The Blackdon Daily Journal [Afalian Newspaper/OPEN]

[Afalia]

LATEST OPINION POLLS ANALYSIS
17th August 2013-1 Chand-Afalias' Most Popular Newspaper

WHILST THE NEXT general election could be as far away as January 2016, though more than likely 2015, Martin Jones and the Afalian socialist leadership will be becoming increasingly worried by the latest polling information which has seen increasingly poor results since Jones' election as leader in June 2011. The latest polls conducted on behalf of the Blackdon Daily Journal by Pollex:



The latest party polls make grim reading for Afalian Socialists, although they remain relatively steady on last month's 30.0%. The furore over Jones promise to disestablish the Church of Afalia doesn't seem to have had much effect on the party standings. The Progressive Conservatives meanwhile gain an entire percentage point, going up from 41.1% in July to their standing today-one of the best and almost as high the day following election victory in January 2011. Hard to say what this has come from, especially since parliament is on summer recess and no large announcements have come out of Prog Con campaign HQ. However today's announcement of a further defence expansion will be something to watch out for in the next poll. The rise of the other parties sees a larger increase for the more moderate centrist centre-left parties, most likely in response to the hard left rhetoric of the Afalian Socialists. As usual around 10% remain indifferent towards the current political landscape.

Based off the current polls the Journal's seat prediction looks something like this, taking into account the 3% margin of error:

House of Commons Seat Prediction
650 Afalian Seats House of Commons/326 Needed For A Majority
Progressive Conservatives 382 (+30)
Afalian Socialists 226 (-30)
Baywynne Unionist Party 19 (+5)
Others 19
Speaker and Deputies 4
Progressive Conservative Real Majority of 114
Based on Aug '13 Polling information, compiled by Pollex, using the planned next general election boundaries.

A large majority of 114 in that prediction, meaning Kelly's ProgCons would have gained 30 seats whilst the AfSocs again suffer. Surprisingly the BUP will also do well. Regardless of the accuracy of the seat prediction the next general election is at least two years away and the polls aren't always right. None the less this will make more grim reading for Jones, especially as rumours of a split begin to circulate as parliament looks set to reconvene in September.

[Themiclesia]

Trial of Lazin: an Interview

The King's Bench at work.

An Interview with the Chief Justices of King’s Bench and Common Pleas

With the trial of the century going on in Afalia, between the Afalian King’s Majesty and the accused Mr Lazin, we obtained an interview with some of the most prominent judicial officers, about this case. The following is the transcript of the interview: viz. –

Interviewer Miss Jane Jennyngs (henceforth I.): Good morning, my Lord Chief Justice, it is an honour to have your presence here to comment on the most hotly debated trial, between the Afalian King’s Majesty, in his capacity as the public prosecutor, and the newly apprehended Mr Lazin, who allegedly caused the unnatural deaths of over one hundred thousand people.

His Lordship the Chief Justice of King’s Bench (henceforth K.): Good morning, Miss Jennyngs. However, I do say that the pleasure is mine to be here to explain this noteworthy case to the general public.

I: Now, my Lords –

K: Please, do call me John –

I: Certainly, John. Now, the public most wants to know what exactly is so special about this case, other than its apparent magnitude.

K: Well, what is ultimately special about this case is indeed its magnitude. While it is not my place to comment on due process in the Afalian common law, it is generally accepted that no matter how big a case may be, as in this case it indeed is, judges must let the merits of pleas sway their deliberations, and not the amount defendants or damages.

I: And how well is the Afalian judicial system faring at that this moment?

K: Again, Miss Jennyngs, as a legal professional I cannot permit my comment to sway the course of justice in Afalia, but as far as I can tell, that judge… what is her name?

I: One Ladyship Moch.

K: Indeed. Her Ladyship does seem reserved and calm in her disposition and demeanour.

I: So, if we look at the beginning, that Mr Lazin was arrested to the voice of the so-called ‘Miranda Rights,’ and what would you say, John?

K: I cannot possibly comment on that, Miss Jennyngs; there are no ‘Miranda Rights’ in this jurisdiction, or at least so called. But there are parallels: it is understood that none may be compelled to answer except by express royal writ, so the police cannot force answers from prisoners. The right to counsel is public knowledge, and so far we see no need to emphasise or re-iterate it.

I: And yet a sizable camp of sorts, with officials of the Afalian Crown working therein, has sprung up, and special prosecutors appointed to prosecute on the Crown’s behalf; would not this be a case of the Crown pandering to the case?

K: Miss Jennyngs, you speak as though I know what goes on in those tents. I assure you – I know as much about what goes inside those tents as the rest of you do. I am not, as it is so called, ‘in the loop.’

I: But is not this a breach of the principle of equality when it comes to judicial procedure?

K: As far as I can tell, Miss Jennyngs, there has been no breach of equality; the Afalian Crown, as does our King, has the duty, via his counsels acting on his behalf as public prosecutor, to discover all evidence, and prosecute a case as thoroughly as possible before presenting it to the courts.

I: That is all very well, John. But what about this Royal Criminal Court? What is it like?

K: The Royal Criminal Court has no directly analogous counterpart in Themiclesia, so it will be labourious to explain its position in Themioi terms. But I shall try my best.

I: Do tell.

K: The Royal Criminal Court has statutory jurisdiction over all breaches of the peace happening in the Blackdon area, as well as those criminal cases whose fair trial could not be guaranteed in some more remote location. Jurisdiction over criminal cases in Themiclesia is strictly territorial, unless by royal writ transferred. So in that sense, my home court, the King’s Bench, with its jurisdiction over Lyttonwic and the County of Coldonshire, as well as extended jurisdiction over causes transferred by the writ of supersedeas, will qualify as a partial counterpart. But the Royal Criminal Court is strictly a criminal court of first instance, while King’s Bench additionally possesses jurisdiction in error from all inferior courts, as well as appellate jurisdiction from the Star Chamber, as well as civil jurisdiction over ejectio firmae, assumpsit, and trespass vi et armis, and those brought by bill.

I: Pew, that’s a lot.

K: Yes, that’s why King’s Bench has 4 justices, as opposed to the one Ladyship Moch!

I: Very droll, John. Now, could you explain what will happen now that the indictment has been read?
K: Well again, I don’t know what are the procedures under Afalian common law. But in general, the defendant, Mr Lazin, must now make answer to the indictment. He must either demur, or plead.

I: ‘Demur,’ you say, what does ‘demur’ mean?

K: Ah – demurrer questions the sufficiency of the indictment at law. In this case, if Mr Lazin demurs the indictment, he essentially says that, even the facts alleged in the indictment are true, he would still be innocent.

I: And then?

K: Then the case is said to have reached issue, or the parties have joined at issue. Trial follows joinder in issue. In this case, a demurrer causes the parties to join at an issue of law, which will be tried by the bench, or her Ladyship Moch herself. She will decide if the demurrer is valid; if it is, the indictment will be dismissed, but if not, he must then plead.

I: What is ‘plead?’

K: Pleading is essentially the stereotypical ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ situation. If Mr Lazin pleads ‘guilty,’ then judgment will follow. If he pleads ‘not guilty,’ then the parties are said to have joined at issue of fact – the Crown says that he has caused the deaths of so many persons, while he says that he has not – that is an issue of fact. Facts are tried by jury.

I: So the jury will decide whether he has caused the said deaths?

K: Yes. The opposing counsels will be summoned, and witnesses will be called, and evidence presented.

I: And then the jury will decide if the allegations, as presented in the indictment, are factual?

K: Yes. That decision is called the verdict. If the jury decides that the allegations are factual, Mr Lazin is then said to be guilty of such actions so described in the indictment.

I: And then if the allegations are factual, and he is guilty of having caused the deaths of these people?

K: Then we return to matter of law – her Ladyship Moch will decide if these facts amount to criminal acts. Usually, the crown presents the indictment in such a way as to satisfy the criteria for criminality, should the allegations be factual.

I: If her Ladyship decides that these facts amount to criminal activity, then sentence will follow?

K: Indeed.

I: And if Mr Lazin dislikes the verdict?

K: I have already far overstepped the bounds of my knowledge, Miss Jennyngs. I am not aware of any way to overturn a verdict delivered by a jury, except by an attaint, which may or may not be present in the Afalian common law.

I: Thank you very much, John. That was Sir John Harris, the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench.

[Afalia]

Disarm Stages Protest On Parliament Green

THE ANTI-MILITARY and war group Disarm are staging a sit in on Parliament Green, as a second day of organised protests begin. Yesterday's planned march through the capital ended, without incident, on Parliament Green yesterday evening with Disarm leader Melanie Bentley calling it a success despite low numbers. Today's planned protest on Parliament Green has been described by Disarm's website as, 'A protest to continue until Afalia reverts to our former peaceful, prosperous status.'

Protestors arrived early this morning at around eight AM as more extra police officers were called into assure that parliament and government buildings aren't damaged. A makeshift camp, with numerous tents, has been set up, alongside a Rydo coffee van. Police have said that as long as protestors remain peaceful and don't interfere with the parliament building or other key sites, they will be free to protest on parliament green. But Blackdon City Council, which owns and maintains Parliament Green said it would pursue legal action if the Disarm protest interfered with the work of parliament or the public's right of way across the green.

