Nation in Turmoil - A LatAm Political RPm (IC - Open!)

[Arengin Union]

A normal day in Carbania passes by as normal, though amidst a progressively more competitive election right around the corner. Within the television sets of all Carbanians an ad begins to play starting with a sad music tune.

Carbanians suffer, abandoned, and forgotten, without a helping hand to lift them up.


Extremists corrupt the most innocent among us, sowing division and hatred, killing and extorting those who disagree with them.


All the while our supposed leaders take foreign money, facing the other way while Carbanians continue to suffer.


Fraudulent and inept puppets run for public office under the false pretense of wanting to help when their true intention is to construct a new political class that will look down upon you, I, and all Carbanians. They want power just to harness it and never let the common people have a say, a continuation of the dictatorship we just freed ourselves from.



Colonel Mariano "El Halcon" Cabrera is an outsider, politically unaligned with the military elite which tried to silence him years ago and now the new bureaucratic class wants to silence him from saying the truth. He served Carbanians before and he will do so again, bringing strong leadership, and hearing directly from the people and not from the bureaucrats and corporate hegemons. Cabrera will be president by the will of the people and not by the will of the elites or foreign interests.


Join us in these elections, to make a change, have our voices heard and heal the nation, save the nation by voting SaNa. SaNA para Salvar la Nacion!




Ad paid for by the Partido Salvación Nacional, fully endorsed by Colonel Mariano Arturo Cabrera's campaign for presidency

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

April 1st announcement:

In the interests of clarity, in addition to running for President, Mayor Yesenia will also be on the Valenzuela Party list for the Union of New Commons, additionally, respecting the desires of the people of Pumallaqta, Mayor Yesenia Espinosa will be running to retain the office of Mayor of Pumallaqta in the April 30th election.

UNE April Advertising Strategy:

The Union of New Commons would put most of their faith in the last month of legislative campaigning in online and radio ads due to lower costs and the fact the former can be viewed on mobile devices and the latter by those on job sites or riding buses. Facebook ads and posts that had received the most positive engagement up were converted into radio ads as fitting.

April Pumallaqta City Ordinance:

Ordinance to clarify that upon the resignation of a sitting mayor, the deputy mayor ascends to the Mayoral office to serve out the rest of the Mayoral term.

Signed by Mayor Yesenia Espinosa

Yesenia Espinosa
Union of New Commons
April 2022 National Campaign Schedule

April 1-4: Intichiquan

Yesenia begins the last mont of the Legislative Campaign in the first national democratic election since the fall of the dictatorship in her home city of Intichiquan. Since the stop in Intichiquan begun on friday, she and her campaign decided to focus primarily on weekend activities in parks across the city, including cook outs and speeches by well respected officials supportive of the UNE campaign, something they'd try to replicate through the rest of april in other provinces. Due to the city having a large population of government employees, being the nations capital, Yesenia's speeches mentioned the UNE's commitment to guaranteeing a living wage for all government workers and therefore pressuring the private sector to raise wages. Additionally, Yesenia revealed support for a plan to build large non-partisan union movement by working with government employees, who would then work to organize workers in comparable fields to their own jobs in the private sector. As part of building a larger appeal, including the the city's middle class, Yesenia Pledge the UNE's commitment to imposing excess profit taxes on the energy sector, from gasoline to electricity, to be used to fund rebates to citizens, citing an existing program implemented recently in Pumallaqta as a model Yesenia also mentioned a commitment to an aggressive anti-crime and anti terror strategy lead by the national government, including police and military reforms focused on fighting terror instead of guarding against the citizenry as the old regime once did, citing existing reform efforts in Pumallaqta. Mentioned Auditing the Bank of Carbania, increase transparency to fight corruption and prepare it to be the first central bank in the world to issue a central bank digital currency to enhance cashless pay in the country and rebuild some currency sovereignty in Carbania. Before leving the city she'd meet with some old university friends who worked at the Ojos y Voys Newspaper.

April 5-7: Alturas Carbania

The next stop in Yesenia's national trip supporting UNE legislative candidates occured in Alturas Carbania, in an effort to build up so far marginal support in the area as a result of the campaigns focus on Intichiquan, Velanzuela and Tres Rios. As the campaign occured over a province rather than a city, covering most of the province over the period of time was obviously out of the question, so the focus was on particular cities. However the choice of city was not as simple as which ever cities were the largest. Naturally, the capital Paz de Luna would see heavy campaigning, there the focus was more generic policy, tax reform, energy rebates and free school meals. She was also head out to a mining town, home to a chinese owned mine that had some difficulties with the locals on account of both environmental concerns and bringing chinese workers. She pledged the UNE's support for nationalizing these mines and returning them to the Carbanian. She would also spend a day of a trip in a large town and local commerce hub that had been a victim of landslides brought about by flooding that could be controlled by damming, promising the UNE's support for more hydro electric dams as both an anti-flooding anf renewable energy generation project.

April 8-11: Bolívar y Carbán

In Bolivar y Carban she would attempt to get across the UNE's detailed commitment to the success of the agricultural sector and a refusal to over burden it. EveInin the city of Santa Carmen, knowing that there were people commuting to deliver and sell food, Yesenia's campaigning was food themed. She pledged support for Universal Free School meals for publicly schooled children of all ages, along with the creation of a food stamp program to be targeted with the help of local churches.

When Yesenia campaigned in rural areas, she showed that her party was well aware of the importance of family farms, banana plantations and flower orchards to the region. She pledged support for helping coordinate the resources of independent farms so they can improve their margins by owning the processing and transportation infrastructure rather than depending on firms that might not be owned by locals. Also voiced an absolute opposition to the carbon taxes proposed by LAB and the PDC as damaging to the agricultural sector. Voiced support for the construction of biomass plants to generate mors energy and serve as an additional source of income for farmers by purchasing their farm waste. Yesenia also pledged the UNE's support for working with local churches to deliver rural healthcare.

April 12-14: Mugre Oro

Naturally a main focus of Mayor Yesenia's campaigning in Mugere Oro had to di with fighting the CPRA guerillas. She made it abundantly clear that she and the UNE saw this as a war for the nation's democracy. She called for reforming a police and military force from what was once a shield against the popular will into a sword on behalf of democracy to crush both drug cartels and guerillas alike. She pledged that the UNE intended to go to the absolute limit of international law to militarily defeat the CPRA. She outlined the UNE's support for assets seizure of those associated with insurrectionary activity against the government, along with rewards to those who provide information. She also campaigned on bread and butter issues like abolishing a variety of sales taxes and prohibiting their local usage as well. Spoke of Windfall Taxes in the energy sector to fund rebates to citizens, focusing on this particularly in the provincial capital, Carnicería. Promised to make this revenue up with taxes on land, additionally incentivizing their productive usage and creating jobs.

