Voting Begins!

[Aazeronia]

ANN

Aazeronian News Network

Top Story: "Voting Begins!"

AAZERON - It is time for voting for the new Federal President of Aazeronia to being all around the country. This is a monumental step as Aazeronia will transition from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Federal Republic. This will bring about 600 years of monarchial rule in Aazeronia. The government has been representative for some time, the current constitution being drafted in 1876, thus the current High King sees a full republic as the next logical step. The voting has been scheduled for 30 days, after which time, the winner will be announced on national television and the High King will personally congratulate the new President and formally relinquish all power of the monarchy. There are currently seven candidates up for election, they are:

Heinrich Küln - Senator of the State of Pontemärk
Cristina Whitehausin - current Minister of Civil Affairs
Urias Gregariin - current Chancellor of Aazeronia
Martin Kochmin - Governor of the State of Esxynmärk
Freda von Vaalstied - Judge of the 23rd District, State of Vaalmärk
Thomas Myrja - current Dean of the University of Aazeron
Rachel Stileman - current Governor of the State of Dragemärk

As the election continues, more will be released publicly as to each individuals platform. We at ANN hope for a peaceful transition. How the nations of the world will react remains to be seen.

[Nui-ta]

The next morning, a private communique is sent with urgency. The letter arrives hand-written, with the seal and signature of the Emperor.

To the Monarch of Aazeronia,

This transition of government is a wise thing to do, and Nui-ta will stand firmly by the soon-to-be president and the Aazeronian people.

Being in the end stages of moving Nui-ta from an absolute oligarchy to a parliamentary monarchy, I can attest to the stresses and glory of making such a transition. The Gods and Time move the path of a nation like a stone in the sea. Those in power must obey the current of Time, and it seems the Will of Time and of the People to choose a republic for Aazeronia.

Firstly then, I wish you the best of transitions. I hope for the smoothest of movements, and wish to offer my personal support no matter what the situation to the people of Aazeronia: you who have become something of an ally to our nation.

However, I am not young. I have lived 70 years on this earth and ruled for 50. I have watched the current of time and the will of revolutions. They do not always run as smooth as they wish.

To accommodate the conservatives of the old Rule, I formed the class system. They, the blue-blooded aristocracy, were threatened when I decided that the common-folk of Nui-ta deserved a voice in legislature....when I granted suffrage to any lawmaking position. I gave them my power of law, and stay on the throne only to ensure that those laws are carried out as the people want them to be. The nobles say my name with disgust to this day, in private so as not to look ungrateful for what I have allowed them to keep.

There will always be dissenters, and people who want to cause rebellion to attain what they want, rather than what the nation needs.

This transition of government will not be spared, but I pray the dissent will be but little.

If struggle happens, we will seek to ensure the safety of your people.

I will abstain from making an endorsement for any of the prospective Heads-of-State, as I know not their platforms, and believe that it is up to Aazeronia.

All the best, good friend. Monarch or not, you will still be held with respect.

VINCENTIVS DI AMORI

[Aazeronia]

ANN

Aazeronian News Network

Top Story: "Candidates Release Platforms"

AAZERON - This evening, the candidates for the Federal President of Aazeronia have now officially released their platforms and what they stand for. Here are the candidates and platforms:

Heinrich Küln - Senator of the State of Pontemärk
- Big business oriented, Increase economy, Propose new tariff, Larger merchant fleet
Cristina Whitehausin - current Minister of Civil Affairs
- Expanded Civil and Political rights, Environmental protection, LGBTQ rights
Urias Gregariin - current Chancellor of Aazeronia
- Keep government on current course politically minus the nobility
Martin Kochmin - Governor of the State of Esxynmärk
- Right-wing, wider use of religious law, larger military spending and expansion, nationalism
Freda von Vaalstied - Judge of the 23rd District, State of Vaalmärk
- Greater policing powers, increase illegal substance list, lesser environmental protection, conservative policies
Thomas Myrja - current Dean of the University of Aazeron
- Increase Education, more civil and political rights, increased humanitarian aid, larger alliances
Rachel Stileman - current Governor of the State of Dragemärk
- Environmentalist, expand Agricultural sector, increase agricultural exports, proposed tariff

The initial polls are showing Thomas Myrja as the current leading candidate with Cristina Whitehausin coming in a close second. While some minor nobles are attempting to petition the House of Lords to stop the nobility from passing into history, and leave it in place. Whether or not this will cause any rift in society remains to be seen.

