2023 IRB Presidential Election (Elections Finished)

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

2023 Presidential Election

It has come time for a presidential election in Boldonia. The 2022-2023 term has been a prosperous time for the IRB with it being the first term of the country. Now with the chaos of independence put behind many citizens are eager to vote for the new candidates offered by each political party. The parties running are:

Liberal Democrat Party
President: Mark Young
Vice President: Samantha Johnson
Libertarian Republic Party
President: Carl Holstein
Vice President: John Fulton
Independent Pacifician Party
President: Lindsey Bennet
Vice President: Makaio Kelekolio
Environmentalist Pacifician Party
President: Kimo Palakiko
Vice President: Hajime Furukawa
Liberal Society Party
President: Jovita Guerrero
Vice President: Karlmann Jans

For more information on political parties click this link.

How Boldonian Elections Work
Elections begin on the first Saturday of February. Throughout an election Boldonians vote for the following positions; representatives, senators, governors, secretaries, president, and vice president. President and vice president are usually voted on in the same ticket. While the voting of secretaries may make the president's cabinet of a hostile party, as evidenced by the 2022-2023 term, secretaries rarely act for the president and instead function as department heads. All offices are inaugurated on March 5, the same day as Boldonian independence.

Over the course of an election several debates will be held. While only one debate is mandated to happen, the major party presidential debate, the parties agree to hold other debates such as the vice presidential debate, intermediate party presidential debate, and minor party debate.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

I should mention it but you can post here. If your government has an opinion on the elections or parties then please feel free to post it.

[Bigpipstan]

"The central goverment of Anocratic empire wishes the Multiversal Rights Party luck. We hope that even if they are unlikely to win as a minor political movement, that they will manage to get enough votes to pressure the other major parties into adopting their policies. We hope they can get far in their political fight against human centrism in Boldonia."

[The Second Order of Life]

As soon as Boldonian elections were announced, the Executive Office of the Order set a date to release a statement to the national media, and invited foreign press to attend the occasion. The Ruler of the Order himself, Adamant Will 074, conducted the cerimony, with the presence of his ministers of diplomatic affairs and of the economy. To a crowd of journalists, he spoke:

"Welcome. We are pleased to see Boldonian democracy continue its cycle, being an enduring example to the Order, which itself constantly seeks to improve its own democratic process. As is guaranteed by Article 4 of our very Constitution, it is our duty to ensure that the multiverse and the dimensional paradigm are stable, and for that we may actively participate in the affairs of other nations, through diplomacy and good-will. Unfortunately, recent events have led us to believe that not all parties of the multiverse are ready to embrace our help, as some seem keen on closing their politics off to foreigners and those who do not originate from their own universe. It is fit- fear is often the prime factor for isolation - yet we deem that the solution is a step forward, unto a better universe for all sapients.

That is why I have gathered my advisors and have decided to support the Multiversal Rights Party in the upcoming presidential elections of Boldonia. We will actively advocate on behalf of their politicians, and hope that they elect a gradually increasing amount of legislators to ease relations between Boldonia and our nation. We shall nevertheless fully endorse democracy in its fullest extent, and will cooperate and appreciate the service of whichever party wins, as is our obligation to justice and reason. Thank you for coming, any doubts will be adressed by my gracious minister of foreign- or, rather, diplomatic affairs. Thank you, again.

The Ruler left the podium, into the backstage, allowing his minister to take the stand and answer questions. It is clear, however, that the Order fully supports the Multiversal Rights Party.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Minor Party Debate
Only on the Northern Broadcast

"Good evening I am Hailey Ollie of the Northern Broadcast, welcome to the minor party debate. Joining us today are representatives from each of the minor parties; please welcome Serenity Longstreet of the Boldonian Pacifist Party, Richard Hudson of the American Reunification Party, Zoellick Quentin of the Multiversal Rights Party, William Oslo of the Boldonian Independence Party, and Richard Wilson of the Boldonian Evangelical Association. The representatives agree to follow a strict set of rules. Representatives agree to not speak over each other, interrupt each other, or stray from the subject matter. Representatives will have at most 45 seconds to answer a question, which after all representatives have answered the questions a brief 75 second period will be held of open discussion so long as none of the representatives break any of the rules. There are several other rules the representatives have agreed to, but without further ado let us begin.

