18/07/2016 KALINGRAD
Major Civil Unrest in Altis: What we know so far!
The situation in OSAN worsens as another member-state faces heavy political turmoil.
Amongst the chaotic military takeover that rocks the Arengin Union, another flashpoint has risen up within ONSAN, this time within the Republic of Altis, as Monarchist and Socialist supports clash with Nationalist supports and elements of the Altian Police Force and Altian Armed Forces. The situation in Pyrgos has worsened overnight, as Socialists bombed the Altian Government Building and Monarchists have successfully gained 'control over' two neighbourhoods in Eastern Pyrgos. Here is what we know so far.
Prior to these events, the Republic of Altis had been under military junta from 1982 to 2015 after the Altis Defence Forces launched a surprise military offensive against the Monarchy and its loyalist forces and seized control of the country within a matter of months, since then, the Monarchy has been banned and been living in exile, the Kingdom of Altis was effectively dissolved in 1982, paving way for the republic in 1983. country. The military government voluntarily stepped down in 2015 to pave way for democratic elections, stating that "the job of rebuilding Altis had been completed." Under the Liberation Party of the Republic of Altis, or LIPA, Altis' economy grew into an international power, crime rates significantly dropped, the average wage increased ten times fold, infrastructure was repaired and millions of jobs were created across Altis. Just after LIPA stepped down in 2015, a transitional government consisting of 1 minister from each of Altis' major political parties was formed to maintain control over the country until democratic elections in 2016.
As the votes began to come in, it became clear that currently the main contenders in elections were the Liberation Party, which barely had a lead over the other two contenders, the Monarchist Party and the Labour Party. Supporters of the Monarchist Party and Labour Party began to vent their anger, they felt that if the elections would continue this way, even if the Liberation Party did not get past 51% of the votes, if it got the majority of the votes, due to Altis' voting system, the Liberation Party would be given power over the country. Monarchists and Socialists have discussed merging after the elections, which would give them the majority vote, but fear such merger would be shunned by LIPA who would try and consolidate their position over the country as soon as possible - despite a merger technically being legal under Altian law.
By morning the frustration from the Monarchists and Socialists had turned into sheer anger as they took to the streets of Pyrgos to call for a complete overhaul of the voting system and a resit of the general elections. Monarchist and Socialist supporters were able to gain control of several main roads in East and Central Pyrgos, prompting serious travel delays. The protests sparked a wider chain of frustration and supporters of the Nationalist Party, or NAPA, took to the streets to push back the Monarchist and Socialist supporters, what occurred next were scenes of utter violence and pandemonium as Nationalist supporters clashed with Monarchist and Socialist supporters all across Pyrgos, resulting in shops and businesses being seriously damaged and several buildings and cars set on fire. LIPA's spokesperson, as LIPA is head of the Transitional Government, stated that if Monarchist and Socialist parties did not control their supporters, the Transitional Government will be dissolved and LIPA will return to power to maintain "constitutional order" until the general elections are over. This provoked outrage and soon after, an explosion rocked the capital in the early hours of the morning, as Monarchist and Socialist supporters converged on the Altian Government Building and bombed the main entrance and reception area's. The Altian Police Force on the scene were overwhelmed and ended up opening fire on the protesters, fearing for their lives, believing the protesters were about to charge at them and attempt to enter the Altian Government Building. The Transitional Government commented on this, calling for the "utmost restraint" from all sides.
Several battalions from the Altian Army have been deployed all across Pyrgos to help restore "constitutional order" to troubled areas but did not receive a good reception by Monarchist and Socialist supporters, there was nearly an hour of continuous gunfire and small barrages of gunshots can be heard every so often - however the Altian Army were embraced by Nationalist supporters. 104 off duty Officers and 920 off duty Enlisted Personnel have been arrested by the Altian Police Force for taking part in supporting the Monarchist and Socialist protesters, allegedly, attempting to create an armed insurgency against the Transitional Government, however this has further provoked the rage of Monarchist and Socialist supporters who claim that the Altian Police Force and the Altian Defence Forces are attempting to "use their support to consolidate their power and clamp down on political freedoms." Why are they saying this? During the 1982 coup, the Altian Defence Forces were loyal to the Liberation Party, and since the Republic of Altis was declared in 1982, the Altian Defence Forces have remained largely loyal to the Liberation Party as its personnel have been built up and taught Center-right politics by the party, this means some may fear that the ADF will enforce the will of the Liberation Party and not actually be trying to restore "constitutional order."
President Alena Vorshevsky has expressed her "utmost concern" for Chkalovskians that currently reside in Pyrgos, a popular tourist destination for Chkalovskians who are looking for a good time to spend in the Channel Sea, and has urged them to stay inside at all times until the situation on the streets calm down. Earlier on, in a speech, she announced her personal support for the Liberation Party, as well as condemnation for the Christian Party, "It is important that the citizens of the Republic of Altis vote for the right party, so they can enjoy a safe, secure future full of social and economic prosperity, that is why we believe that it is a no-brainer that they vote for the Liberation Party. LAPA has done more for the Republic of Altis than any other party has, despite taking power in an un-demoratic way, they guided the Republic of Altis out of a era of war, famine, poverty and crime into an era of riches, prosperity, power, and economic growth. LAPA is truly the peoples choice... I dont think CAPA is really a Christian Party at all, we are taught as Christians to love thy neighbour and treat others how you want to be treated. I think that CAPA is trying to use the fact that quite a decent proportion of Altians are religious to win a cheap vote. Hopefully it doesn't work." President Alena Vorshevsky has also called for calm in Pyrgos and has asked that all parties involved in the civil unrest to stand down so the city can return to normal, and has also praised the efforts of the Altis Defence Forces and the Altis Police Force in trying to maintain law and order.
It is safe to say that OSAN is going through a tough time right now, but its member-states must ride it out in order for the military coalition to stay operational. With votes still coming in from across the Republic of Altis, it is too early to predict whether the situation will better itself, or if it will get worse, but it is almost certain that pending the results of these democratic elections, not only Chkalovskian, but OSAN interests are being put on the line, as the Monarchist party will most likely withdraw from OSAN, thus, OSAN loses its power projection over the Channel Sea. Chkalovsk would also be loosing a major trade and economic partner. All we can do is wait, and see.
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