Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[The Ocelot Isles]

New candidates confirmed for Sinhakese elections amid further election details

Markos Putrivaya, pictured 2015


Durga D'Arpino, pictured 2016

The Sinhakese government and Electoral Commission further their setup for the first elections in Sinhako, confirming further details about the planned elections such as the date and time. Also being highlighted is the confirmation of the registration of two more presidential candidates, both of whom are unaffiliated with Helga Duta's Labour Party or Johannes Sikari's Nationalist Party.

Spokesperson Tsura Boswell represented the Sinhakese-established Electoral Commission in a press conference held at 12:00 pm OST. She proclaimed that "the date of the elections has been agreed on [by Electoral Commission directors] to be May 6," approximately one month after the earliest possible election period. During that date Boswell stated that poll stations will be opened for fourteen hours from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. In regards to the hours Boswell said it was the belief of the Electoral Commission that the time period was optimal in giving adequate time for all eligible voters to cast their ballots.

The Electoral Commission has established that the subhayas, which are Sinhakese towns or municipalities, will function as electoral districts and that foreign Shudri will be represented during and after the elections. A total of 66 electoral districts will be involved the elections. Each district will have three representatives to the 252-seat House of Representatives, and the parivaras (17 first-level administrative divisions for Sinhako) in which the districts belong to will elect two representatives to the 68-seat Senate. The House of Representatives will also hve 52 seats delegated to foreign Shudri representatives, using representation by population for eligible groups.

In addition to further electoral details Boswell announced two hopefuls, Markos Putrivaya and Durga D'Arpino, have been permitted by the Electoral Commission to run for president. Putrivaya, currently a legislator, is considered to be in the middle-ground as he desires balancing increased Ocelotian ties with Sinhakese self-defense. D'Arpino, serving as the chief executive officer of a recognized company present in Sinhako, proposes entry of Sinhako into the Pavonistadian Provinces. Boswell hinted that though numerous candidates have been processed, it is unlikely that more will make the cut at this time due to the approaching deadline and rigorous EC criteria.

Both Putrivaya and D'Arpino have spoken about their successful registration in the upcoming Sinhakese elections, and both have set off a storm of speculation about how the time leading up to the elections will progress. Putrivaya said he "was grateful that a chance to truly lead Sinhako has been given" and promised that he "will guide the Sinhakese more properly than Duta, yet in a way that does not disadvantage others like Sikari." D'Arpino stated he "is blessed with the opportunity" but warned that "Duta, Sikari, and Putrivaya will end up tearing apart Sinhako unless they begin the proces to unify it with Pavonistade."

The proposal by D'Arpino to attempt incorporation of Sinhako into Pavonistade has caused others to criticize his presence while Putrivaya's ability to succeed in presidency is questioned. Johannes Sikari was not able to comment on the recent moves of the Electoral Commission but Helga Duta was able to offer a brief statement, saying that "Putrivaya and D'Arpino are formidable, but they are both misguided."

Other News

• NMR2378 | Updates on Namorese election as date of voting nears
• 3/10 Debate | Ocelotians tried to figure out how Queen Elis snuck in
• Health | Ocelotian Ministry of Health debunks Toloupum Fever claims

[Cailiuil]

Cáiliúil Today

Borders Open for First Time

This morning the Great Khan Karmoz ''Rex" Cáiliúil, announced that after long hours of deliberation with his economic and military advisers, that for the first time after a long 500 years of isolation they would be opening their borders to foreign, citizens, governments, and investors. This comes after a shocking liberal turn in Cáiliúili politics with Karmoz ''Rex" Cáiliúil being the first liberal ruler since Lyndis Cáiliúil nearly 300 years ago. Amoung other changes that have been made since Karmoz "Rex" Cáiliúil's coronation one year ago, that have included the legalization of homosexual relations, and increase in religious tolerance for non-Abrahamic faiths.

[West Cedarbrook]

Zeller Rallies Civic Alliance in South


Blasts "Old Men" Feld, Steinberg

Civic Alliance's Zeller

Civic Alliance leader, software magnate Gerard Zeller kicked off his drive for the 2016 Senate elections in South State yesterday, telling a crowd estimated at 25,000 that packed the football stadium at Couvin-Lausanne Faculty for Computing and Biotechnology Research in Holon "It is time to return this nation to the hands of it's people!" The crowd was highly charged, despite the thumping defeat of the CLFCBR Bulldogs by the South Holon Institute of Technology Potters by 37-0 earlier in the week. Flanked by Civic Alliance Senate Leader Genevieve Reunolds, and South State Auditor Helene Tuwin, Zeller responded to roaring cheers "You joining be here will send a message. A message that hasn't been heard in the Senate in 15 years. Those old men at Kramden house are going to hear it in September, loud and clear. Your Governor Jimmy Prenevaou is going to hear it too, along with the rest of his corrupt crew. They're going to hear it and they're not going to like it! We're coming to the Senate, and to the State Assemblies too. The Conservative and Libertarians sorry excuses for crumbling streets, shabby schools, and breakdowns in the delivery of simple, basic necessities aren't going to cut it any more! Join me, join great public servants, like Senator Reunolds and Helene here in Holon, and take this message to Wrycova!"

Zeller went on to claim "Feld can't bring West Cedarbrook out of this recession. Steinberg couldn't prevent the last one, and spent a lot of money not doing it, either! But together, the CA team has assembled candidates that can bring fresh and new ideas to the Senate, and to the states. Why does the Kramden have to lag behind our neighbors in Conitia and in the west in child health, water quality, and transit services? It's because the powers behind the two major parties have hogged all of your hard earned tax dollars in Wrycova, and has doled them out back to you and your families with a teaspoon, while their favorite ex-employers get that money delivered at fire-hose level, and supersonic speed. Look at the potholes leading up to Hadar-Lass Stadium! Did any of your cars lose a tire on the trip here? And we're going after Feld's lackey-boy, Neil Shapiro when we take the Senate. Our guys are gonna turn up the heat on his vast bureaucracy. We're gonna get answers on the leudoxyne virus inoculation distribution. Oh yeah! He's gonna answer to CA Senators from Holon, from the Ebreo Valley, from Rasoletti about their shortages last year! Our guys and gals are gonna drag those pencil pushers out of their comfy offices, and see and smell and hear the shabby public housing they built here in Holon, in Ironton, in Charleroi, in Steinhouse.... Yeaaaggh!"

Strutting around the stage, Zeller belittled the business acumen of President Feld, and former President Steinberg. He told the cheering crowd "Can you really see either of these two guys, Feld or Steinhouse, actually building a business the size and scope of my company? They just don't have the facilities for it. Steinberg - big wow - sofa king of Lawrenceville. Okay, i'll give him this - he didn't actually run the family business into the ground. But seriously, do you think he'd recognize a line of code if it slapped him in the face? President Feld - I don't know. He says he was the client contact for the 1987 rewrite of the Accounts Receivable System when he was at Commercial Credit Bank. Can anybody verify that? Hell, my guys install accounting systems around the globe every day. Feld's supposed to be the big accountant. I don't know about that either. I've got guys that do the accounting for my company, I visit them once a year. They seem okay, but seriously, can they run my company, let alone the Kramden? Don't get me wrong, I love them all, and I appreciate all they do for me, but leading this nation takes vision, and I just don't see it from President Feld. Yeah, he had a career in banking. I say it's time we paid more attention to businessmen that build a going enterprise from the ground up, and paid more attention to the workers and farmers all across the Kramden. And our Senate candidates are going to do just that."

Zeller talked a little about foreign issues. "The EU has gone defunct, and the successor to the Greenwich Area has yet to be defined. This Senate will need to guide the nation as this major shift impacts business overseas, and impacts Cedarbrookese workers and consumers. Here too both major parties have been too eager to sign agreements favoring big business, while giving the back of the hand to the little people. CA Senators are going to shine the light of day on any Greenwich Area successor agreements. I'm going to be in on the review with those senators too. I've negotiated deals with clients and suppliers across Esquarium as I built my company, from Ainin to Daecon, and I'm going to do the same for you! The world is changing, there's major shifts underway, in Lyziyca, and soon, probably, in Namor. This administration needs someone to stand over their shoulder as the shape of commerce and communication evolves in the upcoming year, and you need to elect the CA slate to make sure the Cedarbrookese people aren't dealt out of it by our very own government. The decision is up to you!"

[The Jahistic Unified Republic]

Meet the Candidates
As the Debate Looms in April, Meet the Future Leaders

Zheng Zhuli: The Incumbent and the Future

Disclaimer: The Firebrand is the property of the All-Union Libertarian Party.

Zheng Zhuli stands in downtown Roosmore, hoping to mimic a common scene of the Great Leader: walking around, talking to the general populace in an attempt to get a feel of what the needs of the People are. He sits with a pregnant mother of two, talking about how to make the Union welfare system more slender, yet more effective. He sits with one of the many steelworkers in the city after he spends an eleven hour shift trying to build the steel that will end up in a car, in a foreign country, or in the People's Army. His Union, like the People's Steel Workers' Front, may just force him out of a job and he expresses worries to the Premier.

Big character posters, in red and yellow says: "A Jahistic I am, and Zheng I trust" above a store. He sits down at a computer and writes this small editorial to us.

"It's obvious I don't have the charisma or the absolute popular support that the Great Leader had before me. But I have the tenacity to rebuild the Revolution from the ground up. I want to foster understanding and good will between the Industrial Workers and the Owners. I want to create coexistance for the oppressed Jahistic ideologue in Southern Esquarium. I want to create egalitarianism in opportunity, like the Great Leader made before me.

I can fill the power vacuum in Unolia with common sense and rationality. I will continue the eventual goal of anarchism in the Party. Jacob Connors made "Libertarianism" and "Capitalism" dirty words in the Party and the State. I will restore them to Jahistic ideology and continue the goal until I cannot serve anymore."

Jacob Connors: Spoiler Alert!

It is a crowded upscale restaurant where we lay our scene.

"Zheng Zhuli and his band of renegades that he calls "Jahistics" are actually a big threat to what made Unolia great in the first place. I urge all of you to be on the right side of history and elect someone with the leadership experience and fill this power vacuum once and for all!"

Jacob Connors, the fifth Premier of the Jahistic Republic of Unolia and the founder of the Jahistic Union, has been on a media warpath. So much so that the Election Commission placed fines on any negative television advertisements. Those fines Connors has been willing to pay as he tries to sully Zheng's reputation, even above his centrist and leftist opponents. But he's had to deal with the general outcry of the old guard of the AULP that wishes for a return to orthodox Thumanism. He maintains popularity in the farmlands that he was known for building up

"Zheng wants to move too quick and ruin everything that the peasantry, the very back bone of Unolian society for millenia, has built up," he said in a brief interview leaving the rally, "I can't work with a person who played reserves in the Civil War whilst I was on the front line, watching my friends die instead of going to college. It ain't happening."