Boldonia's involvement in the multiverse is always a contentious topic in this nation, what is your party's view on the multiverse and how it should be treated and used in Boldonia."
"Boldonia being the capitalist free market it is continues its attempts to disrupt the will of the people of the multiverse with the goal of expanding its empire of nations to bow down to their system. What Boldonia needs is to allow the multiversal nations to choose their own destiny and stay out of multiversal affairs unless we are directly threatened by it."
"Our party is neutral with multiversal affairs. All I can say is that the United States should be the dominant power representing our universe rather that an island that was their territory less than a year ago."
"At this point we can't keep up the excuse that Boldonia 'fears' the multiverse, at this point it is clear that instead of fearing it Boldonia views it as inferior. A big change needs to be made in our society and we need to allow the multiverse into our society. These aren't 'abominations' or 'cultists' these are people and nothing less."
"Our party is neutral on the subject."
"The will of God compels us to spread the good word to the non-believers in the multiverse. It is the only way to salvation, the only."
"You may discuss."
"Not one of you has mentioned our treatment of the multiverse when it enters out universe. It's always us in the multiverse not the multiverse in us."
"Well you see the multiverse was a stupid decision to begin with. Why are we so fixated on the affairs of foreign nations that don't directly effect us."
"Because we need to keep the immoral abominations away from our paradise."
"But why must they be immoral or abominations, why can't they be unique? Here in this universe we hold equality up as a fundamental building block of society, why is it different when someone from the multiverse steps it."
"Well you see they're not equal. It's their uniqueness that makes them a problem. No sentient being in our universe runs around on all fours, has a fur coat, or can alter reality at a whim. In the multiverse they can, so this isn't out of discrimination this is out of security. Sometimes certain things need to be banned to allow for a better world, just like facism and Marxism we have to ban magic and non-humans."
"Discussion is over."
...
"Boldonia has strong ties with the United States, how does your party think this should be conducted in the future?"
"We should distance ourselves entirely from the west and their goals. When Boldonia left the United States it did not change anything, we continue to remain a puppet of theirs and its time to break that relationship."
"With Boldonia being independent we risk losing our good graces with the Americans every action we take. We should consider reuniting."
"Similar to Boldonia, America is also full of bigots. For 'the land of the free' they sure do seem to like to take away freedoms from multiversals. If the US wants to be that free place they want to be they should extend their open arms to the multiverse."
"We should definitely consider distancing ourselves a little bit. When the Independent Republic of Boldonia became independent it seemed to want to crawl back into the United States. While it is good to have allies it is bad to have a puppeteer. Already our expansion of relations in Europe can remove the puppeteer, we just need a lot more emphasis on it."
"Neutral"
"Discussion begins."
"Why exactly is being close with the United States a problem to you all?" Our life was just fine underneath the US flag."
"Yes but it's even better under the Boldonian flag. Quality of life, personal freedoms, and the economy have seen a massive increase. Meanwhile crime, income inequality, and violence have all decreased."
Well of course crime and violence are all going to go down when you have National Guard death squads roaming around. What those statistics fail to mention are multiversals. Pretty much all multiversals that have visited Boldonia before the Emergency Multiversal Human Security Act say they have experienced violence and discrimination while on non-humans that number is near 100%."
"Looks like time."
...
"We are nearing the end. As the final question I would like to ask what would your party do if they gained power?"
"Remove Boldonia from NATO and the west, instead becoming isolationist and not intervening in foreign affairs for any reason."
"Our party would try and build a closer relationship with the United States, outside of that there is nothing else we can really do."
"Fight to secure rights for all people regardless of their origin or species."
"Reduce our reliance on the United States and try and build up local businesses and placing more taxes on foreign business."
"Instill the good word of God onto this corrupt hedonistic land."
"Discuss."
"Ms. Longstreet and Mr. Oslo, you both are aware that the existence of Boldonia relies entirely on the outside world. Without it we have no food, no tourists, no military, no business, and none of countless other things?
"It's this mindset that keeps Boldonia behind, we can't just look to the rest of the world to save us we have to look inward and become self sufficient. Or else when the time comes when our puppeteers can no longer afford to keep the puppet held up Boldonia will crumble."
"Those puppeteers that have corrupted Boldonia and lead it to be another part of their New World Order..."
"While I do agree Boldonia has to be able to stand on its own, one of this country's major strengths is its far and wide collection of friendly nations. To not use that resource would be stupid and idiotic."
"Except you aren't using this resource. You have an entire multiverse trying to be our friend and yet we block it. For what reason, bigotry that's what."
"The multiverse is always a contentious place. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong in the multiverse. I'm not saying we have to entirely isolate ourselves from the rest of the world, we just have to be more selective to maintain stability."
"Alright time is up.

That concludes the minor party debate. The other parties will also be debating throughout the month of February, so stay tuned to PBCN and BNBS to catch the next debates. With that being said I am Hailey Ollie, have a great evening Boldonia."

[Floofybit]

Was hoping the Evangelical Association would be running. Will vote Rep because they are closest to right wing, but will not support any side very strongly.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Was hoping the Evangelical Association would be running. Will vote Rep because they are closest to right wing, but will not support any side very strongly.

The Boldonian Evangelical Association takes strong offense to this. They see all non-humans and even many humans as immoral and unfit for their plans.

[Terra dei Cittadini]

Could a party be entered into this election?

If so, here's my party: Cittadinian Democracy Party.

Supports:

• Progressivism.
• Queer Community.
• POC (People of Color).
• Regulated Markets.
• Federalism.
• Equity.
• Diplomacy/pacifism.
• Universal, low-cost, accessible healthcare.
• Open borders (with a reasonable amount of security).
  Anti:
• Imperialism.
• Warfare.
• Inequity.
• Far-right/neo-Nazism.
• Authoritarianism.
• Bigotry/hate/etc.

