NS Parliament Life Outside [IC]

[The Archipelago Territory]

“Max Clarkson, BBC. How do you feel about your colleagues actions in the chamber threatening and assaulting the Acting Speaker? Do you think MP Miller incited violence, or was the assault by his colleague not his responsibility?”

[Crylante]

"Sir, why does your party hate gay people?"

[Martune]

“Max Clarkson, BBC. How do you feel about your colleagues actions in the chamber threatening and assaulting the Acting Speaker? Do you think MP Miller incited violence, or was the assault by his colleague not his responsibility?”

"I was very disappointed with the arguing happening in the chamber. The added violence was also appalling and saddening. But I don't think it's right for me to assign blame here as I arrived late to the bickering."

[Martune]

"Sir, why does your party hate gay people?"

"I don't believe we do."

[Vienna Eliot]

Municipal Election in Fort Ulrika



While the new government has yet to establish provisions for municipal or regional governments, citizens in the capital city of Fort Ulrika head to the polls this week to elect a local council and a commissioner (mayor). The last elections, held at the same time as the general elections to the provisional parliament, elected a majority SLP/R council and a divisive SLP/R commissioner, who is running for reelection. While it remains unclear what, exactly, the next municipal government will have the power to do — garbage collectors are still on strike as of press time — turnout is expected to be high, and all Sankta Hilda politicos have their eyes on the commissioner's race.

[This is a small election meant to test an election calculator. It'll last about two days. Anyone can join. One person from each party is allowed for mayor, so whoever grabs the "divisive SLP/R commissioner" is running for reelection.

You will be evaluated on how your campaigning (1) builds awareness/name recognition for your candidate among the electorate, (2) creates enthusiasm for your candidate, and (3) stokes the flames of partisanship. They balance each other intrinsically, so spamming content is not a surefire way to win. Fill out the below form to run, and probably post a news article/press conference/something IC announcing your character's candidacy.]

Code: Select all

[b]Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner[/b]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Party:[/b]
[b]Current Occupation:[/b]

[Inhorto]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Elias Svensson
Party: National People's Party
Current Occupation: Chief of Police

[Inhorto]

---

Police Chief Elias Svensson to Run for Fort Ulrika Commissioner

Pictured: Elias Svensson has served as Fort Ulrika's long-time police chief. Now, he's running for Commissioner.

---

By Sandra Sayaña

FORT ULRIKA — Before a press conference today, police chief Elias Svensson announced his candidacy for the office of Commissioner. The announcement was met with mixed feelings from the public, but Svensson is sure that, with good luck and skill, he will cement himself as a bulwark for the National People's Party in one of the nation's most liberal cities.

Svensson was born into a middle-class family in Fort Ulrika; his father was a grocer and his mother was a pre-school teacher. "I am Fort Ulrika born and raised. I have lived here for my whole life, and I carry this strong city's spirit on my shoulders wherever I go," Svensson said.

Svensson's childhood dream was to become a police officer, and surely enough, he was accepted into the city's police academy and later found work. He began, as most officers do, as a traffic cop. Facing severe budget cuts, the police department threatened multiple times to fire Svensson, but his strong-willed spirit and outgoing personality found favor with his bosses, and he was able to rise up the ranks.

According to sources close to Mr. Svensson, the police chief has long had plans to run for office. "Now that his children have graduated, [Mr. Svensson] is more inclined to dabble with politics," one aide told the Herald.

Native Fort Ulrikan, Born and Bred

At his press conference, Svensson stressed the importance of the city to his upbringing: "I patrol the same roads that I used to play ball in with my friends, I've been stationed where I had my first kiss and greatest teenage heartbreak. I've held press conferences fifteen meters from where I first met my wife. This city is my third parent, and I was taught to care for our forefathers. That's why I want to care for this city."

Svensson expressed sadness over the city's recent deluge of problems: garbage collectors strike, failing infrastructure, and residents angry over rapid development projects taking over their residential areas. "This is not the city I know now. This is not the city our forefathers created. What these people have done to it, it's just shameful. They ought to be ashamed."

Svensson is, of course, referring to the previous SLP/R government, which, Svensson feels, failed to deliver upon the wishes of the people. Svensson argues that the SLP/R agenda is all for show; bold plans that look good on paper but do not work.

"What they ignore," Svensson opined, "is tradition. Tradition is the foundation upon which everything is based. All else follows."


