2014 TBRE National President-Minister Elections [Open]

[Teddy Bear Republic]

A political compass is now at the bottom of this Opening Post for easy reference.

2014 TBRE NATIONAL PRESIDENT-MINISTER ELECTION
International Poll

Contents
Background Information on the TBRE | President-Minister of the TBRE | Candidates from parties with representation | Candidates with parties sans representation | Reserved

Introduction
The Electoral Board of the Teddy Bear Republic Empire welcomes you and your country to the International Poll for the 2014 TBRE President-Minister elections. These elections will not just determine who will become head of government of the country, but given the TBRE’s “middle power” status, to also determine the direction of the country’s influential position in regional politics for the next 3 years.

To better anticipate the international reaction of the election’s outcome, the Electoral Board has set up an International Poll. Any country is welcome to participate with no prejudice towards political recognition, government type or international influence. We invite governments (or similar political entities) to vote in the above poll (although the ultimate decider will still be eligible voters in the TBRE), pose questions to the candidates or voice messages of recognition (essentially messages of support). However, the direct support of a candidate or party by a foreign power, including but not limited to financial aid or voter intimidation, will result in an Electoral Board or National Police investigation and the possible revokement of the candidate’s ability to stand for office.

The Electoral Board, and its parent department the Independent Commission, prides itself on its independence and nonpartisan nature. The more “political” information below, such as candidate biographies and political positions, have been collated by independent political academics from candidate statements, articles, and other public information. Although these have been vetted and arranged to give as neutral a point of view of possible, the Electoral Board will be pleased to make changes if issues arise.

Quick OOC Information:

• The IC information on this election thread is the most accurate and up-to-date canon information on the TBRE, which is not necessarily guaranteed on our Nationstates or Wiki Factbook pages.
• Since there are only 10 options available in a poll, the PAN-LALTOFIAN BLOC FOR TEDDY NATIONS and the PACIFIC UNITY PARTY have been merged into a single option, given their similarities in political positions.
• Regular updates, concerning highlights of debates / political rallies, will be posted; as well as any additional requested information.

Nb: The positions of candidates here are relative to each other.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Background information on the TBRE:
The Teddy Bear Republic Empire is a Laltofian* state with a unique geography and history, with its population mainly comprised of teddy bears but also humans and other Laltofians.

Geography:

The TBRE is an island nation that spans the center of its region of the Toy Islands, resulting in its extensive coastline and varied climate. The largest island is that of Nordica, which further leads to the Ursa Group and Western Grenatian Chain of islands. These are connected to the island of Mersonn and the much larger island of Putee. The Greater Grenatian Chain of islands connects Putee to the Nordwerbaren Archipelago. The TBRE also has several Overseas Territories, in both the Arctic Circle and various places across the region. The TBRE is also the protector of the Republic of Valresia, near Nordica.

History:

The modern day teddy bear diverged from other bear species several thousand years ago, during a radiation event. Hunter-gatherer tribes evolved into individual bear clan groups, held together by a warrior code and family loyalty, fighting amongst each other and regional neighbors for the majority of the ancient and medieval ages. The need for more complex and coordinated fighting tactics led to the creation of larger states and Empires. The discovery of the region by the outside world in the 13th century resulted in further trade, peace and cultural development in the bear nations, and supernations were formed. In 1905, the Federation of Bear States was founded as an experimental state to combine the teddy bear states in the region; in 1911 the unitary Teddy Bear Republic Empire was established.

Politics:

The TBRE is a unitary presidential constitutional republic, with elements of geniocracy, non-partisanship and direct democracy. The head of state is the HM Elder-General, and the head of government is the President-Minister who leads the executive Cabinet. The legislature is composed of three houses. The two upper houses are a quasi-judicial and academic council, and a non-partisan chamber. The lower house is a 250 member seat partisan chamber. The judiciary is recognized to be independent, both theoretically and in practice. The TBRE is a unitary state, but devolved powers exist on the provincial level, which is further divided into counties and cantons. There are additional smaller territories with special status, such as the sovereign protectorate of the Republic of Valresia, the capital city of Toyland, and the Overseas Territories in the Arctic, Bah Island, and Dhambia and Gavinsky.

