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

[Reorganized Portugal]

Jose Antonio Rabellino
Campaign Schedule, January 2022 (Part 3)

January 20, 2022
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: All around Carbania
Summary: Filming the commercial

January 21, 2022
11:00 AM
Location: Intichiquan, Federal District
Summary: Jose Antonio attended the tearing down of a statue of Marcelo Mendes. He then gave a brief speech in front of the pedestal.
Excerpt: "By tearing down these statues, these symbols of oppression, we are showing to ourselves and to the world that Carbania is moving on from its past. A past of suffering, unchecked authority, anti-theism, and death. Today, we move on, and make Carbania a new nation, a nation of freedom and liberty."

January 24, 2022
10:00 AM
Location: Medium town on the border of Ecuador, Valenzuela
Summary: Jose Antonio did a speech on TV about his concept for foreign policy.
Excerpt: "Carbania has been shunned from the international community in the past, for it was a nation that oppressed its own people. As we rebuild this nation, we must also rebuild our foreign relations, not only with our close neighbors but with the world."

January 26, 2022
11:00 AM
Location: Bosqueviejo, Buñuel
Summary: In a state not many other candidates had campaigned in before, Jose Antonio saw an opportunity to win over the voters in this neglected state. He attended a Q&A at the city hall.
Excerpt: (Question: My cousin has an addiction to marijuana, and so far it seems the government has done little to counter drug use here. What will you do about recreational drug use, and how will you help out people with addictions?) "I have a plan to counter drugs and drug addictions. First of all, I feel recreational drugs are not a good thing and must be banned immediately. It's the root of addiction and it must be countered. But I understand addiction can come from medical use of marijuana and other drugs, which I will permit. I'd like to leave addiction relief to the provinces, but the government will fund any drug treatment clinics and efforts within them."

January 28, 2022
12:00 PM
Location: Santiago de Carbania, Camparroz
Summary: Jose Antonio posted a photo of himself with the local priest and a congregation of believers at the church on Twitter.

January 30, 2022
12:00 PM
Location: Intichiquan, Federal District
Summary: Jose Antonio gave a brief speech to conclude the month.
Excerpt: "Intichiquan has a rich history, from the Inca Empire to our Spanish ancestors and now to today. Not only Intichiquan of course, but all of Carbania. Now, we move into the future, a future where we say goodbye to dictatorship and oppression, and we give warm greetings to a new, free country that we have all longed for."

Mr. Rabellino will be campaigning hard into February.

[Nova Anglicana]

- If you go in search of true wealth, you will find it in the filth of a barnyard. If you go in search of true royalty, you will find it among the poor and oppressed. If you go in search of true holiness, you will find it amid the blood and pain of the downtrodden. Because the King of Kings does not dwell in the Presidential Palace, and His power does not come from army brigades or policy platforms. He dwells among the poor, and those who love them love Him. That is where your star leads, dear brothers and sisters. Your epiphany is waiting. Amen."

Francisco Torres Mendoza listened as Archbishop Ordóñez finished his powerful sermon and let his gaze linger on the powerful men sitting in the front of the church. These men were those who wanted to be President of Carbania, who aspired to the highest office in the land, to lead the country after a half-century of tyranny. They were men of wealth, of power, some connected to the dictatorship, some opposed. As for Francisco, he was but a humble member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and co-ordinator of the intentional Christian communities and charities collectively called Beloved Community of the Way of St. Francis and Jesus Christ/Querida Comunidad de la Via de San Francisco y de Jesucristo, or QC for short. His life was service. It had been since he was a small child, helping his family on their farm in Camparroz. He still felt guilty about choosing to deepen his faith and serve in the capital instead of getting his degree in agricultural science and helping his family back home. How long had it been since he'd returned home? Certainly too long. But he had become so involved in helping the poor, the mothers facing an awful choice, the LGBTQ runaways who had no-one else to help them. His QC. Francisco had such a large family here. And did not Christ say that one must be willing to leave behind father and mother to serve him? Francisco reassured himself. He had made the right choice.

But Francisco had a deeper feeling yet. One that he wrestled with, one that he knew could overcome him. He did not long to be president, no, but after so much service, something in him yearned for greater recognition. Yes, he knew that in politics he could help many more than he was currently helping, and that was a comfort, but he also wished to be part of the great struggle. He had joined the Labourist Party after the street protests that helped to usher the semi-democratic regime they currently had. He was inspired by their commitment to the people, but not in atheistic ways like the Communist revolutionaries or the demagogic MPL. Even though their leader was not a Catholic, the party's teachings fell in line (more or less) with what the Catholic Church had always taught: feed the poor, but with a careful eye towards their moral life as well. Defend life, hold the powerful accountable. Since going to meetings, helping with labour (and Labourist) organizing, Francisco had felt himself drawn towards the political life. And he knew what he wanted: to be mayor of this great city, of Intichiquan that had nurtured him and to whose poor he had given the best of himself.

But Francisco also knew that he knew very little about running for office, nor even when exactly the municipal elections were going to be. So he needed the help and advice of José Antonio García, the Labourist leader. Thankfully, he had met the man a few times and even shared a meal at his house, where they had talked about their respective vocations. So with the push from the unknowing archbishop, Francisco made up his mind. He would run for mayor, or if not for mayor, then for something where he could do some good. After the blessing and dismissal, Francisco headed out the doors of the cathedral. Archbishop Ordóñez had already disappeared, presumably to take private meetings with some of those powerful men, so Francisco shook hands with some of the curates, greeted a few parishioners, who hailed him as "Hermano Francisco", and checked mentally that he still knew the way to García's house. He gave a few coins to the beggar at the bus stop, and hopped on the bus. His political future was unfolding in front of him, and García would show him the way. He was sure of it.

[Kargintinia]

Mugre Oro
Jungle State of Carbania
February 1st, 2022

A pickup truck bounced along the poorly made jungle road. The driver swerved to avoid potholes as the men in the back gripped their AK rifles. They weren't a professional unit; the men wore camouflage fatigues of all different types. The four men had their faces hidden in balaclavas, but it didn't take a genius to figure out who they were. The jungle gave way to a large clearing, an open area holding a semi-large village. With so few men, an entire village wasn't their target; but the small police station housed within.

As the building came into view, the men readied their assault rifles. The officer standing guard outside didn't see them coming until much too late.

¿Qué carajo? The officer shouted before his torso was penetrated by several rounds of 7.62. After the officer fell to the ground dead the militants opened fire against the station with automatic gunfire. The men made no effort to aim, simply letting loose rounds until their magazines were emptied. When they ran dry, they hit the building with Molotov cocktails. The truck driver then stepped on the gas and took off before government reinforcements arrived.

Deep in the jungle

At the headquarters of the Carbanian Revolutionary People’s Army, dozens of armed militants cheered at the news of their attack. They anxiously awaited word from the movement's commander, Osvaldo Tuz. A relic of the Junta era, the fighters of the Communist Party know him as one of the main opponents of the brutal military government.

They got their wish, when their leader released a video on the internet.

"Hola, comrades. Today, 38 million Carbanians are forced to live under the weight of the Capitalist system. This system of exploitation is designed to oppress the average man and woman in hopes of enriching those in power. This new "Democratic regime", this so called "Democracy" does not stand for the people. They stand for those at the top. They are no different than the brutal rule of Mandes. No true revolutionary, no true servant of the people should take part in this system run by the top 1%. The People's Liberation Movement betrayed us when they shook hands with the capitalists. The MPL, these so called "Labourists" and these "Refoundations" are no true revolutionaries. They are useful opposition.

There is no peaceful way to bring about revolution. We will continue to resist this new regime and their American puppet masters. Capitalism can only be stopped by the fires of revolution; thus, the People's War continues.

¡Muerte al capitalismo! Viva la revolución! "

Tuz's video ended with the Internationale in Spanish playing with a picture of the hammer and sickle of the CPC.

[Nova Anglicana]

OOC: In collaboration with Guagolandium

Las Palmeras, Intichiquan

Francisco Torres got off the bus in Las Palmeras. It was only a short walk from there to the leader of the Labourist Party (José Antonio García)'s house. He said hello to a few folks along the way. There was a QC house in this neighborhood and he'd been here to do some organizing and charitable work before. He approached the house, a modest affair befitting a man of the people and knocked on the door. García's wife Rosalía greeted him at the door. "Hermano Francisco, bienvenido! Come in, please."

Francisco smiled shyly. Rosalía was quite welcoming even though he'd only been there a few times. "Buenas tardes, Rosalía. Is your husband in?" He walked in after her and took a seat. In a short while, the García's young son, Nicolás leapt onto the chair he was sitting on and began chatting to him. He played with Nicolás as Rosalía puttered around the room. He didn't have any children of his own, but he loved the street kids he worked with sometimes. They were so full of life, unlike many whom the dictadura had worn down over many years.

"Yes, José is in," said Rosalía. "José, está Francisco!" she called into the next room. "Tea or coffee or something else, Francisco?" she said as she attempted to shoo Nicolás away from Francisco. "No le molestes, Nicolás. Papá y Francisco tiene asuntos importantes de discutir."

"It's all right, really, and a little coffee, black with a teaspoon of sugar, please, thank you," said Francisco. As Rosalía headed toward the stove, Francisco looked up and saw José enter the room.

José entered the room as he saw Francisco once again, walked over to him, and greeted him with a charmful "Hello!" After greeting him, José asked Francisco, "What has brought you here, my friend?" He also brought with him two cups of coffee from the pot Rosalía had been preparing before Francisco got there. He handed one to Francisco as the younger man answered him.

"Well, José, you know I have been a loyal Labourist Party member for a few years. I have worked with local party folks, with party charities, and of course my own work with the QC and many others here in our fair city. But I find myself wishing I could do more. Be more like you. I think I want to be a politician, but I don't know how. Is that crazy to run for office. I'm just Francisco, not a politician like you."

José sipped his coffee. "Well, I know you've considered running for public office for some time. You don't need to be a politician; I think not every public officer or authority is a politician at heart, just an honest citizen trying to help. In terms of which office, I think you'd serve well as a legislator, but that is up to you, my friend."

