2018 Saorisian General Elections

[Saorisa]

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January 3rd, 2018 - Hibiki, the State of Saorisa - State Minister Kasumi Ito and the Chamber of Delegates ended their winter break to formally begin campaigning for the 2018 Saorisian General Elections. Ito will not be running for State Minister again, but plans to contest Naemi Akiyama's previous list seat in Araesagunae. The State Minister election polls have tightened between Akiyama and United Party leader Hibiki Mizushima. Mizushima holds a 2 point lead, sitting at 29%, while Akiyama sits at 27%. The Action Alliance falls not far behind at 23%, their highest ever. Current State Minister polls look like this.

Hibiki Mizushima (United) - 29%
Naemi Akiyama (Liberty) - 27%
Tabane Kurosawa (Action) - 23%
Hiroshi Sazumaki (Alliance) - 10%
Dae-Jung Moon (Labour) - 6%
Kotori Eun-Choi (National Democratic) - 3%
Toshiro Kachirou (Revival) - 2%

It's expected that Hibiki Mizushima will move onto the second round and face either Naemi Akiyama or Tabane Kurosawa. It's expected almost all of Labour and the Action Alliance's votes will go to Mizushima in a second round against Akiyama, giving her a large victory of around 58%. However, the much bigger focus is the legislature. The populist Action Alliance and centre-left United Party are expected to make large gains at the expense of the Liberty Party, Labour Party and Alliance for the Republic. The right-wing National Democratic Party are also expected to gain a seat or two in the Chamber of Councillors. The current Councillor seat projections look this

United Party - 36 (40% of Seats)
Liberty Party - 25 (28% of Seats)
Action Alliance - 13 (14% of Seats)
Alliance for the Republic - 12 (13% of Seats)
Labour Party - 4 (4% of Seats)
National Democratic Party - 1 (1% of seats)

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Major Parties
Liberty Party | Ribatīpātī | Jayudang

Position: Centre-Right to Right-Wing
Ideology: Conservatism, Nationalism, Market Liberalism
Leader: Naemi Akiyama
Platform:
-Maintain Current Taxes
-Further Develop Infrastructure
-Expand into Environmental Protection Zones
-Strengthen ties with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and the USA
-Raise number of active soldiers from 25,000 to 35,000

United Party | Yunaiteddopāti | Yeonhabdang

Position: Centre-Left
Ideology: Social Democracy, Republicanism, People Centered Development
Leader: Hibiki Mizushima
Platform:
-Raise Taxes on Wealthy
-End urbanization of rural areas, further develop urban areas
-End expansion into Environmental Protection Zones
-Cooperation with the DPRK, while maintaining strong ties with Japan and South Korea
-Keep number of active soldiers at 25,000
-Move to legalize same-sex marriage

Alliance for the Republic | Kyōwakoku no Dōmei | Gonghwagug Dongmaeng

Position: Centre to Centre-Right
Ideology: Social Liberalism, Fiscal Conservatism, Civic Nationalism
Leader: Hiroshi Sazumaki
Platform:
-Lower Income and Business Tax
-Further Develop Rural Areas
-Move to legalize same-sex marriage
-Zero tolerance of the DPRK, strengthen ties with USA, Japan and South Korea
-Raise number of active soldiers from 25,000 to 30,000

Labour Party | Rōdōtō | Nodong Dang

Position: Centre
Ideology: Republicanism, People Centered Development, Egalitarianism
Leader: Dae-Jung Moon
Platform:
-Move to legalize same-sex marriage
-Loosen restrictions on abortion
-Lower business tax, raise income tax
-Strengthen ties with Japan and South Korea
-Lower number of active soldiers from 25,000 to 22,500

Action Alliance | Akushon Dōmei | Haengdong Dongmaeng

Position: Left-Wing to Far-Left
Ideology: Direct Democracy, Left-Wing Populism, Left-Wing Nationalism, Environmentalism
Leader: Tabane Kurosawa
Platform:
-Move to legalize same-sex marriage
-Dissolve the Chamber of Councillors, give more powers to Mayorships and Local Councils, double seats in the Chamber of Delegates
-Loosen gun control
-Increase relations with ASEAN, the DPRK, the ROK, Japan and China
-Raise number of active soldiers from 25,000 to 40,000
-Increase environmental regulations

Minor Parties

National Democratic Party | Minshutō | Gugmin Minjudang
Position: Right-Wing
Ideology: Nationalism, Fiscal Conservatism, Social Traditionalism, Authoritarianism
Leader: Kotori Eun-Choi
Platform:
-Criminalize Public Homosexuality
-Curb Immigration
-Lower taxes
-Ban ideologies such as Communism and Nazism

Revival Party | Fukkatsu Tō | Buheundang
Position: Far-Right, Third Position
Ideology: Ultranationalism, Corporatism, Totalitarianism, Third Position, Fascism (disputed)
Leader: Toshiro Kachirou
Platform:
-End Democracy
-End Immigration
-Increase taxes
-Ban ideologies such as Communism and Republicanism
-Declare a single party state

[Nichidan]

Vote for National Democratic!

