Jelbe

[LordStephen]

PM Sterling hails Woodbury
GNP 'welcomes' formation of the Dominion Party



Jelbanian Prime Minister Jonathan Sterling praised Former Freedom Party and now Dominion Party Chair Abigail Woodbury's call for the recognition and support of the restored Monarchy, saying friday she had bolstered efforts to unite the country and move it forward.

Sterling said Woodbury's backing of Emperor Bryan's reign were objectives the Grand Nationalists had also been seeking. "We've wanted all our people to realize that we are an imperial country, with an imperial tradition and an imperial culture. That's just who we are, and the Monarchy is central to that national image and identity."

Abigail Woodbury, daughter of Kyle Woodbury, and one of two leaders of the now defunct Freedom Party that ousted the first Monarchy from power has called on other 'imperial opposition' solons to 'bow to the wishes of the people.'

"We have long been waiting for this moment a long time." Sterling told reporters in an interview with JBN News.

"And I think His Majesty also genuinely appreciates the gesture, especially coming from her," he said. "it's about time that we settle this division and start concentrating on the other projects and programs that Jelbania needs."

Meanwhile, the Jelbanian head of government says that he remains 'optimistic' about next year's general election. This comes as the Freedom Party stalwarts have dropped their old name and have now regrouped to found the Dominion Party, a party that is heavily based on Ross' Freedomism.

"I wish to extend our warmest welcome to the new Dominion Party. This may very well breathe fresh air to our politics and government. I look forward to working with them."

Sterling, who is also the Leader and Chairman of the Grand Nationalists Party (GNP) said that with the success of the conservatives in the legislature and executive for the past three years, the party has been successful in re-establishing itself to the people and proving its resolve to 'help Jelbania achieve greatness.'

"We done considerably well. And I plan on maintaining that record, a good one at that, until the end of this term. Hopefully, and God willingly, I'll get another one by November of next year."

[colonelvesica]

Dominion Party Win in Landslide



In their first showing since their birth the Dominion Party won in a massive landslide, taking control of the Dominion Parliament with a slim supermajority, allowing the Dominion Party to effectively control the Dominion Parliament. The Dominion Party's leader, Chairwoman Abigail Woodbury was ecstatic for her party's success.

This is a showing of what the people wanted. We may have been our first election but if the people are behind us this much then its a showing they want change, not more of the same. Well I have nothing but respect for Mr. Sterling and the work he's done for the Dominion its apparent the people want something different and hopefully in the next five years we can show them how different we are.

The Dominion Party was born and had adopted the 98 seats of Parliament formerly held by the Freedom Party before winning 231 seats in the election last week.. a massive upsurge of some 133 seats.

WOODBURY PROMISES TO MAINTAIN MONARCHY, URGES GNP TO ENDORSE BILL D-1



Although she is being absolutely mum what her and her party plan on doing with their supermajority Chairwoman and expectant Prime Minister, Abigail Woodbury has made a promise directly to the Sebastian Family she has no intentions of removing them from their Palace so quickly.

The people are clearly in favor of having an Emperor, if only a quiet one. I am making the announcement now the Dominion Party has no intention of seeing the Sebastian family back on the streets. They are our royal family and will be kept as such. Although I have many plans for changing the Dominion.. they do not involve removing the Emperor's Crown from his head.

She also made a direct plea to Prime Minister Sterling to endorse the Dominion Party's proposed Bill D-1 their "Imperial Dominion Act".

This is a milestone piece of legislation that can only aid in making the Dominion a better place. I urge the Grand Nationalists Party to stand behind us as we stood behind them.

[LordStephen]

STERLING: I WILL RUN FOR GOVERNOR-GENERAL
PM prepares to step down as Woodbury assumes post



Jonathan Sterling today announced that he was ready to step down as head of Jelbania's government, but added that it was not the end of his political journey.

The prime minister will be tendering his resignation to the Emperor once the new cabinet deal between the GNP and the Dominion Party have been finalized, but said that he will be using his time out of executive office to prepare for the Governor-General post, which would be up for grabs come 3389.

The Grand Nationalists Party, after an electrifying comeback in 3379, lost control of the government after five years in power. Much of the GNP's agenda's have focused on the restoration of the Monarchy and old Imperial heritage. While the moves received widespread support from the citizenry, the conservative's popularity experienced a slide after failing to keep promises on social reforms.