[Safiloa]

Kimo Palakiko and Hajime Furukawa have been invited by the Safiloan legislature (the Farmanulu) to speak on developing cooperation between separate nations, and how that can aid in the holistic protection of the environment. The speech will be televised.

Many Safiloans are specifically interested in seeing how a for-profit driven nation can be environmentalist. Safiloa is a communalist agrarian eco-socialist nation with a long history of fighting against oppression, slavery, marriage, and meat-eating. The trip itself is being fully paid for by the newly founded for-profit state-owned-but-independent Kambanu Island Tourism Authority, which has been given control over its own island as a for-profit tourism-friendly environmentalist experiment.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Could a party be entered into this election?

If so, here's my party: Cittadinian Democracy Party.

Supports:

• Progressivism.
• Queer Community.
• POC (People of Color).
• Regulated Markets.
• Federalism.
• Equity.
• Diplomacy/pacifism.
• Universal, low-cost, accessible healthcare.
• Open borders (with a reasonable amount of security).
  Anti:
• Imperialism.
• Warfare.
• Inequity.
• Far-right/neo-Nazism.
• Authoritarianism.
• Bigotry/hate/etc.

OOC: No, this is the Boldonian election not your election.

Kimo Palakiko and Hajime Furukawa have been invited by the Safiloan legislature (the Farmanulu) to speak on developing cooperation between separate nations, and how that can aid in the holistic protection of the environment. The speech will be televised.

Many Safiloans are specifically interested in seeing how a for-profit driven nation can be environmentalist. Safiloa is a communalist agrarian eco-socialist nation with a long history of fighting against oppression, slavery, marriage, and meat-eating. The trip itself is being fully paid for by the newly founded for-profit state-owned-but-independent Kambanu Island Tourism Authority, which has been given control over its own island as a for-profit tourism-friendly environmentalist experiment.

OOC: Edit wait should have looked to see who my candidates were thought you were talking about something entirely different. This is what happens when you use a random name generator.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Kimo Palakiko and Hajime Furukawa have been invited by the Safiloan legislature (the Farmanulu) to speak on developing cooperation between separate nations, and how that can aid in the holistic protection of the environment. The speech will be televised.

Many Safiloans are specifically interested in seeing how a for-profit driven nation can be environmentalist. Safiloa is a communalist agrarian eco-socialist nation with a long history of fighting against oppression, slavery, marriage, and meat-eating. The trip itself is being fully paid for by the newly founded for-profit state-owned-but-independent Kambanu Island Tourism Authority, which has been given control over its own island as a for-profit tourism-friendly environmentalist experiment.

The offer would be declined by the party. During an election would not be the best time for a candidate to travel to a foreign nation. Maybe after they lose the election they might consider taking up the offer.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Intermediate Party Debate
On PBCN

"Good evening I am Jack Howard of PBCN, welcome to the intermediate party debate. Joining us today are the candidates from each of the intermediate parties; please welcome Lindsey Bennet of the Independent Pacifician Party, Kimo Palakiko of the Environmentalist Pacifician Party, and Jovita Guerrero of the Liberal Society Party. The candidates agree to follow a strict set of rules. Candidates agree to not speak over each other, interrupt each other, or stray from the subject matter. Candidates will have at most 60 seconds to answer a question, which after all candidates have answered the questions a brief 90 second period will be held of open discussion so long as none of the candidates break any of the rules. There are several other rules the candidates have agreed to, but without further ado let us begin.