April 15-18: Buñuel

Yesenia Espinosa would spend the whole of Easter long weekend in Buñuel, there she made sure to participate in non-partisan though UNE sponsored activities. She would take this part of the trip more slowly to avoid being seen as politicizing the weekends events. Where appropriate she would regularly speak about the need to work with churches to deliver services to the most needy, as they have a more deep understanding of the communities than government bureaucrats, both local and central. Spoke of how her catholic faith in formed her economic views and the need for social conscience without the dogmatism of socialism.

April 19-23: Camparroz

The Campaign in Camparroz would be the single longest stretch of her campaign in a single province. From the capital city of Santiago de Carbania out into the rest of the province, her message would be primarily be tuned to appealing to a right wing electorate while trying to avoid alienating the left. She spoke of the PLP and MRN plans for tax credits and tax breaks as a complicated web of taxation, that would inevitably become a vector for corruption. In middle class communities she specifically criticized the PLPs tax plan as a product of pure ineptitude, pointing out that those who made an income just above 3000 would have be hit with a brutal tax increase that left them with less money than if they had a lower take home income. Using this example she and her party would emphasize in the last two weeks of the campaign that the PLP had not a single competent person in their ranks and that the platform was a grab bag of mindless rubbish. While the usual tax reform, enhanced security and targetting social services with the help of churches were used during stops, more or less everything was framed in contrast to the MRN, PLP and PDC. Reiterated pledge to audit the Bank of Carbania and introduce greater transparency in order to fight self-dealing and other corruption.


April 24-26: Tres Rios

In the last days of the legislative campaign, Mayor Yesenia returned to more politically friendly ground. In the capital of Puerto Plata, among other costal towns, she pledged support for strict environmental laws on and near beaches to keep them clear for tourism, along with enhancing transportation infrastructure in the province so tourists can see more and spend more, in addition to improving commuting and goods transport for Carbanians as part of a national transit strategy. Mayor Yesenia pledged the UNE's support for the construction of solar power plants in order to meet growing energy needs. She also reiterated the UNE's support for windfall taxes on gasoline and the rest of the energy sector, along with rebates to pay for rising costs. Committed to fighting to keep CarbaniAir in Carbanian ownership and not sold off to foreign investors, instead finding ways to expand its operations, even in foreign countries if profitable.


April 27-30: Valenzuela

The last four days of the legislative campaign would see Mayor Yesenia spend if in the province of Valenzuela. Here, she reiterated a variety of commitments made earlier in the campaign, like using government workers as a wedge to expand unionization and raising all government worker pay to a living wage in order to pressure the private sector to raise wage. She also spoke of a commitment to doubling the output of PetroPec and increasing oil refinery capacity. Mentions UNE support for following the Norwegian model of public ownership of the Oil industry.

[Sao Nova Europa]

PLP Election Strategy

PLP candidates for parliament are mainly drawn from four categories: local journalists, former police officers, businessmen and actors. While candidates are given some leeway as to how they campaign and present themselves, there are certain instructions from the PLP HQs. For one, candidates are expected to focus primarily on the economy - especially tax cuts, the minimum guaranteed income and investments - and security - hiring more police officers and toughening sentences. Social issues are to be downplayed, with the exception being candidates who campaign in rich, urban districts that tend to be more progressive.

Candidates are also expected to focus on local issues as well: candidates in rural areas will focus on the proposal for low-interest loans for farmers, candidates in coastal areas will focus on developing tourism, candidates in the jungle province will focus on environmental regulations and eco-tourism, candidates in urban areas will focus on zoning regulatory reform and security.

A lot of focus has been placed on TV ads to target older voters, with a conservative message that focuses on tax cuts and law & order. The PLP campaign has been particularly trying to attract demographics that would vote for the PDC, arguing that the PLP is the main bulwark against socialism and that it will defend Carbania from falling into communism, while pointing out that the PDC has offered weak opposition to the left. The PLP will also amplify indirectly the attacks of other parties against the PDC, in the hopes that weakening the PDC and making them look incompetent will lead PDC voters to defect to the PLP. The PLP's primary goal is to establish itself as the largest center-right party in parliament: it will argue that center-right voters need to unite and not split their voters, unless they want to see the left wing and the far right gaining overt representation in parliament, and that PLP is the best choice for the center-right. Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp ads will show Carnicero and Castañeda quoting Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and other international conservative icons in an attempt to win conservative voters.

The PLP has also been arguing that a vote for it can block the formation of a left-wing government. Other parties, especially UNE it is argued, will likely enter into a coalition with the far left that will raise taxes and probably turn Carbania into a new Venezuela. If PLP is strong in parliament though, it is argued, the center-left will be forced to enter into a centrist coalition with the PLP instead. This will guarantee no tax increases or socialist measures, as PLP will effectively have veto power. So the stronger the PLP is, the less the chance of a left wing government.

Another PLP campaign strategy has been to use Carnicero and other actors' star power to attract apolitical voters to the ballot, to support the PLP. Those candidates have been encouraged to maintain active social media profiles and to focus on feel good, generic messages that are meant to appeal to low-information, apolitical voters.

---

Alan Castañeda Campaign Trail:

Intichiquan
2 - 9 April

Alan Castañeda spends much of his time in the Federal District talking with businessmen about tax cuts and reform of zoning regulations, visiting police departments and promising to hire more police officers and procure modern equipment, and visiting poorer districts where he would promise the implementation of a minimum guaranteed income. At the same time, in interviews with local journalists, he would warn of the danger of a radical left-wing administration and accuse UNE of seeking a coalition with MPL and other "radical neo-Marxists". He would state that only the PLP can defend liberal democracy and the capitalist mode of production from the far left.

Valenzuela
11 - 15 April

Alan Castañeda visits factories and talks with both owners and workers. He argues that his tax cuts and deregulation agenda will lower the cost of doing business, thus allowing corporations to raise wages. He also argues that in order to fund a decent public education and healthcare system, wealth must be created first and that such wealth can only be created with liberal economic policies. Alan Castañeda states that a PLP administration will create a body staffed by PR experts and technocrats to advertise the country abroad and attract foreign direct investments that will create thousands of new, well-paying jobs.

Bolívar y Carbán
17 - 21 April

Alan Castañeda spends much of his time talking with farmers and agricultural corporations. He promises low-interest loans for farmers as well as the creation of an office staffed by PR experts and technocrats that will promote Carbanian agricultural products abroad and thus bolster exports. He also promises to put an end to needless regulations that burden farmers and drive up the prices of their products, thus making Carbanian agricultural products more competitive and creating greater profit for farmers.

Camparroz
22 - 27 April

Alan Castañeda visits companies that produce rice. He argues that a combination of lower taxes, an end to many regulations, the digitization of public administration and the creation of an office staffed by PR experts and technocrats that will promote Carbanian rice abroad will lead to significant growth for this sector of the economy. He also promises increased foreign direct investments and greater national security. In interviews with local journalists he also argues for the need to grant provinces greater autonomy in local decision-making in order to ensure that decisions taken align with local interests and that the locals are not ignored by the capital.