Meanwhile, GNP spokesperson Alyssa Fabian said that they were 'in no hurry' to find a replacement for Sterling as the conservative's candidate for prime minister of the Dominion.

We have a list of names, and all of them are very much qualified to replace Mr. Sterling as head of our domestic government in the near future, but of course, replacement hunting is not in our priority right now. Let's give our members the chance to prove themselves. A lot can happen in two, three years time.

[LordStephen]

Anosh to run as GNP PM
Ambassador Mary Florence to head Foreign Affairs portfolio



The Grand Nationalist Party Convention culminated today with the acceptance speech of the new Prime Ministerial candidate, outgoing Foreign Secretary John Anosh. The general election may be just four months away but the new GNP leader has begun his campaign.

He vowed to build an "aspiration nation" driven by individual ambition - the "doers, the risk-takers".

"My job - our job - is to make sure that in this century , as in the centuries that came before, our country, Jebania, is on the rise.

"And we here know how that is done. It is the collective result of individual effort and aspiration, the ideas you have, the businesses you start, the hours you put in.

"Aspiration is the engine of progress. Countries rise when they allow their people to rise."

Anosh also stressed his commitment to "compassionate Conservatism", saying his "mission"is to "show the old conservative party is for everyone: rich or poor, black or white, straight or gay.

"But above all to show that Conservative methods are not just the way we grow a strong economy, but the way we build a Big Society."

He also sought to address criticism - fuelled by that the Grand Nationalists were elitist and out of touch.

He told activists he did not have a "hard luck story" to tell, but stressed "I am not here to defend privilege, I'm here to spread it".

[LordStephen]

GNP RETAKES GOVERNMENT
Sterling and Anosh to lead Jelbania for the next 5 years


Sterling


Anosh

In a stunning election victory, the Grand Nationalists Party (GNP) retakes government by filling the leadership of both the executive and legislative branches of government. GNP Chairman Jonathan Sterling, who is also a Former Prime Minister, won as the country's first Governor-General, while Former Foreign Secretary John Anosh, GNP Party Leader was elected as the new Prime Minister.

The Dominion Parliament saw the old conservative party emerge with 177 seats, enough to claim majority. The GNP also retook the states of Perimor and Turadrad, while Rilmos' Governor Harry Watson easily won his third consecutive term.

After their successful election to office, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Bryan I reportedly called Sterling and Anosh and congratulated them for their victory. The Emperor is expected to invite Mr. Anosh to form a new government, but the exact details regarding the new cabinet have yet to be released.

Party Spokesperson Allissa Fabian said that Mr. Anosh will be calling on Dominion Party leaders to discuss the new government portfolio assignments, but said the Prime Minister-Apparent is keen on giving Ambassador Mary Florence the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among other appointments he promised to make upon winning.


Ambassador Florence

There can never be any doubt as to who Mr. Anosh will appoint as the new Foreign Secretary. Ambassador Florence was named as his successor to the GNP's foreign affairs portfolio since last year, and given the ambassador's extraordinary experience and noteworthy successes in the field of diplomacy, she is more than suited to be our nation's top diplomat

[colonelvesica]

Woodbury Shuffles Caucus

In light of the recent Dominion Party loss to the Grand Nationalists Party outgoing Prime Minister Abigail Woodbury has announced a Cabinet shuffle in the highest level of the Dominion Party, kicking out several prominent members to make room for newer blood. As she put it "We have completely shed the identity of the failed Freedom Party for a new one."

Prime Minister Woodbury was also unconcerned about her party losing both the first Governor General election and the Parliamentary Elections.


Outgoing Prime Minister Abigail Woodbury

I quite expected this to happen. The Jelbanian people are still discovering whom their political allegiances were tied to, giving a chance to both the newly revived GNP and our new identity as the Dominion Party. Now that we've both had a go I believe the Jelbanian political scene will even out so to speak and we won't see extreme swings in elections... unless someone on one side majorly fumbles the ball or sinks it in the net.

The Dominion Party lost two of their State Legislature, maintaining control of Nemawar State by one seat while Baniray was won in an expected landslide, the GNP only securing one seat in the state. Baniray has long been seen as a Freedom Party and now Dominion Party stronghold and its current governor Kevin Mitchell has been elected now six straight times.