The Security Secretary described today's protest as a, 'deliberately attention seeking farce'. Speaking on this morning's Weekend Politics show on ABC 1, Alice Cook quoted opinion polls which suggested nearly 80% of the Afalian public were happy with the recent expansion of the armed forces. A flash poll conducted online yesterday by ABC News suggests 74% are happy with the expansion but alongside this 36% are worried about foreign interventions and operations as part of the ICE.

[Afalia]

TRADE DEAL WITH NEW BELHAVIA CONCLUDED
7th April 2013*-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE FOREIGN OFFICE, in a joint announcement with the Department of Business and Trade confirmed this morning that talks with the Empire of New Belhavia had concluded, resulting in a new free trade deal between Afalia and the empire. The new deal which is expected to bring potentially billions between the two nations and strengthen the economy is seen as the beginning of stronger, warmer relations between the Afalia and the Tyrrhenia nation.

The deputy foreign secretary, William Miller, who led the Afalian delegation at talks in Provisa, said the deal came at an essential time for Afalia, as the nation continued its economic recovery from the Titanican war. Stronger and closer relations, which seem to be on the cards, have led to some criticism from both the Afalian Socialists and backbench Progressive Conservative MPs, concerning the former membership of New Belhavia in the Anti-Communism Alliance (the ACA). New Belhavia played a significant part in the war of words with key ICE Pardes allies earlier in the year. But the Prime Minister today dismissed the criticism saying that the ACA was gone and trade was essential to ensuring long term economic prosperity in Afalia.

The trade deal itself will go through a customary check over by the Business and Trade select committe. Business secretary Lionel Devon, has reportedly already been called to answer questions concerning the contents of the trade deal next week, alongside the deputy foreign secretary Mr. Miller.

[Afalia]

PEACE TALKS CONTINUE FOR HARLING CRISIS, PM SAYS END IN SIGHT
14th January 2017-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

PEACE TALKS BETWEEN the Afalian government and representatives from the Harling Independence Party have continued this weekend on Winlock Island in spite of the killing of Gareth Curren earlier this week. Curren, the leader of the Harling Freedom Army, which has conducted a force of arms campaign against Afalian authorities in Harling, was killed by a special joint operation of the special Afalian Army Bush Hunter regiment and operatives from the Afalian Intelligence Service. Curren was seen as the symbol of the violent campaign for Harling independence. Talks between the government and HIP, seen as the political wing of the HFA, were suspended on Monday after the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw announced Curren's death but have continued since then.

This is the first time talks have continued over a weekend suggesting some form of peace deal is in order. Mrs Shaw usually flies back to Blackdon during the weekends to attend to other government business since peace talks began in December last year but speaking to reporters today suggested 'the end is in sight,' and that we should have a 'peace deal very soon.' The dominance of Afalian deployed soldiers and other security forces over the course of 2015 and 2016 saw numerous HFA operations foiled and violence dramatically reduced. Experts have suggested that militarily the HFA is in 'a hopeless state.'

Spokespeople from the Harling Independence Party said that the death of Curren, the most wanted man in Afalia between 2006 and his death earlier this week, came as a shock. Security on Harling and around Winlock Island where the talks are taking place was stepped up in response to the announcement which came about after a two year manhunt to find the leader of the HFA. But they said that it would not detract from peace talks and urged all 'those who believe in an independent Harling' to support the peace process. Assembly elections to the Harling Island Assembly in 2014 were already seen as the first step of what Shaw promised was an end to violence and the terrors and peace across Harling and mainland Afalia. The HFA released a statement confirming the death of Curren earlier this week but did not promise any retaliation, a move security experts have suggested means that the HFA are moving towards a peaceful resolution under the Harling Independence Party's direction.

Although the Harling Independence Party deny any association with the HFA many experts believe the two are connected and the HIP acts as a political wing of the proscribed terror group. Topics of contention surrounding the peace talks are thought to include Catholic representation in Harling governmental bodies and prosecution of HFA members. Peace talks however, are said to be planned for all weekend, suggesting that an agreed deal is in sight. 370 people have died in the nationalist, sectarian conflict since it began for a second time in 2006.

[Afalia]

Prime Ministerial Term Limits Come Into Force
15th January 2017 (Sunday Edition)-2 Chands-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE CONTROVERSIAL PRIME MINISTERIAL Term Limits Act comes into force today limiting Prime Ministers to eight years in office. The act was signed by the Queen last week and enters into force today, applying immediately to the current Prime Minister Jessica Shaw who will be eligible to serve another six and a half years before the eight year limit applies. The act was passed in a tight House of Commons vote in December last year when ten Liberal MPs joined with Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans to back the bill, widely seen as a move against Shaw. The final vote of 150 in favour against 144 opposed passed the bill, though it can be repealed by the current or any future Parliament.

Mrs Shaw opposed the bill arguing that many of Afalia's finest Prime Ministers including her predecessor Christopher Kelly, the Liberal PM Nicholas Christie and Labour PM Frederick Dawson would have had their work cut short. Dawson, Afalia's longest serving Prime Minister, spent sixteen years in the role while Christie and Kelly spent thirteen and eleven respectively. Term limits for the Prime Minister have long been discussed in Parliament though the issue is largely ignored by the mainstream public. As early as 1952 proposals for term limits were made upon independence. The Term Limits Society of Afalia have long campaigned for limits on Prime Ministerial terms since Frederick Dawson's sixteen years in office.

The Liberals, led by Shaw, allowed a free vote on the issue but Shaw herself endorsed a vote against saying the bill would have no permanent power as it could be repealed and that Parliament should not impose limits on anyone who has the Commons' support. But a number of Liberal MPs joined with Labour and the coalition opposition to endorse the new eight year limit. Previous proposals for limits of ten, seven and five years were dismissed as amendments during the bill's report and committee stage. The new law applies immediately meaning that Jessica Shaw could serve for a maximum eight years, including her current two and a half years in the office. If she served the entire eight years she would end her time as Prime Minister in June 2022.

At the time of the conclusion of the vote Mrs Shaw said she would not attempt to repeal the bill 'now, or in the future, even if we had a large Liberal majority in the House.'

[Afalia]

'Satire Dead' Comedians Declare As Trump Enters Office
20th January 2017-1 Chand-Pafalia's Most Popular Newspaper

COMEDIANS HAVE DECLARED satire dead today as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. A gathering of comedians in Afalia read a pre-written statement in a sombre ceremony announcing the news that satire had died at approximately twelve o'clock eastern time United States. Some comedians cried whilst others prayed silently whilst the announcement was read. A spokesperson for the comedians said that the passing of satire was a great loss to the world and a 'dark day for all of us.'

Satire began to suffer bad health during the final stretches of the US presidential election. Their health situation was reportedly worsened by the shock of Donald Trump's victory last November. The statement today did not name a single cause for satire's death but said that the inauguration of Trump as President had 'undoubtedly worsened the situation. Satire passed away surrounded by family, friends, comedians and millions of well wishers at approximately twelve midday US eastern time today.'

Members of the public, politicians, artists, intellectuals, comedians in training and self-deprecators across the world reacted with sadness and shock online. The Prime Minister Jessica Shaw said that 'satire's passing marked the worst day in my lifetime.' The Prime Minister was optimistic however when asked about satire's legacy saying, 'Satire has inspired millions if not billions of us. I believe satire's spirit will live on and, more than that, grow stronger every day until it was almost as if satire never left. Which is exactly how satire would have wanted it,' she added.

In place of flowers comedians have asked members of the public to utilise their comedy skills and humour to mark satire's passing.

[Afalia]

Constitutional Reform Act Passed Despite Months of Peer Opposition
30th January 2017-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE GROUNDBREAKING Constitution Act 2017 has passed the House of Peers and will be signed into law after months of opposition in both the House of Commons and House of Peers. The bill, which sets out the most extensive political and constitutional reforms in Afalia’s political system in generations was first submitted to the Commons by the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw as one of her main aims during her three year term back in 2015. Provisions in the act include the abolition of the unelected upper house House of Peers and its replacement with a proportional Senate, a new Supreme court, the eventual codification of Afalia’s constitution and a commission to examine federation proposals.

The bill will receive its royal assent and pass into law later tonight in a special bill signing ceremony with the Queen at the Blackdonian Palace. The act has gone through dramatic revisions in its two year parliamentary journey including the abandonment of federation proposals and a watering down of a number of measures involving a codified constitution.

Amongst major reforms the act includes:

The abolition of the upper, non-elected House of Peers and its replacement with a proportionally Single Transferable Vote elected 112 seat Senate of Afalia on half elections with six year terms.

The establishment of a Supreme Court of Afalia to replace the Law Lords in the House of Peers, separating the judiciary from the legislature.

The codification of Afalia’s constitutionally worthy documents as part of a joint Parliamentary, all party, public commission over the next three years.

Moving of election days for general and local elections from Thursdays to Saturdays.

A parliamentary and judicial commission to examine the possibility of a new federal structure for Afalia.

A parliamentary commission to examine special Traditional Aafaliiaan community councils to be set up in rural areas of Afalia, a longstanding policy aim of the Traditional Aafaliiaan Party.