A Man of Tradition

At his press conference, Svensson wore three lapel pens—the coat of arms of Fort Ulrika's police force, the Hildan flag, and the Swedish flag. Indeed, Svensson is a strong advocate for greater ties with Sweden, and he emphasizes the importance of the Swedish monarchy.

"I am a subject of His Majesty first and foremost. It is from his guidance and benevolence that we rule," Svensson said.

Svensson prides himself on his Swedish heritage and rejects the SLP/R's spirit of independence. He is economically liberal, favoring the hands-off approach to stimulating business growth, and he is proven to be a social conservative, speaking unfavorably of abortion. This has led to criticism by many of Fort Ulrika's more liberal politicians. In particular, a scandal during Svensson's term as police chief saw police officers giving special treatment to Swedish detainees, and many have suggested that Svensson himself holds unfavorable views towards the nation's many minority groups. Svensson thoroughly denies these accusations:

"Whether we are Swedish, Norwegian, French, Kalinago, Spanish, or any people, we are all still Hildan. We are all still united under the same sun, the same crown, and the same God. Our hearts beat as one."

A Future Commissioner?

Svensson is fighting an uphill battle, fighting in one of the nation's most liberal areas. Many political analysts are skeptical, include our very own at The Herald. However, Svensson and his campaign are set on securing the seat for the National People's Party. With all his characteristic bravado, Svensson finished his speech with this to say:

"I'm in it to win it, so there's no purpose waiting around here. Let's get things done!"

[Lysone]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Johanna Nyberg
Party: Social Liberal Party - The Radicals
Current Occupation: Municipal Commissioner

OOC: Will post an IC declaration of candidacy/reelection bid tomorrow.

[Crylante]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Anne Lyksborg
Party: Republic
Current Occupation: Lecturer at University of St Hilda

[Puertollano]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Christen Hannson
Party: Christian People’s Congress/ Agricultural Alliance Party
Current Occupation: Popular local Parish leader

[The Archipelago Territory]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: James Kendall
Party: SHAPC
Current Occupation: Political Activist, former tech executive

[The Archipelago Territory]

Austin Miller @AustinMillerMP We need a government. Even if @ViktoriaSLP wins the vote, the conservatives would still be able to get cabinet spots or establish a shadow cabinet. I think it’s less important who runs the government than if there is a government or not.#SHAPC #SaintHilda #SLP #PrimeMinister RetweetsFavourites 7632.7K

[Agarntrop]

The Fort Ulrika Police Department have announced that James Penta has been released on bail.

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Juliette Hopp
Party: Center-Progressive
Current Occupation: Student/Community Organizer

[Agarntrop]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner Njal Stefanson
Name: Njal Stefanson
Party: Conservative Association of Fort Urkia (CAFU, local party)
Current Occupation: Manages socially moralist think-tank

[Lysone]

Johanna Nyberg stepped out onto the stage and walked towards the podium, smiling and waving to the loud cheers of the 500 or so supporters that stretched out across the city square. The crowd was mostly made up of trade union members who had been shepherded to the rally my Johanna's union official allies, and banners carrying her face next to the logos for the SLP:R and the Liberal-Green Alliance.

As she basked in the glow of the stage lights, Johanna let out a beaming smile and allowed the cheers of the crowd to gently die down until she could be properly heard. Lined up behind Johanna just to her left stood Viktoria Ljungstrand, Lisa Forss and Albin Lundberg, the three LGA party leaders who had flanked to Johanna's side in a sign of coalition unity. Behind the politicians in large white writing on a red background read: 'Johanna Nyberg: On Your Side'.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for that great Fort Ulrika welcome! And thank you for turning out in droves to be hear today because this, my friends, is where the fight for our city begins!" Loud cheers erupted from the crowd again.

"Now it wasn't fate that brought me in front of you here today. This wasn't an inevitable course for my life to take. I never planned for a prestigious life in politics. My first job working in this city was in a textiles factory just a short walk from the city port. If you had told me then that I would ever end up as your commissioner I would have laughed in your face. But the truth is that in the end I had no choice but to enter the political arena. All around me I witnessed grave injustices: me and my sisters being paid far less than our brothers, continued attacks on my reproductive freedoms from men who knew nothing of our struggles, and of course racial disparities in who got access to the best jobs, healthcare and education. When faced with all these problems, how could I do anything but play my part in fixing them?"

