A scene from the mass protests in Dar as-Sakhr following the King's response to the Fawzi Scandal
Just three weeks after the scandal, Ibrahim III passed away, with his son Ibrahim IV taking the throne midst the rising political crisis of the nation. Ibrahim IV however, was widely known to be a populist leader, often-times engaging among the people and always advocating for them before the corrupt and aloof administration of his father. Within days of his succession, Ibrahim IV used his absolute power granted to him to dissolve the Monarchy, and abdicate his throne, releasing a brief statement on national TV and Radio:
When one stays too long in the clouds, they pay no mind to what happens back on the ground. For too long, the Monarchy has floated on their clouds, high above the people they are meant to care for, protect and lead. Instead, my family has thrown the people beneath them, and profited off their toil and sweat. It is now made abundantly clear, that the people will bear the monarchy's burden no longer. As the next King, I will do what is best for my people, and this means eliminating the Royal rule, and giving the country back to the people, with whom it will be treated most fair. Effective immediately, the Kingdom is no more, and the new Bahiyyah shall be a nation by the people, and for the people. I hereby establish the National People's Assembly as the representative legislative body of the nation, and I shall aid the organizations of free and fair elections, and take my leave of my position.
Following the King's abdication, massive cheering crowds engulfed the nation, millions gathered in peaceful celebration of achieving what seemed nigh impossible: a social democratic Bahiyyah. After several days, with enthusiastic support from Ibrahim IV, work began on the organization of the elections for the offices of President, and the 250 member National People's Assembly. After a difficult two months, the ballots were finally opened and the people flocked to voting stations to exercise their new rights. After all was accounted, the fledgling Socialist Progressive Party for a Free Bahiyyah (SPPFB) won a landslide victory in the NPA, with a staggering 211 seats. The rest consisted of the Ba'ath Party of Bahiyyah (24 seats), the Communist Party of Bahiyyah (12 seats), and the remainder being made up of independent candidates.
Massive lines outside a voting office in the city of Ayn Assuadi
The office of President was awarded to Ismail al-Rangazi, the man considered by many to be the leader of the mass socialist movement against Ibrahim III, with a popular vote of 72%. al-Rangazi is expected to delivery his inaugural speech within a week.
True to his word, Ibrahim IV relinquished his claim and his throne following the elections, and retired to his home in the capitol, but not before turning over the former palace complex over for use as the legislative chambers and executive mansion.
Ibrahim IV and al-Rangazi share a friendly embrace outside the former palace
after the former ruler turned over the palace to the new government.
With the Bahiyyahn Awakening completed, and a new Socialist Republic proclaimed, there is still much left to do. A constitution awaits to be drafted, laws await legislation, a cabinet awaits appointment, and of course, there is a world out there that must be interacted with. How will it respond to the massive political machinations that have occurred in the nation of Bahiyyah?