[Aleckandor]

Several provincial governments of the Aleckandorean Confederacy have expressed their support for the Liberty Party in the Saorisian General Elections.

[Lamerika]

The people of Lamerika have spoken out in favour of the Action Alliance

[Liburia]

Liburia supports the Alliance for the Republic

[Halfblakistan]

Action Alliance is best Alliance

[Saorisa]

Election News Round-Up

The Action Alliance has received the vast support of foreign parties and expats, which could possibly propel them forward in the State Minister elections. Tabane Kurosawa has cited this as proof of her competence to rule.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has endorsed Naemi Akiyama, and President Donald Trump of the USA has sent his wishes for democracy to be fulfilled peacefully in Saorisa. Kasumi Ito did formally give her endorsement to Naemi Akiyama.

[Ventalia]

Saorisian expatriates have voiced their support for the Alliance for the Republic. As such, a vote was placed in the party's favour.

[Saorisa]

Just two days away to the election. State Minister Kasumi Ito has called on foreign countries to permit expats to vote in Saorisian embassies or consulates.

[Gim]

Voted for National Demographic Party, but the Korean on your title picture doesn't really make sense.

[Saorisa]

Chamber of Councillors Results

Voting for the Chamber of Deputies remains open as voting for the Chamber of Councillors finishes. A huge shake up resulting in major gains for the United Party and Action Alliance. Hibiki Mizushima spoke in Kotori, congratulating the 38 United Party Councillors that won their seats. It's expected the United Party will form minority government with the Labour Party or majority with the Action Alliance. The final results are as follows.

UNITED PARTY - 38 Seats
LIBERTY PARTY - 24 Seats
ACTION ALLIANCE - 14 Seats
ALLIANCE FOR THE REPUBLIC - 8 Seats
LABOUR PARTY - 5 Seats
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY - 2 Seats

The United Party is now confirmed to be the senior partner in a majority or minority government, in coalition or by herself. The major gains by the Action Alliance, more than tripling their seats and doubling their vote share. Swing seats allowed the National Democratic Party to gain their seats, winning just 31% and 28% of the vote in the seats of Yogok Town and East Takeya. The Action Alliance recorded three majority seats, Tabane Kurosawa winning 62% of the vote in her seat of Outer Sanbaengi. The Alliance for the Republic was the worst hit, losing 11 seats, and the Liberty Party and Labour Party followed, losing 6 seats. With less than a day to go until the Chamber of Delegates results are released, the Liberty Party will be hoping for the best. The United Party and Action Alliance are expected to make major gains in the Chamber of Delegates, possibly forming a supermajority government.

Possible Governments

UNITED PARTY - ACTION ALLIANCE = 52/46 Seats (MAJORITY) - 75% Likely
UNITED PARTY - LABOUR PARTY = 43/46 Seats (Minority) - 15% likely
LIBERTY PARTY - ALLIANCE FOR THE REPUBLIC - LABOUR PARTY - NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY = 39/46 Seats (Minority) - 5% likely
UNITED PARTY = 38/46 Seats (Minority) - 5% Likely

[Kalijaran]

Kalijaran support National party

[The Chris Empire]

Christos supports the Labour Party!!

[Starlaris]

The Starlaris High Chancellor endorses the Labour Party

[Saorisa]

The Starlaris High Chancellor endorses the Labour Party

Christos supports the Labour Party!!

I really didn't appreciate you using vast amounts of puppets to spam the Labour Party into a huge lead.

Chamber of Delegates Results

Five delegates for each of the nine states were up for grab in the election, which saw the United Party come out on top with 14/45 seats in 2014. The upper house of the National Assembly saw it's elections decided by proportional representation statewide. That meant a party could receive 91% of the vote in a state and take home 5 seats despite receiving just 1% of the vote nationwide. As unlikely as it is, the system has came under fire many times, with the Action Alliance pledging to dissolve it, and merge it with the Chamber of Councillors.

Hibiki

SEAT 1 - United Party
SEAT 2 - Liberty Party
SEAT 3 - Action Alliance
SEAT 4 - Labour Party
SEAT 5 - Liberty Party

Kotori

SEAT 1 - United Party
SEAT 2 - United Party
SEAT 3 - Liberty Party
SEAT 4 - Action Alliance
SEAT 5 - National Democratic Party

Kumada

SEAT 1 - United Party
SEAT 2 - United Party
SEAT 3 - Liberty Party
SEAT 4 - Alliance for the Republic
SEAT 5 - United Party

Araesagunae

SEAT 1 - United Party
SEAT 2 - Alliance for the Republic
SEAT 3 - Liberty Party
SEAT 4 - Liberty Party
SEAT 5 - Action Alliance

Sanbaengi

SEAT 1 - Action Alliance
SEAT 2 - Action Alliance
SEAT 3 - Alliance for the Republic
SEAT 4 - Liberty Party
SEAT 5 - United Party

Yogok-Harra

SEAT 1 - United Party
SEAT 2 - United Party
SEAT 3 - Action Alliance
SEAT 4 - Action Alliance
SEAT 5 - Alliance for the Republic