Connors has drawn controversy for allowing Roubao self-autonomy on condition that they join the Union, whilst also pursing a fiery anti-Namorese policy. He is quoted as saying he will "never have a diplomat" in Namor until they remove "all of their military equipment" from Roubao. This has led to Zheng referring to Connors as "wishy-washy".

Li Zhou: The Porcelain Leftist

Li Zhou has been carded to appear at her own rallies. Why? She's a doctor of economics in the Keynesian school, a noted leftist activist, a noted social justice activist, and a friend of her rightist counterpart, the Premier.

It's because she's white with a yellow name, as she was adopted out of an orphanage by a Yellow Unolian family in a time where cross-racial adoptions were taboo. She's taken this experience to campaign for "full cultural equality" of the Unolian people as far as race goes. Even though not a JPU member, she was appointed an "honorary Cadre on Racial Affairs of the Republic" by Jarrod Thuman, owing to her activism and her shared goal with the Jahistics in 2005.

With the Jahistic government allowing the formerly banned Social Democrats to allow, Li was appointed their parliamentary leader in a special conference. She has been campaigning every since, advocating a policy of a welfare state, an increased progressive tax, social security, and increasing public utilities. These policies have drawn the ire of some people enjoying the benefits of the free market.

"Stop the Regressive Left!" Protesters, obviously Jahistic Youth Corps, call out. As security starts to take them away:

"No. Let them stay! I hear you and I hear all of you! Talk to me after the rally."

Although no ideas were changed in their meeting, the respect and mutual trust between the two parties were noted. She's running on a platform that she "loves everybody, even those against me, even those that hates me." And the platform may be working, as the SDP is trading second place with the Radical Jahistics in the polls, and a coalition government with the AULP seems more likely every day. She's doing exceptionally well on Kentanu (historically skeptical of the Jahistics), and in major urban areas.

Wen Jian: The People's Candidate

"Any idea, by any means."

Thus is the slogan of the radically centrist People's Party of Unolia. "We are Jahistic, we are Libertarian, we are Democratic Socialists, we are Communists, we are everybody united in one voice and dialogue."

This is the message of Wen Jian, a 61 year old sociology professor who has vowed to make sure his Party will sit on a cross-bench. He has reportedly toured every day of the campaign and hasn't seen his house in two months, desperate to hear the voice of the common person. He walks up, on the norm, and tugs on the shirt of a random passerby.

"Are you voting?" If the civilian says no, he directs him to a comrade that will try to sway him to sign up to vote. If he says yes, he takes him aside and asks what he wants in a candidate in the legislature.

No rallies. No politically charged slogans. No propaganda. Just a conversation between two friends. It seems to be working as the People's Party is in fourth place nationally and set to gain a plethora of seats.

[Namor]

ELECTION '78 K-storm fades, but doesn't end
Post-debate polls show Huan An surpassing Kuo Zhang

March 15, NMR 2378

---

4 DAYS

UNTIL NMR 2378
GENERAL ELECTION

NAMO, CAPTIAL DISTRICT- Polls released by PTH, the Mojing Sibo and Tesong show that People's First Coalition (PFC) candidate Kuo Zhang's popularity has been narrowly eclipsed by that of New Democratic candidate Huan An, indicating that the threat posed to Huan by Kuo may be in the retreat four days ahead of the election.


For weeks, Huan An had to deal with a rising Kuo Zhang, who surpassed him in several successive polls by a narrow margin of one to two percent. The "K-storm," referring to Kuo's rise in the polls, proved to be a headache for Huan, who was forced to concentrate more on securing second place than reducing Popular Front candidate Shohai Antelope's near-absolute lead.

Supporters of Kuo Zhang at a rally in Sicho

Both Huan and Kuo fought extensively over undecided voters, who until recently constituted about one quarter of the electorate. Huan hoped that the March 10 debate swayed more undecided voters to his side, and it seems to be working to a limited extent.

Tesong's post-debate poll shows a smaller percentage of undecided voters. While Shohai Antelope remains in the lead with over 50 percentage points, trailing directly behind him is now Huan An, who has the support of 18 percent of voters. Kuo, with 11.9 percentage points, lies in third place.

A Mojing Sibo poll showed Shohai Antelope with a more modest lead of 47.6 percentage points. Huan An is in second place with 18 percentage points and Kuo Zhang is third with 14.4 points. 20 percent of voters are undecided - a significant drop from 26.6 percent in the March 4 poll.

A PTH poll shows Shohai Antelope leading with 49.9 percentage points, Huan An in second with 17.4 percent and Kuo Zhang in third with 15.9 percent. 16.8 percent of voters remain undecided, compared to 25.5 percent in the last poll conducted February 25.

Kuo, who ran in NMR 2373 and received nearly five percent of the vote, has enjoyed a major boost in support this year. By early February, polls showed Kuo's popularity doubling to ten percent. After the February 10 debate, that number rose up to 19.1 percent according to a Liberator poll.

But the 69 year-old PFC chairman has begun to feel the damage caused by the controversy surrounding his divisive remarks. Katranjiev's Queen Elis - whose country had been referred to by Kuo Zhang as "dogs" and retaliated by attending last week's TFTV debate - endorsed either Huan or Antelope in a tweet, calling both candidates "preferable to Kuo." Kuo took the attack shamelessly, responding in a tweet of his own that he "won't go Baikun Qing's way," in a reference to the Katranjian leader whose reforms brought about the end of the country's Liberationist regime. Elis responded by criticizing Kuo's longstanding notion that Namor is becoming a "second Katranjiev."

Kuo also took aim at Qianrong's Prime Minister Qi Chien-Xuan, who had suggested on Twitter that her government is unwilling to work with a Kuo presidency. He called Qi a "ghetto woman who controls 40% of her own country." Qi responded to Kuo's remarks, saying "I have more important things to do [than starting a Twitter war] like running the country."

An ultranationalist politician from Francilie, Cédric Liet, called Kuo "an idiotic dog." Kuo did not directly respond to Liet, but his supporters did - one of them entered a spat with Liet on social media and called Liet a "bitch" in French. Liet spat back, calling Kuo a "guru" and asking the supporter to "swim in your idiocy."

Huan An's campaign said the poll numbers are "good for Huan."

"Finally, we're seeing a widening gap between those who support Kuo Zhang and those who support Deputy Huan, and this will only continue until election day," the communications director of the Huan campaign told PTH.

But even if Huan An has prevailed over the receding but persistent "K-storm," he still has a tough road ahead. With Antelope leading in every poll and by a large margin, a landslide defeat for the New Democrats is seeming more inevitable than ever.

---

Other News

---

• ELECTION '78 Blackout period to begin Friday - Starting zero hours in Friday, pre-election opinion polls may no longer be released to the public.

[Katranjiev]

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The last President of Katranjiev, Baikun Qing dies at age 95

Baikun Qing (right), 2002 at party conference

BAICHENG, TRIFONOV - Sxo Qing and the Nushen Retirement Home have announced today at 3:20 pm that Baikun Qing, noted as the last President of the People's Republic of Katranjiev has passed away at the age of 95 in his sleep. The press release said that "Qing died a peaceful death, with Sxo Qing at his side when he passed away."

Qing had been living at the Nushen Retirement Home since August 2014, when he was discharged from the Baicheng General Hospital. He was described as an "active person," who enjoyed table tennis and cycling, and was a humble person, often downplaying his contributions to society.

Baikun Qing was born on October 3, 1920, and grew up in a middle class lifestyle. In 1939, he got drawn into the Liberationist ideology at the Royal University of Krasimir while studying law, and while he did become a lawyer, his main passion was for politics, often playing an active role at the Liberationist party campaigns, until the coup d'etat against the monarchy in 1951. From that point, he began to rise through the ranks, being a noted legislator in the Shuvet i Khorata.

He reached the pinnacle of his career as President of Katranjiev, serving from 1981 to 1989. It was initially powerless, with Huankun Chen being the real mastermind behind the scenes, but after Chen's death in 1984, a power struggle developed with Chen's second wife, Nuoju Zeng, which resulted in massive governmental deadlock that was only broken by Gelai Antelope's negotiation, and the 1986 general elections.

Following the victory of his faction, Qing attempted to institute reforms to help make the Liberationist system more stable, but it only exposed the foundations of brutality and force that was used to maintain Chen's regime. Thus, within just a few years, Katranjiev's Liberationist era had come to a close. He stepped down after a referendum in 1989 that saw a majority vote to restore the Katranjian monarchy and peacefully transferred power to King Apostol XIV. Thus, while he remained the Chairman, his role was greatly diminished, and in 1995, he retired from the position.

He remained a card-carrying member, but after 1989, he became an elder statesman, often giving advice to the King and the Prime Minister in the early 1990s. In 1999, he published his memoirs, which were critically acclaimed at the time, and he made some publicity tours, but he became reclusive. He left the party in 2003, due to "health reasons" and "my desire to stay out of the limelight." From this point, he rarely accepted interviews or gave statements.

His last public appearance was on an interview with KTV in 2008 shortly after Gelai Antelope had died. Qing described Gelai Antelope as "a brilliant man. He was able to hammer out a compromise when it seemed practically impossible. For this, I admire him, but I know I cannot exactly please him."

He lived at his home on his own until July 2014 when due to a fall (resulting in the fracture of his femur), he decided to move to the Nushen Retirement Home.

With news of his death, the King-father, Apostol XV said that "Baikun Qing will be greatly missed. He listened to the will of the people, and willingly relinquished power after seeing so many people cast their ballots to restore the monarchy. I think that's what many will remember him: the man who ended Liberationism, whether for good or bad."

PM Magarit Ogynan and Queen Elis have ordered flags to be at half-mast all across the nation, and at all Katranjian diplomatic missions across the world, until the conclusion of his funeral.

Currently, there are no plans for the funeral, and the Queen has offered a state funeral in Krasimir for the late President, Baikun Qing. There is currently no word about whether a state funeral will be held, or whether a private service will be held.

[Pisdara]

16 March, 2016

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More evidence against settlement facilities emerge, Council calls for vote of no confidence

Inanna Ku-Asharru (RG) spoke to the Territorial Council,
proposing a vote of no confidence against the government
that will be held on March 20th.

After yet another report of a death at one of the island’s ‘settlement facilities’ over the week, deputy for Urudaggi and Radical Left member Inanna Ku-Asharru called for the Territorial Council to call a vote of no confidence, disbanding the current session of the Council and holding early elections.

“We have dealt with over twenty reported deaths since to the government’s policies were enacted. I say that that is utterly inexcusable.” Stated Ku-Asharru during a speech to the Council. “We have the gall to call ourselves a democratic state, yet when those who need us call out for help, we are silent. That is not how a democratic state should operate, and the current government have only worsened this. I do not wish to fearmonger, but I genuinely fear we are already on a road to segregation, xenophobia, anti-Pisdarism, and ultimately authoritarianism. My people can no longer be in positions of authority, and can have their personal property seized without warrant and thrown in a camp. Surely that says something about human rights on this island. How long before I am told ‘you have married an Aininian, how dare you marry into the better race’? How long until my son is considered an abomination by the state due to his mixed ethnicity? How long until this island I have called home my entire life and love turns into a island I hate? As I propose this vote of no confidence to you, my fellow brothers and sisters, please ask those questions.”