Intichiquan
28 April

Alan Castañeda holds a large rally in the capital, attended by PLP supporters and local candidates. It is covered by TV stations and local press. He promises that a PLP administration will modernize the country and move it forward. He promises a PLP administration will cut taxes, put an end to crazy regulations, digitize public administration, institute a minimum guaranteed income, hire more police officers and toughen sentences for criminals. He also warns of the danger of the country falling into the hands of "neo-Marxists" and argues that only the PLP can defend Carbania from the red menace.

Sebastian Carnicero Campaign Trail:

Tres Rios
3 - 10 April

Sebastian Carnicero spends much of his time visiting coastal tourist resorts, and speaking with both owners and workers. He states that only the PLP has placed an emphasis on developing the tourism sector seriously and attracting tourists who will spend hard money on local communities. He promises the creation of an office staffed by PR experts and technocrats that will advertise the country's natural beauty abroad and attract tourists, while arguing that tax cuts and regulatory reforms will ease the cost of doing business and allow local tourist resorts to become far more competitive.

Alturas Carbania
12 - 17 April

Sebastian Carnicero visits the major towns and cities of the province. He states that only the PLP has made serious proposal about developing economically the province, especially in terms of tourism. He argues that the mountains of the province can attract a great number of tourists who crave nature and love hiking. He himself goes hiking in one of the mountains, and uploads on social media videos of his hiking expedition to showcase the beauty of the local mountains and why people could be attracted to visit the province. He states that a PLP government will create an office staffed by PR experts and technocrats that will advertise the province's mountains abroad while a combination of tax cuts, deregulation and low-interest loans will aid in the creation of touristic businesses that will allow the development of the tourist sector in the province.

Mugre Oro
18 - 23 April

Sebastian Carnicero visits local towns and argues that two priorities of the PLP will be restoring security and promoting eco-tourism. More specifically, Carnicero states that a PLP administration will put an end to the insurgency through a combination of police and military operations, and that the communist leadership will be brought to justice. But he also argues that in order for lasting peace to become a reality, the province needs economic development. He argues that eco-tourism will be beneficial, creating thousands of new, well-paying green jobs: many environmentally-conscious upper and upper middle class Westerners crave the wild nature and want to experience an authentic jungle adventure. Those people can be attracted to the province and they will spend hard cash on local communities. Carnicero also spoke of the fact that the PLP has argued for some of the strictest environmental regulations, in order to safeguard the local wildlife and jungles from destruction and pollution.

Buñuel
23 - 27 April

Sebastian Carnicero visits local towns and cities, and argues that a PLP government will create thousands of new jobs by attracting foreign direct investments. This will happen by cutting taxes, putting an end to needless regulations and by digitizing the public sector. He also promises that a PLP government will institute a minimum guaranteed income that will help the poorer in society and eliminate poverty. He states that a PLP government will hire thousands of new police officers and enforce law and order, so that all Carbanians can feel safe and not worry about being robbed or killed.

Intichiquan
28 - 29 April

Sebastian Carnicero attends the big PLP rally at the capital, in which he blasts "neo-Marxism" and "their fellow travelers". He argues that only a strong PLP can stop a left-wing government from being formed and that only if PLP is strong in parliament can the center-left be forced into a centrist coalition rather than a coalition with the Marxist left. As such, "only PLP can defend our democracy and liberties from communism!". The next day he visits police departments and promises that law and order will be restored in the country once the PLP is in government. He also talks to the local press about the need for tax cuts to bolster economic growth, and warns that a left wing government will raise taxes. He also argues that UNE is likely to agree to a coalition with the far left, which shall drastically raise taxes, and thus centrists should support the PLP as it will block the far left from forming government and will instead force the center-left into a centrist coalition that will neither raise taxes nor turn Carbania into a second Venezuela.

[Arengin Union]

SaNa Party's Electoral Campaign Tour for April

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City of Santiago de Carbania
State of Camparroz, April 8th to April 12th

"And so Compatriotas, I'm here today because for decades Camparroz has been placed under deep economic limitations by the dictadura and its foreign interests. For decades corruption ran rampant with governors who were given special treatment, houses, cars all at the pocket of the citizens. Citizens like you!" Cabrera stood firmly at a platform while looking at a crowd of thousands of supporters many of them workers of rice plantations, young disheartened folk, and older veterans.

Brayan Esqueda looked from behind a set as Cabrera went on talking about the inefficiencies of the government, the danger of the communists and how they'd enslave all to the Marxist-Leninist dogma. He was surprised at how fervent the crowd was as he spoke, he riled them up quite easily and there never was a missed chance to talk badly about the other candidates.

"The candidates are not only my contenders in this election, they're your contenders, they want to fool you. Engañar, that's all they do. Whether it be that Castañeda or De La Vega, they will do nothing for you but sell your work to the highest bidder, the globalist market that seeks to make you all into slaves to their interests never to let go, Ortero only cares about bringing in a new dictatorship that's ruled by Osvaldo Tuz who he is obviously connected to, that Chanate likes it from behind and will put you all on your knees because that's how he likes to be himself!" the crowd laughed and cheered, calling the slogan of SaNa.

"And Yesenia, she offers only minimalist solutions because she's never had to experience any hardship, ella vivia en Estados Unidos, and because of that she thinks herself superior to you, to me, to everybody. Pues no compatriotas, no a los traidores y no a los elitistas!"

Once more Cabrera walked down into the crowd with confidence, flanked by his escorts as he shared photos and handshakes with the people. He felt as if he were at his prime, surrounded by people who felt abandoned and ignored for years. He spoke to a few of them as he walked through, an older farmer who he shook hands with and comfortably patted at his arms, Esqueda could see as the colonel spoke to the man not as a politician but as a fellow countrymen. The crowd here was much larger than in the other states and that itself made Esqueda feel that there could genuinely be a chance for Cabrera to harness enough support but he was unsure if he could come out on top.

"Hermanos y hermanas, we continue to push forwards. SaNa para Salvar la Nacion!" Cabrera's voice resonated among the crowd as he was then handed a microphone by an escort.

"SaNa para Salvar la Nacion!" He repeated, "Victoria o muerte!"

The rest of the tour of Camparroz was spent visiting rice fields, inspecting the working conditions of the people that worked them and talking directly with the poorest of the province. Cabrera's ability to talk with them as if he were one of them. He would hug and pat people as if they were his own friends, always smiling and cracking jokes. Esqueda was surprised by his surprising vivacity as he in contrast followed the man from behind with his tablet in hand, always making sure everything was being recorded live on all social media platforms, views stayed steady at 20,000 while receiving comments of all kinds, positive, negative, and mocking. By the end of the Camparroz tour Cabrera would introduce the candidates for the province, among them a dear friend named Alan B. Yanaria, to whom the masses were not as excited about. By the night of the 12th the campaign bus was on route to Buñuel where Cabrera hoped to invigorate further support from the arid people.

---

City of Bosqueviejo
State of Buñuel, April 14th to April 18th

The day was hot, the air was dry and the sun beaconed down as Cabrera appeared with a semi casual attire, a black plain shirt with his military boots and fatigues, his cap still at his head as he stood on stage to a mass of people with banners and signs of the party as well as their own make. Many of them called for an end to corruption and for economic opportunity for their province and Cabrera heard their demands as he stood silent for a bit as people still yelled out their grievances, finally he spoke over the microphone as the yelling died down.