(*The Laltofian culture is the native culture of the “furry folk”, commonly known as stuffed animals.)

Social issues:

The TBRE has always been considered a socially liberal country, with gay marriage, abortion and the consumption of certain soft drugs having been legalized. The social debate has instead mostly centered on the question of national identity: whether the TBRE should be a Laltofian, Teddy state and assert this identity more strongly, or whether it should be one embracing multiculturalism and change, since it has always been one of the most “Westernized” states in the region. It is a discourse that has permeated into debates concerning immigration law (which have so far been very relaxed), the degree of separation between church and state (including the public funding of Laltofian religious groups), and the education system (such as the study of modern foreign languages).

Economic issues:

Economically, the TBRE is now recognized to be a Nordic-esque state, with a strong market economy and social welfare net, although traditionally in the past there was significant state control. Even now, there are close relations between management and organized labour. A high trade surplus has meant that the TBRE generally advocates free trade among its allies, and is a member of a regional customs union. The TBRE’s national currency is the Tolar [T$].

The TBRE’s main industries are that of science, technology, education and research, although traditional industries such as shipping, fishing and logging still contribute a major part. As such, it has a highly skilled labour force, who also have significant access to technology. Key issues regarding the economy mainly center around the issue of globalisation, and the privatization and deregulation of industry, with the airline industry and utility providers being a few examples.

Foreign Affairs:

Foreign affairs takes center stage in this election, especially with the formation of the first regionwide organization, the Alliance of Toy Islands, which now encompasses all countries in the TBRE’s region regardless of political orientation. Historically, regional security has been a concern, with the TBRE defending its sovereignty and preserving regional stability with its politically diverse neighbors. This is reflected in the organization of its Armed Forces, whose standing branches are now geared towards rapid expeditionary deployment in regional hot spots, while its reserve forces are designed to defend national sovereignty in conjunction with allied forces.

The TBRE has always been a strong proponent of multilateral action, seen in its membership in many international organizations, notably the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the International Union of Equality and Freedom, and the International Criminal Police and Peackeeping Organization. Additionally, the TBRE is a member of the Barbergen Community, a regional socio-economic and defense union founded on the basis of democratic principles and sapient rights. The TBRE is also a significant investor in developing markets, and has donated generously to humanitarian causes.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

President-Minister of the Teddy Bear Republic Empire

Role: Head of Government for the TBRE
Style: The Honorable (Formal), Excellency (Diplomatic)
Appointer: HM Elder-General of the TBRE
Member of: TBRE Cabinet, Barbergen Council of States, Laltofian Council of Ministers
Term Length: 3 years
Incumbent: Mikhail Palchensky, since April 2002
Inaugural Holder: Vikronym Vawae
Formation: 1948
Basis in: Second TBRE Constitution
Residence: [The] Red House, officially the One Toyland Road Government Den
Seat: Greater Toyland
Salary: T$ 1 500 000 annually (around US$225 000)

Origin and History:

Following the Second World War, it was recognized that a key reason for the TBRE’s ill-advised involvement was due to the broad and extensive powers of the Royal President. As both head of state and government, these powers enabled them to both advocate for and enable war, and pass extraordinary war measures without oversight. As such, a new Constitution was developed in 1948, separating the two roles, among other changes. The new position of the Elder-General served as head of state, while the President-Minister became head of government. However, the process by which the President-Minister took office through direct elections remained the same, and thus the TBRE stayed a presidential republic, although the current powers of oversight that the legislature holds over the President-Minister has called some to question this label.

The role of the President-Minister was originally envisioned to be a technocratic role, similar to its predecessor, which was to be filled by professionals or civil servants. However, with the increasing political nature of the legislature, the role of the President-Minister has also simultaneously become more and more politicized, with recent President-Ministers tending to be career politicians. However, candidates are still said to be “sponsored” by political parties, rather than necessarily their selected or nominated choice from among their ranks. Additionally, the perception that the President-Minister is primus inter pares in the cabinet has also gradually evolved, and has instead become a more dominant and directing figure among the other Ministers.