The proposal was pushed by the left-wing Radical Left and centre-left Independence and Social Democratic parties after the collapse of the Liberal Conservative Party, the junior coalition partner, earlier this week and the loss the PRPN-led government’s ruling majority. The left-wing and center-left opposition have backed the vote, with the one-seat Movement for an Islamic Pisdara backing it as well. The results of the vote hangs on the newly-formed Liberal Party and its deputy Enmerkar Ibnatum, who broke away from the Liberal Conservatives earlier this month and may back either the opposition or the government on the vote of no confidence, which will be held on March 20th, when the Council resumes after a short three-day break.

---

[Vestmarck]

(title should probably be "morguntindi" or something similar, too lazy to change before I finalize my conlang)
Parliament Opposition endorses Huan An for President

Yesterday, the President of the Opposition and Vice-President of the liberal Liberal Democratic Party, had endorsed support for a candidate in a foreign election. The comment had ignited a series of debates on whether free speech applies to politicians and in what circumstances.

"Huan An has many sympathies here in Vestmark. We are no strangers to big government and it's corroding influence on individual liberty. We hope that he succeeds so he can bring more freedom to millions of disposed Namorese currently suffering under the jackboot of socialism," the Opposition Leader had tweeted at approximately 9:37 am yesterday.

The opposition has been blasted for violating codified government procedure by not staying neutral in regards to foreign elections. "It is disgraceful to think that the opposition, which could not win their own election here back at home, resorts to trying to manipulate foreign elections during their most pivotal moments. Furthermore, this so called "endorsement" undermines the credibility of the Vestmarkic government to be a positive role model in foreign affairs" claims Social Democratic MP Ólav Böldursson.

The President of the Opposition has rebuked critics, claiming that his endorsement "was merely of good faith" and "disingenuous to believe that such a small comment could have any effect."

Whether or not this late endorsement will have any affect on Huan An's polling numbers is difficult to tell.

(crap update post is crap)

[Katranjiev]

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State funeral to be held for Baikun Qing on March 23rd

Baikun Qing in 2008

BAICHENG, TRIFONOV - The family of the late President, Baikun Qing have issued a press release today, announcing their decision to accept the offer from the Katranjian government for a state funeral. It is scheduled to be held on March 24th in Krasimir, before being transported by train back to Baicheng where he will be cremated and interred at a private ceremony at the Nushen Txoist Temple.

Sxo Chen stated in the press release that "due to his great role in influencing Katranjian history, I feel that my father would be best honored in a state funeral. He contributed a lot to the country: while he did end the Liberationist regime, he was able to peacefully transition from Liberationism to a constitutional monarchy and reopen Katranjiev's doors to the world."

Baikun Qing's body will be transported tonight from Baicheng towards the capital city of Krasimir by plane, and will lie in state at the foyer of the National Assembly, where deceased PMs and monarchs traditionally were placed while they lie in state, until the day of the funeral.

Sxo Chen has also expressed a desire for "Ling Mon and Shohai Antelope to give a eulogy for my father," on behalf of the Liberationist Parties in both Riro and Namor respectively.

Meanwhile, all across the country, there is widespread mourning. In almost all duchies, school classes have been cancelled during the mourning period, and impromptu memorials are being set up in many communities across the country, with flowers and messages of condolences being placed by countless people of all ethnicities.

An elderly man from Desislav said "If Zeng had won [the power struggle], we would be way worse off. Qing gave us our freedom back, and he conceded defeat. God knows what would happen had Zeng been in charge in 1989."

Meanwhile, a 28-year old woman in Krasimir stated "Qing helped free the country. He ended the abuses of Chen's regime, and tried to make a true Liberationist state, but ultimately conceded to the will of the people."

In Baicheng itself, a Kannei woman stated that "He was the last leader who listened to us. Everyone else since then has only listened to either Luziyca or the western duchies. They ignore our interests now!"

A government official commented that "this is the biggest outpouring of grief that I have seen ever since King Apostol XIV died in 2001," and also pointed out that "I can see a lot of people from all ethnicities mourning his passing: he was a liberator to those who have suffered from Liberationism."

[Namor]

Моджинг Сибо | Mojing Sibo
March 18, NMR 2378

ARSON ATTACK, UNCERTAINTY IN PEITOA AS ELECTION DAY LOOMS
Peitoan voters stand foursquare behind Kuo Zhang, not knowing what a Popular Front victory will bring


A man prays in the Temple of Nushen in Novi Namor, Peitoa.

By Txo Tangfa | THINGS ARE not looking good in Peitoa as Namorese prepare to elect their next President-General in Sunday. Last night, a small group of people torched the local headquarters of the People's First Coalition (PFC) in Novi Namor. The arson defaced the front entrance of the building. Police say the identities of the suspects are still unknown, but some in the island believe it's the work of left-wing - primarily Liberationist - sympathizers who are lurking among the PFC-leaning population.

Following the arson, many went online to express their anger at the "Liberationist plot," accusing the Liberationist Party of stirring up tensions in Peitoa.

"Green dogs, get out of our island. Peitoa will never belong to you," read one comment.

"Get out, or we will lynch you. You've been warned," another comment threatened.

Nationwide polls predict a victory for the left-wing Popular Front, represented in the presidential election by the Liberationist leader Shohai Antelope. An Antelope victory will mark the first time a reunified Namor came under a Liberationist President-General - something that unsettles Peitoa's largely anti-Liberationist electorate.

Even as the 10th-year anniversary of the forced absorption of Peitoa by the mainland approaches, anti-mainland sentiment continues to run high in the archipelago. The older generation of locals oppose influence from the mainland for ideological reasons, having been exposed to anti-Liberationist propaganda under the Republicans. The younger generation is also wary of the mainland but for more practical reasons.

While reunification has brought certain benefits to Peitoa, such as a higher standard of living after years of economic isolation, it has also put local residents at a disadvantage. As a majority Kannei district, Peitoa is not entitled to the "shield" that protects autonomous republics from becoming too economically or culturally intertwined with Namor Proper.

Since reunification, thousands of migrant workers from the mainland have moved to Peitoa, sparking accusations that mainlanders are stealing Peitoan jobs. Namo has provoked Peitoans to the streets twice - once with President-General Fu Wen's plan to teach Tzishin in Peitoan schools, and twice with the CenCo-supported plan to rename public places in Peitoa named after members of the former ruling Jung family. This "dejungization" plan was eventually shelved by Fu.

It is for these reasons that many Peitoans are fervent supporters of the People's First Coalition (PFC) and its controversial leader, Kuo Zhang. Whereas the PFC is notorious on the mainland because for its extremist and ultra-nationalistic ideology, it is viewed in Peitoa as a courageous anti-establishment movement that is able to keep Namor united and Peitoa secure at the same time. This election, many say they are not taking any chances if the great-grandson of a late revolutionary who was portrayed in Republican-era textbooks as the mean-spirited leader of a ragtag army of murderous peasants wins the presidency.

"Shohai Antelope is the great-grandson of Bandit Yunglang, and he's the worst. Peitoa is toast if that guy is elected, and unfortunately it looks like he will," said Tzo Kunhuan, a 68 year-old resident of Novi Namor. "You saw what Fu did to us during his presidency, and he's not even a Liberationist. Imagine what our lives will be life once a Liberationist comes to power. You just can't picture that."

There has been a heightened sense of hostility towards suspected leftists in Peitoa since the election season began. Due to threats from stray localist groups, local branches of leftist parties have requested - and received - protection from the district government. Shohai Antelope's decision to visit Peitoa and speak out against Kuo Zhang wasn't revealed until Antelope arrived at the Novi Namor airport; upon arrival, he was escorted by a squadron of armed police. Antelope's return to the mainland was delayed as police tried clearing the terminal of protesters who planned to throw joss paper at the Popular Front candidate.

Already, many are warning of a violent reaction to a Popular Front victory in March 20. Internet forums have been abuzz with discussions about a post-election armed revolt aimed at punishing those who are responsible for the arson attack on the PFC headquarters.

"Peitoa is a small place, these leftist goons aren't hard to find. When I do find them, I'll have my rake and kitchen knife ready," one user posted.

Peitoa's PFC governor, Yong Kang, urged locals to exercise restraint ahead of the election, while at the same time ordering armed police to stay on high alert in the event of "unsavory incidents."

"No blood will be shed. Our democracy will prevail," Yong said.


OTHER NEWS

• Domestic: Shohai Antelope declines invitation to speak at Baikun Qing's funeral, cites "business"
• Domestic: Blackout period in effect
• Vestmarck: Opposition endorses Huan An
• Pisdara: Vote of no confidence called as "more evidence" against settlement facilities emerge

[Francilie]

Friday, 18th March 2016
CLAIRE JOURNAY CALLS NEW ELECTIONS

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Claire Journay was weakened by the scandals of her government. After massive protestations, she decided to resign tonight, and to call new elections in the next month.

PONTNOUVEAU, L'AUBE CAPITALE - After the scandals revealed by Réinfo, a lot of Francilians could have seen this happen. Even if she is not implicated in these affairs, the Prime Consul Claire Journay announced her resignation at the Congress.

"The scandals that have shaken my government last week were widely protested in the Francilian Union. I said that I didn't knew about these affairs, and I say it again today. My consulate has crossed several little government scandals but I think this is too much. Something like that can't happen under my consulate, neither the one of Ms. Langbroek. I am deeply shocked. This is why I decided to come here today, in the Congress. Like a State of the Union Adress. But now, it's more like a State of my Consualte Adress. And it's over. I hereby announce that me and the Second Consul, Ms. Langbroek, are calling new consular elections on April the 10th. I will participate in this election, and if I lose, I'll resign after the inauguration of the next Prime Consul. Thanks."

As the Article 89-2 of the Constitution says, if he does not feel trusted, the incumbent Prime Consul can call a new election: if he wins the election, he stays, and if he loses, he resigns. This article has never been used until today.

"She should have fired the government.", "She is a scapegoat."...on Twitter, Francilians expressed their kind words for the Prime Consul, very popular, except from the far-left and the far-right. "She has no point to put herself on the democratic trial if she is not implicated in these affairs." said Coline Leroy (Social) and Pierre Culotti (Republican), in a joint declaration. The Union Party said that Journay will be their candidate, of course, with the Greens and the LibDems. The Republican and Social Parties announced internal primaries tomorrow. But Coline Leroy and Pierre Culotti are being loathed in their respective parties. Leroy, candidate in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2015, is criticized to "always lose". Leroy should be attacked by both the liberal left (Laure Noir) and the traditional left (Nathalie Wamers-Hanbeek and Sjaak Hölban) while Pierre Culotti, always challenged by Jean d'Aussy, is now under the fire of the liberal Sabine Fuchsersbergers and of the more conservative Maurice de Chamblade.

Cédric Liet and Alain Laval, the far-right and the far-left, immediately announced that they'll be running on Twitter.