Francisco smiled awkwardly again. Inwardly, he thought "Is it that obvious that I desire elected office? Perhaps it is my pride speaking." But he steeled himself. "You're not a politician at heart, you are a servant of Christ and his people." Then, to José, "Thank you for your kindness. I had considered national legislator, but I think my place is here. I think I want to challenge Luis Fusco for the office of mayor. Am I insane to think I can win? How can I even do that?"

García understood, and dropped his smile, though he said confidently, "I understand. How about you run for mayor and also have a space on our Intichiquan list for Parliament? That way, if you win the office of mayor you will be there, and if you don't, you can serve in the national legislature. It's a win-win."

Francisco paused, wiped his slick brow clean of the sweat he hadn't even noticed was there, and took a sip of his coffee. His heart, which had been pounding, suddenly quieted down. "Whew. I didn't even know you could do that. But that us a relief. I can serve the people either way. And I'm happy to hear that the party will be behind me. But who should I talk to about announcing my candidacy and running? Will you help me put together my announcement?"

"No problem with that," García replied. "Quispe and I could help you. You just need to set a date and we will be there. Local elections are the same day as presidential elections, so June 30 is the election day."

Francisco nodded his head. It's a good thing García knew when the elections were scheduled for. "Well, I want to get started as soon as possible. How about the beginning of February?"

After García had agreed and assured him again that, yes, things would be okay and they would be behind him 100%, Francisco finished the rest of his coffee, thanked Rosalía, and said goodbye to the whole family. He had a skip in his step as he headed for the bus stop. He could be a politician. He could make a difference. He just needed to make sure it was about the people of Intichiquan and not him; the people needed to know it, but he needed to know it especially.

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

Unión de Nuevos Ejidos
Objetivo: Verde!




Yesenia Antonio Lucia Espinosa 2022 Presidential Campaign

Date: Monday January 10th
Location: Velanzuela
Summary: Large beachside cookout rally with supporters announcing candidacy. First use of Objetivo: Verde! slogan, representing the need for youth, growth and environmentalism, while being a reference to the party logo. Outlined the six main themes of the campaign, Active yet streamlined economic justice, Centralized yet democratic governance, protecting cultural heritage while innovating for the future and increasing security while fighting corruption.

Date: Tuesday January 11st
Location: Intichiquan
Summary: Cookout rally with Party list candidates followed by Fundraising event with business leaders.

Date: Wednesday January 12th
Location: Velanzuela
Summary: Meeting allies of UNE councilors and mayors across to province to discuss how how a Yesenia Presidency and the UNE party will work with other parties in a divided parliament.

Date: Thursday January 13th
Location: Intichiquan
Summary: Meeting specifically with important elements of the Intichiquan civil service to explain the crucial role they'd play in a Yesenia Presidency's centralized governance of the country.

Date: Friday January 14th
Location: Alturas Carbania
Summary: Cookout rally with Party list candidates followed by Fundraising event with business leaders.

Date: Saturday January 15th
Location: Tres Rios
Summary: Cookout rally on the beach with Party list candidates followed by Fundraising event with business leaders.

Date: Sunday January 16th
Location: Bolívar y Carbán
Summary: Attended Mass, had meetings with catholic leaders to discuss her full fledge commitment to following the social policy outlined by Archbishop Pedro Ordonez.

Date: Monday January 17th
Location: Alturas Carbania
Summary: Meeting allies of UNE councilors and mayors across to province to discuss how how a Yesenia Presidency and the UNE party will work with other parties in a divided parliament.

Date: Tuesday January 18th
Location: Mugre Oro
Summary: Cookout rally with Party list candidates followed by Meeting with indigenous leaders to listen to their concerns.

Date: Wednesday January 19th
Location: Buñuel
Summary: Cookout rally with Party list candidates followed by Fundraising event with business leaders.

Date: Thursday January 20th
Location: Camparroz
Summary: Cookout rally with Party list candidates followed by Fundraising event with business leaders.

Date: Friday January 21st
Location: Bolívar y Carbán
Summary: Meeting specifically with farmers to discuss her and the UNE's commitment to vastly increasing productivity in farming through improving infrastructure and providing loans

Date: Saturday January 22nd
Location: Mugre Oro
Summary: Multiple meetings with indigenous leaders to explain exactly how a Yesenia Presidency and UNE representatives will work to include indigenous people in policy making and governance.

Date: Sunday January 23th
Location: Buñuel
Summary: Attended Mass, had meetings with catholic leaders to discuss her full fledge commitment to following the social policy outlined by Archbishop Pedro Ordonez

Date: Monday January 24th
Location: Camparroz
Summary: Meeting allies of UNE councilors and mayors across to province to discuss how how a Yesenia Presidency and the UNE party will work with other parties in a divided parliament.

Date: Tuesday January 25th
Location: Bolívar y Carbán
Summary: Meeting allies of UNE councilors and mayors across to province to discuss how how a Yesenia Presidency and the UNE party will work with other parties in a divided parliament.

Date: Wednesday January 26th
Location: Alturas Carbania
Summary: Meetings with mining labor leaders to discuss her support for nationalizing mines and operating them with improved wages and conditions, immediately putting pressure on existing mines to improve standards in order to compete.

Date: Thursday January 27th
Location: Intichiquan
Summary: Meeting with construction businesses to a affirm a commitment to improving zoning laws and invest in improved infrastructure

Date: Friday January 28th
Location: Velanzuela
Summary: Filming content for advertising efforts.

Date: Saturday January 29th
Location: Tres Rios
Summary: Meeting with expats and foreign investors to discuss how a Yesenia Presidency would be open to foreign trade deals and maintaining and advancing the liberalization of real estate ownership laws.

Date: Sunday January 30th
Location: Camparroz
Summary: Attended Mass, had meetings with catholic leaders to discuss her full fledge commitment to following the social policy outlined by Archbishop Pedro Ordonez.

Date: Monday January 31st
Location: Buñuel
Summary: Filming content for advertising efforts.

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

Ads Ran on Pay TV and Youtube Nationally starting January

I'm Mayor Yesenia of Pumallaqta and I am the presidential candidate of the Union of New Commons.


Maintaining our new democracy in an uncertain world requires a president with both experience and energy.


We'll take our resources back from dictatorships like China



respect the moral guidance of our churches


and advance prosperity for all.


Vote Union of New Commons.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Alca Mallama February Campaign Schedule (Part 1)

February 1 - Mallama started the month by sweeping to Tres Rios, putting himself in front of the beach, talking about how the working class needed to fight for itself, rather than accept saviours from outside, and talked about how his experiences informed him to fight for the people of Carbania, and how he believed the MPL would push this. He made populist appeals about how they were the party of the working class, after which he spoke to hospitality workers personally, taking photos and shaking hands, while hearing out their concerns and talking about how the MPL would materially improve their lives. He then did a town hall which was broadcast nationwide, as he continued the key bread-and-butter push of the MPL, but also went on a tirade criticising America for supporting the dictatorship and saying that "A vote for pro-America candidates is a vote to keep Carbania exploited, subjugated and kept as a foreign colony", declaring that American influence in the country was a threat and calling to nationalise key resource sectors which were held by American corporations as a matter of national security and economic justice.

February 2 - He then started day two by taking a journey in the slums of Puerto Plata, first starting up a rally to get people motivated, riling them up with usual populist rhetoric, along with his new brand of left-wing nationalism, calling on Carbanians to fight against the 'stooges of imperialists', along with getting local activists together for a photo-op and helping them organise themselves locally while mobilising existing voters and trying to win over new ones. Nextly, he went to a specific district of the city known for prositution, and made a speech calling out American sex tourists and organised crime, and declaring that sex workers will be given dignity under the MPL, as they will fight against human trafficking gangs and organised crime, along with rehabilitative strategies to make sure that people don't get into organised crime in the first place, along with the improving of educational opportunities to ensure they have alternatives rather than turning to organised crime.

February 3 - The next day, he went to another major tourist centre, to give a speech in front of more hospitality workers, outlining their plans regarding raising the minimum wage and strengthening workers' rights more broadly, preventing workers from being fired for simply complaining, and the need for strong regulation of private industry. He also slipped in a brazenly socialist point or two, about empowering people to become owners of their own workplaces and creating a more economically democratic Carbania, stating his support for increased democratic ownership of the means of production, calling for hope and change in Carbania too, while attacking what he deemed "the puppets of foreign oligarchs", and saying that the policies of other parties such as the PLP were 'actively anti-working class' and would seek to raise taxes on the average person. He then gave out leaflets to the crowd promoting the MPL and encouraging them to give them out, and then jaunting over to a local union office to mobilise his own troops, while also participating in a union drive for hospitality workers later in the day where he gave a roaring speech talking about the benefits of a union and how it will help them fight against the foreign corporations who are paying them far less than what they need to be paid and treating them very badly, listing many abuses at the specific workplace, then he went around to shake hands with the workers and the union organisers, calling their work brave and brilliant, and giving them his full attention for those few hours.

February 4 - Finally, he spent his final day roaming about in the countryside of the province. It was smaller, of course, but this is where he decided to start, meeting with the members of a rural interest group for a lunchtime engagement, hoping for an endorsement for the MPL or at least some support in money, making a speech outlining the MPL's interests vis a vis rural areas, such as supporting domestic farmers, renegotiating trade deals to increase the price of Carbanian exports, increasing internet connectivity to provide opportunity and new programmes to drop record investment into rural education. He remarked on his time living in rural Carbania, and talked about how standards of living and quality of life there needed to be improved, as he ate with them and generally socialised, attempting to charm them over through both flattery and concrete proposals to help the organisation perform its objective. Next up, he did a town hall with local people, answering their questions, which were fairly typical, and he hammered once again on the usual - healthcare, employment, agriculture, housing, the bread-and-butter issues he knew his people won on. He introduced the local people to one of their candidates that he was campaigning with, promoting him and his background and calling for the people in attendance to back the MPL in the April election.

February 5 - Already covered.