"When I see this plaza, this city, the people who live in this beautiful state I see people who have lost trust in the system, and I am here not to ask you to put your trust in a system but to put trust in your compatriota. I seek to bring an end to the corruption that has sucked the wealth, the prosperity of this state. My contenders meanwhile, ellos solo ven un desierto, they only see a desert, a wasteland which they don't want to put any meaningful attention to. But let me tell you, there is much to meaning to this state, much richness that my government will give tools to harness and bring out to the world. I will do everything I must so all of you have a job that pays well and treat well, no more darkness on the streets in the night, no more water cutoffs, no mas injusticias!" Cabrera clamored while giving fervent hand gestured and slamming the ground with his boots to people's acclaim.

"My contenders, el espinasuelta Garcia, el niñito Santana, el papanatas Rabellino whose sunken eyes and weak posture makes him look like he's about to go to sleep, all of them offer nothing other than complacency and waste, a lack of any meaningful experience and more importantly huevos!" Cabrera says as he himself lifts up his chest and groin in an imposing pose while people clap.

"Huevos tengo para que me sobren, I'm sure they'd want some but they'd be too big for them to handle!" People laugh.

"And remember that we must not tolerate anything but victory, clear and defined victory that follows the will of the people!" Cabrera continued, "I call on all out youth, all our compatriotas to stand firmly and vigilant, con huevos and with fortaleza we will bring back peace, progress, and liberty!" Cabrera's words are accompained by a fist raised high up to which several people in the crowd raise theirs followed by more.

"SaNa para Salvar la Nacion!" He shouts to which several others do the same.

Over the next course of days Cabrera would inspect the arid and bush lands of the province, looking at farms and towns that had to sustain themselves with limited water supply, a lack of social services and amenities, public light near gone and schools in ransacked conditions of disrepair. Esqueda saw as Cabrera maintained a serious and stern frown throughout the trip, especially when observing the more run down locations. He'd share talks with the locals only this time he would compose himself in a serious tone as he spoke lowly and giving nods at people's words of frustration.

"El Estado tiene una responsabilidad de mantener un estandar, asi como el compatriota la tiene de mantenerse trabajador y leal a la patria, y la gente de Buñuel mantiene ese estandar sin recibir nada a cambion," he'd say to them, "Y yo, cambiare eso, con dio como mi testigo!" his words caused a rift of tears and hugs from several of the older populace.

At a local youth meeting Cabrera would present himself to several disheartened young folk who expressed their frustration at the lack of opportunity in the state, to which Cabrera would listen and speak out with passion.

"Our youth are one of the most important members of society, with them we build a future and we must allow them the tools to do that, the Chanates and Academierdos would want you to believe the opportunity is brought forth by foreign forces or by the collectivization of society but it is actually brought by a strong government that avails to the people's will and I hear your will, my government will therefore follow in your demands for opportunity, opportunity and economic growth that is for Carbanians and no one else. And I want you all to feel welcomed, bienvenidos, to a new effort I will bring in," Esqueda was puzzled about this as he heard the speech from a top side seat of the auditorium.

"El 'Frente Patriotico de Salvacion Nacional' is an organization that in unity with the party, wants to commit our youth to local efforts of community service, public reconstruction projects, and a way to combat extremistas among our groups. We will be opening up an office within the SaNa party chapter of Bosqueviejo and I invite you all young people to join, together we will make a difference in the country starting with you all with the help of SaNa!"

The speech garnered clapping as pamphlets of the Frente Patriotico de Salvacion Nacional were thrown around the auditorium, Esqueda looked at one with curiosity, a dark blue cover with a young man at the front cover wearing a white shirt and blue cargo pants alongside boots, on his head a cap with the SaNa insignia in the middle. Esqueda had not been notified of this, yet again it seemed that he was not notified of much other than where they were heading, when, and where they'd held a rally. He felt unsure about this new organization but the youth around the room seemed to be exhilarated over it, and he felt unsure of what to believe. Soon enough the campaign would move to the Colonel's homestate and that would be interesting.

---

City of Santa Carmen
State of Bolívar y Carbán, April 19th to April 22nd

Cabrera finally found himself in his own native state with the people who he considered his truest brothers and sisters, he wouldn't state as much but he still made it clear in his fervent speeches how happy he was to be back. At the downtown square of Santa Carmen he'd be surrounded by farmers for the most part and he would speak to them with the full intent of getting their support no matter what.

"Mis hermanos, my compatriotas, this state, this country, is all under attack. Attack by the Chanate Marxists and the Globalist Academierdos who seek to enslave Carbania into a new dictatorship. The dictatorships of the bureaucrats, the extremists who will take your land for all its worth, turn you into their inferiors and do so by the means of the machete while the academierdos will bring upon their big corporations with their big machines that will run down your plantations, they will sabotage them and run you into poverty just as it was the case for me and my family!" The remarks were followed by boo's from the audience as he nodded in agreement, as always Cabrera was an imponent figure, perhaps due to the platform he stood on or maybe there was something else that truly made him stand out for others.

"All candidates offer you empty words with nothing to back them down with, I offer you actions and not words. That's what my government will be defined by, acciones y no palabras!" He stated boldly to cheering locals who lifted banners with his face and the faces of the SaNa's parlimentary candidates for the state high top. The images of Cabrera would trump all others compared to size, perhaps that was the point, to outlay the important race at least in Cabrera's point of view.

"The elitistas will stop at nothing to regain power I will tell you that, but by god's willing we will not allow that. With the strength of the people we shall defeat them. And the extremistas will also be decimated, destroyed, sought out and finally done away with. Their attempts at legitimizing themselves will not outshine their own guilt, Ortero is nothing but a two-faced extremista with a fancy suit and a wide-open culo for Tuz!" The audience jeered at the mockery, "He goes around thinking he's a respected dignatario when his own people laughs at him like the puppet he is, his lack of any strength as he has so pathetically abandoned his guerilla ways supposedly but I guarantee you if he were to regain power he'd allow Tuz into the presidential palace the first day of inauguration!"

Cabrera continued on and on about Castañeda, Carnicero, Yesenia, De La Vega, and so many others, his ability to label them each with nicknames was impressive to Esqueda as he had not seen quite an energetic crowd before, all despite having come in so late into the campaign trail. It was suddenly that several younger men, ranging from 15 to 25 appeared out of nowhere and went up on stage, all of them wore the same blue cargo pants, boots, and white shirts with the SaNa logo as they marched and stood firmly behind Cabrera.

"These are the new helpers of the cause, the ones that will help lead our salvacion and who will help you all to harness back the wealth of the land, together we will bring Carbanania to the 21st century and turn it into an economic powerhouse. No longer shall our economy be beholden to foreign interests and corporate monopolies but to Carbanians themselves!"