And, of course, lots of little candidates announced that they want to be the next Prime Consul : Pierre-Laurent Tigney (Action for the Monarchy), Robert Mabrel (Union of the Jahistics), Rémi Lanne (Liberationist Union), and others...

Just after Journay's adress, the Prime Consulate Office announced the calendar of these elections :

March 20 At noon, deadline for the candidatures (They must be approved by at least one assembly, the Congress or a Republic Assembly)
Start of the official campaign.
March 23 First debate, in Grand-Océan
March 27 Second debate, in Autebourg
March 30 Third debate, in Darionnes
April 3 Fourth debate, in front of international reporters,in Châtillon
April 6 Final debate, in Pontnouveau
April 9 Blackout
April 10 Election Day
April 16 Inauguration of the new president, if Journay is not reelected.

[Arkiasis]

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National Front Support Surges: Becomes Fastest Growing Party in Arkiasis
What is the reason for the huge surge for the right wing populist anti-immigrat party?
By Haley Johnston | LEIGHTON, FCD| Posted: 14 March 2016

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The National Front leader Ralph Normanson at a party conference last week.

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- (The Examiner) Numerous polls from across the nation have shown one trend, a huge rise in support for the anti-immigrant populist National Front (NF) party. With supporting surging from just 5% in late 2014, just after the last federal elections, to 15% in recent polls.

In 2014, the National Front reported having 22,296 party members, last December membership increased to 62,851, nearly a threefold increase. And with Esquarium Parliament elections coming up in as little as one month, polls indicate that the National Front could grab as many as 10 seats and could even defeat the Labour and Progressive Parties to become the largest party for Arkiasis at the EC Parliament. Currently the National Front have no seats in the Esquarium Parliament and have just 12 seats in the House of Representatives or 1.8%.

One event that could explain the huge rise in support was when late last year Troy Brown kicked the party out of the governing coalition following controversy regarding comments from Normanson that Arkiasis should "Close our borders to all Muslims" and suggested that "Islam is incompatible with western culture". Brown went to further describe the party as "racist and xenophobic", as well as mentioning "Their proposal to ban immigrants because of their religion is not only against the Constitution and International law, but is also against basic human decency. Their racist and xenophobic rhetoric has no place in our government. We will not work with them." In interviews during and after the controversy Normanson said "I stand by and believe everything I said. I will not apologize for speaking the truth."

Normanson however has stated he doesn't "hate Muslims" but instead said he "hates Islam". And has suggested that "If these so-called adherents of 'moderate Islam' are to reject the barbarity of radical Islam, they should tear out half the Koran and heavily condemn acts of terror. Or they can leave Arkiasis. It's up to them."

Since the late 1990's (and especially since the 2005 Aspatria Metro Attacks) the right-wing anti-immigrant party began focusing on what it perceives to be the spread of Radical Islam. The party has criticized Islam heavily and have claimed the Koran has "absolutely no place in civilized society". The party promises to ban certain religious (especially Islamic) practices such as niqabs and burqas, halal animal slaughter, Islamic schools and male circumcision. Opponents however, mention the potential unconstitutionality of such laws which would restrict freedom of religion.

Since 2006, the party has sponsored and hosted events that involve satirical depictions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad which some claim is to deliberately provoke attacks and violence, which the party denies. In 2009, a bomb threat led to the evacuation of the Conneaut Convention Centre during which a "Draw Muhammad" Contest was being held.

Normanson and the National Front have also taken a hard stance against the admission of refugees from Eastern Nautasia, the only party to currently do so. "We admit the 2nd largest amount of migrants of any western country, with the first being Ainin. And look what's happening there. Constant fear of terrorism, and 'no-go' areas of cities where you can't go if you're not Muslim." All of the the big 8 major parties (Progressive, Labour, Independence, Greens, Liberal, Socialist, Conservative and CDU) have expressed their support for the continued admission of refugees. However, many Arkiasians say that this is an issue that "needs a reevaluation". Polls have also showed many fear potential radicals entering the nation posing as refugees and that current screening procedures are not enough. However, polls indicate a minority of Arkaisians are fully opposed to the admittance of refugees, but numbers have been shown to be steadily rising. In 2015 alone, Arkiasis accepted a record 142,496 refugees. The party also denies the word "refugee" and instead uses the term "economic migrant" to describe the trend. "Refugees settle in the first safe place they find." said Normanson, "They do not travel halfway across the world to live on welfare benefits."

However, the party maintains that its concern is not against foreigners but to safeguard the interests and cultural identity of "native" Arkiasians and claims that "the protection of cultural identity and social peace in Arkiasis requires a stop to immigration."

Despite the party originally opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage back in 2005, the party has softened its stance on social issues instead now drawing comparisons between social issues such as same-sex marriage and Feminism with Islam. "Under Sharia law, gays are all executed and women are treated worse than cattle. Sharia law is, you're either a Muslim or you're an 'infidel' who needs to die. Is this what we want Arkiasis to become? It's hypocritical of the left to claim Islam is a 'religion of peace' when all of Islam goes against the values of any secular free western nation. Freedom of Speech? Gone. Freedom of Religion? Gone."

Outside of the party's harsh criticism of Islam, the National Front also echoes a very Populist rhetoric, opposing free trade agreements, globalization and membership in the Esquarium Community. A rally in the small city of Epping in Welbourne attracted nearly 10,000 people. standing in front of a closed Chemical factory Normanson said "Our country has been sold to the Namorese. Millions of jobs have been shipped out destroying our communities. Has any other party cared about our decaying communities? No! Do they care about our dying industry? No! Arkiasis used to be an industrial powerhouse, now look. Our nation's communities are dying thanks to the morons in Leighton who pay zero attention to communities such as this."

And just last week at a party conference he held a brick saying, "This... this is what used to build Arkiasis. Millions, if not billions of these were laid down during periods such as the Republican Miracle. Now this brick might as well say 'Made in Namor' on it just like everything else."

Many have claimed that the party's support base transcends left-right politics and has attracted not only right-wing Nationalists but also members of the disenfranchised left-wing working class who feel that both sides of the political spectrum have abandoned them, support is greatest in small industrial cities where many factories have closed down and unemployment is high. Especially in the inland areas of the Provinces of Welborne and Easton.

The party also supports a shared united Arkiasian identity and shared culture as opposed to Arkiasis' current policy of multiculturalism and regionalism. The party views that the Vesperian, Donnish, Hartish and Arkish groups are all apart of one Arkiasian identity and one Arkiasian ethnicity. The party is thus a strong opponent of secessionist movements such as Vesperian independence, and considers Vesperia to be apart of Arkiasian heritage and culture. Opponents however claim that such attempts will destroy minority languages and customs.

The party also claims it looks at several other nations as inspirations, the most often cited being Saexland, a small island nation of 4 million off the western coast of Nordania. Saexland currently forbids Muslims from immigrating to the nation and has a long history of Nationalism and opposition to immigration which many claim has safeguarded Saexish culture from outside influence. Ralph Normanson has often spoken highly of the nation and praised the nation for safeguarding its culture, economy and customs. Saexish President Ecgwulf Ōswinessunu has publicly stated his support for the National Front and claims he is "concerned with large-scale Moslem migration to the western world." Several months ago the party invited the Saexish President to speak at a party conference and to explain his and his nations positions and how it has to their claim led to a prosperous nation and culture.

With several major elections coming this year, including several major Provincial Council elections and the EC Parliament election, polls show support for the National Front at 15%. And while all current major parties denounce the National Front as "a bunch of xenophobes and racists." and reject them as a "small fringe party with no power." There is no doubt a huge division in Arkiasian politics is about to occur. "They don't listen to us now, but when people become angry with the establishment, they will know."

[Britanno 2]

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Are the EP elections Browning's last stand?
A leadership challenge is considered likely if Conservatives perform poorly.

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Marcus Browning is just two months away from celebrating his ten year anniversary as Conservative leader, making him the second longest serving party chairman in history. Only his predecessor, Anthony Hanrick, is ahead. The occasion should, of course, be a time for celebration. After all, few political leaders remain at the top for so long and even less survive when tasked with nurturing an economy out of recession.

But the real thing some see celebrating is stopping that day ever coming. Many Conservatives are banking on a fresh face at the top that could propel the party to victory a year from now. With polls showing the Social Democrats comfortably in the lead, an opportunity presented to MPs to get rid of their leader would most likely be taken. While a challenge is by no means guaranteed, those opportunities seem to all be coming at once. Elections to the Esquarian Parliament are next month, followed by provincial elections in May and the Candover mayoral contest a month after that. After last year's presidential loss, more defeats would almost certainly trigger a challenge of some kind.

The most obvious choices for his replacement would be James Cooper or Kirsten Lunn, the pair of cabinet centrists seen as representative of a new generation of leaders. Alexander Jensen, the Foreign Minister, could also throw his hat in the ring, and there are rumblings amongst the parliamentary party that backbencher Elizabeth Hollis is interested in a fast-track promotion to the top job. Any challenger would have to get the support of the grassroots however, where Browning remains popular despite his MPs' concerns over his electability. And deposing of him would be no easy task: the Conservatives are still heavily divided and the Prime Minister has shown himself capable of mobilising support when it matters in the past.

Nevertheless, Browning is no doubt worried. What he needs most is a series of surprising results in the EP elections next month. Proving the media and the opinion polls wrong would give him momentum heading into the two series of elections and insulate him from an immediate challenge. This, however, looks unlikely. The Conservatives currently hold two seats out of Britanno's eight, meaning they need to get around 25% of the vote to keep at this level. With the anti-immigration Freedom Party set to win the most votes and gain another seat, pushing its total up to three, and the Social Democrats likely to gain an additional seat, it looks more likely the Conservatives will drop to just one. This would be the lowest number they'd ever won and provide an easy opening for a leadership challenge from the centrist wing of the party.

If the Prime Minister ever wants to celebrate that anniversary, he'd better start praying the polls are wrong.

[Pavonistade]

SINHAKO NOT TO BE INTEGRATED, SAY MINISTERS AND PRESIDENT
Pavonistade responds to Durga D'Arpino's annexation proposal, and other Sinhakese reports

Date: March 18, 2016

A 2016 headshot of Durga D'Arpino,
who generated controversy with his
potential campaign platform.

The Minister of the Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the President have made an official response to a widely-criticized portion of the platform of Durga D'Arpino, who is running as an independent in the first general election of Sinhako.

Durga D'Arpino is one of the four candidates hopeful of Sinhakese presidency, the other three being interim president Helga Duta, Dasta Andolana head Johannes Sikari and independent Markos Putrivaya. The three latter candidates were claimed to have flaws, but it can be said that critics of the three candidates together targeted D'Arpino after he openly announced his plans. The main principle of his platform and campaign was to have Sinhako annexed into Pavonistade.