Also, the nation of Nui-ta has taken an interest in this election as they are close friends of Aazeronia.

[Radiatia]

TO: HRH High King Alexander VII Stihle, and other members of Aazeronian government
FROM: Radiatian Ambassador Norbert Koch

---

The government of the Radiatian Federation is taking a keen interest in Aazeronia's transition to federal republicanism.

On behalf of President Yerkal Nathus, Prime Minister Lena Toriah, and all others in Radiatia I bid you, your government and your people good luck and a safe, peaceful and smooth transition.

We hold your nation - and especially you personally - in high esteem for making this momentous, historical and world changing decision and you will always be honoured in Radiatia.

We also pledge that we too will stand by the new Aazeronian President, whoever it may be, and the Aazeronian people.

While I am still unable to comment on the specifics, the Prime Minister has made clear to me her intention to invite the new President to the Radiatian Federation after the election and after the stress of transition has died down in your great nation.

My very best wishes,
Norbert Koch
Radiatian Ambassador to Aazeronia

Suite 23
AE Building
Aazeron
Aazeronia

[Nui-ta]

ANN

Aazeronian News Network

Top Story: "Candidates Release Platforms"

AAZERON - This evening, the candidates for the Federal President of Aazeronia have now officially released their platforms and what they stand for. Here are the candidates and platforms:

Heinrich Küln - Senator of the State of Pontemärk
- Big business oriented, Increase economy, Propose new tariff, Larger merchant fleet
Cristina Whitehausin - current Minister of Civil Affairs
- Expanded Civil and Political rights, Environmental protection, LGBTQ rights
Urias Gregariin - current Chancellor of Aazeronia
- Keep government on current course politically minus the nobility
Martin Kochmin - Governor of the State of Esxynmärk
- Right-wing, wider use of religious law, larger military spending and expansion, nationalism
Freda von Vaalstied - Judge of the 23rd District, State of Vaalmärk
- Greater policing powers, increase illegal substance list, lesser environmental protection, conservative policies
Thomas Myrja - current Dean of the University of Aazeron
- Increase Education, more civil and political rights, increased humanitarian aid, larger alliances
Rachel Stileman - current Governor of the State of Dragemärk
- Environmentalist, expand Agricultural sector, increase agricultural exports, proposed tariff

The initial polls are showing Thomas Myrja as the current leading candidate with Cristina Whitehausin coming in a close second. While some minor nobles are attempting to petition the House of Lords to stop the nobility from passing into history, and leave it in place. Whether or not this will cause any rift in society remains to be seen.

Also, the nation of Nui-ta has taken an interest in this election as they are close friends of Aazeronia.

Back in Nuita, Vincentius di Amori was in his private chambers, reading the paper along with his wife.

"Still focused on this election, dear?" Lili di Amori sat closely in the next chair, trying to peek into the paper.

"Yes. I'm happy to see that it's going smoothly. The last thing this nation needs right as we're settling into a new system of government is for a close ally to have their transition go bad."

"Well, who is winning?"

"Thomas Myrja, a man of education. Second is a Ms. or Mrs. Cristina Whitehausin."

"What do they support?"

"The first is focused on increasing education. The second....think of a member of Nui-ta's Leftist Party. Same idea, different nation."

"But that party is not in power. Would it be bad if they gained presence?"

"Firstly, my Dear Lili...the ruling Ministry Party is only a touch more conservative. Even if she won the election, Aazeronia's politics would not be too much different from our own, so I see no worry of unrest."

"Even though these Aazeronians are not of us, you are quite concerned for their well-being."

Vincentius smiled. "After such a long period of isolationism, it's good to have allies. I don't support total involvement in world affairs, but I know that you should keep your friends in your arms, and your enemies under your boots."

[Crata]

Honourable nation of Aazeronia,

the Crataan government would like to congratulate you on taking steps towards becoming a republic. President Dr. Meier and HRH High King Alexander VII Stihle have been friends for a long time, and he would like to compliment him on his decision. Your King is showing his best intentions.