The bill only passed the 400 seat upper House of Peers when the Prime Minister threatened to invoke the Supremacy Act 1952 which allows the Commons to pass bills without the approval of the Peers, a situation which has occurred only three times since independence. Peers dramatically opposed the bill saying that it was meddling with a 'unbroken situation.' Jessica Shaw criticised the unelected nature of the Peers and its role in amending bills, as well as its size which is unusually larger than the lower elected chamber. In late 2015 Shaw threatened to pack the Peers with hundreds of new life peers to pass the act but was forced to back down after sustained opposition from a group of Liberal MPs who opposed the plans as pointless.

On Monday morning the leader of the government in the Peers went ahead with a final vote and the bill was passed with a number of Peers abstaining from the vote in protest. The vote comes after Mrs Shaw threatened to pass the bill without the Peers, a move seen as embarrassing for many of the Peers who opposed the move.

Under the rules of the act the new Senate of Afalia will be able to amend and revise laws as well as propose them with the exception of supply bills, e.g. budgets. In those cases the Senate will not be able to propose or amend supply bills but will be able to reject them, causing fresh elections if supply runs out for the government, one of the most controversial elements of the bill. Some elements of the bill were watered down over the course of its two year history. Initial proposals for the act included a new federal structure for Afalia with each of the twenty eight current counties proposed as new states with state parliaments, premiers and governments.

Shaw, who will go to the Blackdonian Palace to watch the historic bill signing later this evening told MPs in a statement in the Commons that after a long battle a modern politics for Afalia had been created. Some Liberals however have criticised the plans from the beginning as distracting from the government's economic and social programme, especially in the midst of the ongoing Harling Terrors. However most MPs welcomed the new law despite the Conservatives opposition. Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaan's also welcomed the new law and backed the basic elements of the law.

The House of Peers will cease to exist when the next general election is called, which must be sometime by December 2017 and the Senate will be established as vacant until election results come in. Half of the new Senators will be elected on six year term basis whilst the others will be elected for three to establish the half-election plans. There will be four senators for each of the twenty eight counties of Afalia, regardless of population. The Supreme Court will be established on the 1st of March when the powers and duties of the Law Lords will be transferred at midnight.

[Afalia]

Afalian-Harling Peace Treaty Signed on Winlock Island, HFA Announce Disbandment and Disarmament
4th February 2017-Online-Last Updated 23:50

THE PRIME MINISTER and members of the government have signed a historic peace treaty with the Harling Independence Party after months of peace talks on Winlock Island. The Treaty of Winlock, as the deal will be officially known, appears to bring to an end the ten year Harling Terrors conflict. The Harling Freedom Army, who have been militarily beaten back by the Afalian Army over the past two years announced as part of the deal that they would be disbanding as an organisation and disarming their weapons. The conflict claimed the lives of 370 people, most of them civilians with over fifty soldiers from the army killed.

Speaking to the press and members of the public after the signing of the treaty in Winlock today the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw said that 'today is peace day and let us take a moment to remember the nearly four hundred people who died in this conflict. And then let us look to the future of a lasting strong and united Harling and a strong and united Afalia living in peace and prosperity where co-operation and help rule the day. No more violence and hate.' The Harling Independence Party, widely seen as the political wing of the HFA (although it denies this), said the deal would bring peace on a lasting level.

The deal comes after the death of HFA leader Gareth Curren last month in a joint Army-Afalian Intelligence Service operation which spent two years hunting Curren down. Curren's death was widely seen as the end of the HFA as a formidable organisation after the Afalian Army and other security forces gained the upper hand militarily since 2015. The level of violence over the past two years in the conflict decreased dramatically whilst the Harling Island Assembly and other political initiatives moved forward.

The key points of the deal include the disbanding and disarming of the HFA. In a statement today the HFA said it would be immediately disbanding as an organisation and handing over all of its weapons to independent weapons inspectors for immediate disarmament. The HFA will remain a proscribed, illegal organisation. Senior HFA members will be prosecuted under the deal for criminal acts but will not receive special political or religious prisoner status. More junior members however will be given an exemption for their membership and no criminal prosecutions will be followed. This comes after the Harling Island Rights Watch organisation said that many members of the group were young and easily influenced by their seniors as well as allegations that many young men were forced into the organisation under threats of violence against them or their families. Shaw said those members would not be prosecuted and urged everyone to look to the future.

A new independent half Catholic, half protestant body will oversee equal representation to key governmental bodies. Soldiers from the army will be withdrawn continuously over the next year with the vast majority of the 5000 soldiers currently serving on Harling withdrawn in the next two to three months. A small battalion will remain for the foreseeable future for security purposes.

The Conservatives have criticised the criminal exemption for younger members but said they would not vote against the treaty when it is expected to go to a Commons vote later this week for final approval. The treaty will also be up for vote in the new Harling Island Assembly. It is expected to pass both bodies easily however without much opposition. The peace deal and end of the conflict fulfils Jessica Shaw's 'top aim' of her premiership, or three year Parliament when she won the 2014 general election nearly three years before.

Parties and celebrations across Harling in both Catholic and protestant areas have broken out in response to the news. Police had to call in extra off duty officers after a spontaneous central square party of thousands of people began when people set out stalls. The Prime Minister is due to fly back to Blackdon tomorrow but is spending the night celebrating the conclusion of talks with ministers and staff. The Queen, who served an important role over the ecumenical peace council over the past year, is due to make a live speech tomorrow reflecting on the conflict and calling for all Afalians to work to make peace work.

[Afalia]

Hue Attempts to Calm Markets After GDP Contraction in First Quarter
17th March 2017-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE TREASURER Simon Hue has attempted to calm markets after the Bank of Afalia and various other independent financial watchers confirmed that GDP contracted in the first quarter of the year. Growth fell and contracted by 0.2%. It is the first time since 2003 that GDP has contracted in Afalia raising fears of a recession. If the next quarter of growth also falls and contracts Afalia will be in a recession under the definition of the Bank of Afalia.

Speaking to reporters outside Fairfax House, where he met with the Prime Minister to discuss the economy, Mr Hue urged consumers, stockbrokers and investors not to worry or panic. 'While we're disappointed with the news,' Mr Hue said, 'it's nothing to be alarmed by. The recent peace deal and good news we've had from Harling has likely caused a surge in spending. We saw it on the stock exchange. These results suggest that the economy is just coming back to reflect its true position.'

Despite the treasurer's words stock markets in Afalia continued to fall on Thursday and are expected to continue on Friday. The news comes at a difficult time for the Prime Minister who saw her approval ratings collapse in the face of the economic statistics, released on Wednesday. This was despite her receiving record high approval ratings in February after the conclusion of the Harling terrors.

[Afalia]

The Eight Year Problem: Shaw's Recent Woes
20th March 2017-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

The Prime Minister is suffering from a classic Liberal party problem-the eight year slump.

THE PRIME MINISTER'S recent woes have brought up the old eight year problem for the Liberals. Whilst the party has been the natural party of government since 1952 it's difficulties in surviving its eighth year in office has been seen repeatedly, Mrs Shaw included. Jessica Shaw began the year in high spirits, her majority still strong, her party united behind her broadly centrist to centre-left appeal and an economy growing steadily but strong. She passed the Constitution Act after a year of opposition in the Peers, the most ambitious constitutional reform in Afalia since independence. In February she helped, finally, end the Harling terrors.

For a Conservative Prime Minister this would seem like a solid, if not superb, start to an election year. Indeed Roger Lucas joked with Shaw in the Commons after the Harling Terrors came to an end that she'd be wise to hold a snap election. The Prime Minister didn't and now finds herself in eight year difficulties. GDP contracted, despite all expectations, in the first quarter of the year putting Afalia at risk of a recession if the contraction continues in the second quarter. Markets have reacted badly, a very different sight from their surge after the Harling troubles ended. On the horizon a by-election in Pippinshire in a marginal Liberal seat could see Shaw's majority reduced with Roger Lucas appealing on economic grounds. Her approval ratings have also hit a record low, for no particular reason.

Why? Why has the Prime Minister who was politically gold earlier this year become toxic just three months in. The historic parallels have shown that Liberal PM's often suffer in their eight years. Michael Rogers faced a difficult year in 1959 after eight years as PM. The pacifist movement continued to demand his resignation after the Ghiswall incident and strikes from miners and then a general strike grounded the country to a halt. Rogers resigned and James Mack spent a year trying to save the Liberal government before the Conservatives won for the first time. Frederick Dawson, although serving as Prime Minister for 16 years suffered two eight year slumps. The first in 1971 saw an economic slump, the pacifist movement rebirth, the embarrassing abolition of the armed forces and growing party resentment. The 1972 election was close but Dawson survived. Eight years later in 1979 a year of gridlock finally saw Dawson fall after another miner's strike and a second leadership spill where Charles Hawkins took over. Even the Liberal's most successful Prime Minister suffered.

But Jessica Shaw has been PM for just shy of three years. Yet her inheritance of Christopher Kelly's Liberal government from 2009 means the time is ripe for the Liberal eight year slump. Historians and politicos will wonder whether Shaw and the Liberals will survive? Dawson survived his eight year slump for another eight but with an election due, at the latest, in December this year and a summer or autumn date seeming more likely bets on the next government make up are becoming more problematic and uncertain. Just a month after her highest ever approval ratings Shaw has a number of battles on her hand, not least the historical curse handed down onto Liberal PM's in the present.