[Fidimouni]

February 5th, 2022
Approximately 12:38 PM
Communist Refoundation Party Meeting, Tres Rios — Puerto Plata

The atmosphere is a little unsettling, at least in the eyes of Pablo Miledo, but it was a necessity. The uncomfortable button up shirts, the (albeit boiled, just in case) clear cups of water in fine glasses, and dozen or so other former activist turned party members had gathered today. No more were the meetings where pizza was served on the side, or where just about any well respected activist of any background could get in. Today was a meeting of the upmost importance, at least according to his advisors, all of which had gone back to squabbling over minor ideological differences: the meeting deciding the continued strategy leading up to election day, in the face of ongoing confusion within the ranks of the party on where this was heading. It was a silent divide: on one side, the most militant wing of the party, the Trotskyist, and on the other side, the moderates of all type sit around. It's a heated discussion, and the situation is nothing short of tense. Sweat rolls down Pablo's head, as he grabs a tissue to pat himself on the head. It was tense, surely, but even he knew such tenseness with worth it.

First, the Trotskyist went up. They argued for a simple fact: if they were going to begrudged participate in a bourgeoisie democratic system, at the very least the party should focus on cornering the non-MPL and non-CPC socialist vote, avoiding social democratic "tricks". In doing so, they would certainly solidify this section of the vote, preventing it from slipping away into the hands of the revisionist MPL, and allowing them to begin to build a basis for a vanguard party lead by professional, politically conscious and class conscious, social revolutionaries. They were met with a mixture of groans from the conference room, but it seemed the point was well made. To abandon socialist ideas now in favor of catering to even moderate social democrats would be a disaster in the long run, as capital continues to rebrand itself after the fall of the military dictatorship. And next, the moderate faction went to speak. They went on a full offensive on the Trotskyist, arguing the party should do it's best to pull in all social democratic votes, cut losses, but destroy the Labourist and OJS. This was met by wild rapturous applause and screaming from the conference room. It almost devolved right here and then, which could have nearly ended the fragile alliance of more moderate Democratic Socialists and Trotskyist. But once Pablo started speaking, after nearly two hours of continued back and forward fighting between each faction, the room settles a little.

"My friends," the young man speaks, silencing the room with the flip of a switch. Pablo had one thing going for him, he was a good speaker, able to project his voice. And as a result, even the more militant of the factions seemed to silence to bare whispers. "the workers path to revolution seems to be one of contradiction. All of us here know that. And yet again, contradiction has hit us, as the masses and the party once again begin to intertwine in building such a path to revolution. The CRM must remain a Marxist, a socialist, party. We shall remain so. The strategy laid out is simple: consolidate the communist, the Marxist, and the youth vote. We are not aiming to stray from the basic ideas, to revise our socialism.", the last sentence specifically drawing quite a bit of ire from the crowd. The Trotskyist faction has there face lit with pride, seeing a inevitable victory in there section. The moderate's seem very frustrated though, one even attempting to boo, however being shushed by his fellow members. "With that said, however, that does not mean we should allow capital to go without criticism and spotless in this cycle. While we are aiming to consolidate the most revolutionary of the masses in building a revolutionary party, with that said, we must also attack outwards in our revolution. The bureaucratic parties, those of the Labourist and the OJS, must face the fact: that the permanent revolution is coming, and coming fast!"

In clearly his most proactive statement, a roar from the crowd. In a rare moment of mild unity, both the moderate and Trotskyist faction roared. While it was rare to see this, the oddness of it all was quite the spectacle. But it was clear now: the party is socialist, but the party must also be willing to get dirty in the fight against social democrats. It would corner the Marxist, communist, and youth vote, or at least those not aligned with other parties at this point. And while it may seem like an uphill battle, which is certainly was, such a battle is worth it in the long run. The battle against reactionaries, against capital, it was a permanent battle. Even if it meant having to slander other parties, this was a necessary feat, or so Pablo would tell himself as he laid wide awake in his bed, tired and somewhat terrified of the future. But tomorrow was a new day, and the roar of the masses would have to be deafening..right?

Maybe.

[Tehrangeles]

MRN Campaign
Month of January
Part Headquarters, Buñuel


The Movement for National Restoration campaign was well underway. The television ads were hitting the airwaves, church halls were filled with conversations about the need for Evangelical political representation in the country, and activists were going door-to-door to friends and family, Catholic and Protestant alike.

The general strategy was to corner the far right, and build off of the Evangelical base to aim for an ambitious 20% of votes. So far, it remained to be seen if the plan would work, but getting-out-the-vote efforts did not cease. One of the nation’s largest television stations, Hijos de Dios, became essentially a far right political broadcast, with MRN-affiliated executive producers encouraging televangelists and commentators to encourage voters to support the right as led by the MRN. This strategy worked especially in provinces and communities with high Evangelical concentration- in Buñuel, Tres Rios, Camparroz, Oro Mugre, and the newly arrived internal migrants in Intichiquan’s slums and suburbs. Mendoza’s face and the party logo were also plastered through these areas on billboards, signs hanging from peoples’ windows, and Evangelical church lawns. These churches themselves even served as triage points for activists and housed informal rallies- allowing the MRN to benefit from relaxed-to-nonexistent laws against campaigning through religious groups.

Major campaigning by Mendoza included visiting a predominantly Evangelical satellite city of Intichiquan called Cancha, and held a meeting of goodwill with local Catholic civic organizations, visibly promoting cooperation and friendship between Assembly for Christ and the Catholic Church.

He also stumped across the Carbanian South, visiting schools, speaking in community centers, and agricultural fairs. His statements were fairly consistent- reiterating the points made in the manifesto and hammering home his status as a leader for the right wing as a broad coalition, and a fighter for the values of devout Christians and patriots in the country.

One of the places he delivered the speech was on the auction stage at a cattle exposition in Buñuel, a stronghold of MRN support.

“Fellow patriots, - God bless you. Thank you for coming to hear me speak today, as I discuss the path forward for our nation, not backsliding toward socialism and bloodthirsty communism, but toward a reinvigoration of our national pride and moral wellbeing. As we move toward democracy, let us seize this moment to make our voices heard and our values enshrined in the law.

Some will try to dissuade you- telling you the path forward is the so-called legalization of depravity for the sake of extreme economic change benefiting the corporate masters of many new politicians in this country. They will tell you further still that you should be most concerned with establishing crypto-currency or so-called digital democracy- when many people in our country do not even own a cell phone or have reliable internet access! They are simply out of control, and out of touch with you, your values, and your needs.

My name is Israel Mendoza, I will serve as our party’s candidate for President of Carbania, a role I will proudly accept. I am a father, a leader in my church, a political activist, and a strong fighter for your values. I will take them straight to Intichiquan as we negotiate what kind of state the new Carbania will be, and build off of my proven track record to accomplish this.

The Movement for National Restoration will run a campaign based on three pillars- faith, family, and country. These will comprise the foundation of Carbania’s new republic- trust that God will guide our leaders and our homeland, the understanding that the family is the most basic unit of law, order and good governance, and a love for one another and the land we call home. All of these therefore comprise the foundation of our simple twelve point manifesto, which is something you can support and understand easily, and something we can accomplish if given the necessary mandate.

Under the first pillar, faith, there are four points. The first is that our party will put forth legislation codifying the right to prayer in school and the workplace- both public and private. Second, we will codify policies defending traditional marriage- between one man and one woman. Third, we will similarly codify the rights of the unborn, in line with the Christian values and legacy we share as Carbanians. Finally, we will allocate public funding for Christian television networks, both Catholic, Protestant, and otherwise- in order to expand access to rural populations, and those suffering under Godless repression in nearby countries.”

There was some cheering from those gathered.

“Under the pillar of family, we also have four key tenets. First, is the right of parents to raise their own children. While this may seem simple, in many parts of the country, parents are totally excluded from making decisions about their child’s education. We will return power to parents, allowing them freedom to choose home school, religious school, home school collectives, and other alternatives to those of the state. This has the power to also control how parents introduce children to certain topics, like religious education and sexual education. The second point in bolstering family is increased funding for social services families depend on- primarily education, healthcare, and pensions for the elderly and the downtrodden. In the new era we will ensure the brunt of Carbania’s tax revenue goes to these places, and enshrine them as human rights through legislation. It is only right that we work to follow Christ’s example, at least until private and church charity can make a significant impact in this country. While we agree that market reforms are necessary- they must come from other sectors. Additionally, we will continue to keep narcotics illegal, and use every possible means to keep them off of our streets, out of our homes, and away from our children. Finally, we will propose a expanding the bottom bracket of our tax system, to ensure that a larger pool of people do not pay income tax at the bottom wrung of our society. Unlike the policies of some candidates for president, the Movement for National Restoration sees working families as most deserving of a tax break- not large corporations.”

There was more cheering.

“The final pillar of our platform is bolstering the nation itself. First, that means ensuring the strength and sanctity of our democracy by preventing a future dictatorship from taking place. The way we accomplish this task is by increasing civilian oversight of the military- by appointing a civilian minister of defense, and establishing a large gendarmerie which is separate from the military- in order to protect the civilian state and uphold rule of law. The second is asserting the important role of provinces of our country- to control their own budgets and policies, in ways that best align with the needs of their people. We will also protect our democracy through the creation of a federal corruption commission, banning politicians from lobbying activities, and enacting laws requiring politicians to report gifts. Similarly, we will require parties to sign a pledge to uphold the rule of law and respect the democratic process before standing candidates for parliament. Finally, we will encourage the enactment of a large, broad-based infrastructure package. This will increase the number of coal and gas plants and other cheap sources of electricity in the country to ensure no one in Carbania lacks electricity. We will also overhaul plumbing in rural areas, and expand internet access. Most importantly, we will encourage investment into roads and bridges, and encourage the creation of a commission to investigate foreign ownership of natural resource extraction, to provide insight into whether full or partial nationalization or anti-trust is necessary. My fellow citizens and children in Christ, this is the platform of our party. It is simple, but it will restore our country’s moral health, and bring more economic success for the average person.

These are the values I have lived, they are the values I have fought for despite persecution, and they are the values I will continue to fight for once I am elected to the presidency. Do not vote for the Carbania the global corporations want you to create. Do not vote for the Carbania the bloodthirsty communists want you to create. Vote for the Carbania you want to create. Vote for National restoration- for faith, family, and country. Thank you!”

Along with these speeches, Mendoza spent time talking to people, knocking on doors, and personally handing out campaign literature. He did this every day- except for Sundays as he preached in his own mega church in Bosqueviejo. The campaign cogs were moving.

[Guagolandum]

Interview to Mr. de la Vega (OJyS) on National TV
Date: February 1, 2022

Interviewer: Hello, Mr. de la Vega. It's a pleasure to have you here today for an interview, I'm sure all of our viewers are excited and we'll look forward to asking you some interesting questions.