D'Arpino justified his intentions in an Ocelotian Gazette interview. When he was asked by interviewer Sean Watkins about what reasons he had for backing his platform, D'Arpino said, "There are Ocelotian nationalists and racists at Sinhako's doorsteps. Some of course have already breached the borders and are ready to bring violence to Sinhako again and again. [...] It has become apparent that we cannot depend on the Ocelot Isles for our existence. Pavonistade, as a multicultural and tolerant country, has the capability to support and accept Sinhako. It is this that we must seek a union with Pavonistade, and integrate SInhako into Pavonistade as one of its ten provinces."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Elisabeth Rifkins, Minister of the Interior Tomas Kuinten, and President Yksteldehs Oppenheim held a short press conference to address D'Arpino's campaign.

President Oppenheim was the first of the important figures to speak, declaring, "Sinhako will not be Pavonistadian. Turning Sinhako into the tenth Pavonistadian province would not be in our best interests." Minister Rifkins backed Oppenheim and claimed that "D'Arpino's proposal for the annexation of Sinhako would be unlawful, capable of inciting conflicts, and likely not receive significant support from Sinhakese and Ocelotians alike." Minister Kuinten spoke last and said that "a Pavonistadian annexation of any overseas territories will create considerable problems for Pavonistadians despite the convictions of certain people."

The three have not directly answered several questions in regards to D'Arpino's plan, especially any response to significant gains made by D'Arpino. The President and Ministers Rifkins and Kuinten all have a shared belief that certain elements are best left to the Ocelotian Administration to decide. Governor-President Howard Miten did make a statement that "the promise of Durga D'Arpino will run afoul of princples valued by both Sinhakese and Ocelotians."

As an autonomous region, Sinhako is officially independent of any Ocelotian laws, including the Ocelotian constitution and laws concerning secession of Ocelotian territory. The ability for Sinhako to secede without approval from the Ocelotian Administration (whether or not carried out with D'Arpino's intervention) has raised concerns from many politicians and citizens, including those with pro-Sinhakese stances. However it is widely agreed that D'Arpino has little chance to secure Pavonistadian annexation of Sinhako or win the Sinhakese elections.

The low probability is expected not to deter eligible voters from turning to D'Arpino. University of Kongeuvia professor Carlos Rothmans reported, "The Sinhakese has experienced a great deal of trouble since the time that the Sinhako project commenced. Incidents of intolerance, racism, and violence towards the Sinhakese have repeated for many weeks. It should not be surprising that there would be some disillusioned Sinhakese that would be willing to support Durga D'Arpino. One can see it as a typical case where people may head towards extreme or unorthodox paths."

"Paolo Bhatakaiya [a prominent Shudri in the 1990's], despite having mental illness, convinced relatives and non-relatives to head to the Ocelot Isles for pratyna bhumi ["promised land"]," professor Rothmans brought up, "so it is very possible that D'Arpino can pull off a small stunt."

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Other Recent Reports

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• Ocelot Isles | Kongeuvian municipal police to investigate Toloupum Fever outbreak hoax
• Francilie | Claire Journay to call new elections in light of Réinfo-revealed scandals

[Francilie]

PRIME CONSULATE OFFICE
Official News of the Prime Consulate of the Francilian Union

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LIST OF CANDIDATES TO THE 2016 CONSULAR ELECTIONS, THE CAMPAIGN TO START.

As the 2016 consular election campaign starts, the Prime Consulate of the Francilian Union is releasing the official list of candidates.

For the Left Ecology-Peace & Liberty-Workers First! Parties


Mr. LAVAL Alain (for First Consulate) and Mr. LARDOT Laurent (for Second Consulate)
Approved by the HOUSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCILIE.

For the Social-Sovereignist Alliance of Armorica-Alliance for Autodetermination in Aut Parties


Mrs. WAMERS-HANBEEK Nathalie (for First Consulate) and Mr. HÖLBEN Sjaak (for Second Consulate)
Approved by the ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMORICA.

For the Union-Liberal-Democrats-The Greens Parties


Mrs. JOURNAY Claire (for First Consulate) and Mrs. LANGBROEK Heleentje (for Second Consulate)
Incumbent.

Independant Centrists


Mrs. MONFORT-VALDERBRE Elise (for First Consulate) and Mr. GIOVALE Donatien (for Second Consulate)
Approved by the HOUSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCILIE.

For the Republican Party


Mrs. FUCHSERSBERGERS Sabine (for First Consulate) and Mr. LE FUR Yann (for Second Consulate)
Approved by the SENATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIENNIA.

For the Patriots-Francilie Wake Up! Parties


Mr. LIET Cédric (for First Consulate) and Mrs. INADERA Robarta (for Second Consulate)
Approved by the HOUSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCILIE.

[Qianrong]

EARLY ELECTIONS FOR THE NATIONAL PRESIDIUM APPROACH, MARCH 21
CHAIRMAN LONG EXPRESSES HOPE FOR ELECTIONS, DEFENDS AGAINST OPPRESSOR SLANDER


An image taken of a polling station during the September 7, 2015 elections for the Presidium.

MARCH 19 2015 XIANGMEN, QIANRONG- In accordance with the decrees issued by the Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan, liberator of Qianrong and the inheritor of the legacy of Huang Jun-Tseng, before the Presidium of the Soviet Republic in the Hall of the Qianrongese Nation on March 11, 2016, Qianrong is now preparing to hold early elections across all regions of the country liberated from the shackles of tyrannical classist oppression, to guarantee that the voice of the Qianrongese people shall be heard loudly and clearly by their government. These elections will be for every seat within the Presidium, which serves as the supreme legislative body.

These elections are sure to be a free and fair demonstration of the will of the Qianrongese people living in regions of the country liberated by the Qianrongese Soviet Republic, without the corrupting influences such as corporate money and greed for power that plague the so-called "elections" of the occupied territories of the band of traitors and oppressors.

The Politburo of the Qianrongese Soviet Republic, which must clear all parties seeking to participate in elections in order to guarantee that none of the parties are advocating traitorous or counterrevolutionary thought, has increased the number of political parties allowed to run from three to four for these elections. The parties being allowed to participate are the Qianrongese Equalitarianist Party, the United Worker's Party, the People's Radical Party, and the Liberationist Party of Qianrong. These parties advocate equalitarianism, communism, socialism, and liberationism, respectively, and have all been deemed free of counterrevolutionary or repressive aspects that could be used by the oppressors in Yucheng to reshackle the Qianrongese people.

However, the FDRQ-descended traitor leadership based in Yucheng has continued to spread false allegations about the state of affairs in the liberated regions of Qianrong. In addition to their blatantly false allegations of violence committed by the Revolutionary People's Army in liberated otekitowns, they are now claiming that these elections will be rigged. In response to the allegations, Venerable Chairman Long said that they should look at the unfairness of their own "elections" before spreading false allegations about others. "The QSR has removed the corrupting influences of money and greed from politics, and has guaranteed the rights of all Qianrongese citizens to express their opinions in speech, press, assembly, petition, and on the ballot... there is no ground to these accusations."

Qianrongese citizens are also confident about the elections. "I am confident that these elections will be fair, free, and representative," an inhabitant of Danh Dap told reporters for the Qianrongese People's News Agency and Red Flag. "It is my hope that all people of Qianrong who have the privilege of expressing their vote in these elections use it, and make the correct choices to guarantee the best future for the revolution within the Qianrongese nation."

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OTHER NEWS STORIES
QIANRONG: Band of oppressors spreads baseless "otekitown violence" slander
NAMOR: Shohai Antelope likely to defeat counterrevolutionaries Huan, Kuo
KATRANJIEV: Double agent & counterrevolutionary Baikun Qing has died
PISDARA: More evidence of discrimination in vestige of Aininian imperialism
FRANCILIE: Journay to resign from consulship after major political scandals

[Lyonsland]

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News In English | Nuchett i Lejonir | Uutiset nevaksi | Novisi Luziyci | Ongeuengs en Vyvluder| Actualités en Français | Nòvitèt in l’hespeirana | Novitáti in l’ odýssiána | Nàechdan na Gàelig

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#SuperFriday - The battle begins
Campaigns for the Esquarian and provincial by-elections have commenced today as early opinion polls indicate gains for smaller parties

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The leaders of the five major political parties - Prime Minister/DFP leader Johanna Carl, SDP leader Criss Alidramms, NCP leader Andriass Ulann, Deputy Prime Minister/Centre Alliance leader Bartt Frellin and Unity leader Ivan Harlmorr.

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Campaigning has begun for Super Friday, when the Lyonese electorate will go to the polls to vote in three national votes; the Esquarian elections and two referenda, as well as three provincial elections and two Sashausen by-elections. The decision on synchronising the Esquarian, provincial and by-elections as well as the referenda was taken earlier this year. An estimated 61 million people will be eligible to vote on April 8th. Today, the parties and their leaders began unveiling their campaigns and manifestos as a mammoth three week campaign begun. This election may very well be the biggest test for the "Big 3" political parties to date, as recent polls have shown significant increases for an array of both new and smaller parties.

Esquarian elections - The rise of the smaller parties?
In what is the first national vote since the 2013 general election, this may very well be the breakout election for the smaller parties. The Big 3 (the Democratic Progressives, Social Democrats and National Conservatives) have dominated Lyonese politics for decades in what has been a mostly three-party system. However, the 2013 election saw a massive rise of the centrist Centre Alliance and the left to far-left Unity Party. Many smaller parties like the Greens, the Patriotic Front and regionalist parties also gained seats. Despite this, the Big 3 commanded 679 of the 810 seats combined. However, this Esquarian election may prove to be very different. Support for Unity, the Patriotic Front and the Greens has significantly increased in recent polls. The two government parties, the DFP and Centre Alliance have seen their support dropping, more so for the latter. The SDP, who suffered a hammering at the last general election after an unpopular government have still yet to fully recover in the polls. The right-wing NCP party, who dominated Lyonese politics for most of the 20th century, has seen a sharp decline in support over the past few years. Support for the party has dropped to as low as 6% in some polls last year and Andriass Ulann, the NCP leader of 20 years, has been heavily criticized.

At present, the SDP is the most popular party with 14 seats. the DFP has 11, the NCP has 4, Unity has 3, the Greens and the Patriotic Front have 2 each while the Centre Alliance has one. Analysts are predicting losses for the moderate right/centre, steady results for the left/centre-left and significant increases for the far-left and far-right, but will these predictions actually reflect the results? Time will tell.

Provincial elections - Make or break for the NCP
Provincial elections are taking place in the northern-most province of Aardland, NCP heartland Lasdan and the battleground province of Emo. Aardland's 33 seats have historically been dominated by the left, and the SDP have been the largest party in the province since 1973. However, this might all be about to change. The SDP have been neck-and-neck with Unity in recent local opinion polls, with the most recent poll putting Unity at 32% and SDP at 30%. If Unity garner the most seats in Aardland on April 8th, it would be a first for Unity, a massive feat for a party that was only founded in 2007.