[Afalia]

Queen Pregnant With Second Child, Palace Announces
25th March-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

Her Majesty the Queen at a charity event on Wednesday in support of animal rights.

THE QUEEN is pregnant with her second child, the Blackdonian Palace has announced. The Palace announced the news in a press release earlier today after a week of speculation amongst newspapers and online forums that the Queen was pregnant. Her Majesty, His Royal Highness the Prince Frederick, Duke of Blartleo, and other members of the Royal family and close friends were said to be 'delighted and excited' by the news of another child on its way. Amelia, who is 27, had her first child with Prince Frederick, who is 29, in April 2015 named George, Prince of Verena. The new baby will be born second in line to the throne after its older brother regardless of its sex.

Although exact details were not released by the Palace the Queen is thought to be 12 or 13 weeks pregnant. The Blackdonian Palace said that a tentative due date of late August or early September had been predicted for the new baby. Speculation Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were expecting another child has grown dramatically in the past few weeks after an alleged leak from the Palace. The Queen has been seen little in the past few weeks after the conclusion of her role in the Winlock Island Harling Peace Talks in February though she did attend a charity event for animal rights on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister Jessica Shaw said, whilst talking to reporters outside Fairfax House, that she had rung the royal couple to congratulate them on the 'fantastic news. I wish them the very best, we all do of course. They've proven themselves as fantastic parents already and that's what's important.' The leader of the opposition and Conservatives Roger Lucas tweeted his congratulations on the news, as did Martin Jones, leader of Labour, despite his republican beliefs. The Blackdonian Palace asked for the press and media to respect the Queen and Prince Frederick's privacy during the course of the pregnancy, as always.

Social media discussion of the pregnancy announcement has spiked in Afalia since the release of the statement. Popular hashtags have included mentions of twins as well as discussion about the sex of the baby. Amelia and Frederick's first child George will be 2 years old this April. The popularity of the name George shot from the 27th most popular Afalian baby name to 3rd in the wake of the birth of the heir apparent. Amelia and Frederick were married in 2013.

[Afalia]

Speaker of Commons Announces Resignation After 15 Years
23rd July 2017-1.50 Dollars-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS Agatha Bowman has announced she will resign and retire after spending fifteen years in the role. Mrs Bowman was elected Speaker by the Commons in 2002 and oversaw seven Parliaments, including the current, during her tenure. Mrs Bowman said she would step down as Speaker and as an MP at the next election. Her announcement has sparked further speculation that the Prime Minister will soon ask for a dissolution and call an election, due at the latest this December.

Mrs Bowman's fifteen tenure as speaker made her a popular figure in and out of Parliament. Originally a Liberal MP before resigning from the party as Speaker Mrs Bowman featured heavily in political sketches and in recent years was the subject of an ongoing series of memes, framed by a famous picture of her looking unimpressed by a remark the Conservative MP Terry Watts made in a 2009 debate. Although generally ranked popularly in public Conservative MPs were suspicious of Mrs Bowman and attempted to remove her as Speaker twice in parliamentary plots in 2007 and 2008. Despite these attempts Mrs Bowman was backed by both Liberals, Labour and a number of Conservatives and re-elected at the onset of each Parliament.

Her office released only a brief message saying that 'after fifteen years Mrs Bowman feels it is time to retire and spend more time with family.' The Prime Minister, speaking at a charity event in Blackdon this morning, told journalists that Parliament would be a 'sorely sadder and far more boring place with the honourable Speaker gone but we wish her the utmost best.' Mrs Bowman administered over four different Prime Ministers, seven leaders of the opposition and approximately 180 different cabinet and shadow cabinet ministers during question times over the years.

[Afalia]

Shaw Indicates Federation Will Be Major Proposal of Manifesto
23rd July 2017-1 Chand 50-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE PRIME MINISTER has said that her proposals for a new federal structure of Afalia will be a 'major proposal and part' of the Liberal's manifesto come the next election. Jessica Shaw has indicated her initial proposals for federation, with twenty eight counties making up twenty eight new states, have been reformed and 'streamlined' with Mrs Shaw suggesting federation is a 'fairer and more efficient form of government long overdue in Afalia.' Under the new proposals, seen by the Blackdon Daily Journal in an exclusive look at some key themes of the Liberal manifesto, four new states would be proposed and one capital territory for Blackdon. The announcement is one of many seen as indications from Jessica Shaw that she is set to call a general election in the next few weeks, probably for an autumn date.

The new proposals for federation would include:

-The four ceremonial provinces, Wrightland, Kingland, Tendrigland and the New Territories, would become four new states with their existing counties incorporated as local government areas.

-State governments would be elected to State parliaments, either unicameral or bicameral, with Premiers as leaders on regular, three or four year basis.

-The Parliament of Afalia would become federal with a new codified constitution, as per the Constitution Act, determining which powers the states would possess. However, the Journal understands that most of these would be what existing councils possess, plus a few more selected ones such as transport and policing.

-If returned to government the Liberals indicate they want elections for the new state governments to be held, by the latest, in December 2018, an ambitious framework and timeline.

The Conservatives have criticised the plans as 'typical Liberal nonsense. As the economy contracts and people worry about ever increasing taxes the Liberals are playing games and experimenting like uni students with things like drug legislation and constitutional reform.' Both major parties, as well as the Labour-Traditional Aafaliiaan party coalition are preparing for an election footing. Recent opinion polling has shown that the lead for the Conservatives, which was approaching 10% for the first few months of the year, has narrowed considerably with some polls showing only a single percentage point difference between the Liberals and Conservatives. Third parties look set to suffer setbacks with their lowest polling for years.

[Afalia]

Sluggish Growth Continues In Latest Official Figures
Last Quarter Sees Growth By 0.2% With More Fears For Shaw and Liberal Govt
24th July 2017-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

The new figures will make grim reading for the government.

NEW FIGURES RELEASED by the Office of Economic Forecasts have shown the Afalian economy grew by just 0.2% in the last quarter, spelling more bad news for the Prime Minister and her government. The sluggish level of growth, initially predicted as 0.7% for the previous quarter were revised downward in today's updated figures. The treasurer of Afalia Simon Hue welcomed the growth but said 'the low levels we're seeing are concerning.' Growth contracted in the first quarter of the year raising fears of a recession in Afalia but the latest figures show that the economy did grow, though sluggishly.

Today's figures will make poor reading for the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw and her Liberal government with Shaw expected to announce a general election for September in the next few weeks. Sluggish growth has plaqued Afalia's economy since 2014, shortly after a post-war recovery boom. Mrs Shaw's eight year Liberal government, which she inherited from Christopher Kelly in 2014, is in a tight race for government with the opposition Conservatives. Opposition leader Roger Lucas, speaking outside a business event in Blackdon today, said that the latest figures 'prove that the government, busy with playing around with drugs and constitutional nonsense nobody asked for have forgotten about hardworking people up and down this country who are crying out for a growing economy. The Conservatives will revitalise and shock this country back into work and back into prosperity.'

Simon Hue, the treasurer, dismissed as 'nonsense' Mr Lucas' words, 'The economy is growing steadily. Such statements from Mr Lucas about the apparent slump we find ourselves in are shared only by himself. No one else feels or agrees with his assessment and this government's top priority remains economic stability, growth, jobs, investment in the future and a stable and prosperous economy for every Afalian and resident.' Recent plans from Mr Hue's June budget included a host of investment plans in new infrastructure projects which Mr Hue and economists hope will 'give a little kick up the backside' of the Afalian economy and improve levels of growth. The debate over the Liberal's decision to reverse planned corporation tax cuts, a keystone of the Conservatives last time in government between 2003 and 2009, will also likely be a major debating point at the next election.

Analysis By Joshua Qiiool
The new figures today have already become a political football. As with all economic stats and figures released in the past few months both major parties have seized on the details to suit their major themes. Today we saw those themes take on what will likely be their final, polished form. For the Liberals they will say that while growth is slow it will get better and that stability, alongside the new radicalism of Jessica Shaw's social policies and her strong, internationalist foreign policy make her, clearly, the best choice to lead Afalia. The Conservatives meanwhile will put aside their 'new old' semi-isolationist foreign policy and promote 'good old fashioned, all loving Afalian values' opposing Shaw's drug decriminalisation with the economy the main focus of their attack. By focusing on the twin attacks of old fashioned values and recent economic woes the Tories will hope to return to government after 8 years in opposition. It remains to be seen what role the economy will play in the election, whenever it comes.

[Afalia]

Treasurer Resigns Following Financial Disclosure Allegations
Simon Hue's Resignation Most Senior Cabinet Minister To Resign in Afalian Government Since 2003 Insider Trading Scandal
29th July 2017-Last Updated 17:05 AST-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE TREASURER OF AFALIA Simon Hue has resigned after allegations emerged that the senior cabinet minister failed to disclose and may have deliberately 'covered up' his position as a silent partner in a major Afalian corporation. The Blackdon Daily Journal has been show documents relating to Mr Hue's financial disclosure form, a compulsory declaration of all MP's financial benefits and income outside of their work as an MP. The documents suggest that Mr Hue failed to disclose and may have deliberately lied on the form in regards to his membership as a silent partner of the major mining consortium Rylo Jones and used offshore bank accounts to hide his income. Mr Hue, who spent decades as a businessman before being selected as a Liberal Party parliamentary candidate had previously said he resigned his position in the corporation months before his election as an MP in an 1997 by-election.