The current President-Minister is Mikhail Palchensky, of the Teddy National Liberal Party, who has held the position since April 2002 and has served for 4 terms.

Powers and duties:

As head of government, the President-Minister is nominally charged with advising the head of state, the Elder-General, in exercising their executive powers. In reality, the President-Minister is de facto the most powerful person in the TBRE, leading and directing the executive branch of government through their Office and the cabinet. They are responsible for forming executive and administrative policies and decisions, leading and titularly representing the TBRE in foreign affairs, initiating and enabling certain legislative measures, directing the armed forces, and making appointments of judicial, administrative and diplomatic officers in conjunction with the relevant advisory councils, among other duties.

On an average hypothetical day, the President-Minister may start by having a briefing from departmental officials, on national defense, current policy issues, or the domestic political climate. They may then head off to the seat of the legislature, Beige House, to participate in a specialized committee meeting, or to hold a press conference on a recent government measure. They could then answer questions about current policy directions before the House, and then return to attend a prize-giving ceremony held by the Elder-General, the recipients having been suggested by the President-Minister, before visiting the local party office to thank volunteers. Afterwards, they may call the head of government of a TBRE ally about furthering trade relations, before retiring for the day.

Selection Method and Removal:

To be qualified to run for the post of President-Minister, candidates must first get signatures and the support of at least 0.5% of the populace, currently recognized to be around 125 000 signatures. There is no requirement to be a member of any political party to run for office, and all citizens who are of the legal age to vote may stand for the post. Following their collection of signatures, the candidates’ names are then registered by the Electoral Board and placed onto the ballot on voting day. This generally occurs in January of the election year.

Campaigns are generally short, and funding and advertising are regulated in accordance to strict Electoral Board guidelines. Three national debates, involving all of the candidates who are registered, take place throughout the course of the campaigns, however, independent media stations also invite selected leading candidates to debates and appearances. Voting stations open in April, and voting by all citizens of legal voting age takes place on election day. A transferable vote system is in use. If a candidate is for whatever reason unable to achieve at least two thirds of the vote, then the top two candidates (provided both have gotten at least 60% of the vote collectively) make it to the run-off elections. The winning candidate is announced and appointed by the Elder-General.

The President-Minister serves 3 year terms. The President-Minister has no limits to the number of terms that they can serve, consecutively or otherwise. Ordinarily, the President-Minister leaves office only following the results of a nationwide election at the end of their term of office. However, including natural acts (such as illness or death), some exceptions to this rule do exist. Firstly, an extraordinary session of the combined legislature with at least a 80% quorum can decide to impeach the President-Minister on the grounds of incompetence, in which case new elections must be held. Secondly, if the President-Minister is convicted by a court for significant unlawful activity, they can then be automatically removed from office by the Elder-General unless an extraordinary session of the combined legislature decides otherwise. In all these cases, the head of the upper nonpartisan chamber becomes acting President-Minister until immediate elections are held. This applies in all cases where the President-Minister is suddenly removed from office.

Compensation and Privileges:

The most recent salary increase has set the President-Minister’s salary to slightly higher than that of the Elder-General. They earn an annual sum of T$1 500 000 (US$225 000), from which personal expenses (such as laundry or maintenance of personal hygiene, discounting significant medical costs) are deducted from. They do pay income tax on the remaining amount. They are also eligible, unless removed from office due to unlawful activity, for a President-Minister’s Pension, and certain other privileges, including being styled “the Honorable” for life. It is also traditional, but not mandated, for them to become an honorary member of the upper chamber.