Down in the Lyonese midlands is the province of Lasdan. Unlike the rest of the country where right-wing NCP support has faded, it is still the biggest party by far in Lasdan. The party has had an overall majority in the Lasdanian Parliament consistently since 1980 and won 37 of 70 seats in 2011. Recently though, party support has indeed slipped and is moving in both directions, to the moderate right and far-right. While the NCP is likely to emerge as the province's largest party one again, it is unlikely that it will be with an overall majority. The DFP and Patriotic Front are expected to make significant gains here, and the SDP will be hoping to build on what is a currently very weak left-wing vote in the province.

Unlike Aardland and Lasdan, Emo is anything but a party's heartland. The province has been a historical battleground between all three big parties, however the NCP has lost major traction here. Emo's last election in 2011 was a rather big shocker, when the SDP took 36 seats of 90 and the Centre Alliance took 16 seats, making them the second largest party. Smaller parties like the Greens and the Socialists also did very well here. Recent local opinion polls have shown that the state is rather more split than others, with the SDP and DFP both hovering around 20-25% while Unity and the Greens hover around 15%. The Patriotic Front, who won a significant portion of votes from the province at the last Esquarian election may do well here too while an anti-government vote may hurt the Centre Alliance.

The Forgotten Votes - the referenda and by-elections
These votes are most certainly going to be pushed to the side as the Esquarian and provincial elections take centre-stage. The constituencies of Ettsten Inner City North-Central and Nova Kelters Far-North will be voting in by-elections to fill the vacant seats in each of their constituencies. Following the untimely death of DFP representative Prinsössin Macderbh last November, seven candidates are contesting the open seat in E.I.C North-Central. Meanwhile, five candidates are contesting N.K Far-North following the resignation of CA representative Julia Nerminn upon her appointment as the Lyonese ambassador to Luziyca.

For the two referenda, voters will be asked the following two questions:

Do you agree that the voting age should be lowered from 18 to 16 for both general elections and referenda, as they are for provincial elections?, and
Do you agree that the national minimum wage should be decided at a provincial level rather than a federal level with the lowest possible minimum wage capped at ᵯ4.00?

The referenda have largely been seen as irrelevant and the opposition have criticized the holding of them, saying they were "pointless" and would only "confuse the electorate even more on polling day".

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It's certainly going to be a long and interesting campaign, and RTL will be here to help you understand it all. The parties are expected to unveil their campaign slogans over the coming days, and the first televised leaders' debate is expected to be scheduled during the week.

News In Brief

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#SuperFriday: First provincial debates held in Aardland, Emo
#URelections: The SDLP/Green coalition faces electoral test
#Editorial: Like 'em or not - The far-right will have an Esquarian field-day
#BaikunQing: The funeral for the ex-Katranjian president will take place on March 23rd

[Livancia]

DATE FOR NEW DINAR SET

Emir Yaqoob iben Rushdi

MINAKBIR, KHUSUBA GOVERNORATE - Today, Emir Yaqoob iben Rushdi of Livancia finally followed up on his promise made on 1 Muharram, 1437, by announcing a date to transition towards the new dinar. The date for the introduction of the second dinar will be on 1 Ramadan, AH 1437 (June 6, 2016), with the transition period to last until Eid al-Fitr (July 6), when the first dinar shall be withdrawn from circulation.

The Emir explained on national television that "at the start of the year, I made a promise to improve our country by introducing a new minimum wage, and to cut three zeroes. Today, we are going to follow through on this promise that I made to you, fellow Livancians."

He stated that "Our plans will be that during Ramadan, that you can use both currencies, but all merchants will have to give prices in new dinar. Once it ends, there will be a year-long period until the next Ramadan where you can exchange your old coins and notes at banks, before they get demonetized altogether. All bank accounts shall automatically be converted."

To this end, he issued a royal decree that also ordered that all banks update all financial records between 10 pm on the 29th of Shaban to 10 am on the 1st of Ramadan so they can be expressed in second dinar. At the same time, all shops have to be closed during the same time period so to update the values of the dinar.

Plans are for the new banknotes to bear values of 10 dinar, 20 dinar, 50 dinar, 100 dinar, and 250 dinar. The coins will be worth (in decreasing order), 5 dinar, 2 dinar, 1 dinar, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 almiat.

The exchange rate between dinar will be 1 new dinar is equivalent to 1,000 old dinar, so a dollar will be worth 9.5 dinar.

[Britanno 2]

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Ilbert: Time for Britanno to leave EC
Freedom Party leader backs an exit with two weeks to go until EP elections.

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The Freedom Party now officially supports leaving the Esquarian Community, leader Herman Ilbert has announced. With two weeks left until elections for the Esquarian Parliament, the anti-immigration party now backs an exit due to Britanno's "lack of influence". In a speech made at a campaign event, the party chairman criticised the EC for favouring larger countries over seat allocations in the Esquarian Parliament.

"How can we justify to the Britannon people that decisions that affect them will be made by an assembly with almost six hundred seats, of which only 8 are sent from Britanno? Our lack of influence is staggering when compared with Ainin's sixty or Arkiasis' forty. It's time that we pull our country out from this bureaucratic mess, stand up for ourselves and open our country up to the rest of the world."

The announcement means that the Freedom Party is the first major party to support leaving the EC. Marcus Browning, who's government relies on Ilbert for parliamentary support, criticised the move, insisting that the organisations is "vital to Britannon interests on trade, jobs and international cooperation". Social Democrat leader Leanne Jensen also attacked the Freedom Party, describing the proposal as "reckless".

With voting for Britanno's eight EP seats due to begin in two weeks, the Freedom Party, already on track to do well, has certified its "outsider" status, according to BNB political correspondent Julian Walsh. It is unknown what the impact of this latest revelation will have on the vote: while public support for remaining in the EC is high - a recent poll found only 20% of voters back an exit - the Freedom Party has often set the agenda in recent years, most notably on immigration. It is possible that this announcement could help to swing voters their way, but some commentators have also questioned whether, at a time when his party looked set to win the EP elections, Herman Ilbert has taken too big a risk. Former Anthony Hanrick speechwriter Thomas Allsop, who now works as a columnist for the Candover Times, told BNB News that the outspoken party leader had "gone too far" and would isolate undecided voters.

[Luziyca]

Election debates to be held on March 28th

Election official

PRASANTA, SINHAKO - The first debates for the first general election in Sinhakese history will take place on March 27th in Prasanta. It will take place at the gymnasium of the Helga Duta Secondary School in Prasanta, and will involve all the four major candidates: Helga Duta of the Sinhakese Labour Party (currently the incumbent Interim President), Johannes Sikari of the Sinhakese Nationalist Party, Markos Putrivaya of the Liberal Party of Sinhako, and independent candidate Durga D'Arpino.

This debate will be broadcast on Sinhako Veshchaniya Pradhikarana's radio service and television service live at 7 pm local time on March 27th, with the main topics expected to be domestic policy within Sinhako, such as education, healthcare, and defense of the Sinhakese people. All four of the candidates are expected to attend the debate organized by the SVP. So far, Helga Duta, Johannes Sikari, and Markos Putrivaya have all stated that they will be participating in the upcoming debate.

A moderator will be selected to moderate the debates and ask questions to the candidates. The moderator has not been announced as of yet.

[North Daecon]

Daeconese Federal Election, 2016: The Candidates

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March 20, 2016

From Clockwise; Christian Steiger, Timothy Harris, James Howrath, Adrian Johannsen, Landon Alvedires, Charlotte Durrough.
(Image Credit: DFRT World News Political Room)

WATERWITT, DAECON - Before the federal election schedule is released by the Federal Daeconese Elections Commission, the Waterwitt Leader newspaper conducts a party leader overview for the upcoming election, detailing the party history since the last election, which in this case, is the Federal election of 2013, won by Timothy Harris of the Democratic Labour Front defeating the Daeconese Conservative Government of Benjamin Sullivan and forcing Sullivan's retirement after losing his seat of Alpena.

With the writs of election for this year still in the process of handing down, expected to be handed down at the end of the month, here are the 6 contenders for the Prime Minister's position at the Lodge.

Timothy Harris, Democratic Labour Front: Electoral Favourites

Prime Minister Timothy Harris and his Democratic Labour Front have been enjoying majority support from the Daeconese populace since the 2013 general election, where they defeated the Daeconese Conservative Government of Benjamin Sullivan and gained an absolute majority in both the Senate and House of Represenatives, with 124 seats out of 200 in the Senate, and 385 seats out of 650 in the House of Representatives. Since then, the Prime Minister has engaged with world affairs more directly than his predecessor, both in successful endeavours, such as supporting the invasion of Arnborg, and contentious fights, such as Saibeland's human trafficking fight between the DFP and the HSA. Harris has campaigned on being on the forefront of world affairs and facing against Nevan influence, and also supporting anti-terror operations across Esquarium against the Caliphate.

The Democratic Labour Front is a very serious contender for keeping the prime ministers office and keeping its majority in both houses of Parliament, with polling suggesting 41% to 43% with a 2.4% error margin

James Howrath, National Daeconese Conservative Party: Long-runners but slowing down in speed

James Howrath's National Daeconese Conservative Party has been keeping pace with the government on several issues, such as border protection, the economy and domestic affairs such as taxes and education, but has been struggling to keep up with the DLF on issues on Nevanmaa and the rise of Radical Islamic Terrorism in the western world. The party was strong on issues with the economy, accusing the government of standing by as the stock market was shocked by a sudden downfall in oil, gas and mineral commodities late last year, and the handling of security measures on the borders with Dihlatora and Saibeland, with the recent human trafficking scandal that hit late October last year. Experts predict that the party will still do well, but trade seats and votes with the third parties that are in Parliament.

Polling suggests support at 28%, down from 29.1% in January, with a %3.3 error margin.

Adrian Johannsen, Centrist Alliance: New up-and-comers, can they break in?

Adrian Johannsen, a MFP from Hagarville, as lead the the Centrist Alliance since it's formation in 2010, and has been one of the major third parties in Parliament since the 2013 federal election, with 26 seats in the House and 4 senators in the senate, where he has been campaigning on a mix of compromise, social liberalism, Third Way politics, fiscal conservatism and social progressivism in recent months, and has gained tremendous support among the lower-middle class workers, suburban voters and upper-middle class residents, where his proposals of increasing the minimum wage and supporting tax breaks for the the lower class have pushed the Centrist Alliance into possible contention for the prime minister's office facing against Democratic Labour leader Timothy Harris and and Daeconese Conservative leader James Howrath.

Johannsen, who is known for his speaking skills and rallying in the provinces, has deemed the Daeconese two-party system to be detrimental to Daeconese-style democracy, saying that "we need to have voters feel like they matter in our democracy, which is being strangled by the two-party system." he stated at a campaign rally. "We will help the voter regain his prominence again in his own country, and we will support the voter the whole way."

Polling towards the Centrist Alliance have been favourable in recent months, with a 4.2% percent increase from 13% to 17.2% in popular support for the Centrist Alliance, with a 3.1% error margin.

