Election in Roumanija (1st in 70+ years, OPEN)

[Roumanija]

Roumanija will hold its first democratic elections in over 70 years this year. The country was a constitutional monarchy with an elected Parliament before the government was toppled by Communists and the monarchy abolished in the 1940s. The Communists set up a one-party state and ruled unilaterally for nearly forty-five years before the collapse of the government under public protest. Elections were scheduled, but a coup led by senior right-wing military figures prevented the calling of new elections. The new government, a military junta, recalled the son of the former king, the son by now being in his 60s, named him Domnitor of Roumanija and set up an official monarchy, though in practice the junta were in charge. For more than 25 years, the junta ruled Roumanija with the Domnitor mostly acquiescing. When the old Domnitor died a few years ago, his son had no sons and was in ill health. Therefore, the junta named his eldest daughter, Elena, as Regina, thinking they would be able to control her more easily. However, Elena threw her support behind popular protests for democracy that were developing, and the junta, confronted with two sources of pressure, collapsed and called for new elections. A non-elected constitutional convention developed a constitution that would make Elena head of state and give political power to Parliament, which would elect a Prime Minister to be head of government.

The elections will seat 300 members of the Roumanijan Parliament. All members are to be elected by party-list proportional representation with a minimum threshold of 1% of the vote. This means that all parties clearing the threshold will be entitled to at least 3 MPs.

Some of the major issues besides the flagging economy are the monarchy and foreign policy. Some wish to abolish the monarchy, others to retain a "crowned republic", and still others to grant executive authority to the Regina. On foreign policy, the question is to be closer to Varanga, which borders it, or to try to be closer to the European Community. Others argue for having a foot in both camps. A list of parties and their positions are below (listed from right to left).

National Revolutionary Action of Roumanija

Alignment: Third Position

This party is a syncretic mix of far-right social views and far-left economic views, with an authoritarian ideology. They resist both communism and capitalism and call for a corporatist model, with all economic activity benefiting the state. Ultranationalist, opposed to feminism, homosexuality, and immigration. They would abolish the monarchy and align more closely with Varanga than with the European Community, though they distrust them as well. Revanchist and want territory back from Balgariy and other states in Escandinavia.

Romanian National Movement

Alignment: Right-wing

This is the vehicle of the former junta and those who supported it. Realizing that they cannot stop democracy, they hope to influence it as much as possible. Socially conservative, favoring military spending, and espousing natalist policies. Favor limiting immigration and abortion. Running on a platform of capitalism with "state champions", large companies they believe are necessary to compete against other nations of the world and economic protectionism. Favor keeping the monarchy and lean more towards Varanga than the European Community.

Social Monarchist Party

Alignment: Right-wing, with a small centre-right faction

The Social Monarchist Party's main objective is to increase the power of the monarch, giving them actual executive authority. They believe in the unifying power of the monarchy and the necessity of checking the excesses of democracy. Mostly socially conservative, though not entirely. Favor limiting immigration, jobs programs, welfare, and universal healthcare.

Conservative Democratic Party

Alignment: Centre-right

The major catch-all party of the centre-right, the CDP contains liberal conservatives, conservative liberals, Christian democrats, and others. Supportive of capitalism and fewer market regulations while also accepting the need for a limited to moderate social safety net. Favors a points-based immigration system, legalising abortion up to 12 weeks, and civil unions for same-sex couples. Free traders, pro-monarchy, and generally pro-Europe.

Avansa Roumanija! (Forward Roumanija!)

Alignment: Centre, with centre-left and centre-right leanings

Roumanija's major liberal party, it catches both those with classical and social-liberal leanings. They are strongly socially progressive, backing same-sex marriage and abortion up to 24 weeks. They are strongly pro-Europe and anti-Varanga. They favor universal healthcare, but back workfare over welfare. Moderate on issues like taxation and the labor market, and definitely for free trade. Not afraid to be populist and believes that their rhetoric on how a broken political system can be fixed by liberal democratic values will activate the hidden liberals and the dissatisfied across Roumanija to support them.

Social Democratic Party of Roumanija

Alignment: Centre-left

The official successor to the Communist Party of Roumanija from the one-party state era, they have successfully rebranded themselves, purged their more authoritarian tendencies, and now are seen as fairly popular, though some still associate them with corruption. Favor universal healthcare, welfare state, state-owned utilities, and pro-immigration. For civil unions for same-sex couples and legalising abortion up to 16 weeks. Not exactly pro-monarchy, but not trying to abolish it either, officially grateful to the Regina for supporting the democratic protests. Mostly pro-European Community and anti-Varanga.

