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Democratic Alliance bring modernising agenda
Led by former filmmaker Yilma Bal, new political movement attempts to move Jakanian society forward from decades of struggle
27 February 4738
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Following a landslide election victory at the end of last year, the Democratic Alliance has unveiled a range of measures to combat almost a century of economic stagnation. The new measures cover a variety of public policy areas but place a particular focus on public services and political institutions. The new Premier Yilma Bal has emphasised the role of the state in guiding the economy out of its current period of extended low growth while also seeking to develop ties with regional partners to strengthen Jakania's international position.
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Above: Former construction magnate Aytolun Toker was one of several celebrity figures to support the new party in their debut election campaign last year
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Democratic Alliance emerged prior to the previous general election as a broad political alliance uniting several broadly liberal or centre-left political parties and pressure groups. Existing political parties like the Progressives of the Left and the Greens met with major union leaders and figures from several liberal advocacy groups to explore the opportunity to unite the liberal democratic cause in Jakania around a single electoral vehicle for the first time in decades. The success of the Alliance has surprised many and has been put down primarily to the personal popularity of leader Yilma Bal, a respected documentary filmmaker prior to becoming a politician.
Bal and newly elected President Nuray Cevahir have both sought to shift the focus away from the election though. Since the new government formally entered office, they have begun to work steadily on their pre-election policy agenda. Throughout the campaign, party figures focused particularly on transforming the Jakanian economy. Over a period of several hundred years, successive governments have attempted to move away from the traditionally dominant oil and gas industries with limited effect. In contrast, Cevahir and Bal both spoke on the need to embrace oil and gas as a key export while using the revenues generated to invest in improving public services.
Legislation has already been introduced that would bring SharNaft, the country's largest oil and gas company, back into public ownership. At the same time a series of constitutional reforms are being implemented that aim to improve public trust in the democratic process, after successive elections saw record-low levels of turnout at polling stations. As part of these reforms, the national government will endeavour to further accommodate the country's two largest ethnic minority groups, Kalopians and Majatrans, by providing all public information in all three of the country's most spoken languages. Khaalid al-Hashmi, one of two Majatran ministers in the new government, said that Democratic Alliance could "bring hope to marginalised groups that government can work for all".
Linked closely to their plans for domestic policy, the government has also attempted to reach out to neighbours to repair some damaged international relationships. In recognition of their historic regional dominance, the new government has already suggested that they hope to strengthen the existing relationship with Vanuku. Foreign policy experts have noted the lack of reference to traditional rival Kalopia-Wantuni in speeches and materials, however, as a sign that the new government may remain hesitant to thaw relations between the two countries.
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Dokuz Haberler is a broadsheet newspaper published in Jakania in the country's three major languages, the paper aims to cover current affairs from a non-partisan perspective
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