Cabrera's remarks were met by applause and more cheers. The farming population of the state had found itself left behind and forgotten for years much like in Camparroz and Buñuel. Cabrera spoke to their anger, to their lack of attention and he was unlike the Junta, he was here and was not a faceless general with no connection to the people other than a bayonet blade at their faces.

"The FrePaSaNa will stand to help our communities, defend our youth and hear the troubles of the people, I will personally oversee that it helps bring about positive change and you shall see that it will. Its services will begin today, starting in this province in order to assist in labor, mechanical work, and repair of public utilities!" The crowds cheered on, "Juntos, por Salvacion Nacional!" Cabrera raised his fist in usual fashion to which the young uniformed men behind him did the same.

"SaNa para Salvacion Nacional!" the chants followed soon and Cabrera smiled. Esqueda for his part was visibly shaken but still maintained a positive attitude that this campaign was finally on real track.

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March for the Veins of the Country
April 25th to April 28th

The tour around Cabrera's home state finished with the organization of a march, not any kind of march, but rather the march of the farmers the true veins of the country that tied everything together. With tractors, mules, and all kinds of methods of transportation farmers from the state of Bolívar y Carbán followed behind Colonel Cabrera himself as he rode on a crop tractor ahead of the convoy which followed behind. The flags of Carbania and the SaNa party were found on every vehicle as it rode down the streets and towards the state borders.

The march was a thunderous and invigorating event as it passed through towns and villages, spreading words and pamphlets of SaNa and of the Colonel "El Halcon" Cabrera, soon to be the savior of the nation. SaNa seemed to have a strong support base from the rural areas and for Cabrera it was time to take it back to the major population centers where he'd try to garner all the support he could. For now Cabrera focused on the march itself as he exited his tractor, an escort taking the wheel as Cabrera held onto its side and lifted a flag of the glorious nation of Carbania, waving it proudly. The locals who saw him clapped and saluted the colonel as he passed by.

"SaNa para la nacion!" one local women shouted.

"Coronel estamos con usted!" another local farmer yelled out.

"Que viva Carbania para el pueblo!" Yet another one shouted.

The march went onwards wth little issue as it finally reached the state borders at which point Cabrera gave one last quick speech before departing.

"Mis hermanos, compatriotas de Carbania. SaNa can be nothing, Carbania can be nothing, I could not be anything without you all. You are all the veins that flow the essential blood that the rest of Carbania relies on and for that you shall be rewarded, not with fancy talk or with meager leftovers but with richness and progress. Mark it down that my first order of business will be to bring economic relief, to bring service back to this state, and help the people. Por la Libertad, por la paz, por el progress!" Cabrera said to vast acclaim and applause as he waved to the people.

---

Colonel Mariano "El Halcon" Arturo Cabrera Uros interview with Carbania Tonight
Cabrera's home, Federal District, April 30th

Cabrera's home comes into view, followed by narration.

"He has crashed into the elections and managed to draw attention to his movement by sheer means of populist rhetoric and has broken all political norms by sneering at each political contender, follow us tonight for an exclusive interview with the infamous Colonel Arturo 'El Halcon' Mariano Cabrera Uros, who has invited us into his home for an exclusive interview on his views, his campaign, and where he plans to take Carbania if he wins the upcoming election. With Cabrer Tonight, I'm Lola Ivera."

Cut

Reporter: Good evening this is Carbania tonight, I’m joined by Colonel Mariano Arturo Cabrera Uros, Presidential candidate. Colonel thank you for joining us.

"Mucho gusto, glad to be here," Cabrera replied with a smile.

Reporter: Your party is a bit of a late entry to the election, for those just learning about your party... what do you stand for?

"Well thats a wonderful question Lola, I think it's vital that the people of Carbania know what their potential leaders stand for and with SaNa we stand for just that, for Carbanians and for the principle of salvar a la nación."

Reporter: Can you elaborate on that?

"Claro que si, we stand for curbing corruption at all levels, eliminating all extremistas, take government policy at a popular level!" Cabrera spoke as he made several grandiose gestures, "we want to spearhead a new type of government that actually listens to what la gente wants!"

Reporter: in your estimation who would you consider an extremist

"Lo Chanates, the pusillanimous communists who target our most vulnerable, you see how they do bombings, extort the locals at the provinces they operate, the recent video has my face shot by one of their rifles," Cabrera took up a more tense posture as he went on about the so-called extremist, "these people are dangerous extremistas, those that use violence to push their agenda are not worth of a platform!"

Reporter: So it wouldn't include other parties participating in the election?

"As long as those parties are doing things the legal way then yes, but we have that chanate party led by Ortero, MPL. I have good reason to believe it's in collusion with the extremistas!" Cabrera states as he makes a fist gesture hitting at his palm, "this party needs to be done away with because it is not only a danger to peace but is a front by the extremistas to corrupt and brainwash our youth!"

Reporter: What reasoning or evidence do you have to believe it’s in collusion with extremists?

"What reasoning?" Cabrera asked with shock before scoffing, "Madre de dios, he led one of the most violent groups of extremistas, I saw the things his henchmen would do in the so called name of 'freedom' but how does killing and pillaging homes of innocent people help anybody. He's nothing but a marioneta for Osvaldo Tùz and I have good information that him and the MPL are complies!"

Reporter: The military of the past 50 years, of which you have been a member, stands accused of acts of violence against civilians, protestors and other individuals. Wouldn’t you consider this a double standard?

Cabrera shakes his head slightly as he smirks, "the Junta is accused of abuses, rightly so and I was always a critic of the situation, the media reported on it years ago. I stood against the Junta's obtuse policies and came out on top, if anything I was the first activist to indirectly bring down the academierdos hold on power and I did it by bringing the public's awareness to it's failures, las fallas, the failures to eradicate the extremistas, the failures to bring economic growth, many failures. I never achieved that by the guns but by appealing to the people, something that the Chanates did not achieve!"

Reporter: So in that case should you be elected President and your party ascendant would could expect the elimination of those in the military who perpetrated these horrendous abuses?

With a small frown and his eyes drifting down for a second Cabrera focused back on the reporter and stated "what we plan to do is an extensive review of the armed forces, take corruption out by its roots so we can better equip our soldiers to eliminate the extremistas and bring peace back to Carbania. But if we want to bring justice, if we want to complete las reformas we must reshape everything top to bottom, the courts, the legislature and that will start at the ballot boxes in June and believe me we're going in with all strength, con los cojones!"

Reporter: So take out the corruption by its roots... does that include investigating abuses and disclosing documents regarding violence perpetrated by the military? And then holding those people accountable in courts of law?

"I could not comment on that at this very moment but it would of course be a possibility. However we would have to see at the context, the circumstances, cause what is important is to see at the facts and the facts are that the extremistas made the guerrilla a very tense and at times confusing battleground. We're not dealing with a typical war with uniforms, one side had uniforms and the other hid among the population using it as shields, ahi esta la distinción."

Reporter: So slaughtering innocent people and protestors is excused when the person doing it is wearing a uniform?