Even though we have never been a monarchy, we understand the difficulties this transition might bring. The Federal Republic of Crata is willing to offer you assistance where necessary. We also hope the transition will be peaceful, but we also have faith in the Aazeronian people to enable this. In case the situation does get out of control, do not hesitate to inform us, the ICPPO and the IUEF.

There are many ways a President can be elected (directly or through representatives). Our Government would like to request some information on the voting procedure. In any case, we are certain you are making the right decisions.

Much like other nations, the Federal Republic of Crata would like to invite your new President. Unfourtunately we are not able to send our recommendation for a candidate. There have been delegates of the Parliament publicly voicing their support for C. Whitehausin and T. Myrja; however, it is more likely that the individual parties will voice their support for a candidate rather than the entire nation. However, if you so desire, we can arrange to have a quick debate on it.

In the name of the Crataan People,

Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Gray
Department of Foreign and International Affairs of the Federal Republic of Crata
Libertas inaestimabilis res est

[Aazeronia]

AAZERON, FEB. 20, 2012, 6:30PM - The sky was already beginning to draw dark over the Aazeronian capital. A crowd gathered around the capitol building was eagerly awaiting a speech by the leading candidate of the Federal President election, Thomas Myrja. The stage is set where the High King and Queen, the Chancellor, and the running mate of Myrja, Alexander Baine, are all seated awaiting the speech as well. As Thomas Myrja begins to approach the platform there is a rolling applause that begins which nearly deafens the area. As Myrja takes his position and the podium, he raises his hands to calm the crowd. The crowd quietens down and he begins to speak.

My friends(gesturing towards the High King and others arrayed behind him), my countrymen(gesturing toward the crowd), I stand before you today telling you that there is hope for Aazeronia. Our High King has decided that the monarchy is no longer needed in our modern society, and most agree. So we are gathered here to bid a final farewell to the High King and Queen that has served Aazeronia admirably for many years and done much to improve the lot of all Aazeronian peoples both great and small. Your Highness(turning toward the High King), We, the people of Aazeronia greatly appreciate all the time and effort you have put into governing Aazeronia over the years, and have been an example for all Aazeronian people to follow. It gives me no great pleasure to relieve such a great and admirable leader as yourself from power, but you have decided that it be so. I stand before you ready to take the Oath of Office and receive your blessing and power.(Both High King and Myrja stand facing each other. Myrja places both hands upon the Heart of the Phoenix, a symbol of Aazeronian power)

I, Thomas Myrja, by the grace of the final High King
do so take all powers provided to the office of Federal President of Aazeronia
and do so solemnly swear to uphold the constitution, to protect the people,
foster goodwill with all foreign powers, and be the utmost example for
all Aazeronian peoples to follow. I will not abuse this power given to me
for should I do I will realize it is the right of the people I protect to replace
me as necessary. May our lands always be free and our horizons broad.

Good people, I stand before you now as the newly elected Federal President of Aazeronia. I promise to do an admirable job leading you, my people, into a bright and noble future.

With that the crowd surrounding the capitol flew into an uproar once more. All were thrilled over the election of their new President.
....................................................................................................................................................

ANN

Aazeronian News Network

Top Story: "Election Over!"

AAZERON - It is official, Thomas Myrja is the new Federal President of Aazeronia. After winning an overwhelming majority of 84% by popular vote, Thomas Myrja assumed all powers from the High King. As it stand now, Aazeronia is now officially a Republic! There is to be an inauguration formal ball to be held in the capital of Aazeron on March 1. All nations are welcome to attend this formal event.

[Zannania]

TO: The Federal Republic of Aazeron
FROM: The Kingdom of Zannania

---

The people of Zannania are thrilled to hear of your transition to democracy. When Zannania decided to liberate herself from the chains of autocracy some 4 centuries ago, we began to understand that basic axiom: that freedom for all is the pinnacle of humanity. We hope that your Federal President-Elect, Monsieur Myrja, will comprehend this as well, so that it may influence his decisions and the decisions of his successors in the years to come. Zannania wishes you and your people the best in the days ahead, and we shall be standing at the ready if assistance is ever required.

Her Royal Highness, Queen Olivia I