Vega: Thank you for having me, it’s an exciting time for our country.

Interviewer: Well, starting with a series of questions. What do you think about the parties competing with JyS to have seats in parliament? Do you think you could cooperate with anyone?

Vega: The only way democracy works is if people who disagree find ways to cooperate. I’ve had success in the private sector and with my work fighting the COVID epidemic because I was able to work with people across countless different backgrounds to get things done. So I have every faith regardless of how this election turns out that we can work together and make real gains for the people.

Interviewer: You say you want to make real gains for the people. What would you define as "real gains"?

Vega: It’s my goal to create a working healthcare system, strong pension and social security systems, and unemployment benefits that help people keep their head above water. As well as good wages people can actually live on without going paycheck to paycheck.

Interviewer: Now that we've entered on economic issues - what do you think about a possible lowering of taxes?

Vega: The tax system as written is a mess, we need a tax system that has the oligarchs, the elites and the people who exploit the people pay their fair share so we can them reinvest it. Taxes on working people will go down, the rich and powerful… they certainly don’t need a tax break…. We need a good stable climate to foster business and investment, strong property rights, stable currency and inflation, strong anti corruption means are all great ways to encourage businesses but we also need a favorable tax environment for small businesses.

Interviewer: I see. About the military and police, what do you think?

Vega: laughs can you be more specific?

Interviewer: Well, since we were ruled by a military dictatorship until recently, what would you do to prevent anything like that happening again? How will you combat the insurgency?

Vega: Its a difficult question.... My father and much of my family was murdered by the military, and while the specific details are scarce its likely some of those culprits are still serving... Its a story all too many of our people can relate to... At the same time we are in an active conflict and we can't just reform the military top to bottom during this.

So we need to start with who we know we can trust, who is performing well and put them in the right positions. We need to emphasize the civilian control of the military... We need strong anti-corruption and transparency measures that will make it a heck of a lot more difficult to abuse the military as a personal slush fund, and then slowly over the course of many years we will need to investigate accusations against officials made in the past decades.

As for the insurgency.... it started fighting a murderous regime, they were treated brutally and they are suspicious of the progress that has been made in the past few years... But the dictatorship is over, its time to make peace... As President I would invite them to the table to talk, negotiate, and make peace... If this is rejected we will continue the war with maximum effort... I have no wish to spill blood but we must protect our Democracy and the right of the people to chart their own destiny.

None of this can be resolved quickly... but its rare that any meaningful change does happen quickly...

Interviewer: What will you do in terms of foreign policy?

Vega: I am a pragmatist first and foremost, and my priority is to put our nation and our people first. To that end I would seek to make positive trade relationships that will benefit our people, bringing jobs from overseas and such. But I don’t plan on getting involved in conflicts between Russia, China, the USA and such

Interviewer: You just mentioned Russia, China and USA. What would your government's relations with them be?

Vega: China is our biggest trade partner, that’s just a fact so pursuing good relations with them is ideal… that being said we need to be careful to avoid the debt trap diplomacy they’ve been accused of.

The United States isn’t perfect and of course they supported the regime for many years, but the proximity and size of the economy mean we can't ignore it.

Russia I don’t see much of a deep relationship, it’s more important we monitor them and coordinate with the rest of South America to deal with any issues pertaining to the price of oil and gas.

Interviewer: And what do you think about the fact that China is a dictatorship which is known for repressing its people? Would you take measures in order to protest that?

Vega: Diplomacy is imperfect and you often have to take into account the reality of the situation and deal with actors you would rather not like to…. Any action that we would take would have to be coordinated with other international bodies to have a real impact. The best thing we can do right now is prevent further influence.

Interviewer: So that means you will seek to lesser China's influence on Carbania's economy?

Vega: To the extent possible... Given the amount of influence we have seen it have over nations in Africa for example, or even Massive US companies like Disney... No foreign nation should have the kind of power over our people.

Interviewer: Speaking of power over Carbanians, what is your stance on foreign military bases?

Vega: I could see China using debt trap diplomacy to try and get one here, I don’t think the US would find it necessary to build one but I think they would take very serious actions to prevent China from doing so. But if anyone approached us wanting to build a military base in our nation I can’t imagine a world where I’d accept that offer.

Interviewer: As a social democrat, what do you think about the CRM?

Vega: Well I support the spirit they have working for the people, and that they are willing to participate in the democratic system… but obviously we have some very deep divides when it comes to policy solutions. I believe in a free market, a well regulated one that puts workers and people first, but i do believe that a market economy offers our people the best chance at prosperity.

Interviewer: Which market policies would you enforce?

De Vega: it’s a lot for one issue but I believe we should look to Sweden as a model, a very friendly business environment and encouragement of entrepreneurs

Interviewer: So you'd define yourself as some sort of third-way when it comes to economics?

De Vega: I don’t like ideological labels, I’m a pragmatist and I support what works for people. I think Sweden is a good model but obviously it’s a very different country so a 1 to 1 is impossible. I did a lot of work in Poland and the formerly soviet Baltic states like Lithuania and Estonia which also have a lot of lessons for us… in general though I want a strong economy with real competition to power a modern welfare state, that keeps people safe and happy. Call that what you will

Interviewer: What would you say to those Carbanians who will vote?

De Vega: Ask yourselves if you want more of the same Oligarchy, instability and authoritarianism? Or do you want change that works, change that is visible, achievable and works? We can do this, we can get results not just for our children but in the next few years, real change and progress. If that’s what you want then I ask you support our party.

Interviewer: And to close this wonderful interview, where do you stand on abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage?

Vega: After my family was killed by the regime I was lost… but I found God and that brought me back. I’m a proud Christian…

I believe marriage is a sacrament, it’s between a man and a woman but I believe that the government should allow civil unions.

I believe that at some point in its development a fetus becomes a person and has a right to live. But before that point a woman has a right to choose.

And I believe that life is sacred but if their is absolutely no hope of recovery? If their is just suffering? Then someone should be able to make that decision to go peacefully.

Interviewer: thank you for being with us today Mr. de la Vega, it was a pleasure having you here!

Vega: Thank you for having me here today.

[Guagolandum]

Centrist Compromise: Castañeda-García Meeting
Date: February 2, 2022

After his boss let him have a day "off" for campaign reasons, García took the public transport bus to a station nearby PLP's headquarters. He knew his objective, and the potential ally who was waiting for him there. He was wearing his typical elegant suit, with his even more typical red rose in one of the pockets.

He entered and searched Castañeda's office, and after he found it, he entered.

Alan Castañeda welcomed José Antonio García in his office in the headquarters of the PLP. "Welcome," he said with a polite smile. "I'm always glad to meet the leader of another significant party. What is the purpose of your visit to our HQs?"

García smiled as Castañeda talked to him and greeted him. "Thank you very much! I am pleased to meet with you", he said. "I'm here to talk with you about... A coalition, to unify the centrist forces. Well, as you might know, Carbanian far-right and far-left parties have emerged and make up a significant portion of those running for parliament. We must keep the government in the centre", he remarked.

"I find this idea agreeable. We cannot let extremists from either the right or the left to jeopardize our newly founded democracy. The PLP will be more than willing to work with Labour - and other centrist parties - in parliament to form a majority that will be able to pursue a moderate, centrist and reformist agenda to modernize Carbania", said Castañeda in response.

García shook his head, visibly agreeing, and then said: "I totally agree with you. We should consider we aren't the only ones in the center, so we should persuade more parties to join our moderate platform, to not let extremism drag them away from the reasonability of centrism. A pleasure to see that our understanding is mutual".

Continuing the row of no discrepancies, Castañeda answered: "I agree. We should pursue agreements with OJS and PDC. Social Democrats and Christian Democrats are both center-leaning, and would help us ensure a centrist majority in parliament."

"That'd be a perfect coalition! Each party is popular among a group of the Carbanian society. How will our agreement be called? I'm curious, but I think we'd have to consult the PDC and OJS if they want to join", said García.

Castañeda: "How about 'Moderates'? Just a suggestion. Believe we should consult the others, as you suggested."

García: "That's a good name, though I'd propose 'Triple C': Civic Centrist Coalition. Let's see what the others say. Anyways, what other issues do we need to address?"

Castañeda: "For the time being, none. I assume we will talk again at a later time though to discuss specifics about our parliamentary cooperation."

García: "Sure thing! Nice to meet and talk with you, sir Castañeda. You're certainly a good person."

Castañeda: "Thank you. Have a nice day."

García: "Same goes for you. Goodbye."

García then returned to his house to rest.

---

The Rally for Labour
Date: January 3, 2022
In collaboration with Nova Anglicana

5 in the afternoon. García, Quispe and Torres arrived on stage to address the multitude gathered towards the rally. García took the microphone and started to greet the masses, with a grin on his face.

First of all, I may greet you, my fellow Carbanians. It's an honor to see so many of you gathered here! This really shows me how many people want a change for good in this neglected nation. Brothers and sisters, today is the day where you will hear us in person, not by the national TV or an advertisement. This is purely real, and as you might have already seen, there are no speeches prepared, just our pure mind and oratory.

Have you seen people rallying around a communist flag? Saying we aren't laborers, but capitalists who do not care about the people? Saying we are controlled by capitalists? How the heck am I, a worker, how the heck is Francisco, a charity worker, or how the hell is Pedro, an immigrant... How the heck are we capitalists, or controlled by one? This campaign shall not focus on personal attacks, but if I have to talk fiercely, I'll do, for the wellbeing of Carbania. For your wellbeing. Do not let your vote to go further than centre-left or centre-right! Keep the government within the boundaries of reason! We can't have religious fundamentalists nor can we have liberticide communists in our government! Would this be the Carbania we'd want our children to have? I urge you, citizens, to choose correctly and safeguard our Democracy! Vote for those who won't neglect any area of this beautiful country!

Let anti-communism and anti-fascism grow inside our hearts! Because, sometimes, you can't difference a fascist and a communist. So you may be voting for anyone of the two. And we know those aren't the best options for Carbania! Will you guide our precious Carbania to development, or will those demagogues turn us backwards? Towards the era of military dictatorship? Will we let people suffer like in those horrid times again? I can tell you: my answer is a contundent NO. No to the enemies of democracy!