Ever since independence our nation has seen a boom in the economy, what are your party's plans to maintain this high if your party believes it can even be maintained for long?"
"Our nation's strong suit is the tourism industry with the cruise industry being the crown jewel of it. Currently many of the cruise lines that operate in Boldonia seem afraid to take the risk of sending their big ships to Boldonia, instead sending some of their more medium and smaller ships. So far the only cruise line to really put anything on the line is Norwegian currently building Pride of Boldonia, however if we were to subsidize the other lines they might be willing to take the risk bringing in more foreign tourists. With the right price we could convince Royal Caribbean to bring in an Oasis-Class, or Norwegian to bring a Breakaway Plus which would make Boldonia more popular with the average tourist."
"All of this economic expansion is good, it's just that the government needs to keep a good watch over it to make sure that no company breaks the rules. Our nation has a lot of beautiful parts, and if we want to use it to draw in foreigners we have to protect it."
"This nation focuses too much on foreign companies and rarely ever cares for its local industry. Instead of focusing on appeasing the foreign business moguls we should look inward to furthering the quality of the average Boldonian worker and keeping foreigners from gaining control of Boldonia"
"Discussion begins."
"Why is this country so insistent on bowing down to these foreign corporations? Both of you and every other party for that matter always treats corporations like they're the savior of Boldonia."
"Well what do we produce here, some plants, a few fish, not enough to sustain a theoretical autarky. The matter of the fact is Boldonia can not physically sustain itself without foreign support."
"What's your proof, we haven't even tried to build a self sustaining economy."
"Actually someone has, during World War II the Japanese tried just that. They failed, supplies had to be constantly shipped in from the rest of their occupied territory."
"Well that was wartime, now it's different. If we put our minds together we can make it work."
"You're an idealist, the real world doesn't work like that. You're so fixated on your ideal you lose sight of the current situation. The matter of the fact is it's more efficient, reliable, and easier to rely on the foreign market than sticking it out on our own. And we have no good reason to isolate ourselves, the only reason you can provide is 'capitalism bad' when clearly all of the evidence we have provided proves that in Boldonia's case it is the opposite."
"Discussion over."
...
"Government funding is always a contentious issue, at least in political spheres, where does your party think funds need to be directed?"
"Currently my party believes funding is in a good place. If we had to change something maybe some funds might be redirected from the funding behemoth that is the Interstate Highways towards investment in our nation's limited transportation. Other than that right now funds are pretty much directed where they need to be."
"Funding right now is really heavily focused on transportation, but it's funding the wrong things. Our country's reliance on the Interstate Highway System makes it really the only viable way to get around especially the more north you go. What we should be investing in is public transport to reduce our carbon impact. But of course that is assuming people will use it, which is unlikely given how fixated Boldonia is on its freeways."
"Our country as always draws funding from the local citizen to appease foreign interests. In a better Boldonia funding would be placed towards the citizens and not to the foreign corporations. Doing this would make foreign corporations not as welcome in Boldonia and making sure that the citizens can hold the power instead of foreigners."
"Discuss."
"Again with ignoring the real problems are we?"
"Like we have been trying to say it, you are forcing this problem into existence. It does not exist unless you force it to."
"Nowhere in our funds does it say corporations, so please enlighten me how are we finding corporations?"
"Everything that we spend on has been to appease corporations, all the Interstates, the military, everything."
"I'm sorry, the Interstates don't benefit the population? Even though there are better alternatives I am not blind to not see the benefit they bring to our society."
"They benefit the corporations more, the population only gets a sliver of the benefits."
"Oh so you want to have your workers drive through poor mud and dirt roads to get to your factories? The matter of the fact is something can benefit both the people and business. Again, you fail to provide a good reason why benefiting business is bad."
"Discussion is finished."
...
"The Independent Republic of Boldonia's involvement in foreign affairs, including multiversal affairs, is always a controversial topic, how does your party belive they should be handled in the future?"
"Boldonia has many friends in the multiverse but never really any formal alliances. While most of the time this is out of a desire to keep Boldonia out of petty politics I think our nation could do with extending our horizons a little and getting more allies who we can trust and for them to trust us."
"Our party is not really concerned with foreign policy. We feel that the leading parties already have it in an alright state."
"I think Boldonia is involved too much in both foreign and multiversal politics. Boldonia whenever possible likes to pick off any nations that it deems 'unfriendly' or 'undemocratic' often to the detriment of the people they claim to support. Especially noteworthy is Boldonia's hatred of extremists and it seems to do all in its power to preserve status quo at all costs, again often at the detriment of the people."
"Discussion begins now."
"Okay... I am going to put this in as simple English as possible. Extremism... is not good, extremism is violent, extremism is a threat to society. I struggle to understand how someone can willingly support violence when it is not wanted by the general populous."
"Okay, but what if it is popular? What if they are correct?"
"Oh my... are you just disagreeing with society to disagree? Because you aren't as popular as you think you are. Seriously how popular do you think you are, forget your dreams of the population all unanimously rising up to dethrone the government, it's not going to happen. Not here and if you're thinking about somewhere as big as the United States, forget about it."
"Okay we're getting off topic here, it's time to move on."
...
"Okay final question, what are your party's goals if you get into office."
"Mostly just cooperate with the LDP and anyone else willing to. Build bridges where possible and overall continue to maintain this sharp improvement Boldonia is on."
"You know... we don't really consider winning to be a possibility. Mostly we plan to do the same thing as you just said, cooperate."
"We would work to dethrone our foreign overlords and work to better the life of the Boldonian people. Heavily discourage foreigners from stealing Boldonia with the end goal of kicking out all foreign influence and establishing a government run by the people."
"... Okay... uh so discuss, I guess?"
Hey listen to me, alright, listen. You alright? Everything good, you okay?"
"Oh I'm just fine you corporate shill, just fine."
"Please refrain from insulting each other."
"Okay... simple... English... you, are, wrong. Your entire party fails on all fronts, you fail to see the situation for what it is and rely on an impossible dream to guide you. The evidence is very clear... Boldonians do not want socialism. You are fighting a fight that has already been lost. Come back down to Earth, get with the times. The world doesn't work like in your dreams, everything you have said throughout this entire debate has been incorrect on all fronts. It's not a surprise you barely have a stable voter base and it's decreasing rapidly. So I ask you, why, just why?"
"It is you who is stuck in the past, you think you've won but you'll see, you'll se-"
"Okay we're just going to stop here.

This concludes the intermediate party debate. Stay tuned on BNBS and PBCN to watch the rest of the debates. This has been Jack Howard of PBCN, have a great evening."