Takeya

SEAT 1 - Liberty Party
SEAT 2 - Liberty Party
SEAT 3 - Liberty Party
SEAT 4 - Liberty Party
SEAT 5 - Action Alliance

Ebisuzawa

SEAT 1 - Action Alliance
SEAT 2 - Action Alliance
SEAT 3 - United Party
SEAT 4 - Alliance for the Republic
SEAT 5 - Labour Party

Sukotochi

SEAT 1 - Liberty Party
SEAT 2 - Liberty Party
SEAT 3 - United Party
SEAT 4 - United Party
SEAT 5 - National Democratic Party

The overall results mean the United Party actually lost 1 seat, bringing home 13 seats down from the predicted 16. The Liberty Party drawing with them on 13, one up from the 12 they won in 2014. The Action Alliance picked up 10 seats, more than 20% of the total, a huge win for them, and the Alliance for the Republic managed to bring home 5 seats, half of what they gained in 2014. Labour and the National Democratic Party winning two seats each, Labour losing five and the NDP gaining 2 up from 0. A major shakeup in the Chamber of Delegates, with 2/3 of the government now being controlled by the United Party, a week left until theState Minister elections, who knows if the Liberty Party will be able to hold onto that.

[Soyouso]

From: Dictator-Warlord Turnabout, Pitathica, Soyouso
To: The authorities of Saorisa, and all of it's running political parties

"I, Dictator-Warlord Turnabout the supreme leader of Soyouso, have decided to make a statement on the 2018 general elections of Saorisa. Soyouso does not have any support for democracy, but would rather other nations see the wonders of authoritarian leadership for themselves rather than by imperialism. It is in part because we are no longer imperialist, and in part because it would be hypocritical of us to condemn nations that force libertarian leadership onto other nations while wanting to use the same methods to spread Soyousian fascism. I would rather put my focus on taking care of my current population, for they are my primary concern.

But since I have the time, I will say that we support Toshirou Kachirou of the Revival Party.

Soyousian fascism and the Revival Party's beliefs are not identical. We allow immigration from allied nations, since our nationalist beliefs focus more on law abidance and our culture, which allows for those of other races to be considered a part of our society as long as they have the same loyalty and passion for the precious Military Dictatorship that we do. The Revival Party wants to flat out end immigration. They are far right, while we are centrists, supporting the LGBT community and living in a society that respects men and women equally, rejecting both feminazism and the view of women being only for working as moms, cooks, and housewives. We judge our citizens by law abidance and loyalty to the state, and as such men and women can have the same jobs provided they are capable.

Some of our values are more accepted by other parties, but the Revival Party seeks the nationalist unity that every society deserves. They strive for a stable government that focuses on their people's needs first, not distractions. They actively fight for their cause despite the public's opposition to their ideology. I have respect for them because of this, enough that our differences do not matter to me. You are truly noble. If you do not win the election, view it as a learning experience. Every defeat reveals a new strategy that will help you in the future, and persistence will help earn respect. View it as a triumph, you would have a chance to prove to the people they made the wrong choice when they see you were correct about your opponents.

After the election, I offer for Toshirou Kachirou to have a chance to visit Soyouso's capital free of charge. Transportation, translation of our language (our main three are Soyousian, German, and English), and shelter (the guestrooms of my castle), along with a tour. You do not need to accept, we will take no offense if you say no."

[Kenmoria]

Prime Minister Marco Woodson endorses the United Party in the 2018 Saorisian general elections.

[Saorisa]

The first round of the State Minister elections were held today, and with counting finished 46 minutes ago, the results have been released at 3 AM Saorisian Standard Time. A shocking result the top four parties locked with an incredibly narrow margin between the three leading parties; the Liberty Party, the Action Alliance, and the United Party. The results are as follows;

Naemi Akiyama (Liberty) - 29%
Tabane Kurosawa (Action) - 27%
Hibiki Mizushima (United) - 26%
Hiroshi Sazumaki (Alliance) - 10%
Dae-Jung Moon (Labour) - 5%
Kotori Eun-Choi (National Democratic) - 2%
Toshiro Kachirou (Revival) - 1%

These results mean that Naemi Akiyama and Tabane Kurosawa will move through to the second round. Polls from yesterday in an Akiyama vs Kurosawa second round suggest that Akiyama is projected at least 45% of the vote, Tabane Kurosawa is projected at around 42%, with 13% of the populace, enough to win it for either of the two, uncertain. It's expected that Kurosawa would get the 8.1% necessary from that, as a lot of the uncertainty is coming from the United Party, with the hard social democrats expected to overwhelmingly vote Kurosawa, while the more moderate branches of the party expected to not vote at all. One or the other polls put Akiyama to narrowly win with between 50 and 51% of the vote, which would let the Liberty Party hold onto the State Ministership. The United Party in shock at this, picking up control of the Chamber of Councillors, but not the State Ministership despite expectations for them to win a clean sweep. Hibiki Mizushima has not spoken yet and isn't expected to either.

[Darmen]

Darmen supports the Liberty Party.