Quispe then went on and made the rally even more interesting. "Brothers and sisters of our nation! The time to choose who will lead you has come! The time to choose between a better quality of life and a change or going by the exact same path of degeneracy! As president, I'll lower taxes for you, and for small and medium businesses. Because in order for you to get better wages, financial pressure on your employers needs to be lowered. I'm also for raising our minimum wages! I'm for the right of two people to be legally united and constituted as a couple, regardless of their genitals! I'm for the necessity of abortion. Not when it's a choice, but when it's a necessity. Causals, now! I'm also for protesting dictatorships, and lowering their influence on us and our economy. Say NO to debt trap! Say no to the repression of Uyghurs and Tibetans! A vote for Labour, a vote for reason. Voting for Labour, is wanting the best for Carbania! Regards, my brothers and sisters of this glorious nation!"

Torres then approached the stage... He felt nervous, but the cheers of the masses would give him more confidence. And as the masses cheered, he prepared to give his speech.

[Nova Anglicana]

The Rally for Labour
Date: January 3, 2022
In collaboration with Nova Anglicana

5 in the afternoon. García, Quispe and Torres arrived on stage to address the multitude gathered towards the rally. García took the microphone and started to greet the masses, with a grin on his face.

First of all, I may greet you, my fellow Carbanians. It's an honor to see so many of you gathered here! This really shows me how many people want a change for good in this neglected nation. Brothers and sisters, today is the day where you will hear us in person, not by the national TV or an advertisement. This is purely real, and as you might have already seen, there are no speeches prepared, just our pure mind and oratory.

Have you seen people rallying around a communist flag? Saying we aren't laborers, but capitalists who do not care about the people? Saying we are controlled by capitalists? How the heck am I, a worker, how the heck is Francisco, a charity worker, or how the hell is Pedro, an immigrant... How the heck are we capitalists, or controlled by one? This campaign shall not focus on personal attacks, but if I have to talk fiercely, I'll do, for the wellbeing of Carbania. For your wellbeing. Do not let your vote to go further than centre-left or centre-right! Keep the government within the boundaries of reason! We can't have religious fundamentalists nor can we have liberticide communists in our government! Would this be the Carbania we'd want our children to have? I urge you, citizens, to choose correctly and safeguard our Democracy! Vote for those who won't neglect any area of this beautiful country!

Let anti-communism and anti-fascism grow inside our hearts! Because, sometimes, you can't difference a fascist and a communist. So you may be voting for anyone of the two. And we know those aren't the best options for Carbania! Will you guide our precious Carbania to development, or will those demagogues turn us backwards? Towards the era of military dictatorship? Will we let people suffer like in those horrid times again? I can tell you: my answer is a contundent NO. No to the enemies of democracy!

Quispe then went on and made the rally even more interesting. "Brothers and sisters of our nation! The time to choose who will lead you has come! The time to choose between a better quality of life and a change or going by the exact same path of degeneracy! As president, I'll lower taxes for you, and for small and medium businesses. Because in order for you to get better wages, financial pressure on your employers needs to be lowered. I'm also for raising our minimum wages! I'm for the right of two people to be legally united and constituted as a couple, regardless of their genitals! I'm for the necessity of abortion. Not when it's a choice, but when it's a necessity. Causals, now! I'm also for protesting dictatorships, and lowering their influence on us and our economy. Say NO to debt trap! Say no to the repression of Uyghurs and Tibetans! A vote for Labour, a vote for reason. Voting for Labour, is wanting the best for Carbania! Regards, my brothers and sisters of this glorious nation!"

Torres then approached the stage... He felt nervous, but the cheers of the masses would give him more confidence. And as the masses cheered, he prepared to give his speech.

Francisco took a deep breath. This was it. His first speech as a politician, or at least as a candidate. He looked down briefly at his notes, then opened his mouth.

"My friends, you have heard the wonderful words of García and Quispe, two politicians who truly have this nation's best interests at heart. Send them to Parliament and the [President's Mansion], and I guarantee they will not stop fighting for you day and night!" He paused as the crowd acclaimed García and Quispe.

"And now, my friends, I ask that you have patience with me. I'm no politician, I'm just Francisco. Some of you may have seen me around the streets of Intichiquan, trying to help others. Perhaps you've come to a QC house in need of food, help with getting to a doctor's appointment, or in deep need of prayer and consolation. Maybe we've organized workers together, to demand higher wages. Perhaps you've worked with me to help pregnant women from making a terrible, desperate, choice. Maybe you're a teenage runaway or a beggar who came to me for help. Either way, I know you and you know me, and that is the most important thing. During the junta, beatings, torture, secret police, oppression, they used all of these things and tried to turn us against each other while the oligarchs made off with the wealth of the nation, wealth that should have rightly been used to make all of our lives better! Now, demagogues say that people you know, like García and Quispe, are no better than those oligarchs, simply because they defend the right of someone to own a small shop. Televangelists who shamelessly ask the poor for money they cannot give, promising riches in return, now think they can trick us into handing over the presidency. And the remnants of the junta dare to contend for our votes in public! Back to the shadows and the fiery depths you came from! The junta was the work of Satan, as are all things that corrupt and destroy human life."

He paused as applause and shouts filled the air. He was breathing much more heavily than he usually did. He hadn't meant to attack other people so furiously. He would have to confess later.

"Then and now, sinister forces in our great nation try to turn us against each other. But you know me and I know you. Trust is the foundation of all good politics. When we trust each other, we can do anything! We can rebuild our society, create jobs for everyone, earn higher wages, and protect the moral foundations of our nation. So I am asking you to trust me for the position of mayor of Intichiquan. I am asking you to trust that I will always have your best interests at heart. I ask that you trust me, but this campaign is not about me, but us. Luis Fusco is not a bad man, but he is too far removed from the people. He is too concerned with what US multinational corporations think. When you vote for me or for any Labourist Party candidate, whether for mayor, Parliament, or President, you will know that that is a vote for all of us. It is a vote for investment in small businesses, not US or Chinese corporations! It is a vote for higher wages, for union jobs! It is a vote for the life of the unborn and a vote for investing in mothers and fathers so their children can grow up strong, with a united family! And most of all, it is a vote to strengthen democracy, for the people to decide for themselves the destiny of our great nation! No more will junta thugs or big corporations or anyone but the people decide! I ask that you trust me, García, and Quispe with your votes so that all of us can live in a nation that blesses God and liberates man! Thank you!"

Francisco caught his breath as cheers rang out. Somewhere, an enterprising musician struck up the national anthem. Francisco almost wept with the sheer intensity of it all. He had almost been a different person on stage. He needed to disappear somewhere, lose himself in serving the poor, remember that the high of the rally and the speech was not why he was running. But not yet, perhaps. He turned towards García and Quispe to celebrate his first speech - he was a politician!

[Tehrangeles]

BBC Latin America & Caribbean News

---

Willie Dustice, Latin American Politics Correspondant
February 2nd, 2022

The first elections in the fledgling republic of Carbania are underway, with electoral observers from international bodies entering the country, and candidates stumping for support.

Local polls show a scattered field in the presidential race, marked by a lack of consolidation among various ideological camps- likely a product of the previous decades, which were marked by political repression by the former military dictatorship.

On the left, one of the most prominent candidates is Manuel Otero, who is most notably a former guerrilla fighter opposed to the dictatorship. His support comes mostly from the rural southern provinces, and especially from the mountainous regions in the north where mining is a key industry. He is competing with a softer left wing figure, Alejandro De La Vega, a social democrat. Mr. De La Vega is a former consultant, who organized a private relief effort during the Covid-19 pandemic. His support is distributed throughout the country, but remains concentrated in the capital, Intichiquan, and in Valenzuela.

Moving toward the centre, Pedro Quispe, an immigrant and activist is running on a platform based primarily on Liberation Theology. His campaign activities have been concentrated on Intichiquan, and despite starting with a low profile, his impact on the race is growing. Also in the centre is the race’s only female candidate- Yesenia Espinosa. Ms. Espinosa is the young mayor of Pumallaqta, a city in Valenzuela. Like Mr. De La Vega, she is a former consultant, and has a platform which calls for a range of policies, from increased centralization to removing Chinese influence from the country. Her profile is rapidly growing nationally, but her support primarily comes from areas near her home city. Finally, the right-of-centre is filled out by Wall Street Journal writer Alan Castañeda, who is seeking a flat tax, marijuana legalization, and other liberal reforms. His support is highest in wealthier parts of the country, like certain suburbs of Intichiquan (along with the city itself) and provincial capitals.

The right wing is dominated by Christian politics. This includes Jose Antonio Rabellino, who is a conservative Catholic. Mr. Rabellino is the long time mayor of a small city in Camparroz. He is popular in his home province, and other areas of the south, where his socially conservative and economically liberal platform is popular. Similarly, Israel Mendoza, a former member of parliament and Evangelical pastor is seeking to consolidate the votes of the emergent Protestant community in the country.

While it is unclear how reliable the data is, local (untested) pollsters have aggregated the following results.

Castañeda (PLP): 14%
De La Vega‌‌ (OJS): 11%
Espinosa (UNE): 6%
Mendoza (MRN)‌: 7%
Otero (MPL): 19%
Rabellino (PDC): 12%
Quispe (LAB/PLC): 5%
Undecided/Other: 26%

While this remains the situation on the ground in the present moment, the presidential candidates’ debate will change the field, and consolidation among candidates is possible.

[Madrinpoor]

Feb. 24, 2022
Presidential Palace of Carbania

--

"Mierda."

Bruno Pedregon sighed and rubbed his head. "I thought things like this did not happen anymore."

Beni, a member of Bruno's entourage who held a clipboard, tried to make his old boss feel better. "They say Ukraine has no chance," he started. "Russia will likely overtake them in two weeks. And then the headache is over."

"Beni, you're a moron."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Do you know how much wheat Russia produces?" Bruno grabbed the muffin out of Beni's hands. "This muffin was made by Russian or Ukrainian wheat."

"Actually, sir, it's Carbanian wheat."

"Oh."

"We only carry Carbanian agricultural goods in the Palace."

"Beni, I don't give a fuck."

"Sorry, sir."