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Vice Presidential Debate
BNBS

"Good evening I am Elizabeth Norman of BNBS, welcome to the vice presidential debate. Joining us today are the vice presidential candidates from the two major parties, please welcome Samantha Johnson of the Liberal Democrat Party and John Fulton of the Libertarian Republic Party. The candidates agree to follow a strict set of rules. Candidates agree to not speak over each other, interrupt each other, or stray from the subject matter. Candidates will have at most 60 seconds to answer a question, which after all candidates have answered the questions a brief 90 second period will be held of open discussion so long as none of the candidates break any of the rules. There are several other rules the candidates have agreed to, but without further ado let us begin.

First of all a contentious topic concerning the multiverse is the introduction of sentient non-humans to Boldonia, however they have been banned from entry and a few concerned citizens have called for the ban to be lifted. What does your party think should be done about these non-humans?"
"Well... uh... this is a democracy so we are bound to the whims of the voters. Right now there is not a vote for this subject, but in the future maybe there is. But we can't say for certain what that result is."
"You have yet to answer the question."
"Oh uh... like... you know, since we're a democracy we follow what the voters vote on so we have to wait until they vote, or well if they vote."
"Oh me... uh... maybe we, also, leave it up to the voters... or we don't. We are not really constitutional bound to take this action at this moment."
"So you want a constitutional ammendment?"
"I mean, if that is what the voters want... the process is there to, well uh, do that."
"Okay discuss."
"I agree."
"I do too."
"Okay none of you actually seem to have an opinion on this so we are moving on."
...
"Our nation is seen as a paragon of equality by the rest of the world, however there are still a few minorities that seem to have been left behind. How does your party plan to help out these minorities and bring them up to the rest of the population."
"As a government it is our responsibility to provide equally for all citizens. As such we should be ensuring that this is actually carried through and that the government does not end up giving more to someone who needs it less and not giving less to someone who needs it more."
"Yeah we should provide equally to our citizens and make sure that everyone has a chance in this nation."
"Alright, discuss."
"I wholeheartedly agree with what you said."
"I am also in agreement with what you said, everyone should have a chance in this nation regardless of their race, gender, or sexuality."
"Moving on."
...
"Boldonia continues to build up good relations with our allies, however some people say that certain nations get more attention than others. Are there any gaps or weaker links in our web of alliances that you think needs to be fixed?"
"Yes, we have really strong alliances in Western Europe and North America but we often lose sight of areas outside that area. I think that Boldonia could do with building up stronger alliances with nations in Eastern Europe and even some in the Caribbean. A stronger relation with nations such as Bulgaria, Greece, the Baltic nations, the Balkan nations, the Bahamas, Panama, and so many others."
"Adding on to what you said there are some nations which we seem to have a strong alliance with but it often gets sidelined for other nations. Nations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others."
"Discuss."
"While you are definitely correct in saying we often forget about those nations sometimes, what we should really focus on are the nations outside North America, Western Europe, and the Pacific. These areas are already very secure so we should look outside them a little bit to shore up and gaps in defense."
"If it's possible we should focus on both, building up relations with those far off nations while simultaneously maintaining our already established ones."
"Discussion is done."
...
"This last question is an important one. Both of your parties agree on most issues that face this nation which is leading many to fear that in the future opposition will be essentially extinct in Boldonia. Does your party have any ideas of how to curb this future?"
"Well there are still some key differences between our parties that do still affect elections. However this agreement is what sets us apart from anarchy, if a nation is not able to agree on the most basic piece of legislation we will never be able to get anything done."
"I agree, this is what makes Boldonia different. We are able to balance differences in politics while still being able to get things done. It is this ability that allows our nation to make progress instead of being held back by petty arguments and disagreements."
"Discuss."
"Are we in agreement?"
"It seems so."
"That's it... okay then.

This concludes the vice presidential debate. Stay tuned on BNBS and PBCN to watch the rest of the debates. This has been Elizabeth Norman of BNBS, have a great evening."

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Presidential Debate
BNBS

"Good evening I am James Holland of BNBS, welcome to the presidential debate. Joining us today are the presidential candidates from the two major parties, please welcome Mark Young of the Liberal Democrat Party and Carl Holstein of the Libertarian Republic Party. The candidates agree to follow a strict set of rules. Candidates agree to not speak over each other, interrupt each other, or stray from the subject matter. Candidates will have at most 60 seconds to answer a question, which after all candidates have answered the questions a brief 90 second period will be held of open discussion so long as none of the candidates break any of the rules. There are several other rules the candidates have agreed to, but without further ado let us begin.

