History of Birolika
Birolika was founded in 1847 by settlers who came across new lands. They initially landed in Dalton Bay in the west of the country, before settling much of the rest of the country. By 1855 the counties of Birolika agreed to form a federated government, which was quickly centralized, with much power residing in the capital of Dalton under the auspices of King Paisley the First, originally a Duke before becoming self-proclaimed king of the independent state. A parliament was formed and prominent landowners in the counties nominated delegates to the capital to do their bidding. This system remained in place until 1945 when elections under universal suffrage were held for the first time. The parties founded then continue until today.
After democracy was established the parties we see today were established. The Moderate Party took on Conservative social valus and moderate economics, up against the Classical Liberalism of the Liberty Party. The third party was the Democratic Coalition, a socially liberal party. Barring an interlude of rule by protest movement 'None of the Above' in the 60s, these three parties have supplied all Birolik PMs.
Today Birolika has a population of over 35 million. The largest cities are Dalton, Mulberry, Peldon, Teelport, Saldon and Caldrey.
Birolik Prime Ministers
| Name | Party | Years in Office |
| James Kilroy | Liberty Party | 1945 - 1950 |
| Herbert Laws | Liberty Party | 1950 - 1953 |
| Charles Herwood | Moderate Party | 1953 - 1964 |
| Elena Wooster | None of the Above | 1964 - 1967 |
| Dennis Lancaster | Liberty Party | 1967 - 1973 |
| Naomi Isinglass | Liberty Party | 1973 - 1975 |
| Ed Cock | Moderate Party | 1975 - 1978 |
| Paul Glass | Democratic Coaliton | 1978 - 1984 |
| Toby Gutierrez | Democratic Coalition | 1984 - ??? |
The Moderate Party - Conservatism, Christian Democracy and Centrism
The Moderates are currently the official opposition in Birolika, holding 7 of the 41 seats. The Moderates have provided 2 of the 9 post-Universal Suffrage Prime Ministers of Birolika, ruling for a total of 14 of the last 41 years, the second longest of any party. Of their PMs Ed Cock, who was in office for just three years, achieved little being one short of a majority, so the only true hero of this movement is Charles Herwood. Herwood stood steadfastly in office for much of the 50s and the start of the 60s, in office for a total of 10 years, 11 months and a day, the longest for any PM. In his term in office he managed to tighten laws on alcohol and dress code, as well as create a welfare program which paid for the neediest but punished offenders (some would say harshly). He also provided moral leadership through an international winds that buffeted Birolika. He lost office, however, in a landslide under accusations of acting too autocratically and refusing to name a point at which he might step down after a decade in office. Currently the Moderate Party are led by Helen Gainsford. Their current program focuses on maintaining much of the new social protections bought in by the Democratic Coalition, whilst removing regulation burden on small business, re-introducing tax relief on religious institutions and reducing immigration. Their coalition of voters has been traditionally focused on both traditionalist upper class voters, middle income voters without degrees and religious working class voters. Both the middle income and working class planks of support have been eroded by the Democratic Coalition over the last two elections. This time, however, it is expected that these demographics will come 'home' to the Moderates.
Democratic Coalition - Social Liberalism, Social Democracy
The Democratic Coalition are currently in government, holding 30 of the 41 seats in Birolik parliament following a landslide victory in the 1982 general election. Traditionally the third party behind the Moderates and Liberty Party, the Democratic Coalition came to power dramatically in 1978 after a decade of recession and erosion of the social fabric. They have been led into the previous two elections by the charismatic Paul Glass, who broaden the parties appeal at a time of national crisis. Over the last two parliaments the Democratic Coalition have expanded rights for women, the LGBT+ community and ethnic minorities, as well as expanding the welfare state, creating a national insurance system for health and boosting funding for schools. Given the unique circumstances of their last two victories, a leader with historically unprecedented appeal and a sense of there being a need for a break from the two party system, it has been questioned whether the Democratic Coalition can hold onto the voters who propelled them to power. Before the last two results the Democrats voters were primarily low paid, young graduates, the LGBT+ community and ethnic minorities. In this election they will be led by Toby Guitierrez, who was previously the Health Minister. He is focusing on continuing high funding for public services, student debt reform and the current strength of the Birolik economy.
Liberty Party - Classical Liberalism, Liberal Conservatism
The Liberty Party are currently the third party in parliament, holding 4 of the 41 seats. Since 1945 they have been in power for a total of 16 years, the longest of any party. In office their crowning achievements have been lifting prohibition in 1947, legalizing homosexuality in 1970 and tax cuts in 1950 which were credited with ushering in a period of relative prosperity for the middle class. Their leader is the slightly odd Vincent Bull, a man who became an MP at just the last election after having owned a chain of overpriced bars. He is leading the party on a large plan of tax cuts aimed generally at businesses and the relatively well off graduates. They're also pledging drug reform as well as action on climate change. Their coalition of voters has traditionally consisted of graduates, more urbane members of the upper class and ethnic minorities.
Constituencies
There are 41 constituencies in Birolika, each currently containing about 600,000 electors including Biroliks living abroad.