Johanna paused, regaining her breath and having a drink of water.

"Now having said all of that, I know there are many more problems we face today that must still be tackled. But with each and everyone of these issues let me assure you who's side I am on. When it comes to increasing rent prices, I'll fight for you to ensure affordable housing for all. Why? Because I too have lived paycheck to paycheck, and I too have struggled to make ends meet! When it comes to law and order in our great city, I'll make sure law enforcement has all the resources it needs to fight crime, while also holding the police accountable when they make mistakes. Why? Because I too have been a victim of crime and a victim of police misconduct! And when it comes to supporting local business, you can rely on me to give firms the economic freedom they need to thrive. Why? Because I too have had my entire livelihood dependent on the success of the business I worked for!"

"What this election is really all about is a question of character. What kind of a leader do you want representing you and your interests? Someone who has faced your struggles herself and has been fighting her entire life to right the wrongs of our city? A tried and tested union negotiator to end this bin collectors strike? Someone with no vested interests to take on the property developers that seek only profit? My friends, I believe I am the individual best placed to move our city forward because I am ON YOUR SIDE!" The crowd chanted out the final three words of Johanna's speech with her, erupting into cheers and thunderous applause as she finished her remarks with a final thank you.

[Lysone]

Political Affairs Magazine

---

Can Johanna Nyberg hold onto power in Fort Ulrika?

Johanna Nyberg's campaign to keep the Fort Ulrika commissioner's post in the hands of the Liberal-Green Alliance (LGA) kicked off in grand fashion on Tuesday, with a rally of hundreds of supporters in one of the main city squares. The question on the lips of every politico in town: can she hold onto power in the country's capital at a time of mixed success for her party at the national level?

There can be little doubt that Nyberg is the favourite in this race. She has the advantage of incumbency in a city that leans heavily towards her political coalition and her campaign team believes her main rival, Chief of Police Elias Svensson, is out of step with the liberal leanings of the city population. And yet there are worries among top LGA officials that their failure to form a national government, coupled with local issues such as a strike by rubbish bin collectors, could lead to a backlash from voters and deliver a hugely embarrassing defeat.

Nyberg's pitch to voters

The incumbent is trying to make the contest all about character, characterising herself as the candidate most in touch with the needs of Fort Ulrika's working class. As a former textiles worker who went on to become head of the city's largest trade union, no can deny that Nyberg has credibility here. Despite not mentioning her main opponent a single time during her campaign rally, she aimed some thinly veiled jabs at her National People's Party (NPP) rival. By invoking the claim that Nyberg is "on your side" her campaign is explicitly implying that her opponent is not, and this appears to be part of an early strategy to paint him as just another NPP politician despite his ties to the local community. The commissioner hopes her backstory as a hardworking mother-of-two who felt an obligation to enter politics will contrast with the police chief, who has been rumoured to have political ambitions for some time.

Yet some on the Nyberg campaign fear that Elias Svensson is exactly the kind of candidate the NPP needs to win in a city that would usually be considered beyond their reach. As the police chief he is well known to residents and could campaign on a platform of restoring order to a city in which even the bin collectors are rebelling. The worry is that focusing the election entirely on character will backfire and hand the election to the right-wing if they fight a good campaign.

A campaign strategy that could turn nasty

Even if the race does tighten as the campaign draws to a close, sources close to Nyberg insist they still have the upper hand. To them, the path to victory is simple: boost turnout among female and Afro-Caribbean voters whilst holding onto the left's traditional working-class base. Svensson's route to a surprise victory appears to more complicated, requiring him to assemble a coalition of white Swedes, middle-class voters put off by the failures of the LGA at a national level and disgruntled members of the working-class fed up with bread-and-butter issues like increasing property prices and the bin collectors strike.

The Nyberg campaign appears to have a strategy to prevent Svensson being able to pull it off, but it involves going negative. Reminding voters of his conservative positions on social issues, most notably abortion, could help to boost youth and female turnout and aid Nyberg's reelection effort. Svensson's tenure as police chief will surely come under scrutiny by the other campaigns, and in a ethnically diverse city his mixed record on race relations could be used against him.