During the course of their term, the President-Minister officially resides at the One Toyland Road Government Den, better known as the Red House. They and their close family are entitled to the use of its staff, services and facilities. The President-Minister has additional, smaller residences in the provinces of Nordica and Grenatia; however, these are generally only used when the capital is threatened due to their more extensive network of hardened shelters. The President-Minister is also entitled to a number of means of transport; these include the Presidential State Car, an armored elongated sedan with a reinforced chassis, and one of three long range airplanes, most often TAI Tetra8s*. These are operated by an ad hoc security agency called PASOC, which is composed of selected law enforcement and military personnel. PASOC is also responsible for the protection of the President-Minister during and after his terms of office, as well as his family and the events that he attends.

*Other brands are available.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Candidates from parties with representation [By degree of representation]

The Candidates:
Name: Full legal name of the candidate as it will appear on the ballot
Party: Party affiliations (if applicable), or party that has sponsored the candidate
Ideology: Main political ideology
Political position: Commonly recognized political position on the sliding left-right scale, taken from the candidates or analysis.
Personal information: The candidate’s age, education, prior occupations, and/or various quotes on their leadership style.
Policies:
Social: A detail of their proposed policies on social affairs.
Economic: A detail of their proposed economic policies.
Foreign: A detail of their proposed foreign affairs plan.
Legislative Seats: The current number of seats in the partisan lower house that their affiliated party / sponsoring party occupy, if applicable.

KELLY TOBRUINA - NATIONAL LIBERALS

Name: Kelly Tobruina
Party: Teddy National Liberals
Ideology: Social liberalism
Political position: Center to center-left
Personal information: Tobruina is in her late 30s, and will be the youngest President-Minister to take office if elected. She received a law degree from Toylando College before pursuing graduate studies in politics. She became a Member of the lower house for her constituency, eventually chairing the Joint Committee on Legal Affairs and later the Joint Committee on Revenue. She became deputy leader of the party in 2011 when the National Liberals-Social Democrat coalition came apart.

“Her greatest strength is perhaps her soft-spoken, carefully considered solutions that leaves even her opponents wondering ‘how on Earth did we not think of that before?’“ - Mahon Medvedev, leader of the Baren Party

Policies:
Social:

• Further decriminalize the use of current illicit drugs with an emphasis on treatment rather than punishment.
• Continue developing the use of IT in government with the aim of reaching achieving a connected, direct e-Government.
• Lower the voting age from 18.

Economic:

• Cut taxes across the board by 3% to an average rate of 39% over a period of 2 years, with a larger cut for middle-class incomes.
• Introduce and promote the use of flexible working plans in labour.
• Extend maternity leave for fathers to match those of mothers.

Foreign:

• Encourage continued cooperation with Barbergen Community countries, including potentially developing common core curriculum requirements, cultural exchanges and coordination of social policy.
• Encourage cooperation with the Alliance of Toy Islands as a forum with which to engage with politically different regional neighbors.
• Reconsider nuclear deterrent policy and the Laltofian nuclear sharing program.

Legislative Seats: 119 seats [47.6% of all seats]

MAHON MEDVEDEV - BAREN PARTY

Name: Mahon Medvedev
Party: Baren Party
Ideology: Conservatism, mild nationalism
Political position: Center-right
Personal information:
Medvedev studied at the Nordica City Civil Academy where he eventually worked as an Economics professor. On the advice of a friend, he began working at the Ministry for Industry as a special advisor, and eventually became the Secretary for Industry during Von Arkov’s presidency, the most senior civil servant in the Ministry. Now in his late 60s, he has been leader of the Baren Party since 2009, having joined it in 2004.

“He has a no nonsense attitude to problems that gets the job done - and there’s plenty of jobs that you can trust him to do.” - Byorn Nordverbe, Leader of the Teddy Social Democrats

Policies:
Social:

• Promote the study of Laltofian history and culture in Personal and Social Education in primary and secondary schools.
• Allow the police and Armed Forces greater autonomy in monitoring the use of the internet and telecommunications under judicial oversight.
• Re-enact mandatory initial detention of refugees.
• Allow the provinces to determine their own abortion policies.

Economic:

• Continue the privatization of currently (partially) state owned companies, including Teddy Post and Teddy National Rail.
• Lower taxes for corporations, especially regional investors and multinationals.
• Reduce foreign aid spending.