Okay so first of I am directing this question at you Mr. Holstein. In this country's first year you lead it as president, now here you are running again. I ask you, why do you want to run again? And what makes you think you'll be elected again?"
"I'm just running because the LRP needs a candidate. As for winning, that's up to the voters. I don't see myself as the most popular candidate I just see myself as another candidate. At the end of the election it is the voter's decision, I have no right to predict that."
"Now for you Mr. Young. What did your party think about Mr. Holstein's term as president."
"He did alright I would say. Since in this country it's really the legislature that decides things his power was limited, since the LDP controls the legislature. Honestly there wouldn't be much of a problem is Mr. Holstein is re-elected, however I think it would be better governmentally if the president wasn't of an opposing party to the legislature."
"Discuss"
"Yeah as president my power was indeed very limited. With the LDP in control of the legislature there was not a whole lot I could do, and with it very likely they will continue to dominate the government I do not think a president from an opposing party would be taken kindly by the legislature."
"That's just the way this country works. Unfortunately for you Boldonia just is not a conservative place overall. Yes there are parts in Sicil and Eastisle South but they are vastly out numbered and out voted by our urban areas. Did you know that Parmilo-Palm County alone has more population than Eastisle North? This is the problem conservatives face in this country, they're just outnumbered by the urban areas."
"That's not really a problem exclusive to Boldonia but I get where you're going."
"Time is up."
...
"Mr. Young, your party has expressed interest in updating term length and limits in this nation. Do you mind explaining where this sentiment originates from?"
"Put simply, our country can't keep going back and forth. To survive we have to edit our constitution to ensure stability. We were thinking to make the office of president three years instead of one, and a maximum of 2 terms instead of eight."
"I'm not blind to see the issues the short term length has. I would fully support this legislation, however I don't know about the rest of my party. They might see it as though you are editing the constitution to stay in power. You know, their president only got one year but all of a sudden when the LDP steps into office suddenly it's three years."
"We do still have to do it for stability, one year is just too short. Hopefully the Supreme Court approves."
"Discussion ends."
...
"A really contentious topic that nobody seems to have an opinion on, non-human rights. What are your plans in office to further them and ensure everyone is treated equally in Boldonia."
"Wait and see. There are no plans in place. If the voters want non-human rights, then they will vote for them. If not then we won't, and currently most voters fall in the latter category."
"I am just going to flat out say it, only a small minority in this country want abominations-"
"Can we not revert to using slurs please?"
"Fine, only a small minority of Boldonians want 'non-humans' walking around in our streets. That's not something that we want, so it's not happening. Shoot on sight is the order given to the military, if we wanted to give those things rights we wouldn't pepper them with .50 cal the second we catch sight of them. Yet we do, so I think it's clear, the only sentient beings to enter our universe will be nothing but the homo sapien."
"Discuss, again please remain civil."
"You know I actually agree with you. These non-humans are not wanted by the general population, not just of Boldonia but of the entire universe."
"Nobody wants them, nobody. This is our universe, not the one of those things."
"If you all have nothing to discuss we will move on."
...
"Currently Boldonia's role in international politics doesn't seem to be quite known what exactly it is. What does your party think this country's role should be in international politics?"
"Boldonia should be a regional power with some influence internationally, representing our corner of the Pacific on the international stage and building up relations with the smaller Pacific islands in our area."
"I feel that our influence internationally is more important than local influence. While yes we should support our neighbors, we should also support our international allies."
"Debate."
"I think on the international stage our importance is already cemented, however we often lose sight of what's right next to us. We should give more attention to regional matters aswell, not just international."
"For us what happens internationally affects us more. What goes on in say Tuvalu barely effects us, but something in Europe directly affects us as it affects our closest allies."
"I'm not saying we have to ignore Europe, I'm just saying we should also pay attention to the Pacific."
"You know actually that works. We are in agreement?"
"Yet again."
"Discussion over."
...
This concludes the presidential debate. This has been James Holland of BNBS, have a great evening."

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

PBCN

Parmilo-Boldonia City Network

LSP Calls LDP and LRP For a Debate

After watching the Presidential Debate LSP candidate Jovita Guerrero publicly called out the LDP and LRP immediately calling for a debate between the two parties and her own. She cited that the two parties failed to address what she calls the "real issues" and that the two weren't different enough. Seemingly in response, Carl Holstein of the LRP tweeted out "I have no reason to continue to beat a dead horse. Accept your losses and move on with the rest of the world before we have to drag you into it." Mark Young of the LDP had a different response, publicly stating, "Fine, if you want a devate then fine, have your debate. Just know that you're the one that's going to be fighting the uphill battle." The two are planned to meet some time either this week or next week, of course it will be televised so keep and eye out if you want to watch the fireworks.

Race to Win Norfi Getting Closer and Closer to a Draw

Even before independence Norfi has always been an electoral battleground. So far ballots are getting closer to a draw with the LDP currently having 43% of the state's vote and the LRP having 41%. However many still claim Norfi will be a safe seat for the LDP with the urban population of the state being a tiny bit more than the rural population. Still the race is close and everyone is watching the state closely.

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

LDP vs LSP Debate
On PBCN

"Welcome to the LDP vs LSP debate, I'm Jack Howard of PBCN. This debate was called by Jovita Guerrero of the Liberal Society Party, of which Mark Young of the Liberal Democrat Party responded. This is a more informal debate with an open floor for discussion, but I will still make sure that the candidates address political topics and respect one another.