"Get me my phone." Bruno dialed up a ninety year old man in Cartagena, called Gonzaga, who was in fact born in Carbania and grew up on the same street as the Pedregon family. Gonzaga was a far better strategist than Bruno could ever hope to be.

<<Oye,>> Gonzaga said. Rumba was audible through the speaker. <<Is this Brunito?>>

"Papi, did you hear about the thing with Ukraine?"

<<No.>>

"Ukraine was invaded by Russia."

<<Why.>>

"I don't know. What do I do?"

<<Eat breakfast or something. It's 10:00 where you are, right? Ukraine is on the other side of the world.>>

"It will decimate the economy."

<<Ok.>>

"And drive inflation, and there will be a food shortage."

<<Alright.>>

"...Those things are problems."

<<Not problems for you.>>

"What do you mean?"

<<How many months are left until the election.>>

"Not many..."

<<So don't worry. Not your problem. You are old now, and old people who worry about problems get heart attacks.>>

"Worry doesn't cause heart attacks. Smoking causes heart attacks, and you should quit smoking."

Gonzaga put down his stubby Cuban cigar. <<Quack science. *cough* I have smoked since I was nine, and now I am ninety. Smoking relieves stress. Therefore it extends your lifespan.>>

"Bye, Papi."

<<Stop worrying.>>

Bruno tossed his phone onto the desk. "Beni, go get me a muffin made of Ukrainian bread."

---

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

Pumallaqta City Ordinances, February:

Ordinance to fight price gouging and instability by imposing a graduated tax on gas stations' sales at prices above a running average price of gasoline. Gas stations are required to provide a receipt of sale which can then be cashed in for reimbursement at any bank within Pumallaqta city limits. This program extends to non-residents of Pumallaqta. Reimbursement is instant for those who pay for gasoline with CyberPumaCoin.
Signed by Mayor Yesenia Espinosa

Ordinance to impose more stringent checks on goods imported through Pumallaqta's ports to fight drug smuggling. Crates and boxes that are cleared are to be stamped with a PUMALLAQATA logo of approval, including a time and tracking code to prevent fraud. Formally condemns the city of Marbella for illegally harboring drug production and sale against national law. Pumallaqta Police are encouraged to deprioritize small possession arrests in so far as it helps prioritizie the arrest of individuals within city limits criminally involved Marbella's illegal policy. Those that provide tips that lead to a successful arrest of said individuals, in or outside of Pumallaqta's city limits are to be provided with a monetary reward.
Signed by Mayor Yesenia Espinosa

Ordinance to improve voter turnout and youth electoral participation by providing free Pumallaqta transit tickets to any individual that leaves a polling station within Pumallaqta city limits. Provides for a system of reimbursement for the full cost of up to 15 gallons of gasoline to those who have voted at a polling station within Pumallaqta city limits who can provide a receipt of gasoline purchase on that given election day. Additionally funds efforts to prioritize young people to serve as staff in and around polling locations within Pumallaqta city limits.
Signed by Mayor Yesenia Espinosa.

[Guagolandum]

José García - Itinerary

Date: February 2, 2022
Location: Small bar, Intichiquan
Summary: After the "Rally for Labour", García went along Quispe and Torres to get a beer in celebration.
Excerpt: "You must remember, you are a servant of the people, my friend. Buena suerte y un brindis por ti, amigo mío.

Date: February 4, 2022
Location: Town in Buñuel
Summary: García went to a town in Buñuel to greet the people and was seen sweeping tears out of his eyes as he visited the Dictatorship Memorial located in the town. He was accompanied by Quispe in a conjunct campaigning.
Excerpt: "I'm not the kind of politician who only comes here to take a photo, give money in exchange of casting your vote for me, and then leave and never come back. I'm really aware of the problems towns like this suffer. Let's clean all the contaminated areas, all the industrial waste zones! For a more clean town, Buñuel and Carbania!

Date: February 10, 2022
Location: Comedian public show, Mugre Oro
Summary: José Antonio didn't campaign, instead he attended a public show given by a renowned Mugre Oro comedian.
Excerpt: "I hadn't laughed like this since when Mandes had diarrhea in stage!"

Date: February 14, 2022
Location: Labour regional headquarters, Santiago de Carbania
Summary: José Antonio attended a regional meeting, as he was initially registered in Labour Camparroz.
Excerpt: "We need to federalize Carbania properly, not only Labour. We mustn't give unequal levels of assistance to our regions!"

Date: February 18, 2022
Location: Slums of Carnicerías, Mugre Oro
Summary: José Antonio and Pedro Quispe attended a mass at a slum of Carnicerías. They were also seen helping financially and phisically with local charity.
Excerpt: "I feel it's my duty to relocate you and your families to a safer, more dignified environment. Something the dictatorship was unable and unwilling to do. Together, my fellow citizens, only together shall we defeat those uncaring bastards who are currently sat at the Presidential Palace!"

February 19-24, 2022: Assisting pro-Quispe rallies all over the country.

Date: February 25, 2022
Location: Embassies of Russia and Ukraine, Intichiquan
Summary: José Antonio gave a call for world peace and gave speeches in front of both embassies.
Excerpt 1: "You must know, people of Russia, that your government is an assassin government! It's no different from a dictatorship like we the Carbanians had for fifty years! And Putin is seeking to have himself sat at the Kremlin for fifty years, just as Mandes! Stop the war, now!"
Excerpt 2: "We greet you, people of Ukraine. We let you know that we are alongside you in this fight against tyranny and imperialism! We understand the reason of your efforts to drive out the Russian menace from your sacred land. Drive out those non-popular separatists! Regain the unity of Ukraine, drop polarization! Governmental support for Ukraine, now!"

Date: February 27, 2022
Location: Speech before the election
Summary: José Antonio gave a speech from his house.
Excerpt: "Vote as you wish. But have in mind that the real change, is a change for labourism. Avanza, Carbania!"

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

(Image)
BBC Latin America & Caribbean News

---

Willie Dustice, Latin American Politics Correspondant
February 2nd, 2022

The first elections in the fledgling republic of Carbania are underway, with electoral observers from international bodies entering the country, and candidates stumping for support.

Local polls show a scattered field in the presidential race, marked by a lack of consolidation among various ideological camps- likely a product of the previous decades, which were marked by political repression by the former military dictatorship.

On the left, one of the most prominent candidates is Manuel Otero, who is most notably a former guerrilla fighter opposed to the dictatorship. His support comes mostly from the rural southern provinces, and especially from the mountainous regions in the north where mining is a key industry. He is competing with a softer left wing figure, Alejandro De La Vega, a social democrat. Mr. De La Vega is a former consultant, who organized a private relief effort during the Covid-19 pandemic. His support is distributed throughout the country, but remains concentrated in the capital, Intichiquan, and in Valenzuela.

Moving toward the centre, Pedro Quispe, an immigrant and activist is running on a platform based primarily on Liberation Theology. His campaign activities have been concentrated on Intichiquan, and despite starting with a low profile, his impact on the race is growing. Also in the centre is the race’s only female candidate- Yesenia Espinosa. Ms. Espinosa is the young mayor of Pumallaqta, a city in Valenzuela. Like Mr. De La Vega, she is a former consultant, and has a platform which calls for a range of policies, from increased centralization to removing Chinese influence from the country. Her profile is rapidly growing nationally, but her support primarily comes from areas near her home city. Finally, the right-of-centre is filled out by Wall Street Journal writer Alan Castañeda, who is seeking a flat tax, marijuana legalization, and other liberal reforms. His support is highest in wealthier parts of the country, like certain suburbs of Intichiquan (along with the city itself) and provincial capitals.

The right wing is dominated by Christian politics. This includes Jose Antonio Rabellino, who is a conservative Catholic. Mr. Rabellino is the long time mayor of a small city in Camparroz. He is popular in his home province, and other areas of the south, where his socially conservative and economically liberal platform is popular. Similarly, Israel Mendoza, a former member of parliament and Evangelical pastor is seeking to consolidate the votes of the emergent Protestant community in the country.

While it is unclear how reliable the data is, local (untested) pollsters have aggregated the following results.

Castañeda (PLP): 14%
De La Vega‌‌ (OJS): 11%
Espinosa (UNE): 6%
Mendoza (MRN)‌: 7%
Otero (MPL): 19%
Rabellino (PDC): 12%
Quispe (LAB/PLC): 5%
Undecided/Other: 26%

While this remains the situation on the ground in the present moment, the presidential candidates’ debate will change the field, and consolidation among candidates is possible.

February 2nd.

In her mayoral office, after having recently signed three new ordinance, all of which designed to directly for the purpose of improving her electoral chances while providing enough social benefit to be passably non-partisan, Yesenia state and read the latest aggrregation of polls from BBC Latin America & Caribbean News.

Ms. Espinosa is the young mayor of Pumallaqta, a city in Valenzuela. Like Mr. De La Vega, she is a former consultant, and has a platform which calls for a range of policies, from increased centralization to removing Chinese influence from the country. Her profile is rapidly growing nationally, but her support primarily comes from areas near her home city.

A decent profile, though she disliked the ambiguity that could lead one to assume that De La Vega had similar policies is one didn't read it carefully. What was less encouraging was her polling support:

Espinosa (UNE): 6%

"At least you're not in last." Her secretary chimed in, looking at the 'bright side' of the figures.

"I mean that isn't that much of a condolence, in order to make it to the second round, I'd need to win a little over a third of the remaining undecided vote, while hoping that the PLP doesn't get stronger and nobody else but Otero makes significant gains." Yesenia responded

"Not exactly an easy task."

"Look we're aiming for the presidency, but that was always going to be incredibly difficult, which ever way we look at it, we need to be able to come out of this election with something." Yesenia didn't exactly want to already contemplate losing the election, but when face with single digit polling and second to last place its somewhat difficult to not do so.

"I guess the ability to choose who the next president is would be something?" Her secretary replied, saying out loud what Yesenia was thing.

"Exactly and to do that, I need something that I can deliver with an endorsement." Yesenia Replied

"Like a voter base, perhaps a pivotal region of the country?" the secretary asked.

"Exactly. I think that region of the country needs to be most centre-left and densely populated provinces of the country, Valenzuela, Intichiquan and Tres Rios. We need to do as much as possible to run up the score in these provinces and the capital. Together they make up a little over two fifths of the country's population. For the rest of the campaign, barring some unforeseen surge elsewhere that needs to be encouraged, I should not leave any of these three provinces." Yesenia said, she had been considering taking this course of action for awhile, but she wanted to see how she polled first. Now it was clear that this is what needed to be done.