Foreign:

• Promote military cross-training and international exercises among Laltofian and Barbergen allies to develop a cohesive, unified regional force.
• Press for sapient rights in politically different countries through the Alliance of Toy Islands and trade talks.
• Cooperate regionally to control the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Legislative Seats: 78 seats [31.2% of all seats]

BYORN NORDVERBE - SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Name: Byorn Nordverbe
Party: Teddy Social Democrats
Ideology: Social democracy, third way
Political position: Center-left
Personal information:
Nordverbe practised law after graduating from the National University of Nordica. Following a short period where he was a mediator for clients, he became interested in regional politics, and became a nonpartisan member of the regional Nordican Assembly, later representing his region in the national upper house for 14 years. He left the upper house to represent his local hometown as a Social Democrat member in the lower house elections, rising up the ranks to become leader of the Social Democrats in 2006.

“He’s a bear who defines himself and others not by the words they speak, but by the actions that they take - if there’s a problem, he’ll be the first to leap over his desk and charge to the front lines.” - Todd Lowrin, Head of the Nordican Executive

Policies:
Social:

• Reform the upper house to include more members elected rather than appointed or representing special interest groups.
• Expand the national healthcare system to include areas such as dental care or certain alternative medicines.
• Increase government subsidies for those pursuing further education in technical trades.

Economic:

• Buy a plurality of shares in former state owned corporations, especially utility providers.
• Maintain the current progressive tax rate in general, although raising taxes on very high income earners.

Foreign:

• Achieve uniform product regulation, labour laws and regulation of financial institutions among Barbergen countries in the custom union.
• Push for a reduction in the voting power of Laltofian religious groups within the Laltofian Commonwealth.

Legislative Seats: 25 seats [10% of all seats]

ELSPETH ASHMAY - TEDDY GREENS

Name: Elspeth Ashmay
Party: Teddy Greens
Ideology: Green politics, environmentalism
Political position: Left
Personal information:
After leaving high school, Ashmay worked for the oil industry where she received technical training. Having had a change of conscience, she became an environmental activist in her local community, achieving national recognition when she formed a local group that successfully blocked the construction of a natural gas plant nearby. She helped the development of the newly formed Teddy Greens when it was created in the 90s, and became its third elected member to the lower house. She became the leader of the Teddy Greens in 2011.

“She’s seen both sides of the picture when it comes to the environmental debate - something that lets her fight for the environment even on her opponent’s own grounds.” - Matthias Deleon, incumbent Minister for the Environment

Policies:
Social:

• Establish stricter guidelines on animal welfare in the meat and scientific industry.
• Increase freedom of information by limiting restrictions on what sensitive information can be released to the public.
• Include environmental and sustainable living education within Personal and Social Education.

Economic:

• Reduce reliability on nuclear power in the North by investing in durable sustainable technologies.
• Increase corporate fines for violation of environmental legislation while giving government subsidies to corporations that agree to follow a “green action plan”.
• Raise the carbon tax on imported goods to include inter-Barbergen products.

Foreign:

• Push for domestic legislation on national parks, protection of endangered species, and restrictions on chemical waste among Barbergen allies.
• Abolishment of conscription in the TBRE Armed Forces.
• Expand on Laltofia’s international mandate to protect endangered species by increasing direct and indirect aid to international environmental groups.

Legislative Seats: 13 seats [5.2% of all seats]

UBARE VAN NOVUS - LABOUR-WORKER

Name: Ubare Van Novus
Party: Labour-Worker Party
Ideology: Democratic Socialism
Political position: Left
Personal information:
Originally employed as a technician working for a Grenatian laboratory company, he was elected by his coworkers to represent them on their labour council. His ability at negotiation came to the attention of fellow trade unionists, and he became a representative on the national level, finally representing their industry in the upper house. He joined the Labour-Worker Party having served for a term, and became its leader in 2009.