If the allegations are true it would mean that Mr Hue, who was first appointed as a minister in late 2003, had been lying about his financial activities for nearly twenty years though financial disclosure forms have only been in force since 2009. Mr Hue did not speak to the press yesterday. Instead his office issued a short statement which denied, 'that any illegal activity had been willingly committed by the Treasurer.' However, the statement went on to add that, 'In the light of the allegations and the necessity for the Prime Minister to have confidence in her colleagues and Her Majesty the Queen of the Afalians to have full confidence in her cabinet the Treasurer will resign his position effective immediately.' Mr Hue has not resigned as an MP and has made no further statements at the time of printing, (Saturday morning).

The resignation marks the most senior cabinet minister to resign from the Afalian government since the 2003 insider trading scandal where the home secretary, Joel Sanford, resigned. The Treasurer is regarded as one of the most senior roles and offices within the cabinet, second only to the Prime Minister. Mr Hue's resignation comes as a general election is expected to be called by the Prime Minister at the end of the week and a time when the Liberals and opposition Conservatives are often neck and neck in the polls. The resignation of a senior minister and ally will be a massive blow to Jessica Shaw and her re-election campaign hopes.

The documents seen by this paper allege that, since 2009, Mr Hue had deliberately neglected to reveal his ongoing business relationship with the Rylo Jones corporation. Further to this memos examined by the paper and verified by a number of trusted sources show that Mr Hue took efforts to hide his business relations by utilising offshore bank accounts through a top Blackdon accountancy firm to hide his income from Rylo Jones and avoid financial disclosure rules in Afalia. Whilst, at this time, it is not clear whether Mr Hue has committed any illegal offences the documents in question and Mr Hue's relationship with Rylo Jones whilst serving as both an MP and the Treasurer of Afalia have raised serious ethical questions.

The Journal attempted to contact Mr Hue's offices for comment but as of yet continued statements from the former Treasurer have said that a full statement will be made after the weekend. Fairfax House has said that 'the Prime Minister has heard, is assessing and responding to the allegations against the former Treasurer Simon Hue. Jessica Shaw will undertake duties as the Treasurer of Afalia until a replacement can be appointed. The Prime Minister condemns totally and utterly any illegal or immoral behaviour in regards to the disclosure of all MP's financial matters, including that of her own party.' Sources inside Fairfax House have told this paper that the Prime Minister reportedly threatened to sack Mr Hue immediately after the news came out if he did not resign himself.

Roger Lucas, the leader of the opposition, has called for a police investigation into Mr Hue's finances and called the news, 'the biggest example of the total disregard this government has for Afalians everywhere in our country,' and called for the Prime Minister to call an immediate general election and 'face the public over what your government and friends have done.' Parliament will enter recess on Friday for the summer but Mrs Shaw is widely expected to call a general election on Friday for a September polling day.

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[Afalia]

Shaw: I Feel Betrayed By My Friend
Prime Minister Announces Newly Reshuffled Cabinet in Wake of Hue Resignation
30th July 2017-Last Updated 18:29 AST-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

THE PRIME MINISTER has said she feels 'betrayed by my friend' after Simon Hue, the Treasurer of Afalia, resigned amidst a financial discourse scandal. Speaking briefly outside Fairfax House in an unexpected and unusual Sunday press conference Jessica Shaw told journalists that she felt betrayed by her former cabinet colleague and close ally. Mr Hue, who is still yet to comment fully on his resignation and the allegations of financial impropriety, resigned on Friday. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce a newly reshuffled cabinet with the current home secretary Eleanore Dawkins taking over the Treasury. Education secretary Michael Hopkins will fill Ms. Dawkins' role with Mr Hopkins replaced by health secretary Wendy Burgess and junior health minister Faaloo Knowles taking over the position of her former boss.

Jessica Shaw told journalists that her overwhelming feeling was one of betrayal. She also said that she would ask the Parliamentary Expenses and Members' Finance Committee to investigate Mr Hue's finances but said that it was not her place or position to comment on a criminal investigation. Asked whether she would plan to delay a widely expected general election Mrs Shaw told the assembled press that, 'You should keep your ears peeled this week. We have a plan for the next election and we're sticking to it regardless of what has happened with the former Treasurer.'

The resignation of her key ally has been seen as a major blow to Mrs Shaw and the Liberals ahead of an expected election. A snap opinion poll conducted by AfPoll for the Blackdon Daily Journal showed that 40% of people who would previously describe themselves as favourable to the Liberals now described themselves as 'unfavourable' because of the event. Despite this personal approval ratings for Jessica Shaw remained suggesting she is not suffering personally from the Treasurer's resignation. Online there has been widespread condemnation of Mr Hue and calls for criminal prosecution. The term Huegate has been trending on major social media organisations all day.

Roger Lucas, who was questioned by journalists before attending church this morning, repeated his calls for an immediate general election, 'The only way to deal with this type of behaviour is to punish it and the voters must be the ones who punish. I want the Prime Minister to call a general election today, not tomorrow or on Friday or whenever she plans to, but now and let's put our plans to the public. Ours is about rebuilding Afalia and reinvigorating the economy with jobs. The Liberals want more of the same wasted time spent on stupid free drugs for all policies and they're implementing those policies with, apparently, corrupt people. Some friends Jessica has.'

Asked about Mr Lucas' comments the Prime Minister dismissed them as 'cheap talk,' saying, 'Roger, shall I call him Roger? We seem to be on first name basis. Roger's very good at talking in soundbites but I worry he lacks the ability to really sit down and think about these sort of things properly. I'm getting on with the job. My party's getting on with the job. We'll see what plans he has come the election.'

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• Sunday: Church of Afalia Criticises Labour Church Tax Proposal [ 3522 ]

[Afalia]

Shaw Calls General Election for 7th September
Official Campaigning To Begin On Saturday After Parliament Dissolves
2 August 2017-Last Updated 12:39 AST-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

The Prime Minister leaving the Blackdonian Palace this morning after her meeting with the Queen.

THE PRIME MINISTER Jessica Shaw has called a general election for Thursday the 7th of September after months of speculation. Mrs Shaw made the announcement outside Fairfax House this morning after a meeting the Queen who agreed to the calling of the election and the dissolution of Parliament, which will take place on Friday. Official campaigning is set to begin on Friday with the Liberals and Conservatives indicating they are ready to begin. The coalition of Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaan Party have also released statements welcoming the election and saying they are looking forward to the vote. Opinion polls released by the Blackdon Daily Journal just days ago showed the Conservatives with a 14% lead over the Liberals.

The election call has come after months of speculation on the proposed date of the election which had to be held in December by the latest. Mrs Shaw looked set to call an election early in the year with many predicting she would call one shortly after the end of the Harling Terrors, riding off a wave of popular approval and high Liberal support. However, the Prime Minister later said she would not call an election until the second half of the year. Mrs Shaw's Liberals face an uphill challenge to beat Roger Lucas' Conservatives with recent opinion polls indicating a large lead, especially after the resignation of Simon Hue as Treasurer. A wider spread of opinion polls across the past six months have indicated a smaller, but still significant Conservative lead of 5% or so over the Liberals. In addition both members of the coalition, the Labour party and Traditional Aafaliiaan Party are suffering from low opinion poll ratings with the far right, nationalist, anti-immigration party National Afalia, currently led by the party's only MP Henry Rollings, enjoying record high support of 10% or more.

Privately Liberal Party officials have expressed doubt over the ability of the party to win another election. One senior government source told the Blackdon Daily Journal that whilst 'the Prime Minister is rightly very popular she alone can't win it for us.' If re-elected the Liberals would enjoy a fourth successive term in government while the Conservatives, who have been out of power for eight years since the 2009 election, are fighting their third election with Roger Lucas as leader. Lucas, who has been leader of the opposition for six years, is the longest Conservative opposition leader in history. The Conservatives have privately expressed confidence that 'this one is ours,' with one insider calling the upcoming election 'basically unwinnable for the Libs and unloseable for us, though Roger's not greatly popular himself.' Manifestos are expected to be released by the major and minor parties within the first week of campaigning as many parties had been preparing for the vote for some time.

Many commentators have predicted the upcoming election could be a re-aligning election in which boundaries and levels and areas of support for the major parties are redrawn, especially with the prospect of National Afalia gaining significant support for the first time. Polls of voters have indicated that the economy will be a major issue of the election though other areas likely to be hotly contested include the distinctive internationalist, engaging foreign policy of Shaw's Liberals versus the return to a semi-isolationist, 'quiet' foreign policy of Lucas and the Conservatives. Mrs Shaw's push for socially liberal reforms including soft drug legalisation in 2015 and welfare and environmental reform have been heavily criticised by Mr Lucas and he has indicated the Conservative manifesto will include plans to reverse many of the reforms passed by the Liberal government since Shaw took office in 2014.

