(NOTE: The below is an in-character RP-based format for foreign updates. Something new versus the usual stodgy dispatch from the MoFA. Editorialized content (e.g. newspaper/magazine article) shouldn't be taken as an official stance of the government. Interview formats can be taken as official words. Actual Cabinet statements, orders, etc. will be posted alongside any roleplay content!)Assembly Elects New Cabinet, Minus Defense MinisterCOALITION PROMENADE, The South Pacific – Purple Hyacinth was elected Prime Minister of The South Pacific on Sunday, October 9, running unopposed and ushering in a new Cabinet. The campaign featured a renewed focus on domestic affairs, honing in on a promise to increase the visibility and active of the Culture and Engagement ministries. She ran unopposed and sailed to victory with 100% of the vote.
Joining the new Prime Minister is a returning face to the Cabinet, with Sandaoguo commanding a 39-point win in this cycle’s most contested election. Maluhia and Webs contested the election for Minister of Foreign Affairs. Maintaining the status quo was the common thread through all campaigns. The Assembly rewarded a combination of experience and safety (knowing what they would get), though it remains to be seen what the second longest-serving Foreign Minister has planned for the next four months.
ProfessorHenn made a return to South Pacifican politics this month, cinching an unopposed win to helm the Ministry of Culture. He has his work cut out for him, if the Assembly’s recent skepticism of the ministry’s value continues. ProfessorHenn campaigned on leveraging the region’s new infrastructure to drive success for the ministry’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebration.
In a close upset, incumbent Minister Griffindor lost their re-election big for the Ministry of Engagement to long-time staffer Waffle. In the closest race of the cycle, Waffle maintained just under a 10-point lead to win a slight majority against the incumbent. 6.45% of the Assembly would have preferred re-opening nominations, the highest number for any ministry. Minister Griffindor faced heated questions about the ministry’s activity, a point of contention Waffle raised in their campaign as well.
In a last unexpected turn of events for the October 2022 election cycle, the new Cabinet finds itself without a Minister of Defense. There were no nominations for the office, a first for The South Pacific in recent memory. With a hollowed-out General Corps and no civilian leadership, experts are left wondering what the plan is to maintain the South Pacific Special Forces. An anonymous source within the capitol reports that the Cabinet-elect has already zeroed in on an appointment.
The full election results graphics are below:
“Here First” – 10/14/22 - Minister-elect Sandaoguo Interview TranscriptSandaoguo made an appearance Friday morning on SPINN’s Here First morning show, hosted by Laura Hunt, following his election as Minister of Foreign Affairs. A transcript of the interview can be read here:
LAURA: A new Cabinet prepares to take office in the backdrop of the Great Council, without a Defense Minister, and amid a government facing criticism for lack of visibility. Minister-elect Sandaoguo joins us this morning to discuss the election and what’s in store for The South Pacific’s government. Welcome to the show!
SANDAOGUO: It’s great to be back, thank you Laura -
L: This is your 7th, maybe 8th – we’ve all lost count by now – on the show as a Minister-elect. You know the drill, let’s get into the meat of the politics here. We have no Defense Minister, the General Corps has seen retirement after retirement… What’s the Cabinet’s plan?
S: Yes, it’s very serious it—it was the top item on the agenda during the first planning session. I assure you, and the Prime Minister would assure you as well, the military won’t be without civilian leadership for long.
L: You have a name?
S: Well, we have a name. We will have a name to announce very soon. Watch this space. But I want to get back –
L: Will Pronoun serve another term?
S: The Prime Minister will have an announcement on that soon. But no, the Minister isn’t returning. Now, one of our top priorities is ensuring the Special Forces are led well, are active. We will be there for our defender allies, no matter who leads. And our Prime Minister is an accomplished veteran herself. We have talented officers, no shortage of talent and strength.
L: Certainly, the Special Forces are crucial to the government’s ability to defend and be an influential force.
S: Yes, and that remains the same now. We will be there for our allies, in Aegis and beyond. I have the utmost faith in our Prime Minister, our military officers, and the incoming minister.
L: Right, let’s shift gears here. The Great Council. It’s still ongoing, the longest constitutional convention in our history. What role will the Cabinet play moving forward?
S: I don’t think the Cabinet plays a role itself. All of us are individual members of the Assembly, of the Great Council. There are certainly proposals I wish to see pass.
L: Abolishing the Local Council.
S: Right, yes, among others like citizenship reform and redefining Cabinet responsibilities. But these aren’t Cabinet programs. It’s not our agenda.
L: Are you hoping for a quick end?
S: No, no, definitely not. Look, you have some complaining about the length, even wanting to stop it now. But I see a healthy process here and still a chance for new generations to shape our government. It would be a mistake to end prematurely. I believe we’re seeing more debate and ideas come to fruition, now we’ve added more participants. But it really comes down to whether or not we operate under democratic rules, and not a tyranny of the minority.
L: That’s a hot-button topic we will be covering in our segment later today. But for now, that’s all the time we have this morning. Thank you for joining us. And you at home, don’t change that channel! We’ll be back with Great Council coverage after this break. Make sure you’re Here First!