Ecology and Peace

Alignment: centre-left to left-wing

It's right there in the name. Their two main issues are environmentalism and non-interventionism. They hope to steer Roumanija away from international confrontation and work co-operatively with other nations to solve the climate crisis. They believe in ratifying the Paris Accords, moving to 100% carbon neutrality by 2035, and reducing the armed forces. They embrace left economic policies to achieve their goals, but without a focus on economic inequality per se. Socially progressive, neutral on the monarchy, and pro-European Community.

Socialist People's Party

Alignment: Left-wing

Mostly democratic socialists, they advocate for things like workers' cooperatives and state-owned industries, utilities, and transportation. They are notably socially progressive, calling for same-sex marriage, abortion throughout a pregnancy, and welcoming immigrants. They want to abolish the monarchy and stand closer to the European Community, which they hope to reform into a more socialist grouping. They detest Varanga, viewing them as both capitalist and imperialist. Their three arrow logo refers to their opposition to capitalism, fascism, and reactionary social views.

Communist Left of Roumanija

Alignment: Left-wing to far-left

No relation to the Communist-era party, they have many different tendencies, including Trotskyism, De Leonism, and Marxism-Leninism, among others. They made a notable effort to organise trade unions under the junta. They argue for state-owned means of production and solidarity with revolutionary movements across the globe. They argue for abolishing the monarchy and are anti-Varanga and anti-European community, viewing them both as capitalist bourgeois.

Vote in the poll, comment on who you're supporting, offer help to particular parties, send observers to monitor elections, what have you. Just no interference with the actual vote.

[First American Empire]

The American Empire endorses Ecology and Peace, but also approves of Avansa Roumanija and the Socialist People's Party. We wish them all great success in the election, are willing to offer assistance to any representatives of these parties who want our help. We hope that Roumanija will strengthen ties with the European Community, legalize same sex marriage, and liberalize abortion and immigration law. We also would prefer you not abolish the monarchy, but this is not a precondition for aid. We don't have a preference on your economic policies so long as you are socially liberal, pro-european, and anti-Varanga.

[Cerinda]

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Official Communique From The People's Socialist Republic Of Cerinda

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Although we disagree with the CLR on several things (particually Trotskysim), we see them as the only party that repersents the people of Roumanija therefore we have declared our support and pledge 5 million Rubles to help them with the election campaign.

[Roumanija]

The interim Roumanijan government and the Roumanijan people receive the messages and look forward to working with their partners in the multiverse. Still several days yet until the voting starts!

[Nova Anglicana]

The Nova Anglican government officially does not endorse in other nations' elections, but for journalists who are in the know, here are the sympathies of various figures and parties in the nation.

NRAR: None

RNM: The right wing of the People's Party (largest opposition party), almost all of the National Party, including leader King Voss

SMP: None

CDP: The majority of the PP, including leader Michael Ramsey, a few moderates in the National Party

AR: Most of the Liberal Secularists (member of government coalition), some of the centrist wing of the Progressive Justice Party (largest party)

SPDR: Most of the PJP, including Deputy Prime Minister Sandra Meyer, a handful of Liberal Secularists

EP: The Stewardship Party, a member of the government coalition and the Nova Anglican version of a green party, support Ecology and Peace.

SPP: Equality, a minor party with a few regional seats, but that may yet win a seat in the national parliament, has endorsed the SPP.

CLR: The Socialist Workers' Party, a very minor party with a couple of regional seats, has endorsed the Communist Left.

No endorsement: Libertarian Party

[Bienenhalde]

Regarding the Social Monarchist Party you say that they

Favor limiting immigration, jobs programs, welfare, and universal healthcare.

So I understand they are against immigration, but what about the other three things? Does the word "limiting" refer just to immigration, or to all three items listed?

[Roumanija]

Regarding the Social Monarchist Party you say that they

Favor limiting immigration, jobs programs, welfare, and universal healthcare.

So I understand they are against immigration, but what about the other three things? Does the word "limiting" refer just to immigration, or to all three items listed?

Limiting only refers to immigration; they are in favor of limiting immigration and also in favor of having jobs programs, having welfare, and having universal healthcare. Socially conservative, but economically centre-left.

Thanks for asking and don’t forget to vote in the poll if you haven’t already!