“He’s never forgotten his roots. Van Novus does not just stand for the average hard-working bear, he is an average hard-working bear - one of us.” - Mikhail Palchensky, incumbent President-Minister

Policies:
Social:

• Abolish seats representing specialized interests and the former nobility in the upper house, with all seats being either directly elected or indirectly elected by the public.
• Extend the ability for foreigner residents or refugees to vote in national elections.
• Reform of the position of the Elder-General to reflect republican practices.

Economic:

• Re-nationalize formerly public corporations, especially those for public services, or expand the role of government representatives on their board of directors.
• Increase the minimum wage by 40%.
• Restrict ability of corporations to sever workers when they are making a profit.

Foreign:

• Extend labour rights legislation to other Barbergen countries.
• Withdrawal of the TBRE Armed Forces from all non-regional and most regional conflicts.
• Forgive debt for low-income countries currently receiving assistance from the TBRE.

Legislative Seats: 10 seats [4% of all seats]

ARTHUR FORTIN - PAN-LALTOFIAN BLOC FOR TEDDY NATIONS

Name: Arthur Fortin
Party: Pan-Laltofian Bloc for Teddy Nations [Coalition between the Pan-Laltofians and Bloc for Teddy Nations]
Ideology: Federalism, Nationalism
Political position: Center-left
Personal information:
Fortin graduated from the National University of Nordica with a law degree, a field that he practised in before becoming a member of the Nordican Regional Assembly as a member of the Teddy Social Democrats. In 1994, he became head of the Nordican Executive, the provincial head of government. After serving two terms, he left the Social Democrats and joined the Bloc for Teddy Nations, being key in the later formation of a coalition between the Pan-Laltofians and the Bloc.

“For Fortin, no problem is too small to be disregarded or too large to be tackled.” - Ubare Van Novus, leader of the Labour-Worker Party

Policies:
Social:

• Adopt a federal style of government in the TBRE, with greater powers for cantons and dependencies.
• Reform the upper house with more directly or indirectly elected members representing the regions.
• Create greater secondary and higher education places for overseas Laltofian students.

Economic:

• Create a customs union or single market with other Laltofian countries, with the possibility of adopting a common currency.
• Further the ability of corporations to cooperate with those across Laltofia by relaxing competition legislation in this respect.
• Further the type of taxes that provinces may set, while restricting those imposed by the national government.

Foreign:

• Begin negotiations with other Laltofian countries for the formation of a confederal style of government.
• Integrate the Laltofian militaries into a cohesive force.

Legislative Seats: 4 seats [1.6% of all seats] (2 seats [0.8% of all seats] + 2 seats [0.8% of all seats])

HERBERT BURIN - PARTY FOR A TEDDY HOMELAND

Name: Herbert Burin
Party: Party for a Teddy Homeland
Ideology: Ultra-nationalism
Political position: Right
Personal information:
Burin went to the Archivan Military College before being commissioned as a Captain in the Armed Forces, where he served with distinction. He left the Armed Forces, joining the Party for a Teddy Homeland after attending one of their rallies, and was crucial in getting the Party recognized by the Electoral Board in 2005. He became leader of the Party in 2012.

“He’s spirited and passionate, with an energy that he applies to the issues of the day as he does his oratory.” - Rob Intrakson, former Speaker of the Lower House

Policies:
Social:

• Abolish the rehabilitative prison system and broaden the powers of law enforcement to conduct unwarranted searches and arrests for national security.
• Incorporate more Laltofian elements into the education system, especially in subjects such as Philosophy and History.
• Create quotas on the number of immigrants and refugees who are allowed to enter the TBRE.
• Reinstate the government’s pre-1944 legal title, and thus the country’s former glory.
• Raise the native Tedofian language to that of a second official language.

Economic:

• Nationalize major corporations and companies related to the provision of public services with greater state management of their priorities.
• Subsidize infant industries in the TBRE to create a less trade-dependent economy.

Foreign:

• Withdraw from the Barbergen Community, and increase cooperation with Laltofian Commonwealth countries.
  - Adopt a “tough stance” on politically different countries.
• Increase the time spent in national service, and increase the number of active personnel in the Armed Forces back to pre-millenium levels.