With that being said I think Ms. Guerrero wanted to speak first."
"So Mr. Young, why are you so complicit in all that you know holds this country back?"
"You can't just blurt out something without specifying and expect me to know what you're referring to."
"Okay, okay, we'll start simple. Why are you complicit in US foreign policy despite the fact it is well known that the US does more harm than good."
"Okay for starters we are not beholden to the US we follow NATO, there's a difference. Second, we are indeed capable of doing our own thing. You know what's happening in the multiverse with a version of Italy, in no way was the United States involved with that decision. We were the first ones who brought the war to them. The rest of the nations fighting them were simply just bombing their cities, we landed troops in Sicily, then the rest of the coalition finally moved their troops on Italian soil."
"And what about this 'Race for Rome' I've been hearing about? Trying to get to the capital first so we can colonize Italy before the rest of our allies."
"Better us than anyone else! Galicia-Hungary wants to turn Italy into a puppet monarchy, Holban Blan Bal wants to genocide the entire Italian peninsula, the American Federation is carpet bombing Italian civilian areas to smithereens. Meanwhile we're using precision, minimizing the effect of the war on civilians, and once it's all done we don't cripple Italy forcing them to become our puppet to stay afloat, no we allow them to choose their own government. We allow them to adopt our values, of course only if they want them. Boldonia doesn't divide and punish invaded lands, we support and rebuild them."
"All of this to support our corporations and allow them to exploit the weakened Italian people."
"In no way have I mentioned a single corporation. We have heavy restrictions on our companies and their involvement in the multiverse. If they do something we don't like we force them to leave."
"Alright let's shift to loc..."
"No, you don't just get to change the subject when you are losing. What legs do you have to stand on in your arguments thus far? What evidence do you have to indicate Boldonia is a plague upon the multiverse?"
"Well uh, Brasilistan..."
"Oh yes Brasilistan, the country we are working to rebuild putting thousands of dollars into all while being supported by both the population and the government. Yeah, we're totally corrupting them."
"Well, uh, uh..."
"That's right, you have no evidence. Now moving on let's get this over with."
"Oh yes, I see you're trying to hand off all of our infrastructure to all of the foreign corpa..."
"Ever since independence we've nationalized 36% of our essential infrastructure..."
"Alright you aren't furthering workers rights in this cou..."
"Oh you mean that bill I plan to pass called the 'Worker's Job Protection Act' because obviously that means I don't care about workers rights."
"You've suppressed dissidents and anyone who goes against the governme..."
"Sorry are you referring to the terrorists who shot our law enforcement officers on the streets in cold blood?"
"Is that what they are? Terrorists just because you don't agree wi..."
"Again, they shot law enforcement officers in the street. When we raided their compounds we found plans for bombings. They are terrorists whether or not you agree with them."
"You keep calling them terrorists when it's inevitable that they'll win out in the end."
"I am going to spell it out as clear as I can for you. You do not have support. Your Ideology has failed time and time again. You are not as popular as you think you are, most people do not want socialism in any capacity. So I ask you, why do you continue to fight a losing fight? You have already lost, you will not win."
"Whether or not you like it the people wi..."
"Like I said, the people do not support you! You have lost, throw in the towel it's over! Stop being a sore looser, you lost that's that!"
"Well what makes you think your system is better?"
"Look around you, we are doing just fine. Our system has survived for centuries and it will survive for countless more. At least we admit that there are problems and we work to solve them, you on the other hand refuse to admit your system is flawed. You view it as the solution to all the world's problems, but it's not, nothing is. You lost, deal with it."

"Alright we need to wrap this up. Thank you all for watching and remember to vote. Only a few more weeks remain to cast your vote."

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

2023 Election
Election Results

Executive Branch


President: Mark Young (60%)
Vice President: Samantha Johnson (60%)

Secretary of State: Alina Ivanovich (71%)
Secretary of Defense: Jack Ingram (54%)
Secretary of Justice: Andrew Lewis (76%)
Secretary of Transportation: Robert Thornton (74%)
Secretary of Utility: Julia Opelheim (54%)
Secretary of Tourism: Ashley Davidson (72%)
Secretary of Commerce and Finance: Michael Gray (68%)
Secretary of Multiverse: George Quinn (67%)
Secretary of Health and Safety: Lewis Kinnely (53%)
Secretary of Environment: Mikanoua Hounaua (65%)
Secretary of Parks and Wildlife: Vivian London (72%)
Secretary of Media and Information: Alan Owens (64%)

Legislative Branch


Boldonian Capital Territory
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LDP Majority: 70%

Florsid
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LDP Majority: 65%

Sicil
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LRP Majority: 78%

Centros
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: EPP Majority: 48%

Norfi
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LDP Majority: 58%

Reefman
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LDP Majority: 66%

Filstik
Senate: ■■(■*) (claims of election fraud under investigation)
House of Representatives: LDP Majority: 45% (seats won by MRP under investigation for election fraud)

Eastisle South
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LRP Majority: 65%

Eastisle North
Senate: ■■■
House of Representatives: LSP Majority: 46%

All positions will be inaugurated March 5, 2023 except when election fraud is suspected.

[Socialist Montenegro]

No Communist Party? How disappointing!