"When you look at the context, at the context of protestors being riled up by instigadores, by communist infiltrators who turned their protests of grievances into attacks and violent assaults then it isn't as simple of a matter as saying 'these people did this' but rather 'why did did they do it', but of course we will look at all cases and review all situations and under my administration no such incidents will occur because I will make sure that there no longer are any extremists that incite violence and hatred!"

Reporter: So that brings me to my next question.… what about you makes you unique as a candidate? What qualifies you to lead the nation?

"What makes me unique is the fact I get things done, I have never gone into something with the intention of failing. I am a man of action and as such I can take decisive action to address the issues that plague our country. And you see that last question, what 'qualifies' me," Cabrera squirm for a bit as he rubbed his chin and extended his arms in bombastic fashion, "what qualifies me is being Carbanian, being a patriot, coming from my humble homestate of Bolívar y Carbán, beautiful places of rural people who enjoy the simple things of life, hard work, honesty, and family, that's what qualifies me, I am a Carbanian and I am a lover of this country. I didn't study at some fancy school, I studied here, I knew the people here, todo aqui!"

Reporter: do you think other candidates go into things with the intention of failing?

"Of course, not all of them, it's obvious that the Chanates like Ortero and academierdos like De La Vega and so forth are going in with the objective to win and take advantage of the people, but we have the others, the weak willed and the banal. Constantino is perhaps the epitome of greed and wealth, Yesenia is nothing but a brat whose never spent any valid time in her homeland, and García is a espinasuelta who is meant to look like the moderate when in reality he's a mamerto, a weakling," Cabrera's words became louder as he grew himself in size at his speaking, "these candidates all have the defeatist smell to them, the fear that speaking to Carbanians and addressing what they want will put them at odds or harm their movement, it's the fear of failure that turns into the intention of failure and I have no fear, I fear nothing, es victoria hasta la muerte!"

Reporter: What categorizes Garcia as a weakling?

"You see him, the way he poses himself and how he talks, little energy like he doesn't believe in what he says," Cabrera leans over as he speaks, "I think he's probably afraid of something, maybe he doesn't truly live the life he poses, maybe he likes the... Company of other certain individuals. That's what makes him so nervous and uncomfortable."

Reporter: Which individuals?

"Dios mío, why men, he obviously has those homosexual tendencies, it's so obvious the man dresses in such flamboyance and even has a mustache like that Freddy Mercurio," Cabrera laughs, "he's ashamed of his life style and a person ashamed of that shouldn't be president, add to the fact he's just a pawn of the Ortero-Tuz alliance!"

Reporter: So where do you stand on gay marriage and sodomy laws

"Sabe, everyone always wants to know about what one thinks about this and that regarding people's sex lives and I say, that's between God and them, and I'm in good terms with God, whatever terms other gente are with it's their own problem!"

Reporter: Should the government legally recognize same sex unions and give them the same rights and benefits as other married partners?

"It is not the governments job to declare whether a union is legitimate or not, rather that is God's job, and one can't go against the word of God that we all should follow!"

Reporter: But government’s offer spousal benefits and rights, like being able to see your partner in the hospital after normal visiting hours. The government is already involved in marriage.

"Not at all, those are simply affirmations of what marriage is, a union under God. The state doesn't mandate it and less does it have any place to allow it or not because it goes in hand with the natural process, el proceso natural. And it's funny that the media goes on about the government this and the government should do that but when they do, look at the failures of it, how such measures and their results, nothing but making people dependent, that's the Chanate talk that the media so often spews."

Reporter: So you would remove spousal benefits completely?

"I have always, consistently believed that state benefits, of any kind," Cabrera says with exaggerated hand gestures, "Should go only to the patriots of la nacion, that includes those who work our farmlands, those who have served to defend us from the extremistas, from all sides, and those who truly contribute to society, do you know how ransacked and ignored the rural areas are, it's almost as if I were stepping back onto my own childhood with how little has changed!"

Reporter: Does that include spousal benefits?

"Any benefit, that gives compatriotas any help, especially the ones who have helped Carbania in these trying years, will be included!"

Reporter: How do you define who is legally married

"As I said, I believe in the firm communion brought by God, really the state giving out any kind of official declaration is mere formalities. As long as a union aligns with those values set by Dios Santo then that's how marriage is defined."

Reporter: God as defined by who? Which church?

Cabrera gives a dismissive laugh, "Carbania is majority Christian, you and the media must know this. Obviously Carbanian's beliefs are defined by Carbanians, and if we have chosen to follow the father, the son, and the holy spirit, then that's what we stand by. But the Chanates, the Academierdos, they want us to renounce our core beliefs that make us a good people, the Chanates want us to believe there is nothing other than the will of their theories, sus libritos rojos. The acadermierdos, the new batch of them, they want us to love money. I for one only love God, Carbania, and her people. Al diablo el que quiera otra cosa!"

Reporter: That didn’t answer my question at all. You are saying that you will continue to provide spousal benefits, rights and protections. I asked you “how do you define spouse”, and you then say “let god define it”. Will you have a formal state religion that dictates how god defines it? If not then what churches get to make that definition? Some churches have no issue with gay marriage, some churches allow polygamy… so who is going to be making the decision here?

"The decision comes down to whether or not the union is legitimate, if there is a history and if there is no doubt that it meets the requirements of it being a union rather than a scheme. Of course Carbania should be a secular state, but we are guided by Christian principles in the way handle marriages. At the end of the day the way that we will handled such issues will be through the legislature and we will work with all states in order to find a good way to implement the necessary benefits and definitions of who meets such criteria for said benefits. Uniformialidad, uniformity so there's no confusions, that's the key!"

Reporter: So then you will not be allowing Gay Marriage?

"SaNa is here to save the nation, save it from economic stagnation, corruption and from extremistas, that's my priority when I get elected."

Reporter: Okay if you don't feel comfortable discussing this we can move on to another topic. How will you save the nation from economic stagnation?

"I feel comfortable with any kind of question or discussion, but there is no sense in worrying about who gets married with who when the country is in such dire state. That's the problem with the media today, sissy's who only want to speak about who feels what rather than how to fix things, that's why people are so distrustful of the news. The news reports on so many useless things that it seems that dropping a glass of water is news worthy!" Cabrera remarked visibly frustrated.

"Economy wise, we hear so much from the other candidatos about bringing in foreign investment but the thing about that is the corruption and debt that it generates, it ties people to foreign powers and corporations. Instead of bringing such desperate measures that will make Carbanians debt slaves, my gobierno will push for domestic businesses. We will spearhead a new economic era of Carbanian industry, not foreign industry in Carbania."

Reporter: So will you be nationalizing foreign businesses with branches in Carbania?

"Of course not," Cabrera scoffed, "We don't want to drive out foreign business and much less enact those kind of Chanate policies like in Cuba and Venezuela, rather we need to gather all our Carbanian business owners and provide support for them to get their businesses blooming so they can compete with the foreign market. I want to take Carbania from a regional pawn to a competitive economy!"

Reporter: So you don’t want to encourage new foreign investment but you want to keep what’s already here?