Parliament will conclude its business over the coming days with Friday's initially planned recess being converted to the dissolution of Parliament in preparation for the election on Thursday the 7th of September. Writs will be issued on behalf of the Queen for all 300 seats of the House of Commons on Monday the 7th of August. This election will also be a watershed moment for Afalian politics with the House of Peers abolished on Friday at Parliament's dissolution and its replacement by a 112 member Senate of Afalia, proportionally and directly elected via a Single Transferable Vote, bringing a democratic, upper chamber into Afalia's political system for the first time, though the Senate will be subservient to the Commons.

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[Afalia]

Conservatives Increase Massive Poll Lead As Week One of Campaigning Ends
Jessica Shaw Remains Preferred Prime Minister Above Roger Lucas
12 August 2017-Last Updated 12:39 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

Conservative leader and would be PM Roger Lucas out campaigning on Friday.

THE CONSERVATIVES LOOK set to return to government after eight years in opposition after extending their poll lead in the first week of campaigning. In a poll of polls compiled by the Blackdon Daily Journal the Conservatives have a lead of 15% over their Liberal rivals while other competitors like the coalition of Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaans are seeing some of their lowest polling since the 1990s. The far right National Afalia party have maintained a steady average of 10% in most polls. Despite their large poll lead the Conservatives have reportedly become worried over the 'image problem' of party leader Roger Lucas who continues to rank well behind the Prime Minister and Liberal leader Jessica Shaw in polls of preferred Prime Minister.

Senior sources inside the Conservatives have told this newspaper that Mr Lucas' socially conservative and 'small town Afalian' attitude and appearance have damaged his credibility with cosmopolitan and metropolitan voters in Afalia's largest cities. One source also said that claims of nepotism following the selection of Mr Lucas' daughter Elizabeth as a Conservative candidate in Blackdon have been a major problem in canvassing across Afalia, despite Mr Lucas' apparent lack of involvement in the selection. Despite this many in the Conservative camp feel the campaign is going well with a number of key endorsements, including from the popular and second most read newspaper in Afalia, the tabloid Daily Afalian which backed Mr Lucas and his party on Wednesday.

The first week of campaigning was dominated by the economy with Mr Lucas promising that his party would restore the strength and 'fight' of the sluggish Afalian economy. He told voters that 'three more years of Liberal mismanagement' would lead to a recession and said only his party could revive the economic fortunes of Afalians. Although manifestos are not due to be released until next week the Conservatives have indicated their economic policy will be based on a combination of 'stimulating tax cuts and welfare reduction to inspire growth and employment,' among other measures.

The Liberals, led by the ever popular and somewhat maverick Jessica Shaw, fought back against the Conservatives saying that 'in difficult, uncertain times stable, secure and fair government was needed,' adding that Mr Lucas 'outdated policies are not only reactionary but unfair.' In a casual chat with voters on Friday Mrs Shaw told one apparent Conservative voter that 'Mr Lucas is in dreamland if he thinks that taking welfare away from vulnerable people will magically find them a job.' The Liberals have also defended their social reforms including the recently passed no fault divorce law, soft drug legalisation and Traditional Aafaliiaan reconciliation reforms which Mr Lucas has repeatedly attacked as 'nonsense at best and damaging to Afalian values and society at worst.'

The coalition were hampered from the start of their campaign due to infighting between the more moderate Traditional Aafaliiaan party and the increasingly left wing Labour. Senior figures within Labour's left wing Labour Alliance faction called for the end of the 65 year old coalition between the two parties on Thursday while Traditional Aafaliiaan leader Robert Ziimtoo was forced to sack a senior party activist who called for supporters in Liberal-Conservative marginals to back the Liberals and 'keep National Afalia out.'

National Afalia, the far right, anti-immigrant party have been greeted with large crowds during their leader Henry Rollings' tours across parts of rural Afalia. The party, whose only MP is Rollings, is enjoying record high polling and looks set to win more seats and become an important voice in the Commons. In the new proportional Senate the party is also expected to do well and increase its political profile which has brought worry from all four major parties who have warned voters not to be brought by the party's populist promises and fear mongering.

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[Afalia]

Liberals Regain Ground As Leaders Prepare For Debate
National Afalia Leader Henry Rollings Fails in Last Minute Legal Bid
21 August 2017-Last Updated 15:40 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

THE LIBERALS HAVE regained significant polling ground with their Conservative opponents as the third of five weeks of election campaigning begins. A new poll for the Blackdon Daily Journal has indicated that the Conservative lead of 15% a week ago has narrowed to 7% with other polls indicating a similar narrowing between the two major parties. The new polls will make good reading for the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw as she prepares for the party leader's debate, due to be broadcast on ABC and Channel 2 tonight at eight o'clock. The two hour debate will cover topics from the economy and social policy to foreign affairs and Traditional Aafaliiaan affairs.

A second week of tumultuous campaigning has opened up what many considered to be a sure-fire win for the Conservatives, though polls continue to indicate they will return to government after eights years in opposition. The release of manifestos from all four parties and the far right National Afalia party introduced a range of new issues in the discussion. Many commentators were surprised at the extent of Roger Lucas' Conservative manifesto which promised a return to 'Nicholas Christie's pro-business, free enterprise' policies and proposed a range of tax cuts including to income for higher and lower earners, a five percent cut in corporation tax and a new, lower flat tax on inheritance. In a speech on Friday Roger Lucas also promised a 'return to real Afalian values' and promised he would 'repeal, abolish and rid' Afalia of some of the Liberal's most controversial social reforms of the past three years including soft drug legalisation, no fault divorce law and Traditional Aafaliiaan reconciliation reforms. On Sunday the Social Justice Think Tank Afalians United criticised Mr Lucas' speech as suggesting 'Traditional Aafaliiaans aren't real Afalians,' but Mr Lucas denied this suggestion.

The Liberals manifesto 'Brighter Days' also caught many by surprise by endorsing a number of continued social and economic reforms despite expectations it would err on the side of the caution. Jessica Shaw also hit back at Roger Lucas by saying that 'I am not and will not return Afalia to an old style economic system of socialism which has not and will not work for us now. I am a capitalist but, unlike Mr Lucas, believe in some safeguards.' Traditional Aafaliiaan affairs has also been made a major theme of the Liberal manifesto, a move expected to draw Aafaliiaan voters away from their traditional Trad Afa party to the Liberals in western areas where the Liberals have previously came third or fourth in elections.

Meanwhile National Afalia released their manifesto on Thursday, 'An Afalia For Us' which endorsed economic isolationism, massive nationalisation and protectionism, a complete stop on immigration and 'reducing the number of immigrants over three years by 25% percent' and compulsory national service to 'defend against a terrifying world.' All major parties have made repeated statements condemning National Afalia in the past weeks but increasingly large crowds of supporters have been seen at the party's rallies which are being held across western and northern parts of Afalia, often in communities with high numbers of Traditional Aafaliiaans. Jessica Shaw, who is herself part Traditional Aafaliiaan, called National Afalia's leader Henry Rollings 'a classic racist,' but Mr Rollings has called himself a 'patriot' in response.

Mr Rollings launched a legal challenge at the Central High Court in Blackdon after he was refused a place in the leaders debate alongside Mrs Shaw, Mr Lucas, Martin Jones and Robert Ziimtoo. The judge, the Hon. Mrs Lucia Luskham turned down his appeal arguing that his lack of inclusion did not breach fair representation rules for election broadcasts because Mr Rollings' party only had one seat in Parliament.

Alongside the debate foreign policy is expected to dominate the weeks's campaigning with Mrs Shaw and Mr Lucas invited to speak at the Foreign Correspondent Club on Tuesday evening, a platform where candidates, in recent years, have expounded on their foreign policy and foreign affairs beliefs. Social issues and the economy are also expected to dominate.

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[Afalia]

Conservatives Dismiss Claims of Internal Fights Over Belisarian Free Trade Deal Policy
Liberals Warn Afalia's International Influence and Position Will Fall with a Lucas Win
Latin Politicians Amongst International Figures To Criticise Lucas Free Trade Deal Policy
3rd September-Last Updated 18:40 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

Roger Lucas left his family home in Blackdon this morning amid reports of internal fights over his BC free trade policy.

THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE dismissed reports of internal fights and disagreements between the traditionalist and moderate factions over party leader Roger Lucas' Belisarian free trade deal policy. Mr Lucas' criticism and promise to re-negotiate the trade deal, signed between Afalia and the Belisarian community in 2000, has become an unlikely political issue in the last days of the campaign. Mr Lucas, a firm supporter of the Traditionalist Coalition, adopted their skeptical attitude towards the BC deal as part of the Conservative manifesto, a move that took many by surprise, especially members of the party's moderate Centrist Alliance faction. Reports first outlined in the Blackdon Daily Journal have shown that prominent members of the Centrist Alliance are attempting to either remove or tone down Mr Lucas' rhetoric on the BC trade deal ahead of polling day on Thursday.

The reports of internal disputes come as politicians from the international community have expressed skepticism and disquiet at the Conservatives' free trade policy. Speaking off the cuff to journalists on Saturday the Belisarian High Commissioner Florentine Verruscosi, from Latium, expressed surprise at Mr Lucas' and the Conservative position on the trade deal, 'I see very little to gain in tearing up the agreement,' he said, 'Would we be open to renegotiation? Well, if things play out in Mr. Lucas's favor, I can't say that what I've seen gives me much hope. But we'll see.' Mr Verruscosi was joined by the Latin consul Alexander Pompilius, a member of the centre-right United Latium, in criticising the Conservative policy, 'Latins, and by extension all Belisarians, have benefited from this agreement. Afalians have benefited from this agreement. What is the issue? It is my hope, regardless of the election results, that the agreement remains in its current form.'