Legislative Seats: 1 seats [0.4% of all seats]

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Candidates with parties sans representation [Alphabetically by surname]

The Candidates:
Name: Full legal name of the candidate as it will appear on the ballot
Party: Party affiliations (if applicable), or party that has sponsored the candidate
Ideology: Main political ideology
Political position: Commonly recognized political position on the sliding left-right scale, taken from the candidates or analysis.
Personal information: The candidate’s age, education, prior occupations, and/or various quotes on their leadership style.
Policies:
Social: A detail of their proposed policies on social affairs.
Economic: A detail of their proposed economic policies.
Foreign: A detail of their proposed foreign affairs plan.
Legislative Seats: The current number of seats in the partisan lower house that their affiliated party / sponsoring party occupy, if applicable.

ALAN DRESANYA - UNITED LEFT ALLIANCE

Name: Alan Dresanya
Party: United Left Alliance
Ideology: Communism
Political position: Left
Personal information:
Dresanya was a student activist for the United Left while studying at the Archivan Civil Academy, before being employed in the foreign service and becoming experienced in negotiations with left-wing countries. He rose through the ranks, and eventually became a member of the Diplomatic Corps as Ambassador to Trevallyland. He left the Foreign Ministry to join the United Left Alliance as a full-time party member, becoming its leader in 2013.

“When everything’s falling apart, Dresanya is always the first to be back up on his feet; in doing so, he gets others to do the same.” - Calvin Bradswell, former Dean at the Archivan Civil Academy

Policies:

• Abolish the upper house, to be replaced by a directly elected regional body.
• Reverse the privatization of all large corporations, and public utility and energy companies.
• Have the TBRE leave the Laltofian nuclear sharing program, NATO, and the free trade agreements in the Barbergen Community.
• Raise price guarantees for farmers.
• Abolish tutorial fees in higher education.

KAILYN JAGER - INDEPENDENT

Name: Kailyn Jager
Party: N/A, Independent
Ideology: Libertarian
Political position: Centrist
Personal information:
Jager became a radio journalist working for her local Grenatian radio station after studying at the Open University, before working for the Toyland Times as a regular columnist. She became involved in politics as a member of her local council, eventually becoming a member of the regional Grenatian Assembly as an independent candidate. She is also an established author, having published 4 books containing essays on the future of the TBRE.

“She doesn’t step around problems or mince her words; her only aim to get to the truth and heart of the matter.” - Rowan Covich, former Chief Editor of the Toyland Times

Policies:

• Abolish the progressive tax rate system for a reduced flat tax.
• Increased powers for local cantonal governance rather than provincial governments.
• Reduce government subsidies for and regulations on corporations.
• Strike victimless crimes from the criminal code.
• Withdraw from NATO, but remain in the political aspects of the Barbergen Community, the Alliance of Toy Islands, and the Laltofian Commonwealth to engage in diplomatic dialogue.

GWEN LEYER - TOYLAND CONSERVATIVES-PROGRESSIVES

Name: Gwen Leyer
Party: Toyland Conservatives-Progressives
Ideology: Conservatism, corporatism
Political position: Right
Personal information:
After studying as an English major at the Teddy Academy for the Arts, Leyer started working as a manager at the National Bank of Toyland, rising up their leadership ranks before transferring to an executive position at Céczer, a large TBRE retailer. She stepped down from this position to found the Party in early 2008.

“She makes a point of earning the trust of others - and her work clearly shows that that trust is not misplaced”. - Michael Nine, Chief Financial Officer at Céczer.

Policies:

• Reduce government regulations on corporations in favour of self-regulation.
• Adopt free trade agreements with the TBRE’s more corporatist southern neighbors.
• Reduce government social programs and instead partially fund private organizations to provide health, welfare and emergency services.
• Abolish the minimum wage.
• Curb powers of the labour councils, especially in undertaking strike action.