"Oh no, claro que no, I want as much investment as we can get, however I want to build up Carbanian industry so it stands on par with foreign ones, the vision of SaNa is that Carbanians becomes the investors!"

Reporter: So what form would the support of domestic businesses take?

"We will take the necessary actions to form a fund that will be for national business boosting, Fondo de Impulso Economico, this will provide Carbanian business owners and venturers with the necessary financial assets to open or expand their businesses and as such they will generate jobs for Carbanians, we will begin to expand into the global market and the wealth of Carbania's rich mineral resources shall no longer lay in the hands of foreign corporations or only a few rich men, it will be for any Carbanian who wishes to partake in it!"

Reporter: We are out of time, in 20 seconds why should people vote for you?

Cabrera looks at the camera, "Because I don't seek fortune for myself, I seek fortune only for Carbania. When you vote for SaNa, you're not voting for me, you're voting for YOU. You're voting for progreso, libertad, y paz!"

Cut

"So there you have it, dear viewers, Colonel Cabrera holds views that are perhaps blurry, perhaps they're confusing, or perhaps he holds none at all. Whatever it may be, he continued to be an outlandish individual with a long history of outrageous behavior which continues to this very day. Will voters be drawn to this controversial option at the ballot box? only the future will tell. With Cabrera Tonight, I'm Lola Ivera."

[Madrinpoor]

GOLDWATER POLLING
(Now all across the world!)

NATIONAL EXIT POLLING

OJS: 23%
MPL: 22%
MRN: 21%
UNE: 12%
PLP: 6%
LAB: 5%
PDC: 5%
PMN: 3%
CRM: 2%
SaNa: 2%

[Madrinpoor]

MUNDOTV Presents...


ELECTION NIGHT 2022

AT LAST, the long, long, long awaited for results to the 2022 Carbanian primary elections...where voters all over the country chose, for the first time in living memory, who would represent them in the new Parliament. Turnout was expectedly very high, at 87.8%.

Camparroz:

OJS 23% - 12
MRN 23% - 11
PDC 18% - 9
MPL 14% - 7
PLP 8% - 4
UNE 7% - 3
LAB 5% - 2
PMN 2% - 0

Velanzuela:

MPL 20% - 11
OJS 20% - 10
UNE 18% - 8
LAB 17% - 7
PDC 12% - 5
MRN 7% - 3
PLP 6% - 2

Bolivar y Carban:

MRN 28% - 14
OJS 23% - 11
MPL 20% - 9
LAB 12% - 5
PDC 8% - 3
PLP 5% - 2
UNE 4% - 0

Intichiquan:

MPL 30% - 13
UNE 23% - 9
OJS 21% - 8
PLP 10% - 4
LAB 10% - 3
CRM 6% - 2

Buñuel:

MRN 38% - 15
OJS 20% - 7
PDC 11% - 4
PLP 10% - 4
UNE 7% - 2
SaNa 6% - 2
LAB 5% - 1
MPL 3% - 0

Tres Rios:

OJS 20% - 7
UNE 19% - 7
MRN 19% - 7
LAB 9% - 3
MPL 9% - 3
PLP 8% - 2
PMN 6% - 1
SaNa 6% - 1
PDC 4% - 0

Alturas:

MRN 24% - 8
MPL 18% - 5
OJS 16% - 4
UNE 13% - 4
PLP 11% - 3
PDC 8% - 2
LAB 6% - 1
SaNa 5% - 1
PMN 5% - 1

Mugre Oro:

MPL 28% - 9
LAB 20% - 6
OJS 16% - 5
CRM 12% - 3
PDC 10% - 2
PLP 9% - 2
MRN 5% - 1
__

TOTAL: 300

OJS - 64
MRN - 64
MPL - 59
UNE - 33
LAB - 29
PDC - 25
PLP - 23
CRM - 5
SaNa - 4
PMN - 2

[Sao Nova Europa]

"I want to thank everyone who supported our campaign," Alan Castañeda told journalists after the election results were published. "We couldn't have done it without you. PLP has become an important force in Carbanian politics, bringing a voice of liberal conservatism into our parliament. But the election results also showcase the need for a united center-right that can act as a counterweight to the socialist left and the illiberal far right."

While nothing official has been announced yet, there are credible rumors that Alan Castañeda and Jose Antonio Rabellino met after the announcement of the election results to discuss a possible merger of the PDC and the PLP into a unified center-right force. It is hoped that such a union will allow the center-right block to have a greater say in parliament and the formation of a government.

[Guagolandum]

Huge crowds were gathered at the Labourist headquarters, and there were also party members at the place. García was one more, and when the results were delivered, he ascended to the platform and started speaking.

"My fellow Carbanians!", he said with pride. "We have done it greatly at this election! I want to thank all of my campaign team, Pedro and Francisco too, and every single one of you. YOU are the ones who have made this possible. And, may it be clear, we shall legislate WITH and FOR the people!", he said; as the crowd gave him a huge applause. "Together, we have achieved a say for those who want Carbania to not die, a say for the people who are sick of the same people running our country, a say for those who, just as us, advocate for justice. This is for all of the people killed under the cynical military dictatorship. You won't be forgotten, neither will your sacrifice nor your spirit. The spirit of democracy has ensured another 4 years of lifetime!"

[Sao Nova Europa]

Alejandro knew that he had to make a good impression. It was his first day as PLP Press Secretary, and he would be making a statement to the press about how the party would move ahead in the aftermath of the legislative elections. The results, while by no means terrible, were not a cause of celebration either. Alejandro thus had been tasked with rebranding the party and presenting a fresh image that would help it in polling and possibly in the upcoming presidential elections.

"Greetings everyone," Alejandro flashed a charming smile. "As Press Secretary of the PLP, it is my job to inform the press and the public about the steps of our party and that is what I'll be doing here. The results in the legislative elections sent a strong signal that conservative liberalism is a viable force in Carbanian politics. But we also need to recognize that the center-right forces failed to hold against the tide of left wing and right wing populism. Part of the blame lies with our failure to properly communicate our agenda and priorities to the people of this country."

"In this legislative session, we aim as a party to fix the mistakes of the past. We shall be focused on everyday issues that concern the average Carbanian, and shall avoid falling victim to the politics of mudslinging and personal insults. The PLP shall, of course, negotiate with center-right and center-left parties on the formation of a big tent centrist government that will ensure unity, seriousness and avoid polarization at a time we need calmness to consolidate our new republic."

"Failing that though, the PLP shall be a constructive opposition force. It shall not vote against bills which it thinks are good simply for opposition's shake, and it shall always be working to provide fresh ideas to the government. But it shall also stand firmly opposed to populism and a possible return to authoritarianism; whether by an emboldened far left or a vindictive far right. Hopefully though - and that is our wish - we shall avoid being in the opposition altogether and Carbania shall get a centrist government with PLP as a coalition partner."