Going negative is not without its own risks, however. While in office Nyberg has gone through a very public divorce, with her ex-husband accusing her of being a lesbian (which she contends is a false accusation made to attract headlines from a man who couldn't cope with his wife's success). If the Svensson campaign feels it is to his advantage to discreetly remind voters of the allegation, thereby potentially boosting turnout among socially conservative voters, then it could become an issue. Any negative campaigning by Nyberg supporters could then be used as an excuse bringing up the issue.

[Agarntrop]

Njal Stefanson was behind the stage preparing his speech. He was ready to shatter Fort Ulrika's political order and create something that would shock the liberal establishment. He stepped out to a cheer of hundreds in the crowd. There were huge banners with him next to the CAFU logo and the motto "Let's restore family, order and sanity to Fort Ulrika". He saw that the first few rows contained other senior CAFU members and the rest by average fans. He spoke.

"Good evening, Fort Ulrkia"

A massive cheer emerged again.

"This city is such a beautiful place. If only we could make its politics beautiful also. I am here tonight to announce my candidacy for commissioner" a cheer erupted before Njal signalled them to quiten "to make Fort Ulrika return to order, family and sanity!"

Another huge cheer erupted, as the crowds shouted "Njal! Njal! Njal! Njal!"

He signalled for them to quieten again. "Firstly, we shall deal with the homosexual illness which liberals are telling our children they have an inalliable right to spread and - even worse - want to outlaw the cure for it. This is athiestic, immoral and pathetic madness. I will pass a new Education Act which will stop this sick promotion of this degenerate sodomy in our schools!"

Cheers erupt

"Secondly, I will seek the creation of a Fort Ulrikan assembly which will contain Fort Ulrikans who decide for Fort Ulrika rather than bureaucrats from municipalities many of us have never even been to and that our issues have no relevance to. We must create an assembly that decides the laws for us, by us!"

Even louder cheers erupt

"Finally, I will make sure that all the domestic issues prioritise the interests of the righteous family, order and sanity every hour of the day, ever day of the week, every week of the month and every month of the year. That, my freinds, is my platform. Good night!"

A huge amount of cheers erupt as Njal leaves the stage.

[Zaporizhian Host]

Lisa Forss @LisaForssGR My friend @Nyberg4Ulrika laid out her hopeful vision for our nation's capital in her speech today. Johanna is the person best fit for the job of Fort Ulrika Municipal Commissioner and I stand behind her whole-heartedly. She is the candidate who's #OnYourSide so go out and vote! RetweetsFavourites 132171 7:26 am - June/21/19

[Inhorto]

Elias Svensson Q&A Forum -- 4:20 PM
A modest crowd had gathered in Fort Ulrika's public park. Workers hastily erected a temporary podium and haphazardly placed a lectern off-center. Svensson was already in the area, strolling through the park with his wife and youngest, college-bound daughter. There were a few seats towards the podium, reserved for media, and everyone else would have to stand. About five meters away, a tombstone and memorial fire lie.

The crowd had swelled to a decent bevy. The forum was intended to begin at 4:30, though Svensson decided to expedite matters and begin right away at 4:20. He approached the lectern.

"Before we begin this forum, I would like to honor a patriot, a warrior, a greater man than I am. Axil Andersson joined the police force right out of the academy, much like myself. He was a kind, loving father and an affable colleague who fulfilled his duties with distinction. Unfortunately, one day, right where we are standing now, Axil confronted a man under the influence of drugs. That man happened to have a firearm, and our dear Axil was shot twice through the heart. He died here immediately. I am joined today with his wife, Märta, who made the decision to have Axil buried here. I was the utmost honor to have Axil among us, and it was the utmost pain to see him go so cruelly. Please, a moment of prayer and silence."

Svensson hobbled towards the tombstone and slowly placed a wreath on the ground before it. He stood statue still for a minute, and then returned to the podium.

"I shall take questions now."

A woman wearing jeans and a ruffled blouse shot her hand up. Svensson acknowledged her. She said, "Mr. Svensson, my husband is one of those garbage collectors on strike. The truth is that we cannot put food on the table; we have no money and my husband has not gotten a raise since our children were born. As commissioner, how would you change things?"

Svensson nodded and took notes. He smiled at the woman and began, "Well, you see... what is your name?"

"Anna, sir."

