0,1%
MTP: 0,1%

After the debate far more voters have pledged their support to a candidate. Only 1,4% of voters polled now say they are undecided.

The PT have surged to a comfortable lead, while the PC campaign for re-electing Primer Ministro Ramos is looking steadily more dire. The PNL have surged to an unprecedented 24, 4%, a record in the polls for a third party. The PL have risen up to 4th place, a decent step for them. The PP campaign is looking desperate, becoming the only party to go down in the polls after the debate, despite the undecided voters dropping drastically and despite currently having the second highest number of seats in the House of representatives.

Amongst the so called "bottom five" parties, all but the PAM have received a increase in the polls. The PAM are now last behind even the MTP, often referred to as "Lyseria's official joke party".

[Lyseria]

Representante Carlos Domínguez campaigned in Amanecer today, particularly in Universidad de Amanecer (UA). This is part of his strategy to visit all of the major Universities still protesting before election day, Universidad de Amanecer on Monday, Cecilio Juan Pavoreal Universidad (often shortened to Pavoreal) in Burrovalle on Tuesday, Universidad de Puertoro (UP) on Wednesday and Universidad de Lopeziudad (often shortened to Lopezi) on Thursday, before campaigning in Lopeziudad's poorer areas over the day of Friday before the debate at the Lopeziudad National Theatre on Friday night.

While in Amanecer Domínguez met with former Prime Minister Guillermo Seda and met with the family of Juana Pastor, a 19 year old student protestor who died as a result of a severe beating she received from police. Juana's little sister, Ana Pastor, asked Domínguez to ensure her sisters death was not for nothing and that he ensure that free quality education be assured for all, to which Domínguez promised he would ensure.

León Novedades asked all 5 major candidates their religious positions, which the conservative news network see as highly important. They also asked the three Roman Catholic candidates to comment on the Atheism of Domínguez.

Primer Ministro María Ramos stated that she was a devout Roman Catholic, and that this would show in her social policy and her continued funding of programs to promote morality amongst the people of Lyseria. She stated that she differed with Domínguez on his religious policy and disagreed with his plan to slash religious spending, and would feel more comfortable with a person of faith running Lyseria as compared to an Atheist, but that she did not think him being an Atheist made him any less worthy of a candidate. The statement came across as remarkable balanced and sensible to most voters.

Líder de la Oposición en la Cámara de Representantes, Alejandro Romero stated that he was a devout Roman Catholic, but that he had a more moderate view of the faith and believed that "God understands and approves of allowing civil unions for gay couples and abortion. He is a tolerant and loving God after all". Romero stated he found Domínguez's Atheism "somewhat problematic" and did not think Lyseria was ready for "and Atheist Prime Minister". Romero's statement played well with his ever shrinking moderate religious base, but did nothing to attract new support.

Representante Marcos Delgado stated that he was a deeply devout Roman Catholic, who would hold his faith at the core of his campaign. When asked about Domínguez, Delgado stated that he "could not trust an Atheist Prime Minister, as Atheists are not bound by any moral code and falsely believe they are free to live immoral lives without worrying about their immortal souls". Delgado stated he would pursue legislation to make it illegal for Atheists to hold political office. Delgado's statement fired up his ultra-conservative base, but led some mainstream conservatives who had strayed over to the PNL express concern over his far-right position.

Representante Diego Vidal stated he was an Atheist. Vidal vowed to fight to "make Lyseria into a secular state, where the non-harmful practise of all religions will be legal, but there will be a clear separation of church and state". As an Atheist he was not asked to comment on Domínguez's Atheism.

Domínguez was the last to be interviewed, and was asked to respond to the comments from Ramos, Romero and Delgado. Domínguez stated he was an Atheist, and Agnostic Atheist to be precise, and that he respected the religious beliefs of all, provided that those beliefs were not perverted to try justify violence. Domínguez stated that "I met with the Pastor family today, a Roman Catholic family who have lost their beloved daughter and sister. This meeting reminded me of something, while we may differ in our religions, in our politics, in our race, gender and nationality, we are all one people, and we cannot accept and must do everything to prevent the disgraceful murder of any innocent person". Domínguez called Delgado's comments highly inappropriate, stating "just because I am an Atheist, this does not mean I am immoral. I am driven by the moral code that we should do to others as we want done unto ourselves, what is sometimes called the golden rule, a moral philosophy adopted by the Christians and one many people of many different faiths, and which many Atheists, hold dear". Domínguez also laughed off Delgado's comment that Atheists shouldn't hold political office as Delgado being afraid he would win and trying to prevent this.

Domínguez expressed gratitude to Ramos for her sensible response, and stated that he respected her restraint on this heated topic. He stated that he still believed that if morality was to be taught then it should be done so at a school level and that moral systems of all different religions, and secular moral theories, should be taught instead of just favouring Christian based morality.

Domínguez stated that he differed with Romero on many issues, but that he ultimately respected him, and had worked alongside him and the past and hoped to do so again in the future.

Domínguez's support seems to be going up through his effective management of the question of his Atheism, and through an effective day of campaigning. Domínguez's supporters already seem on board with his Atheism. However, some undecided voters, especially in Lopeziudad where Ramos is currently campaigning, declared it came as news to them and were doubtful about electing an Atheist Prime Minister.

If Domínguez's wins he will be both the first Atheist and the first non-Roman Catholic Prime Minister.

[Lyseria]

Polls at current (Monday the 23rd of November):

Poll Average:

Undecided: 0,8%

PT: 36%
PC: 26, 6%
PNL: 23, 5%
PL: 5%
PP: 3,3%
PS: 2%
PAC: 1,5%
PPi: 1%
MTP: 0,2%
PAM: 0,1%

Sunday the 22nd of November (after the debate):

Poll Average:

Undecided: 1,4%

PT: 35,3%
PC: 26, 2%
PNL: 24, 4%
PL: 5%
PP: 4%
PS: 2%
PAC: 1,5%
PPi: 1%
MTP: 0,2%
PAM: 0,1%

[Bacopa]

Bacopa supports the Partido Conservador