"So are you abandoning the possibility of victory?" the secretary asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Actually, no. the average result in this race, based on the number of people in it, will be roughly 14%. I can say pretty safely, that 20% to 25% will probably be enough to make it to the second round, barring too many lopsided results. If I can win a third to a two fifths of the vote in this targeted region, that's already around 14% to 17% of the national vote. Even if I've only won slightly more than my current national numbers in the rest of the country, that's probably enough to make it to the second round. If nothing else, that level of support will be plenty to offer someone who does." Yesenia explained. a third to a fourth of the vote in any region of the country wasn't exactly an easy task, but she didn't expect to do so badly in the rest of the country either, any gains there would make up falling short of the target in the 2 provinces and the district she intended to focus on.

"De La Vega‌‌ and Quispe are the only other two candidates, I believe, with roots in any of these three provinces, Quispe is an indigenous candidate born in Peru and De La Vega‌‌ has been out of the country for most of his life. You do have a way to argue that you have ties to this region containing almost half the country in a way nobody else does." the secretary said, again saying Yesenia's thoughts before she spoke

"Exactly and even if that's not enough to get me to the second round, it'd be enough for me to help choose who wins the next by endorsement. Look, its only the end of January, we have a full 5 more months of campaigning to do." Yesenia said, optimistically

"Only 3 more months of campaigning for the parliament, though. However I suppose the UNE path to doing well there is much the same as doing well for the presidency, I just hope the rest of the provincial party lists will be able to hold the fort though, while they're left to be." said the sectary, concerned

"They'll be better served by my rising in the polls through a focused strategy rather than me bouncing around the country, besides, they'll have social media support and their own ground games to count on."

[Guagolandum]

Pedro Quispe - Itinerary

Date: February 3, 2022
Location: Suburbs of Intichiquan, later the Intichiquan International Airport
Summary: José Antonio went to visit the suburbs, as it's one of his hobbies to photograph the advancement made in the suburbs' development.
Excerpt: "These photographies will resemble all the progress we'll make here, if I'm elected. Avancemos con los suburbios!"

Date: February 4, 2022
Location: Town in Buñuel
Summary: Quispe went alongside García to campaign at Buñuel.
Excerpt: "We won't forget moments like this ones when we get to the Presidential Palace. Once and for all, we will exterminate the problem of state neglection!"

Date: February 19, 2022
Location: Santiago de Carbania, Camparroz
Summary: Quispe got to know the city.
Excerpt: "Such a beautiful city, as all the cities of our nation. Without the disfunctional state we have, these cities would be even more filled with beauty. We must make of Carbania a shining nation in all aspects!"

Date: February 22, 2022
Location: Paz de Luna, Alturas
Summary: Quispe got to know his second city in a row.
Excerpt: "There was no freedom of movement under the dictatorship. I'm getting to visit and know many cities and they're all beautiful. I love Carbania! I thank God and my mother for guiding my life to such a beautiful country. All this without diminishing my love for Peru, my country of birth. And this is why dual citizenship should be allowed in all cases, allow people to have as many citizenships as they wish!"

Date: February 24, 2022
Location: Puerto Plata, Tres Ríos
Summary: Quispe got to know another city.
Excerpt: "As I said when I visited Santiago de Carbania, what a beautiful city. This resembles our environmental and urban beauty, and I ought to make that beauty even greater. Clear out all the non-artistic graffitis! We must fill our cities with art!"

Date: February 26, 2022
Location: Santa Carmen, Bolívar y Carbán
Summary: Quispe went to see a dictatorship-era prison.
No excerpts, as he left the place crying.

Date: February 27, 2022
Location: Quispe Residency, Intichiquan
Summary: In regards to the parliamentary election.
Excerpt: "I can just suggest to you, my fellow Carbanians: vote for those who will assure you and your children a good future. Look after other people's futures too, not just after yours. We must construct inclusively a good Carbania!"

[Reorganized Portugal]

Date: February 2, 2022
Location: The town Rabellino is mayor of, Camparroz

---

Jose Antonio Rabellino paged over the recent BBC poll. At first, he merely skimmed over the names and the statements on them, until he saw his name.

"Well, it seems positive enough." he thought to himself as he read what the BBC had to say about him. It was a short few sentences, but he was content with what they said. Then, he got to the poll numbers.

12%. Third place. Barely in front of Alejandro De La Vega and his Social Democrats. He wasn't expecting to be in first place, third place seemed about right, but he didn't expect it to be so close. But perhaps it made sense. He was only a mayor of a small town, after all. He knew, deep down, he had little chance of winning the Presidency. Perhaps the PDC could win a decent amount of seats in Parliament, at least. For now, he got ready to resume campaigning.

Jose Antonio Rabellino
Campaign Schedule, February 2022 (Part 1)

February 1, 2022
10:00 AM
Location: Prison in the farmlands of Camparroz
Summary: Jose Antonio visited the last dictatorship-era internment camp that was still active, now as a regular prison for serious criminals. No speech given.

February 3, 2022
11:00 AM
Location: Santa Carmen, Bolívar y Carbán
Summary: Medium-sized campaign rally to rally out undecided voters in this critical state.
Excerpt: "I have seen your struggles, working on the farms of my own during my childhood, the good old days before Mendes. In that time, our farms were prosperous, and we lived in great peace. When Mendes came along and stole your crops, shackled you to the ground, and made you starve, I struggled with you. Now he has died, a dictatorship has fallen, and a democracy rises. I will assure you, the times of Mendes will never happen again under my administration."

February 5, 2022
10:00 AM
Location: Intichiquan, Federal District
Summary: Jose Antonio attended a PDC national meeting in a new permanent building for the PDC National Headquarters. Strategy was discussed, as well as the upcoming debate.

February 6, 2022
9:00 AM
Location: (Ciudad Pequeña Genérica he is mayor of), Camparroz
Summary: Church services, no speech given.

February 10, 2022
12:00 PM
Location: Puerto Plata, Tres Rios
Summary: Jose Antonio gave a speech on foreign policy, as Russia began to show increasing aggression toward Ukraine.
Excerpt: "Carbania does not need to take an active stance in the affairs of the world, but at least in Latin America, we should prove to not be an isolated nation. We need to show our neighbors that the past is behind us, and we are ready to rejoin the free, Western world that we righteously belong to."

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

The following is announced through Facebook, but also UNE campaigners in farming communities are also instructed to promote the proposal.

[Guagolandum]

A day... off?
Date: February 3, 2022



José Antonio García was walking by the streets. He headed to his work as a labourer in the Intichiquan Industrial Complex. As he kept walking, he saw an advertisement of the pro-dictatorship party, the PNPC. "Politicians are too soft. We need tougher guys on power!", with a photo of Morterero, their candidate. García saw the polling and he wasn't even classified as a real option, because if he had, he'd have polled even lower than García's intimate friend Quispe. Those polls also had García thinking if it was his fault for not running for president, given that Quispe was only known in Intichiquan as an activist. He also knew he had gotten an interview with a foreign news source, so he needed to focus on that. "I'll just ignore that bullsh... I better not say cusswords", he said.

When he got to work, he felt stronger and more used to the heavy factory work. He had seen his muscles grow and also arrived less tired at home. He greeted a fellow worker: "Hey, Alberto! Glad to see you today, how are things going?"

The worker answered. "What's up, José? Everything is going well, what about your campaign?"

José said it was all well. He was also internally developing a strong tie to the factory and his fellow workers, as they had become more united over the days. "If only every Carbanian, regardless of political affiliation, was like this. We'd be peaceful and have no insurgency", he whispered. He had people of every political affiliation, varying from Communists and CRM members to Evangelicals affiliated to the MRN, as workmates. He had started to regret his previous commentaries in regards to the MRN, because he had been seeing them as political rivals, not as people. He also remembered Francisco's words of love and peace, inspired by Jesus Christ's teaching. As he had been shifting more to Catholicism again, after hearing the archbishop of Intichiquan talk, he became increasingly interested in Jesus Christ's teachings. García had gotten in touch with reality again, and changed radically.

As he finished working, he took the public transport bus, which left him at his street. While he walked, he was listening to 80s music from LatAm, such as the famous Chilean band Los Prisioneros or the Argentine Soda Stereo. He also listened to a Carbanian band formed by exiled Carbanians, the most famous Carbanian band in LatAm, known as Los Exiliados. Listening to them was heavily restricted by the dictatorship or straight up forbidden, but García and his Labourist Youth friends and friends at the National University of Carbania all had cassettes and albums distributed illegally inside the country. He had always said that they marked his childhood and his teen years, and they inspired him to be a prominent politician, to change once and for all the path of Carbania. He then arrived at home, greeted his wife and two children, and went to spend time with them and lastly rest. Resting for once in this hard day.

Sleep well, José, as Carbania will need your help one more day!

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

The following is posted on Yesenia's main facebook page, but additionally ran as an ad targeted at Carbanian public sector employees and those in areas with high public sector employment.




The following is posted on Yesenia's main facebook page, but additionally ran as an ad targeted at 35 and older Carbanians and those in more religious communities.

[Tehrangeles]

MRN Campaign
Month of February
Party Headquarters, Buñuel


The Movement for National Restoration campaign was continuing nicely. The party headquarters was mildly disappointed with presidential polling, but hoped for better results in parliamentary numbers. It seemed as though right wing and Evangelical voters specifically were still undecided, which meant that future consolidation would boost the numbers nicely.

Get out the vote efforts continued, through preaching, church rallies, and focusing on rural areas. One of the nation’s largest television stations, Hijos de Dios, continued to serve as essentially a far right political broadcast. Party activists were trying to spread word about the campaign, sharing debate clips online and quotes in-person. Mendoza continued to visit Evangelical areas and simultaneously court Catholics, painting the other right wing parties as too soft. To do this, he continued to make campaign stops across the Carbanian South. His statements were fairly consistent- reiterating the points made in the manifesto and hammering home his status as a leader for the right wing as a broad coalition, and a fighter for the values of devout Christians and patriots in the country. This came particularly in tandem with efforts to paint Rabellino and the leaders of the PLP as soft on social issues. Additionally, emphasis was made to paint the election as big cities, particularly the capital, against rural areas- calling to bring increased public investment and social spending to areas traditionally left out by international investment.