Christian Steiger, Agrarian Country Party: For the people, by the people, rural surprise

Nautaryan-born Christian Steiger, a former Dalshire senator from 1999 to 2003, has been at the voice and forefront of the agricultural industry in Daecon, campaigning on issues such as sustainable agriculture, environmentalism, workers rights and his stance of Genetically Modified Plants and Food, where his statement at the 2013 election in his native Dalshire made sure that the AGP got 8 seats in the house, and 1 senator in the senate. "Genetically modified food is a territory that multinational companies should stay away from, now and in the future." Steiger said at a speech. "It is messing with natural growth patterns of food, and with these seeds that these companies produce, it forcibly hands control of food production from hard-working farmers to corporations, and who has no say? The farmers, and that's why we will support the farmers against GMO's, for the sake of their livelihoods and for nature."

He has also been a vocal critic of big industry, accusing them of corrupting the environment, in particular lashing out at Nabany Oil & Gas in 2011 for fracking without the proper license from the Ministry of the Environment, and Wickens Logging for chopping down parts of Killarney Provincial Forest without any permission from the provincial government of Weston. He also supported bills banning pipelines and also filibustered a bill in the House that could have given big industry the clearance to seize land belonging to private farmers. It was eventually defeated, after several Representatives followed the same example and filibustered the bill with him.

Due to support from most of Dalshire, parts of Chancloton and Smachundy, but less support from the rest of the country; Steiger has a slim chance at seizing the Prime Minister's office, but he and his supporters are bound to be one of the significant third parties in Parliament, with their poll numbers increasing from 7% in January to 11% as of March 19, 2016, with a 2.8% error.

Landon Alvedires, Daeconese Libertarian Democratic Party: The wild card?

Landon Alvedires, who was Education Minister under the Edgley government, has based his prime ministers campaign on securing people's privacy, civil liberties, introducing libertarian style laissez-faire capitalism, reducing defence spending, the protection of freedom of speech and freedom of the press and supporting domestic industry back in Daecon. These policies have helped Alvedires gain 11 seats in the house and 2 senators in the senate at the last election. He also advocated for the decriminalisation of recreational drugs, saying it will free people from the cycle of imprisonment and hopes to reduce sentencing on recreational drugs, where 100 grams of marijuana could get a person here sent to 20 years in prison for felony drug possession. Alvedires has said that the status-quo was unacceptable, saying; "The current system of the 'War on Drugs' isn't working. Not at all. A college kid who is caught with 50 grams 3 times is going to get sent to prison for nearly 6 or more years. How is that acceptable? How can that sit on the people who make these laws?" he said at town hall meeting. "The Libertarian Democrats promises that we will end the criminalisation of recreational drugs, and make it a legal medicinal industry, with regulations and safety standards. We need to stop the cycle of imprisonment and we need to stop it now."

He has also advocated for protection of freedom of religion, and freedom of the press, saying that the freedom of the press 'is a critical part of any democratic society.' and also saying that freedom of religion is a critical part of having a just and safe society, saying that people have the right to feel safe and not be discriminated by people for their religion. This has made him cop criticism for letting people be too free, but he said that "People deserve to feel safe, religion and speech is just two of these things. If people get attacked on the street for their religion or a editorial piece in the newspaper, we had failed at those two basic rules of law."

Despite popular support in the working class districts of Dalshire, Cambria, Chancloton and Eperia, Alvedires' bid for the Prime Minister's office is set to be a short dream, but is expected to gain seats in the Parliament and be a junior partner to the Agarian Country Party, but the wild card is that they will be the tiebreaker party if there is a hung parliament. Recent Polls show a 1.9% increase of support from January, 5.3% in March compared to 3.4% in January, with a 3% error margin.

Charlotte Durrough, Daeconese Nationalist Union: The sleeping monster that is gaining steam

The Daeconese Nationalist Union, lead by the stunning and charismatic Charlotte Durrough, is gaining steam all across the 20 provinces, and its history before the last election has worried some electoral observers and a few of her rivals as well, which include Steiger, a Nautaryan Catholic, Alvedires, who's policy advocates freedom of religion and freedom of the press and PM Harris himself, a former soldier who fought in the Invasion of South Daecon from '98 to 2000. Durrough, a former nationalist youth leader and the youngest MFP ever elected to the Daeconese Federal Parliament, has gathered people from all across the political scene, from disgruntled military veterans, to workers, to middle-class white college students and Protestant Christians under the slogan of "Loyalty, Propriety, Piety and Morality. These are the basis of a righteous society. For a better future."

Her election promises of removing Islamic principles, promising to implement 'traditional Daeconese way of life' and encouraging a 'Daeconese national ethnic identity' have apparently just incited the right-wing into hyperdrive, and more and more people are turning up to DNU rallies across the country, and more people placing faith in Durrough to stop the flow of refugees and stop Islamic terrorism across Daecon due to her hardline stance against Islamic principles and the whole concept of Islam itself. "Islam is a religion of hate, animosity, and not of peace but of violence and extremism. It is barbaric and has no place in western society." Durrough spoke at a rally that attracted nearly 50,000 people. "We need to keep Islam out of Daecon for the sake of our future. They have to be stopped! If can't do this simple task, we will be run over by imams and ayatollahs who will send this country into the ground! We are the first line of defence against Islam and we will prove it!"

The Daeconese Federal Militia, Army, Marines and Navy, including some parts of the Air Force and Coast Guard, have clearly refused to support Durrough's efforts to turn the Military into the strong arm of the hypothetical nationalist government, saying that they are bound by the Federal Constitution of Daecon to refuse orders that goes against the conventions on Human Rights. These members, who are called 'Constitutional Peace Keepers', are in turned attacked by supporters of the Daeconese Nationalist Union, accusing the 'Constitutional Peace Keepers' of treason, and they are 'betraying' Daecon by refusing to side by her during times of crisis.

With support rising for the party all across Daecon, we expect this party to be a serious contender for the Prime Minister's office, and a undetermined but large number of seats in Parliament. Polling has shown support between 21% to 26% with a 5% error margin, and is likely to be one of the main opposition parties by swearing-in day.

[Pisdara]

20 March, 2016

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Vote of no confidence passes, Governor refuses to dissolve government
The reconvening Territorial Council has passed a vote of no confidence against the two-month old government of Governor Alfred Lèche by eight key votes. However, it seems the leader of the far-right Radical National People’s Party is refusing to dissolve his government, citing that the vote was held “under suspicious circumstances.”

When questioned about his decision and its ramifications, Lèche stated that “I am keeping this government together for stability and to protect Aininians on this island, and some Pisdari [expletive] like Ku-Asharru and her goons are not stopping me.” The Governor also stated that the early elections were a ploy for “the leftists to take control and end the Settlement Act prematurely.”

The opposition has called for the newly-appointed Citizen-Protector to force Lèche and his party from the Council and to announce the election, with many stating that Lèche has crossed a fine line towards authoritarianism.

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Surge of violence against Pisdaris after result of Council vote
According to various sources, a surge of violence against ethnic Pisdaris has occurred due to the passing of the vote of no confidence in the Territorial Council. Almost all the perpetrators have been confirmed as younger men of Aininian origin. It is assumed they are members and supporters of the ruling far-right PRPN, who had lost control of government and may face an early election.

The most brutal of the attacks occurred in a market in Kibkar, where 69-year old Marie Hocean was attacked and cut by 25-year old Martin Laubes. Although Hocean is from the Aininian community, it is assumed Laubes based his assumption of her ethnicity by her hijab. Thirty-six others have been hospitalized due to the attacks, which according to one witness, “had to be planned”. The witness mentioned that the largest attack that occurred in Ashuragar, which saw two men stab three other men in a restaurant, had the attackers wearing jackets emblazoned with the symbol for the paramilitary Pisdari National Army (ANP). Nicknamed “The Militia”, this group was formed by the PRPN to handle population transfers and move nomads into the ‘resettlement facilities’. The leader of the ANP, Jacques-Henri de Toussaint, has stated the attacks are not by the ANP’s members, but did tell reporters that “if the opposition in the Council keeps acting the way it is, I can see this event happening again”.

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[Qianrong]

Because modern news media is already a fiasco

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Long Jiao-Che's ascension to the Namorese vice-presidency represented "ultimate triumph" to the Chinchinpai.

SECRET QIANRONGESE CLIQUE DECLARES INFILTRATION OF NAMORESE GOVERNMENT A SUCCESS
March 20th, 2016 - Yucheng, Qianrong - A secret clique of influential Qianrongese figures has declared "final victory" and "ultimate triumph" in their plan to infiltrate the Namorese government. The clique- calling itself the Chinchinpai, or "pro-Qianrongese faction", a name taken from words such as Chinjopai ("pro-Chorean faction") or Chinlupai ("pro-Luziycan faction")- has reportedly been planning the infiltration and eventual conquest of the Namorese government for decades, with the end goal being making the significantly larger and more powerful Namor subservient to Qianrong in a fashion that would minimize knowledge of this fact and thus any potential Namorese backlash.

"Obviously, we would have preferred a Huan An victory because of his Minjianese blood, and because he was running for the Presidency-General itself," said one shadowy member of the Chinchinpai, "but we made sure we had a backup plan. So while Shohai isn't Qianrongese, his vice president Long Jiao-Che will be, and that's as close as we need to be for the time being." The plan also reportedly had some unknowing allies, among them Socialist politician Tao James. "His rhetoric about resuming aid wound up being surprisingly beneficial, and he wasn't even a part of our plot... that was a real stroke of luck for us."

The scheme, according to members of the Chinchinpai, involved primarily getting ethnic Qianrongese who were open about their ethnic origin into positions of power. Violence and oppression in Qianrong provided a valid reason for influxes of Qianrongese immigrants, and made for compelling narratives that could aid political campaigns and rises to power. In some situations, however, ethnic Tuhaoese were reportedly asked to pretend to be Antelopians.

However, there were reportedly some dicey moments. "Tuyet An was perhaps the most serious threat to our scheme," one Chinchinpai member confided. "She showed an utterly astounding ignorance towards Qianrong... had she gotten the New Democratic nomination, we would have been in serious trouble. Thankfully, she failed to gain traction against Huan An."

Despite making up only 0.75% of the massive country's population, ethnic Qianrongese in Namor often seem far more prominent than members of larger ethnicities, such as the Khao (0.8%), Kaku (1.23%), Choreans (1.5%), or Vetpei (18.07%); this includes figures such as Namor's Vice President-elect Long Jiao-Che, New Democratic candidate Huan An, and human rights official Chang Wan-Hsiu. According to the Chinchinpai, this is their doing. "We've been working to get Namor under the Qianrongese heel for decades," said one member of the Chinchinpai. "That involves getting Qianrongese into a position where they're far more powerful than other ethnicities in Namor."

"It was really inevitable that this would occur," one member of the Chinchinpai told Namora Shinbunbo. "Everyone in the world knows about the superiority of the Qianrongese people. We're better fighters, better rioters, better lynchers, better egotists, better terrorists, better nuke-makers, we're just generally better. Our victory was guaranteed from the onset."