[Bienenhalde]

Okay, thank you. I would prefer a party that is pro-LGBT and has a pro-life stance on abortion, but I realize that is not a realistic possibility in many countries. Also, I am pro-monarchy, center-left on economic issues, and pro-environmentalism. Which parties would you say are closest to my views?

[Roumanija]

Okay, thank you. I would prefer a party that is pro-LGBT and has a pro-life stance on abortion, but I realize that is not a realistic possibility in many countries. Also, I am pro-monarchy, center-left on economic issues, and pro-environmentalism. Which parties would you say are closest to my views?

Pro-life:NRAR, RNM, mostly SMP, and partly CDP.
Pro-LGBT:AR, CLR, EP, SPP. SPDR and CDP are at least for civil unions.
Pro-monarchy: RNM, SMP, CDP. AR, SDPR, and EP are at least neutral on monarchy.

Centre-left economics: SMP, SPDR, EP.

Pro-environmentalism: EP for sure, while SPDR, SPP, CLR, AR, and to a certain extent CDP and SMP have at least some green elements.

I would say top match is probably SMP (pro-life, pro-monarchy, centre-left econ, and at least somewhat green). CDP is partly pro-life, for civil unions, pro-monarchy, and at least a little green. EP is pro-LGBT, centre-left, and pro-environmental. SMP is probably best for you, but if you don't like them, then I guess it depends on what you prioritize. EP has 3 stances you like, one neutral, and one against, while CDP has one stance you like, and three that are at least neutral, with one you don't like.

[Mastrella]

Following local polling, a slim majority of Roumanijan citizens residing in Mastrella have indicated a preference for the SPDR. As such, a vote has been placed for that party.

[Bienenhalde]

Okay, thank you. I would prefer a party that is pro-LGBT and has a pro-life stance on abortion, but I realize that is not a realistic possibility in many countries. Also, I am pro-monarchy, center-left on economic issues, and pro-environmentalism. Which parties would you say are closest to my views?

Pro-life:NRAR, RNM, mostly SMP, and partly CDP.
Pro-LGBT:AR, CLR, EP, SPP. SPDR and CDP are at least for civil unions.
Pro-monarchy: RNM, SMP, CDP. AR, SDPR, and EP are at least neutral on monarchy.

Centre-left economics: SMP, SPDR, EP.

Pro-environmentalism: EP for sure, while SPDR, SPP, CLR, AR, and to a certain extent CDP and SMP have at least some green elements.

I would say top match is probably SMP (pro-life, pro-monarchy, centre-left econ, and at least somewhat green). CDP is partly pro-life, for civil unions, pro-monarchy, and at least a little green. EP is pro-LGBT, centre-left, and pro-environmental. SMP is probably best for you, but if you don't like them, then I guess it depends on what you prioritize. EP has 3 stances you like, one neutral, and one against, while CDP has one stance you like, and three that are at least neutral, with one you don't like.

Okay...for right now I think I will vote SMP, but I am also sympathetic to the CDP.

[Roumanija]

Following local polling, a slim majority of Roumanijan citizens residing in Mastrella have indicated a preference for the SPDR. As such, a vote has been placed for that party.

Okay...for right now I think I will vote SMP, but I am also sympathetic to the CDP.

Thank you both for voting and for posting!

[Shongbao]

Okay, thank you. I would prefer a party that is pro-LGBT and has a pro-life stance on abortion, but I realize that is not a realistic possibility in many countries. Also, I am pro-monarchy, center-left on economic issues, and pro-environmentalism. Which parties would you say are closest to my views?

Pro-life:NRAR, RNM, mostly SMP, and partly CDP.
Pro-LGBT:AR, CLR, EP, SPP. SPDR and CDP are at least for civil unions.
Pro-monarchy: RNM, SMP, CDP. AR, SDPR, and EP are at least neutral on monarchy.

Centre-left economics: SMP, SPDR, EP.

Pro-environmentalism: EP for sure, while SPDR, SPP, CLR, AR, and to a certain extent CDP and SMP have at least some green elements.

I would say top match is probably SMP (pro-life, pro-monarchy, centre-left econ, and at least somewhat green). CDP is partly pro-life, for civil unions, pro-monarchy, and at least a little green. EP is pro-LGBT, centre-left, and pro-environmental. SMP is probably best for you, but if you don't like them, then I guess it depends on what you prioritize. EP has 3 stances you like, one neutral, and one against, while CDP has one stance you like, and three that are at least neutral, with one you don't like.