LEON ROLLERDRE - PACIFIC UNITY PARTY

Name: Leon Rollerdre
Party: Pacific Unity Party
Ideology: Regionalism
Political position: Left
Personal information:
As a PhD candidate in history at Toylando College, Rollerdre was one of the first foreigners to visit Tabi'atstan during the Friendly Times of the 1990s. His work on regional relations led him to become a Special Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon leaving, he used his experiences to form the Society of Regional Harmony, the forerunner of the Pacific Unity Party, and became its first President, a position that he has held ever since.

“He sees hopes and opportunities in everything, even when there is seemingly none. More often than not, though, he’s right.” - Nicholas Cusmeen, former Ambassador to Tabi’astan

Policies:

• Increase political dialogue and economic trade with politically different countries through the Alliance of Toy Islands.
• Reduce the TBRE’s standing military to a purely defensive force, withdraw TBRE participation in the Laltofian nuclear sharing program and withdraw from NATO.
• Increase democratic participation in the Barbergen Community and the Laltofian Commonwealth, by elevating the status of their elected legislatures.
• Push for freedom of movement amongst regional neighbors.
• Increase aid and investment in developing regional neighbors.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Reserved

[Anamirta]

We support the candidacy of Herbert Burin

[Teddy Bear Republic]

The views expressed in this article do not represent that of the nonpartisan Electoral Board or its parent department, the Independent Commission
From the Toyland Times, 25th April 2014

Final Push Ahead of Elections
As the Independent Commission readies voting booths and electoral officers ahead of Friday's elections, the 2014 candidates for the post of President-Minister published articles, spoke on radio and television, and even held internet video chats to give their final messages to the voters.
Kelly Tobruina of the center-left National Liberals attended a record five television interviews on separate broadcast networks, responding to criticisms that her platform is simply a continuation of the incumbent Liberal President-Minister Palchensky's policy with nothing new of her own. Tobruina argued that while socio-economic liberalization is important to her, like her predecessor, she will be taking the country into new directions as well, such as her desire to connect with the more tech-savvy youth through e-governance, and reconsidering nuclear policy.
Meanwhile, Mahon Medvedev of the center-right Baren Party was on the defensive after what many considered a poor debate performance last week on foreign policy. On national radio, he clarified his views on Barbergen Community economic integration as something that was to be "encouraged", yet had to approached cautiously "to avoid overwhelming infant industries here at home." Byorn Nordverbe was also scrambling to clarify the policy position of the center-left Teddy Social Democrats, which some pundits felt were simply regurgitated points from either the Liberals or the Baren Party, declaring that they had the "clearest and most comprehensive plans for political reform" of all the parties, especially in regards to the reform of the upper house.
Elspeth Ashmay, of the left Teddy Greens, chose an unorthodox method of getting her message out that many took as a stab to Tobruina's idea of e-governance, holding a live video chat with selected members of the public who had submitted questions, though a free chat took place as well.
Herbert Burin, of the right Party for a Teddy Homeland, was also in hot water after what one critic called "a defense of racism disguised as a foreign policy", but stood his ground in a radio interview. Burin noted that the numbers immigrating to the TBRE were some of the highest of the region, if not the world, and stated that using the numbers projected by MINAHIK*, native bears risk being "overwhelmed".
Among the other candidates, Kailyn Jager published an editorial in the Evening Teddy summarizing the recent foreign policy debate from her libertarian point of view, while Ubare Van Novus of the left Labour-Worker Party, Alan Dresanya of the United Left Alliance and Gwen Leyer of the Toyland Conservatives-Progressives went back to their roots and spoke at rallies organized by their trade unions and business union, respectively.
Meanwhile, Arthur Fortin of the center-left Pan-Laltofian Bloc for Teddy Nations and Leon Rollerdre of the left Pacific Unity Party were not present today, seen by many to be in talks about a potential coalition in government given their similar political positions.

*The Ministry of the National Archives and History Keeping, the Teddy academic and statistics ministry

[The English Regions]

We have voted for Elspeth Ashmay of the Teddy Greens, Ubare Van Novus of the Labour-Worker Party and also Alan Dreysana of the United Left Alliance.