"Huh! That's my mother's name," Svennson chuckled. "Well, Anna, the SLP/R coalition likes to talk about how they are the mouth of the people, and we Nationalists and whatnot are high-blown elitists. The SLP/R bills itself as the party of the common man, but how much has this city council done for people like you, for people like my parents, for people like me, and for the people in this crowd? What have the done for the common teacher, garbage collector, janitor, grocer, restauranteur, and all of the others who work 'menial' jobs that form the backbone of our society? The answer is nothing; they have done nothing. That’s why there’s a strike. If—when—I am commissioner, I will sit down with the striking garbage collectors as a working man like them, not as some stuffy politician in a suit. Together, and only together, we will find a solution. Next question."

A man this time—a reporter. "Mr. Svensson, many people have commented on your lack of experience in politics. What do you have to say to this?"

Svensson did not bother to ask for the man's name. "No, sir, I don't have any experience in politics. I am not, nor will I ever be, a politican. Anyone who says I have no experience in leadership, however, is a liar. I have led the nation's largest police department for nearly twenty years nearly without a hitch. I have managed hundreds of officers and serviceman and I am proud of every single one of them. I know how to lead more than anyone in town hall. We don't need a politician, we need a leader. Politicians are not leaders. Next question?"

A row of cheers and claps ensued. Most journalists had their hands raised, but Svensson ignored them; he was looking for. He locked eyes on a young woman, likely in college, and pointed to her. The woman took her cue.

"Hi, the name's Maria. Parliament is voting for the Prime Minister, and the vote is locked between the SNP/R and the Nationalist. Are you following the vote? Who do you think will win?"

Svensson paused to collect his thoughts. "Yes, Maria, I have been following. Here's what I think: we will win. We will win because I believe that the Parliament represents the views of this nation's people, and the people of Saint Hilda are loyal subjects to His Majesty. There is only one party, the National People's Party, that represents the rich history, culture, and tradition of the people of Saint Hilda, Swedish or not. The truth, Maria, is that our SNP/R colleagues have left, and if elected, will leave this country in a rotten state. Tradition most so it back together. So yes, we will win in Parliament, and there will be a NPP Prime Minister. Let us then, as a city, be on the right side of politics: the side of getting things done. Vote NPP!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd. Svensson smiled for the cameras and waved.

"God bless the King! God bless Saint Hilda! God bless you all!"

[Crylante]

Dr Anne Lyksborg went into the Fort Ulrika Milkshake Company bar just outside parliament and ordered herself a strawberry milkshake. She had had a long day of door knocking and putting up campaign posters, and a nice cold drink was just what she needed.

She got out her phone and checked her e-mails. A youth from the town had signed up to help her campaign, and she responded to him enthusiastically welcoming him to her team.

Other candidates were pulling off big rallies, but that would only rally up the supporters they already had. She was convinced that her methods of going around the city and speaking to voters in person would pay off in the long term.

[Crylante]

After she was done with her emails, Lyksborg decided to send out a tweet.

Dr Anne Lyksborg @thelyksborgeffect The fact that a homophobe that thinks that his outdated social views bear more relevance than the economic issues that plague many of the residents of our glorious city might win the mayoralty is rather disturbing. RetweetsFavourites 151182 21:19 - 02/07/19

[Thermodolia]

Municipal Election Office Form 88-B: Candidacy for Municipal Commissioner
Name: Alf Stefan
Party: People’s Army for the Liberation of Saint Hilda - Political Bureau
Current Occupation: Leader of the People’s Army for the Liberation of Saint Hilda

[Van Hool Islands]

Viktoria Ljungstrand @ViktoriaSLP Johanna Nyberg is an experienced, dedicated, and compassionate politician who deserves your vote for Commissioner. We mustn't let hate and division win in Fort Ulrika. RetweetsFavourites 43159 3:33 pm - July/2/19

[Agarntrop]

After she was done with her emails, Lyksborg decided to send out a tweet.

(Image) (Image) Dr Anne Lyksborg @thelyksborgeffect The fact that a homophobe that thinks that his outdated social views bear more relevance than the economic issues that plague many of the residents of our glorious city might win the mayoralty is rather disturbing. RetweetsFavourites 151182 (Image) 21:19 - 02/07/19

Njal Stefanson @NjalStefansonCAFU @thelyksborgeffect Well, I find the fact that a self-intitled snobby communist who has no concern for ordinary Ulrikans thinks she has a rignt to become mayor and crtitcise respectable men who are elevated beyond her stupid politics of irrationality disturbing #FamilyOrderSanity RetweetsFavourites 635678 10:36 pm - July/2/19