His most fiery speech took place at a rally with other Evangelical pastors in a small town in Tres Rios.

“Fellow patriots, - God bless you. Thank you for coming to hear me speak today, as I discuss the path forward for our nation. This path is not backsliding toward socialism and bloodthirsty communism. Similarly, it is not through the policies of so-called centrists who seek to bring increased wealth to our capital and our nation’s largest cities, while simultaneously encouraging our children to seek sexual confusion, drug use, and to move away from family. The path forward is one which moves toward a reinvigoration of our national pride and moral wellbeing, and spreads wealth to every corner of our nation. As we move toward democracy, let us seize this moment to make our voices heard and our values enshrined in the law.

As I have said time and time again, certain candidates will try to dissuade you- telling you the path forward is the so-called legalization of depravity for the sake of extreme economic change benefiting the corporate masters of many new politicians in this country. They will tell you further still that you should be most concerned with establishing crypto-currency or so-called digital democracy- when many people in our country do not even own a cell phone or have reliable internet access! They are simply out of control, and out of touch with you, your values, and your needs.

My name is Israel Mendoza, I will serve as our party’s candidate for President of Carbania, a role I will proudly accept. I am a father, a leader in my church, a political activist, and a strong fighter for your values. I will take them straight to Intichiquan as we negotiate what kind of state the new Carbania will be, and build off of my proven track record to accomplish this.

The Movement for National Restoration will run a campaign based on three pillars- faith, family, and country. These will comprise the foundation of Carbania’s new republic- trust that God will guide our leaders and our homeland, the understanding that the family is the most basic unit of law, order and good governance, and a love for one another and the land we call home. All of these therefore comprise the foundation of our simple twelve point manifesto, which is something you can support and understand easily, and something we can accomplish if given the necessary mandate.

Under the first pillar, faith, there are four points. The first is that our party will put forth legislation codifying the right to prayer in school and the workplace- both public and private. Second, we will codify policies defending traditional marriage- between one man and one woman. Third, we will similarly codify the rights of the unborn, in line with the Christian values and legacy we share as Carbanians. Finally, we will allocate public funding for Christian television networks, both Catholic, Protestant, and otherwise- in order to expand access to rural populations, and those suffering under Godless repression in nearby countries.”

There was some cheering from those gathered.

“Under the pillar of family, we also have four key tenets. First, is the right of parents to raise their own children. While this may seem simple, in many parts of the country, parents are totally excluded from making decisions about their child’s education. We will return power to parents, allowing them freedom to choose home school, religious school, home school collectives, and other alternatives to those of the state. This has the power to also control how parents introduce children to certain topics, like religious education and sexual education. The second point in bolstering family is increased funding for social services families depend on- primarily education, healthcare, and pensions for the elderly and the downtrodden. In the new era we will ensure the brunt of Carbania’s tax revenue goes to these places, and enshrine them as human rights through legislation. It is only right that we work to follow Christ’s example, at least until private and church charity can make a significant impact in this country. While we agree that market reforms are necessary- they must come from other sectors. Additionally, we will continue to keep narcotics illegal, and use every possible means to keep them off of our streets, out of our homes, and away from our children. Finally, we will propose a expanding the bottom bracket of our tax system, to ensure that a larger pool of people do not pay income tax at the bottom wrung of our society. Unlike the policies of some candidates for president, the Movement for National Restoration sees working families as most deserving of a tax break- not large corporations.”

There was more cheering.

“The final pillar of our platform is bolstering the nation itself. First, that means ensuring the strength and sanctity of our democracy by preventing a future dictatorship from taking place. The way we accomplish this task is by increasing civilian oversight of the military- by appointing a civilian minister of defense, and establishing a large gendarmerie which is separate from the military- in order to protect the civilian state and uphold rule of law. The second is asserting the important role of provinces of our country- to control their own budgets and policies, in ways that best align with the needs of their people. We will also protect our democracy through the creation of a federal corruption commission, banning politicians from lobbying activities, and enacting laws requiring politicians to report gifts. Similarly, we will require parties to sign a pledge to uphold the rule of law and respect the democratic process before standing candidates for parliament. Finally, we will encourage the enactment of a large, broad-based infrastructure package. This will increase the number of coal and gas plants and other cheap sources of electricity in the country to ensure no one in Carbania lacks electricity. We will also overhaul plumbing in rural areas, and expand internet access. Most importantly, we will encourage investment into roads and bridges, and encourage the creation of a commission to investigate foreign ownership of natural resource extraction, to provide insight into whether full or partial nationalization or anti-trust is necessary. My fellow citizens and children in Christ, this is the platform of our party. It is simple, but it will restore our country’s moral health, and bring more economic success for the average person.

Beyond this twelve point platform, we have many other policy points. For instance, we will spread the headquarters of ministries around the country, to bring their spending to places like Buñuel, Tres Rios, and Mugre Oro- not JUST Intichiquan. Moreover, we will pass laws requiring foreign investment move to other parts of the country than the capital, if they seek to invest in our country. Finally and along these lines, we will end the sales tax in these three provinces and others deemed in need- in line with other states in the region. These will allow people who share our values and home to also share in the new wealth we are receiving and will continue to receive by the grace of God.

These are the values I have lived, they are the values I have fought for despite persecution, and they are the values I will continue to fight for once I am elected to the presidency. Do not vote for the Carbania the global corporations want you to create. Do not vote for candidates who do not truly share your values, and care mor about donors than the issues you care about. Do not vote for the Carbania the bloodthirsty communists want you to create. Vote for the Carbania you want to create. Vote for National restoration- for faith, family, and country. Thank you!”

As usual, Mendoza also spent time talking to people, knocking on doors, and personally handing out campaign literature- in order to build rapport with common voters and spread his face far and wide. Additionally, the campaign spread literature attacking Rabellino and the PLP- the right wing opponents of the MRN, in an effort to consolidate the conservative vote.

[Tehrangeles]

Carbanian National Radio
Month of February
Concentrated on Markets in Buñuel, Bolívar y Carbán, Tres Rios


The television ad introducing the MRN and Mendoza continued to play, so the party also cut a radio ad, for the large audience of radio listeners. It included Mendoza himself speaking, and would play on all major stations throughout the country, aside from the capital city.

“During this election, parties like the PLP and PDC have constantly talked about the need for cutting taxes on the wealthy and bringing investment to Intichiquan and our biggest cities. What is absent from their campaigns? Talking about your values and the moral health of our nation.

The PLP calls directly for abortion to be legal, same sex marriage to be legal, and dangerous drugs to be legal. The PDC calls for friendly relations and even accepting money with states who have continually antagonized us and claimed our land as their own.

The Movement for National Restoration rejects both of these paths, and will fight to uphold your values. And, they will spread our nation’s new wealth far beyond the capital, bringing electricity, internet, and public investment to every corner of Carbania. Don’t vote against your values.

Vote for faith, family, and nation. Vote for National Restoration.”

[Tehrangeles]

MRN Campaign
Late February
Bolívar y Carban, Camparroz


A major part of Mendoza’s strategy was appealing beyond the core base of the MRN to court conservative Catholic voters. The easiest of these voters to win would be the farmers in the rural provinces of Bolívar y Carban, and Camparroz. There, the MRN leadership had activists hand out literature explaining the party’s platform, and attacking the PDC and Rabellino as soft on social issues, foreign policy, and beholden to interests in Intichiquan.

This, paired with radio ads, efforts to show goodwill toward the Catholic Church, and television advertising would hopefully sway some of the voters and boost the party’s standing. Mendoza also visited farms, agricultural fairs, schools, and community centers in addition to churches.

One of his speeches was made at Ciudad de Carban, before the statue of Antonio Carban, one of the founding fathers of the country. He spoke along with Catholic clergymen who supported his candidacy, local politicians, and some average voters with testimonials. Activists handed out pamphlets with the party’s twelve-point platform, and debate quotes from Mendoza.

“Greetings fellow Christians, patriotic Carbanians. My name is Israel Mendoza. I am a leader in my church, a father, a political activist, and a former member of parliament. Though we may have our differences, we share the same values as children of God- values which are under attack in this election, values which we must fight to uphold and enshrine into law as our nation enters a new era.”

There was some clapping from the audience.

“Let us be clear- our values are not just under attack from the left. Of course, the communists want to destroy the fabric of our nation, from the family to the highest levels of our community, taking God out of schools and bringing in sexual confusion, taking away your right to raise your children as you see fit, and more. But equally, so called centrists seek to allow this to happen, all in the name of bigger profits for themselves and companies based in Intichiquan, consolidating wealth and power in the capital city. Furthermore, so-called Christian politicians like Rabellino won’t even describe themselves as Christian! Rabellino is fine with the left and so-called center’s social policies, and fine with the concentration of wealth in Intichiquan.”

There was booing from some MRN supporters.

“We need a candidate who will stand up for your values, stand for distributing social funding throughout this country, stand for you- not for the big wigs in Intichiquan. We will protect traditional marriage and the lives of the unborn, following Christ’s teachings. But also following Christ’s teachings, we will lift up the poorest in society. This includes tax credits for child-rearing, spreading the activities of ministries throughout the country, opposing so-called digital administration, bringing electricity, plumbing, and internet to all. Rabellino on the other hand, simply calls for the reduction of corporate taxes and seeks to attract foreign investment which would be concentrated in the capital. That is why we will pass legislation requiring companies, both foreign and domestic, to spread their investments around the country in order to receive tax breaks. Finally, we will follow the model of other countries in the region to suspend the sales tax in the poorest provinces and municipalities, including here in Bolívar y Carban. This will make peoples’ lives much easier, and fairer. This is a policy truly informed by the teachings of the Catholic Church, not the plans of the PDC which seek only to help the wealthy!”

There was more cheering.

“We have a new Carbania. We have a blank slate. Do not vote for someone who claims to stand for your values, only to eschew them when it comes to special interests or pressure from the left. Vote for the candidate who has consistently stood for his values- even when it has brought retribution from the state. Vote for the man who shares your beliefs, your experiences, your worldview- and will fight for you and your family. Vote for Israel Mendoza, and vote for the Movement for National Restoration.”