The Liberals have seized on the comments suggesting in a press release late on Friday that a 'Conservative election win would result in a fall of international influence and respect for Afalia, alongside the dangers of tearing up an agreement that has brought us prosperity.' Treasurer of Afalia Eleanor Dawkins, speaking to the public on the campaign trial answered a question from a floating voter with regards to the Conservative policy, saying 'All the economic indicators and all the economists have shown and agreed that the trade deal has increased our prosperity, increased Afalian businesses' trade with the BC and increased the stability of our economic standing.'

Privately Liberals have also said that the reported splits within the party show the weakness of the Conservative position. One unnamed Liberal cabinet minister told the Journal that, 'the fact that you have a centre-right party in Latium criticising the Tories on this one, and Roger Lucas in particular, shows how far off he seems to be.' Commentators believe that part of Mr Lucas' policy has been his attempt to draw away right wing voters from National Afalia where, in rural areas, they are doing well. 'National Afalia's economic isolationism and protectionism certainly seems to be a motivation for Lucas' policy. He's trying to, possibly unsuccessful, steal back this constituency,' Dominique Bellows, a political scientist from the Institute of Afalian Government said in response to this paper's questions today.

Analysts however say that the chances of Mr Lucas reversing his position are unlikely given the solid polling lead the Conservatives are enjoying and the dominance of his right wing Traditionalist Coalition faction. Ms Bellows added, 'Currently we're looking at Lucas and the Conservatives winning with 170 seats in the Commons, a very large majority. While the Centrist Alliance may cause some problems for Lucas overall he will have a good grip if our predictions are right.'

The comments from two senior Latin politicians on the international stage are two clear examples from what many foreign policy analysts have identified as a worry over the free trade deal policy. While most politicians will not express official views most commentators believe that Mr Lucas' policy of re-negotiating the trade deal or withdrawing would be largely unwelcome, especially amongst Belisarian Community members, as a needlessly destructive and risky enterprise. Markets reacted poorly to the reveal of the policy by Mr Lucas and while they have recovered have seen jitters across the election campaign.

Polls will open on Thursday for election day between 7AM and 10PM across Afalia's time zones. A record 18 million people are registered to vote in the elections with turnout expected to be high. In the last week both the Liberal and Conservative campaigns are expected to return to their broadly central themes, the Liberals promising continued stability and prosperity with radical social and political reforms while the Conservatives will make restoring a strong, growing economy their central plank and appeal to value voters against 'Liberal university style experiments,' opposing their social reform policies.

In a special ecumenical service in Blackdon today the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw, Roger Lucas, Martin Jones and Robert Ziimtoo, joined the Archbishop of Cantwell and Archbishop of Kingwalk, heads of the Church of Afalia and Catholic Church in Afalia, for a prayer for 'peace, fairness, justice and decency as the campaign draws to a close and polling takes place.' Afterwards the four party leaders took part in a Traditional Aafaliiaan blessing ceremony in central Blackdon.

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[Afalia]

Afalia Heads to the Polls
Final AfPoll Prediction Puts Conservatives Ahead 5%
Lucas Expected To Become PM With Sizeable 36 Seat Majority
Very High Turnout Expected As Record 18 Million Voters Register
First Senate Elections in History with voters electing an upper house for the first time
7th September-Last Updated 17:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

18 million people are entitled to vote across 300 Commons constituencies and 112 senate seats with approximately 3,500 polling stations across Afalia

VERY HIGH TURNOUT is expected in the Afalian general election where voters from across the country have been voting for their MPs and up to 4 senators from each of Afalia's 28 counties. The final AfPoll for the Blackdon Daily Journal put the Conservatives ahead of the Liberals by 5% on the eve of the election with both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans likely to see losses. The polls suggests that Roger Lucas will become Prime Minister and lead a Conservative government, returning the party to Fairfax House after eight years in opposition under the Liberal ministries of Christopher Kelly and Jessica Shaw. Meanwhile the Conservatives are also expected to be the largest party in the brand new Senate with far right, anti-immigrant party National Afalia also expected to win up to ten seats in the new upper elected house.

Ahead of the poll Mr Lucas expressed 'quiet confidence' at the outcome of today's election saying, 'I am confident the Afalian people will choose change and vote for a Conservative government to lead themselves out of the Liberal mess and into a brighter future.' Jessica Shaw told journalists she was not nervous saying, 'I'm glad the campaign's over. I won't second guess Afalians. The polls will say what they'll say. We'll see what happens after they're closed but I'd like to thank everyone in the Liberal Party for their work and wish everyone the best of luck.' Privately Liberal party insiders have conceded that the uniformity of the polls suggest a Conservative victory is 'extremely likely.'

Insiders from the Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaan parties have also admitted that 'the polls don't look good for us. But I hope we'll surprise the pollsters.' National Afalia's leader Henry Rollings said the 'consistent polls ratings' his party had received proved that 'ordinary, real Afalians were responding to our message against these establishment traitors in Blackdon.' Predictions of the standings in the House of Commons based on yesterday's AfPoll have given the Conservatives an easy victory and predict that the Lucas ministry would have a sizeable 36 seat majority in the Commons:

House of Commons Prediction (From AfPoll 6th September 2017)
300 Seats
151 Needed for a Majority
Conservatives 168
Liberals 100
Labour 18
Traditional Aafaliiaans 7
National Afalia 4
Others and Speaker 3

The prediction would also see National Afalia jump from one seat to four in the Commons and see losses for both members of the Coalition, Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaans.

The Afalian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will have live, continuing coverage from the close of polls at ten tonight throughout the night. An exit poll will be broadcast by the ABC shortly after the close of exit polls. The first key results will be known from midnight onwards. If polls are right a Conservative victory will be confirmed from approximately one or two o'clock onwards. Polls are open across Afalia until 10:00PM with eastern time zones closing first until Afalian Western Time Zone closes two hours later.

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[Afalia]

Afalia Wakes Up To a Hung Parliament
Conservatives Largest Party But 4 Short of a Majority
Liberal Losses Offset By Gains against Labour and Trad. Aafaaliiaans in Disastrous Night for Coalition
Labour leader Martin Jones loses his seat
National Afalia Gain 2 Seats
Senate Split With No Party in Command of a Majority
First Hung Parliament in Afalia since independence and first for 82 Years
8th September-Last Updated 09:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

Election counting continued throughout the night with neither major party emerging as the winner with 151 seats.

AFALIA HAS WOKEN up to its first hung Parliament in 82 years with no party having overall control of the House of Commons. The Conservatives are the largest party in the Commons with 147 seats, 4 short of the required 151 for a majority. The Liberals lost seats to the Conservatives in eastern areas but gained a number of shock wins against traditionally safe Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaan seats. Overall their net loss of seats was only 9 leaving them with 144, just 3 behind their Conservative rivals.

A disastrous night for the coalition of Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaans saw their seats decimated. Labour lost 24 seats with party leader Martin Jones losing his Port Wright North constituency to his Liberal challenger. The Traditional Aafaliiaans lost 8 of their 11 seats. The far right National Afalia party saw a five percent swing and gained two seats to make them equal in seats as Labour and ahead, by 1, of the Traditional Aafaliiaans. All other minor parties, including the Harling Independence Party, lost their seats.

The results have been a major shock with most polls predicting an easy and sizeable Conservative victory. Markets have dipped dramatically upon opening this morning with uncertainty over the next government. Both the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw and Conservative leader Roger Lucas are due to make statements shortly before or after lunchtime. Mrs Shaw visited the Blackdonian Palace early this morning for a meeting with the Queen and it is thought Mrs Shaw will continue in her role as Prime Minister until the Queen invites either her or Mr Lucas to form a government. Such a government will have to show it can command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Conservatives fell 4 seats short of the required number for a majority despite all opinion polls predicting a sizeable majority. The exit poll broadcast by the ABC upon the close of polls at ten gave the Conservatives 160, a smaller but still considerable lead over the Liberals. The exit poll also greatly overestimated Labour and Traditional seats.

The New House of Commons
300 Seats
151 Needed for a Majority
Conservatives 147 (+44)
Liberals 144 (-9)
Labour 3 (-24)
Traditional Aafaliiaans 2 (-9)
National Afalia 3 (+2)
Speaker 1

On 147 seats the Conservatives require 4 more seats to reach 151, a majority of 1 in the 300 seat Commons. In reality the Speaker’s usual non-interference and principle of never voting except to break ties means that 150 would give the Conservatives and a coalition or supply and confidence partner a majority of just 1. Discussion about the prospect of a supply and confidence deal began on ABC in the early hours of the morning with a number of options available to the Conservatives though none of them an ideological fit.

A coalition or supply and confidence deal with both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans would give the Conservatives 152 seats in the Commons, a majority of 2, though in reality a working majority of 3 excluding the speaker. But the Traditional Aafaliiaans, in a press release early this morning, said they will not work to support a Conservative government suggesting a possible break in the usually uniform coalition of Labour and Traditionals for the first time since 1952.