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

PBCN

Parmilo-Boldonia City Network

Claims of Election Fraud Made Over MRP Seats Won in Filstik

Immediately after the state released its election results politicians around Boldonia made claims of election fraud and called for a recount of votes amidst the controversial Multiversal Rights Party winning one of the three senatorial seats for the state and a single representative for the state. Boldonians all around the political spectrum are saying the votes for the MRP were over exaggerated and the numbers that voted for them were actually lower than they actually were, with some saying the candidates from the MRP got less than 100 votes. Of course no one will publicly state their support for the MRP, with protests held in support of the MRP always being met by a larger counter protest and a response from the National Guard. The senator in question commented on the matter, "It's just deplorable, the second we win fair and square we are accused of 'stealing the election' despite the real people voting us in free and fairly. This is obviously a ploy by the government to oust us out just because they don't believe in fundamental rights being given to those who deserve them. It's a shame everyone is a bigot in this country, and if you aren't you're 'anti-human' and want to see the 'end of the species' even though all we want is equal rights for all."

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

PBCN

Parmilo-Boldonia City Network

Elected Positions Set to Be Inaugurated Tommorow

Tomorrow all of the positions elected are set to be inaugurated on March 5, the one year anniversary of Boldonian independence. The Presidental and Vice Presidential inauguration are set to be held at Fletcher Park in Boldonia City next to Beach Avenue. Local and foreign media is invited to televise the inauguration and citizens are also invited aswell free of charge. The German President has congratulated President-Elect Mark Young and congratulates Boldonia as a whole for its one year anniversary of independence with several more nations doing the same.

Federal Government Calls For Snap Election For Filstik Senator Seat

Amid the controversy concerning the senator's seat the Federal Government has begun to hold an election in Filstik for the controversial senatorial seat with heavy oversight. Currently the seat is under heavy controversy with many saying it was basically impossible for the Multiversal Rights Party to win as many seats as they did in the House of Representatives nation wide, and literally impossible for them to even win one senatorial seat. The election should hopefully clear up the controversy and show who was truly elected.

President Carl Holstein's Farewell Adress

"My fellow Boldonians, it was an honor serving as your first president since independence. This year has been a tumultuous one for this country no doubt about it. We've had two wars with Brasilistan, opened the multiverse, made friends and foes, fought wars, and made trade deals. Through it all we have made sure to hold up our values of freedom and democracy for all, and while sometimes external factors have forced other outcomes I like to say we held them up as well as we could. The Boldonian experiment worked, but we didn't do it alone. I would like to thank the people and governments of the United States of America, The Federal Republic of Germany, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aswell as all of Boldonia's allies be they NATO or not. Without their support Boldonia would be and still would be dead in the water and simply be a footnote in global politics. But with their help we have rised to become a superpower, not by conquering or subjugating but by supporting and rebuilding our enemies.

This is what separates Boldonia from the rest of the multiverse. When we go to war we don't do it for land or hard power, we do it for allies and the people. Democracy is not truly just if only a few people get to experience it, it must be spread to all people of all backgrounds around the world and the multiverse. What Boldonia also stands for is reconciliation, of forgiveness. Nations we previously saw as threats and enemies are now our allies. Think Brasilistan, the Aquaria, and Tangatarehua, we were previously at the brink of war with these nations and with one of them we did invade. With the rest though, we forgave them, we saw through the colors on their flag and their systems of government and repaired our relations.

I now direct my attention to some of my fellow party members and supporters. Leave the troubles of the USA behind you, this is a new nation. Please let power peacefully transfer in all positions, we are not the backwater racists and homophobes of the US we are simply conservatives. And if you do not agree that all people should share the fundamental rights that 'normal' people have I will personally seek you out and oversee your ejection from this party.

Again thank you Boldonia, and good luck Mark!"

[Independent Republic of Boldonia]

Presidential Inauguration
President Mark Young

The crowd goes quiet as Mark Young and the cheif justice stand up on the podium. They each place their hand on what seens to be a copy of the Constitution.

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Independent Republic of Boldonia against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true allegiance to the same; that I will take this obligation freely; without any reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties on which I am about to enter."


Immediately afterwards the instrumentals to Battle Hymn of the Republic are heard as three fighter planes do a flyover, one F-4U Corsair, one F-14 Tomcat, and one F/A-18. Afterwards the inaugural adress begins.

"My fellow Boldonians,

Today not only marks the inauguration of a new president but also the anniversary of our independence. Our first year as an independent nation has been evenful, both for Boldonia but also for the entire world. We opened the multiverse and made friends and enemies, something that has drawn controversy but is a necessary step. The freedoms that we share must not be just limited to us, it is our responsibility that everyone is free from oppression everywhere possible. Admittedly this is a far fetched ideal, but so is every other. This is not the goalpost we have to pass, but instead we are only just beginning to train for it.

Now I am aware that a crisis is brewing domestically and we are engaged in a war in the multiverse, but rest assured I and the congress of this nation will work to solve the issues affecting our country. I do not expect to entirely fix all of Boldonia's problems in a single term whether the length stay the same or it be extended.

Just know that we do not stand alone in this. We have allies all across the globe. We have allies in the United States, Germany, Japan, and NATO as a whole. We are a united nation with several allies abroad and diversity domestically. This is our strength, we aren't divided by religion, race, or gender we stay together.

Thank you for electing me as your president, let's make this a good term."