NRAR definitely has some sympathisers within Shongbao for its third-way policy and interventionism, however other points value more.
It seems to be the EP then, with the SPP, SMP and the AR being acceptable winners, too.
Shongbao would like to observe the elections, closely, if possible.

I should add:

Shongbao is known to act fast if elections (no matter how fare away) end unsatisfying. Thus we will not send money right now. But unofficial official advising recruits in order to monitor the democratic process in Roumanjia.

[Roumanija]

NRAR definitely has some sympathisers within Shongbao for its third-way policy and interventionism, however other points value more.
It seems to be the EP then, with the SPP, SMP and the AR being acceptable winners, too.
Shongbao would like to observe the elections, closely, if possible.

I should add:

Shongbao is known to act fast if elections (no matter how fare away) end unsatisfying. Thus we will not send money right now. But unofficial official advising recruits in order to monitor the democratic process in Roumanjia.

Thanks for voting and commenting! We accept your observers, but remind everyone that interference will not be tolerated. Final results should be up in a couple of days, so last chance to vote!

[Roumanija]

Final Results

Party/List	Percentage	Seats
SPDR	22.8%	69/300
CDP	19.1%	57/300
RNM	16.3%	49/300
AR	12.2%	37/300
SMP	10.7%	32/300
SPP	9.6%	29/300
CLR	4.8%	14/300
EP	3.4%	10/300
NRAR	1.1%	3/300

The final results are in and it's the Social Democratic Party, Conservative Democratic Party, and Roumanijan National Movement taking the top three spots, much as expected. The SPDR's 69 seats lead the pack, with their main conservative opponents and the "Junta Party", as some call them taking 57 and 49, respectively. Perhaps a little surprising was the performance of Avansa Roumanija, who had hoped to challenge for third or break the 15% mark, neither of which they did. Their 37 seats will still make them a formidable presence, though. The big surprise was the Social Monarchist Party. Considered to be a minor party that might break 5% if lucky, they surged on election day, taking nearly 11% of the vote and more than 30 seats. Maybe this is people showing their gratitude to the Regina Elena, or maybe people really bought into the conservative social views and centre-left economics of the party. The Socialist People's Party tallied nearly 30 seats, a good result for them, and the Communists somewhat overperformed as well. Ecology and Peace managed a few seats, and the fascist National Revolutionary Action sneaked over the threshold as well. Now how will the government be formed?

Parties of the left: 122 (SDPR, SPP, CLR, EP)
Parties of the centre: 37 (AR)
Parties of the right: 141 (CDP, RNM, SMP, NRAR)

Despite the Social Democrats finishing in first place, the other parties of the left were too small compared to the parties of the right, and so right-wing parties have a lead on left-wing parties. Based on a simple left-right dichotomy, it appears that Avansa Roumanija is in a kingmaker role, with its 37 seats putting either coalition over the top. But a few things may complicate that narrative. First, the parties of the right have all ruled out a coalition with NRAR. Secondly, the presence of Avansa Roumanija in either coalition may create issues. Their outspoken progressivism on social issues rankles the RNM and somewhat the SMP as well, while their economics are not left-wing enough for the CLR and maybe the SPP. This means that a complete left or right-wing government with AR's support or involvement may be unlikely. Some of the possible options are below:

AR coalition with left or right minus NRAR: 159 seats (left), 175 seats (right), unlikely due to CLR and RNM unwillingness to cooperate
Left or right minus NRAR government with AR confidence and supply: 122 seats (left), 138 seats (right), could be possible, but minority governments are always weak
SDP-CDP-AR grand coalition: 163 seats, possible, since economically and socially AR is not enormously different from either SDP or CDP, has advantage of being strong and stable, but could alienate voters and push them toward the extremes
SDP-AR-SMP-SPP-EP government: 177 seats, a big-tent alliance of parties that at least lean left on economics, could happen, but social progressivism of AR, SPP, EP could put off SMP, likewise SMP's anti-immigration stance could cause problems
SDP-AR-SPP-EP with CLR confidence and supply: 145 seats, could happen if CLR can be convinced that AR will either put the right in charge or a grand coalition is likely

[First American Empire]

We urge AR to form a coalition with the leftist parties. We will not give assistance to them again if they betray their socially progressive ideals and form a coalition with the right. We also urge CLR to put aside its differences with AR and agree to a coalition to prevent a right-wing government from taking power.