When asked what they would do now that Namor was subservient to its small southern neighbor, most members of the Chinchinpai said they were considering Ainin, Luziyca, and Tuthina as potential future targets. "Really, the world is our oyster at this point," one member of the Chinchinpai said.

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Top 3 News Stories
QIANRONG: Chairman of the QSR Long Jiao-Dan told reporters there was no violence against Qianrongese Otekians unhappy with his decision to call Oteki a Namorese territory while personally and violently assaulting an Qianrongese Otekian civilian. "All rumors of violence being perpetrated by this government against Otekians in Qianrong are blatant lies, spread by the band of oppressors and traitors occupying Yucheng," Long told state media while holding the Otekian individual in a chokehold. "I urge the world to demand an end to such slanderous falsehoods from the northern regime." When questioned about the accounts smuggled out of QSR-controlled otekitowns, Long said that such stories were "unprovable anecdotes that cannot be trusted as evidence," before silently snapping the Otekian's neck.
PISDARA: Governor Alfred Leche of Pisdara has come under fire for proposing a new piece of legislation, the "2016 Fuck the Rule of Law and Human Decency Act", to the Aininian territory's Territorial Council earlier today. Leche claimed that the legislation was justified as it would "promote stability, security, as well as my own violent bigotry and political greed." However, he was criticized by Deputy Inanna Ku-Asharru and CItizen-Protector Alain Bergeron, who described his actions as "blatantly illegal" and "utterly beyond the powers of the territorial Governor", respectively. "He's already ignoring the Territorial Council's vote of no confidence, so it's perhaps not surprising, but it's seriously disappointing... this is beyond all sanity at this point," Bergeron told reporters. At press time, Leche had reportedly passed his own bill without any input from the Territorial Council, even though the Governor of Pisdara has no legislative authority whatsoever.
LUZIYCA: The CIA has reportedly led a coup against the government of Luziyca's President Sera Svensson, citing "communistic tendencies" and "a critical situation for liberty" within the Christian Republic's government. "We noticed a worrying tendency away from freedom in Luziyca, and it became our duty as patriotic defenders of freedom to lead a coup against this tyrannical lunatic." Analysts say that such a coup was probable, as President Svensson had taken dangerous policy steps such as showing human decency and a concern for the less-well-off. The fact that she had not ordered the CIA to depose any foreign governments since taking office might also have been a factor, many have speculated. Vice President of Luziyca Colin Hardage has reportedly set up a government-in-exile in Geadland, and has vowed to undo the coup and "restore true democracy, instead of the illusion thereof, to Luziyca and its people."

[Namor]

ELECTION '78 Green Again
Popular Front's Shohai Antelope wins landslide victory in presidential election unseen since NMR 2368
First time Liberationists come to power by election, this time with a coalition
New Democrats devastated in legislative elections as leftist parties seize control of CenCo
PFC wins unprecedented number of seats despite Kuo loss

March 21, NMR 2378

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Winning nearly 60% of the popular vote and a supermajority of Namor's
prefectures, Shohai Antelope of the Popular Front was elected the 11th
President-General of the People's Republic of Namor

Results of the NMR 2378 presidential election by prefecture

Composition of the 19th Central Council, which will officially replace the
outgoing CenCo in April 10

NAMO, CAPTIAL DISTRICT - After 10 years of rightist rule, the pendulum has shifted in favor of the Namorese left: Shohai Antelope of the Popular Front won a landslide victory in the presidential election of NMR 2378 with nearly 60 percent of the vote, easily crushing opponents Huan An of the New Democrats and Kuo Zhang of the People's First Coalition. In the legislative election, the leftist parties performed exceptionally well, winning an absolute majority in the Central Council and forcing the New Democrats back into the opposition they had been in prior to NMR 2368.

It was a landslide victory unseen since NMR 2368, when an dissatisfied electorate voted Kaitlyn Khan out of office and elected Fu Wen - who won over 60 percent of the popular vote - in her place. This time, however, the New Democrats suffered the same fate.

Antelope, secretary-general of the Liberationist Party and the leading political figure of the Namorese left since the ouster of President-General Khan and the retirement of father Txo Antelope, had started out strong since day one of his presidential campaign. But the campaign did not proceed without challenges; for months, Antelope's hold to the Popular Front nomination had been threatened by the rise of Socialist Tao James. Eventually, however, the "T-storm" declined and Antelope was confirmed to be the left's nominee.

Following the primaries, Antelope continuously led the polls, in which he was supported by nearly half of all voters. Outside of the Front, Huan An had a more difficult time trying to convince voters that the New Democrats deserve another five years. He had begun with the support of around 30 percent of voters, but instead of catching up to Antelope as he had hoped, Huan dropped to the low 10s by late February and was locked in a battle to secure second place from the demagogic Kuo Zhang. Even before voters headed to the polls, it had become clear that the chances of a New Democratic victory were slimmer than ever.

On election night, Antelope and his colleagues set back as the votes were being counted. For Huan, it was an intimidating show - Antelope won a majority in every single prefecture in northern and western Namor. While Huan's supporters began to lose hope, Huan did not, assuring everyone that the southern coast - a traditional stronghold of the New Democrats - would stop the Popular Front dead in its tracks.

But when Antelope won every prefecture in the fickle districts of East and West Nozama, it was over for Huan An, who delivered his concession speech in front of thousands of tearful supporters.

"We have lost. It is clear that we have let ourselves down," Huan said, before congratulating Antelope on his victory.

The concession had taken place before the results of the election in the southern districts were released, but nevertheless there was close to nothing the New Democrats could brag about. In Huan's native Xhinan, considered a hub of New Democratic sympathizers, two of the four prefectures defected to Antelope. In Southern Namor, the New Democrats held on to the coastal metropolitan areas, albeit at a narrower margin. Meanwhile, Antelope swept across the suburbs and countryside, winning four prefectures in Southern Namor and seven prefectures in East Namor. Antelopia was the only district where all of the prefectures were won by Huan, but even there, support for him in the western prefectures had dimmed. The "golden belt" that helped Fu Wen cruise to victory in NMR 2368 and NMR 2373 had shrunk and fallen apart.

The night, then, belonged not to the New Democrats but the Popular Front, whose nominee will join his great-grandfather and grandfather in the list of Namorese President-Generals. Shohai Antelope jubilantly announced the victory in front of massive crowds of supporters, some of whom moved to tears by the results.

"The People's Republic of Namor is a People's Republic again," he said. "The election may be over, but this is only the beginning of a long campaign to achieve a better future for all Namorese, from east to west and from north to south. By casting our votes, we have initiated the revolutionary spark that will set this country ablaze."

The Nation Reacts

Huan An conceded to Shohai Antelope before all the votes were
counted

Although Kuo Zhang failed to surpass Huan An in the official vote, his stellar
performance has led some to believe that he, not Antelope, was the real winner
of the election

Having cast their votes for Shohai Antelope, most Namorese are optimistic, hoping that the new administration will efficiently bring an end to Namor's current problems.

"Fu was a decent President-General, but he didn't handle the stock crisis the way many wanted him to. I voted for Deputy Antelope because he understands that the economy needs some government intervention to keep running. The neoliberalism that Huan espouses doesn't work all the time," said Dong Suang, a 32 year-old resident of Sicho.

Many younger voters broke with the New Democrats and chose the Popular Front, seeing no hope for Namor under another New Democratic presidency. Some say they were recoiled by Huan An's support for a continental free trade agreement.

"I want more opportunities, I want a stable job, and I want all of them here, not in some other country where people have no rights," Sin Hang, a university student from Vetpei who voted for Antelope, told PTH. "Namorese workers should stay in Namor."

Some, including those who voted for Antelope or otherwise, prefer to be cautious about what to expect from an Antelope presidency.

"It's a good thing, but treating him like Songte isn't going to help. Politicians often promise a lot of stuff and then only some of these promises are fulfilled. Who knows, maybe Shohai Antelope ends up losing in 2383 like Khan did in 2368," a middle-aged voter said. "In a country like Namor, anything is possible."

Despite the post-election optimism, many questions remain unanswered. Observers wonder whether the new administration will leave years of détente with neighboring Luziyca in the back burner. Antelope, who had attended an anti-détente rally in Po'ai, called reunifying occupied Nantai by force "not illegal" and co-sponsored an act stipulating that only Namor may decide the future of its own territory, recently promised in the March 10 debate that he will "coexist" with Bethlehem if elected - a message that assured some and worried others.

Stock markets fell noticeably following Antelope's election, with the Esquarian City Stock Exchange reporting a four percent decline.

Outgoing President-General Fu Wen, who congratulated Antelope following the election, said today he will work with the Popular Front in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition and give Antelope "some good advice" before leaving office in April 20.

"As an elder, I think I have a duty to pass some wisdom to the pupil," Fu said.

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Other News

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• ELECTION '78 Antelope to name cabinet members ahead of inauguration - Shohai Antelope is expected to release his list of State Council (cabinet) members ahead of inauguration day in April 20. The list of appointments will be reviewed and confirmed by the newly-elected 19th Central Council.
• ELECTION '78 Winners and losers from the NMR 2378 election - There's more than just the candidates and parties. PTH takes a look at who will be most benefited (and hurt) by the March 20 vote.
  

[Luziyca]

Shohai Antelope wins, government pledges to continue relationship

President General Shohai Antelope

NAMO, NAMOR - Today, PTH has officially announced that Liberationist party leader, Shohai Antelope had won the Namorese general election by a stunning landslide that has been unseen since the NMR 2368 elections when Fu Wen became President-General, removing Kaitlyn Khan from the office.

"The People's Republic of Namor is a People's Republic again," Shohai Antelope declared in his victory speech. "The election may be over, but this is only the beginning of a long campaign to achieve a better future for all Namorese, from east to west and from north to south. By casting our votes, we have initiated the revolutionary spark that will set this country ablaze."

Meanwhile, Huan An had conceded defeat after the Namorese districts of West Nozama and East Nozama saw overwhelming victories for the Popular Front (an electoral alliance of the Democratic Socialists, the Socialists, and the Liberationists), explaining to PTH that "We have lost. It is clear that we have let ourselves down," prior to congratulating Shohai Antelope on his victory.

Before PTH officially called the election in favor of Shohai Antelope, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Alina Stasov stated on Twitter her congratulations to Shohai Antelope, and stating that "may he run Namor well!"

Acting President Colin Hardage has said after all the ballots were tallied that "I am glad that Namor chose who they thought to be the best choice for their country. I am looking forward to working with him, and I wish him the best of luck in his coming term."

In Nantai though, his rhetoric towards the constituent republic has scared people: Chief Executive River Tam stated to LRT that "I am concerned that after years of peace in Nantai, after years of stability and increasingly cordial relations, Shohai will pander to the interests of the Namorese, who seek to integrate Nantai into Namor, without consider what we, the Nantainese, want for Nantai." She went on to add that "I want reassurance from Shohai that 'the status quo as it stands now' be upheld in regards to Nantai."

However, despite these concerns, former Chief Executive Kung Alicia commented that "I doubt Shohai will invade Nantai and occupy its territory. It is just pure rhetoric."

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