In contrast Labour, under defeated leader Martin Jones, told reporters this morning outside his house in Port Wright that ‘I would be happy for Labour to support a Conservative government in confidence and supply matters provided there were some basic ground rules, principles and deals worked out.’ Mr Jones also ruled out resignation. The ideological gap between the left wing Labour party and the Conservatives is large and a number of senior Labour officials have privately expressed ‘extreme skepticism’ at the possibility of a confidence and supply deal with the centre-right Conservatives.

A deal between the two would give a Roger Lucas ministry a majority of 1, excluding the Speaker, making it possible to form a government. The Conservatives have said in a press statement that they have the ‘moral right to govern’ but popular vote results have shown that the Liberals are actually ahead of the Conservatives in terms of numbers of votes, a situation not seen since 1969.

The prospect of the Liberals continuing in government has been largely dismissed by commentators. While both Labour and the Traditional Aafaaliiaans would seem like more natural fits with the Liberals such an arrangement would give a Liberal government only 149 seats, at least 1 short of a majority and open the government up to defeat in a confidence vote. Despite likely losing government the results of the election have been hailed as a ‘remarkable turnaround,’ for the 8 year term Liberal party. Party insiders however have suggested that Jessica Shaw will likely resign as party leader after the election defeat.

Henry Rollings, the leader of the far right National Afalia party, has congratulated his party for their results which saw the single seat, held by Rollings, increased to 3, equal to Labour and 1 seat above the Traditional Aafaliiaans. Mr Rollings’ party gained in western, rural areas in seats previously held by Labour and the Conservatives. Speaking to the Journal former Liberal Prime Minister Patrick Collins warned of the ‘now very real danger of the far right, racist, nasty nationalist National Afalia party essentially running the government.’ Mr Rollings told reporters this morning he was willing to work with the Conservatives to secure a government as long as ‘they respect our victories and the ordinary people of Afalia who want change on immigration and other areas immediately.’

A coalition of the Conservatives and National Afalia has been ruled out by members of the Conservatives already, especially among the moderate Centrist Alliance faction. However some factions of the Traditionalist Coalition party faction, of which Roger Lucas is a member, have said that they ‘could work with them on a supply and confidence basis and some of their immigration policies.’ A deal with National Afalia would see the Conservatives, once again, on 150, a practical majority of 1.

In the new Senate full results are not yet known but no party is anywhere near the 57 seats needed for a majority in the proportional chamber. The Conservatives are currently the largest party with the Liberals not far behind. Despite losing badly in the Commons both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans have done well in the Senate while National Afalia has won nearly 10 seats from a variety of counties in the west and north. Full results of the Senate will not be known until later today.

Analysis
This was the one result nobody expected. Not since 1935 and never since independence in 1952 has Afalia produced a hung Parliament. For the Liberals the results will be comforting. Expected to lose 50 to 70 seats they managed a net loss of only 9 and gained, dramatically, in areas they'd never played before. Despite this their time in government looks set to end. For the Conservatives meanwhile serious questions will need to be asked. In August when the campaign begin Conservatives and neutral commentators alike touted this as the 'unloseable election' for the Tories. Today Roger Lucas will be attempting to form a supply and confidence deal with either the left wing Labour party or far right National Afalia, neither options appealing.

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[Afalia]

Lucas Sets Out "Radical" Government Agenda Ahead of State Opening
First Priority "Repeal and Restore Afalian Values", Belisarian Free Trade Deal and New Budget Also Highlighted
22nd September-Last Updated 17:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

THE NEW PRIME MINISTER Roger Lucas has outlined his plans for government one week after his appointment to the office. Mr Lucas became Prime Minister after a week of negotiations between the Conservatives and 3 seat Labour party saw the two parties form a supply and confidence deal that gives Mr Lucas an effective majority of 1. Despite losing his seat and widely opposed by senior party members Labour leader Martin Jones negotiated support for the Conservatives by his 3 Labour MPs, a decision opposed by their coalition partners the Traditional Aafaliiaans who split with Labour for the first time in 65 years. Mr Lucas' Conservatives, who were 4 seats short of an overall majority, were forced to negotiate after the first hung Parliament in Afalia in 82 years.

Speaking to journalists outside Fairfax House, where the final items from Mr Lucas' former home are being transferred to, the Prime Minister said he was unveiling a 'radical plan for Afalia which will restore us economically, socially and internationally.' In his short ten minute speech Mr Lucas heavily criticised the former Prime Minister Jessica Shaw and her Liberal party for 'taking Afalia for granted' and said that 'eight years of Liberal mismanagement has been ended.' Despite his confidence Mr Lucas admitted that he was 'disappointed by the election results' but said that his party had won 'the moral right and now the actual right to govern,' despite Mr Lucas' Conservatives actually coming nearly 50,000 votes behind their Liberal opponents.

Mr Lucas said his deal with Labour proved that 'ideological beliefs can be put aside for the good of the country and its stability,' and that, 'now we have stability we will begin to dramatically improve things for the better.' The Prime Minister said his top priority would be the 'repeal of Liberal radical social agenda and the restoration of true Afalian values,' resurrecting a phrase that caused controversy in the campaign. He promised his party would immediately repeal key social reform legislation, including the soft drug legalisation act, no fault divorce reform, Traditional Aafaliiaan land councils and Supreme Court powers.

Other key areas Mr Lucas highlighted was the prospect of a new budget to implement his long promised corporate tax cuts and tax reform, income tax cuts for the lowest and highest earners and a new flat rate of inheritance tax. He said that the budget from May, overseen by the former Liberal treasurer Simon Hue was 'bad economics' and promised a new budget by the end of the year, suggesting early December as a possible date. Mr Lucas also spoke briefly about re-negotiation for the Afalia-Belisarian Free Trade Deal of 2000, a significant and unexpected campaign plank not shared by many Conservative MPs. Although Mr Lucas said no concrete meetings or deals had been proposed he said he was 'studying the opportunities a re-negotiation or withdrawal would bring ordinary Afalians.' A late Fairfax House statement clarified no formal moves towards re-negotiation had been issued.

Despite setting out an ambitious agenda the new Prime Minister is likely to face a series of hurdles. His party, with support from Labour, has only 150 seats in the Commons, which technically falls short of the 151 needed for a majority. Despite this, the principle of the independent Speaker's job of not voting except to break ties means the new Lucas ministry has an effective majority of 1. In the Senate too Mr Lucas will have to negotiate with both the centre and the right as his Conservatives are far from the 57 needed for a majority there. The far right National Afalia, who won 3 seats in the Commons, have indicated they will support the Conservatives new proposed December budget if it meets certain conditions on immigration but Conservatives on the moderate Centrist Alliance faction of the party have urged Mr Lucas to promise to not negotiate with National Afalia.

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[Afalia]

Queen Gives Birth to Baby Girl, Royal Proclamation Names Her Princess Lucia
23rd September-Last Updated 14:00 ACST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN has given birth to a baby girl, the Blackdonian Palace has announced. Queen Amelia was taken to hospital in the early hours of the morning and had a 'safe and normal delivery,' the Queen's private physician announced. A royal proclamation issued outside the Blackdonian Palace at half past one said that a baby girl had been born to the Queen and Prince Frederick at approximately six o'clock this morning and named the child as Lucia, Princess of Verena. The new princess is second in line to the throne after her older brother, Prince George, who was born in 2015.

Speaking to journalists outside the Blackdonian Palace the Queen and Prince Frederick's press secretary confirmed the royal couple were 'resting at St Thomas' Hospital in central Blackdon and will return home this evening with the new Princess.' The press secretary said that the Queen and Prince Frederick were 'overwhelmed with joy once more at the birth of their second child.' He also asked journalists to 'continue to respect the privacy of the royal couple and household, particularly during this period.'

The full name of Princess Lucia was revealed as Lucia Emily Allora Laura Anetnfoi-Blackdon. Although the reasons for the names have not been revealed Lucia is likely to be a reference to Amelia's grandmother, the Queen grandmother Lucia Chanders who was married to King George I from 1948 to his death in 2013. Emily is likely an anglicised version of Prince Frederick's mother Emílíe and Princess Lucia's own new granddaughter, Allora in reference to Allora of Ghant, Lucia's great grandmother and Frederick's grandmother and Laura possibly a reference to the Queen's sister Empress Laura of Valyria.

The birth of Princess Lucia means that the Queen is likely to miss the State Opening of Parliament on Monday, which would have included a speech read by Her Majesty from the new Senate instead of the House of Peers, for the first time in Afalian history. It is possible a fellow royal or senior member of the Queen's council will read the speech in her place.

It is expected that the Queen and Prince Frederick will present the baby to members of the public from the balcony of the Blackdonian Palace at some point tomorrow. The Prime Minister Roger Lucas told journalists this afternoon that he was 'overjoyed at the announcement of the new baby. It's like having a baby yourself.' The leader of the opposition Jessica Shaw and party leaders Martin Jones, Robert Ziimtoo and Henry Rollings all congratulated the royal couple via twitter. The Archbishop of Cantwell, who is expected to baptise the baby in the near future, said he would ask all members of the Church of Afalia and 'everyone else' to pray for the best for the new baby and its family.

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