[LordStephen]

Sterling, Anosh win second term
GNP retain majority, Party to rule 5 more years




The votes rolled in, and the ballots were counted. The result: five more years for Governor-General Jonathan Sterling and Prime Minister John Anosh.

On Nov. 3394, the nation gathered for the Governor-General and Parliamentary Elections where Jelbanians practiced their due right as citizens of the Empire to vote for their candidates of choice, those in whom they trust and believe will guide their county, their state and their country.

Voters decided to give Governor-General Sterling another five years of stewardship over the country, defeating Dominion Party's Thomas Woodbury, winning 55.91% or 25,182,406 of all votes.

"Tonight, in this election, you, the Jelbanian people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the Dominion Empire of Jelbania, the best is yet to come," he said.

Sterling thanked the Emperor, who was "very supportive of his administration's policies, projects and programs." He praised his party, the Grand Nationalists, for their "unwavering support and undeniable hard work" that helped him secure his victory. The Governor-General also congratulated Prime Minister John Anosh, who following the GNP's retention of the Dominion Parliament's majority, will continue to serve as the Head of Government for the next five years.

The GNPs will continue to lead Parliament, controlling 171 of the 335 seats. Six seats formerly occupied by GNP Ministers of Parliament were lost, all of which were taken by the Dominion Party.

For the Imperial States' Gubernatorial elections, no change was reported for the local leadership, as GNP and Dominion Party Governors all won re-election. Grand Nationalists won a second term in Perimor and Turadrad, and scored a historic victory in their stronghold of Rilmos, where the GNP won in all elections for the fourth consecutive term. Governor Harry Watson retains control of the 'Purple' State, commanding 99.90% of the votes.

[colonelvesica]

Dominion Party Leadership Content but Impatient
Woodbury "This coming election will be my last."

Despite a loss the Dominion Party's leadership is reportedly happy as they managed to gain 6 seats, placing them at 164 seats, and 4 seats within the magic 168 needed for a majority in Parliament. Dominion Party Chairwoman Abigail Woodbury has said She is "proud of the Dominion Party's accomplishments for how far they have come in such a short times and is sure that next time will be when they regain control of Parliament." The Dominion Party's gains in Parliament came everywhere but Rilmos, seen by political analysts as a strict GNP state, though ironically the home of Woodburygrad and the birthplace of the Woodbury family. The sole GNP seat in Baniray was picked up giving the Dominion Party complete control over the state where Governor Kevin Mitchell obtained his third straight term. Old party heavyweight and warhorse, Catherine MacInnis also ran for and won in Nemawar, the other Dominion Party state, becoming its newest Governor. Governor MacInnis is one of the most recognizable faces in the Dominion for her long public service record, having served under all three Woodburys in some capacity.


Governor Catherine MacInnis

Abigail Woodbury meanwhile spoke to a crowd of Dominion Party faithful at the Party's headquarters in Baniray and stated that while she was so proud of the party, she was finally done with politics, announcing that after the 3399 elections, if the Dominion Party won she would serve her term as Prime Minister, or if they lost she would retire immediately. She said the reason was so she could spend more time with her family. as she as been for the most part "married" to the party since her father was in charge.

Rumors are circulating on who will take over after she steps down as Party Chairwoman, which she is expected to do sometime before the 3399 elections. The three current and most likely candidates according to party insiders are Thomas Woodbury, nephew of former Supreme Chancellor Kyle Woodbury and cousin of current Chairwoman Abigail Woodbury, who has served as Culture and Education Minister and as the Dominion Party candidate for Governor General in the last election, Ryan Kelly, the former Governor of Turadrad and now the Minister of Internal Affairs and Catherine MacInnis, the recently elected Governor of Nemawar.


Dr. Thomas Woodbury, Former Education and Culture Minister & Dominion Governor General Nominee 3394.


Minister of Internal Affairs Ryan Kelly

[colonelvesica]

WOODBURY STEPS DOWN AS CHAIRWOMAN
Dominion Leadership Race Begins


Leader of the Opposition Abigail Woodbury

In a live press conference in Pittsway Cove Baniray, the headquarters of the Dominion Party, Founder and longtime Chairwoman of the Dominion Party Abigail Woodbury stepped down from her duties as Chairwoman and leader of the party. She has promised to remain as Leader of the Official Opposition until her term is up and will be leaving politics just before the 3399 elections win or lose.