"That is for today. Before ending this statement, though, I want to assure people that PLP has learned from past mistakes and from now on will be a disciplined, responsible force in Carbanian politics. We will not engage in petty squabbles and shall not reply to personal insults. We shall instead offer viable solutions to everyday problems to help people: tax cuts for small businesses, a modernized welfare state that helps the poorest in our society, an educational system that will prepare our youth for the globalized economy of the future, a smart government that respect taxpayers' money, and security on the streets. Those are the issues that concern voters, not personal vendettas or grandstanding. We shall show that reasoned, moderate politics do have a place actually in Carbania. Thank you."

[Nova Anglicana]

Francisco Torres departed the national legislature after casting his vote against the bill that would have set up the new Carbanian government. Ordinarily, this bill would have been an automatic "yes" for him, but its designation of Yesenia Espinosa as Prime Minister and dividing up the ministries among the MPL, OJS, and UNE wasn't something he was prepared to vote for. García had told him there was a possibility the Labourist Party would be in government as well, but that was nowhere to be found. Better to separate out the form of the new government from its composition.

He'd neglected campaigning for Mayor of Intichiquan as the legislative election approached, instead mostly doing joint events with García or Marina Castillo, an Intichiquan city councillor and lead candidate for the Labourist Party list out of Intichiquan. He'd also had a family emergency back in Camparroz, with his younger sister falling seriously ill, so he'd had to take some time off the campaign trail to be there for his sister and his parents. As he boarded the bus, he thought about his upcoming interview with María Álvarez of Radio Publica de Carbania, the state-owned national radio station. He'd only been able to do some quick stops in between legislative campaigning, so his "make speeches to various constituencies" strategies had never really gotten off the ground. Thankfully, as the mayoral election approached, the local media was taking a greater interest in the race, and therefore a greater interest in the challenger to Luis Fusco.

He needed to be sharp. The Labourists had given him a media person to help him with interviews and social media, so he'd still been able to put out posts while he was not campaigning for mayor, and of course, the blanketing of the city in Labourist Party posters with both the party and his face had certainly helped. But this was a big test. María Álvarez was considered a big shot on the political side of RPC, and not someone who would let you get away with sloppy answers. He quickly went over some of his big campaign ideas, that he knew he needed to mention:

Why was he running?

He'd seen so much deprivation under the dictatorship, cared for so many people during and after the junta time, that he knew the city inside and out. But he'd felt the call to do more than private charity, to really try to address real social problems on a larger level and to help bind the city and its people together. He knew the people on an intimate level, whereas Fusco was an academic and prosecutor, unfamiliar with all the vicissitudes of daily life.

What were some of the biggest problems facing Intichiquan?

Francisco had settled on three issues: 1) Education, 2) Wages, and 3) Housing. Together, he called them his three-step family program. Kids had to get a good education, so they could be prepared to get good jobs with good pay, and use that money to find secure housing for themselves and their future families. But it wasn't just linear and there was work that needed to be done on the front end. Parents needed good wages so they could afford to send their kids to school instead of working, and those wages needed to be enough that they could find housing and stay there, instead of having kids move from place to place, hurting their ability to learn and increasing disciplinary problems. That housing needed to be good housing, so kids wouldn't grow up getting infections from bad housing materials or faulty sewer systems. There were a million ways that a child's upbringing could adversely affect their education, and thus their future prospects. He'd seen all of these issues and many more in his charity work, and they needed to be fixed.

What were some of his promises?

In education, Francisco had promised to abolish all school fees, even for things like uniforms, free school lunches, wage rises for teachers, and a cash benefit to parents for every child in school. On the jobs front, Francisco pledged to raise the minimum wage in the Federal District, recognize and support a public employees union, make it easier for street vendors to get a license, and provide a fund for poor entrepreneurs, especially women and racial minorities, to get small loans so they could start their own businesses. With housing, Francisco wanted to make sure that every house had running water and a toilet, and to transition many people living in self-built slums to better housing. He wanted to build some public housing, but also give companies incentives to build affordable housing too. He also pledged, overall, to work more closely with private charity so they could target money more effectively and even distribute more funds to these charities who had been helping people all the time that the junta had been neglecting them. He would also try to co-ordinate with the federal government in supporting women and children, with benefits, healthcare, food, and programs for empowerment.

Why should voters evict incumbent mayor Fusco and choose an untested challenger?

Francisco knew this was a tricky question. He had no political experience and Fusco was a polished person with a number of experiences he could draw on. His team had settled on a couple of answers: first, he knew the city and its people. He knew the poor, the workers, the shopkeepers, the young mothers, the runaway teenagers, and all sorts of groups that mainstream society overlooked. Yes, Fusco was a slick prosecutor, but he didn't know the people like Francisco did. He would usher in a new era, where the government cared for everyone from top to bottom. Secondly, Fusco was too concerned with the business district and attracting foreign companies and not enough with the migrant workers who had flooded into Intichiquan. Yes, getting jobs and investment was important, but one had to look at what Intichiquan was getting from those foreign companies and the consequences. The big shots in the business district could get their fancy coffee or do their business lunches in a nice high-rise, but the multinationals paid low wages, didn't offer benefits, and generally treated people as replaceable. This was not a model to build a thriving city on. The city government had to aid the migrants in finding better jobs and starting their own businesses so they could afford to feed their families and send their kids to school instead of keeping them out to beg or to hawk candy on the streets. Francisco would put city residents first and big shots second.

Along the way, he'd also have to be prepared to answer personal questions, followups about some of his big policies, and avoid making a fool of himself by stumbling over his answers or not knowing something related to the city. It wouldn't be easy, but he was going to try his best. He stepped off the bus and headed for the RPC studios.

After the interview, in which he felt like he'd done a pretty good job, (he maybe had been a bit soft on Fusco and hadn't thought too deeply about environmental challenges facing Intichiquan), Francisco headed for home. What he needed was some good food, mango juice, and a bit of rest and prayer. His social media team posted the following image on Instagram/Telegram/Facebook after the interview:

[Guagolandum]

Quispe Radio Ad, June 2022

"After the elections in April and the controversial UNE bill, it is clear that UNE has proved to be an anti-democratic, power-hungry party. Those who voted for UNE have felt disappointed and betrayed by this political move, which has relegated the will of the people of Carbania favoring political interests. And this is gross. So, I guess you are looking for a better option. We in the Labourist Party haven't betrayed our fellow citizens, because many of us come from those workers' circles in which there was misery, perpetuated by the military dictatorship. We are NOT sons or daughters of a tyrant. I am Pedro Quispe, a father, a husband, a citizen of Carbania; a citizen whose intentions are the people's intentions. If I am elected President, I shall work for and with the people. Fewer taxes for those in need, for businesses that cannot afford paying taxes and a good wage to their employees, and higher wages to make the quality of life of our fellow citizens better. I shall push for a commission which finds the truth about the many abuses committed by the military against our citizens. Which finds the truth about all the massacres recklessly committed by the guerrilas who do not care about the people, but about power and are greedy. We are the fighters of greed and power-hungry people, we are the Labourist Party, and I am Pedro Quispe, its presidential candidate. Vote Quispe if you wish for a better Carbania, if you want to be listened to by your president."