The legacy of the Freedom Party has been erased and we have created a new identity for ourselves, an Jelbanian identity I can be proud to leave behind. I thank all of you for your years of support and hope regardless of who is running this party you will continue to support the Dominion Party and all it hopes to accomplish for you, the Jelbanian People.

Abigail Woodbury has been leader of the Dominion Party since its creation in 3379, created from the ruins of the Freedom Party's catastrophic loss it suffered to the resurgent Grand Nationalists Party. She is leaving behind a political legacy that rivals that of her famous father, Kyle Woodbury, widely seen as the Father of the Dominion, the Hero of the Great Dovani War and the namesake on which the city of Woodburygrad is named for having served as Minister of Internal Affairs up until the step down of her brother Alexander when she took up reins as the sole Chairwoman of the Party, and served a brief five year stint as Prime Minister. Her birth of the Dominion Party is hailed as an evolution of Jelbanian politics and the revival of Rossism within the nation. Only her father and Angel Ross have held greater public and popular support within the nation's recent hundred year history.

In light of her step down, three members of the Dominion Party have begun a leadership race for the key Chairperson spot, that would effectively elect them the Head of Government should the Dominion Party gain a majority. The three announced hopefuls are Catherine MacInnis, current Governor of Nemawar, Thomas Woodbury the Dominion Party Governor General nominee in the 3394 elections and former Eduction Minister and Ryan Kelly, the current sitting Minister of Internal Affairs. The Dominion leadership will be decided on who can obtain at least three states worth of support, giving them a majority of support from the Dominion Party's delegates.

Currently Catherine MacInnis is holding a steady and firm hold in her home state of Nemawar with strong poll numbers also in Perimor. Minister Kelly has completely locked down his former state of Turadrad with strong support also coming from Nemawar. Dr. Thomas Woodbury however holds the position as leader in Baniray by a wide margin and is also showing strong support in Nemawar, seen as the most powerful Dominion Party strongholds which may influence the leadership in his favor. The real current battleground is the state of Rilmos. The lack of Dominion Party MPs means it is harder to garner Dominion Party supporters however because of the current position it's widely seen as whomever gains the Delegates from Rilmos may take the leadership. Currently all three leadership candidates have about equal footing in the state.

[LordStephen]

Empire celebrates 15th Anniversary of Emperor Bryan I's Reign



The Emperor has inaugurated the Bryan I Royal Cultural Theater in Rilmos as he marks the 15th anniversary of his accession to the Jelbanian throne. Earlier he said he was dedicating himself "anew to the Jelbanian people's service" and that he was "deeply moved" by support for the commemoration of his coronation.

The first in a series of festivities prepared, the Rilmos stop was made all the more special because performers from the Bryan I Royal University Orchestra together with the Young Dreamers Academy Concert Chorus performed alongside top caliber Jelbanian musicians and artists for the inaugural performance, where the Emperor was the guest of honour.



Gun salutes were held around the Empire, including the capital of Baofluz. The government has come up with a line up of activities celebrating the Monarchy's restoration, including the Thanksgiving Mass, the Imperial Parade, and the commissioning of the Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier, Bryan I.

The Emperor and Empress also intend to travel as widely as possible across the Empire.

Other members of the Royal Family are also expected to visit Jelbania's allies and partners overseeas, and lead celebrations in countries where large numbers of Jelbanians reside.



In his message to mark the anniversary, the Emperor said: "I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and the Empress over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been to receive so many kind messages about the 15th Anniversary.

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the Dominion Empire of Jelbania and the wider Terran community."

The Government headed by the Governor-General also gave statements of support and well wishes.

Governor-General Jonathan Sterling praised the "magnificent service" given by the Emperor and called him a "source of wisdom and continuity".

"With experience, dignity and quiet authority he has guided and united our Empire and our peoples over the past decade and a half," he said.

Prime Minister John Anosh said that he "love that the monarchy is above politics and feel that the Emperor represents that best of all."

"He stands for integrity and respect and I am inspired by his faith. He has been a constant through all our lives."

The Crown is also expected to release the Honours List, where citizens of impeccable repute and undeniable contributions to the Empire will be recognized with titles and awards. Analysts say that the list will be filled by members from both sides of the political spectrum, but have varied over speculations as to who would be honoured.