Jayaranga Dewasiri set to become President of Rapa Pile following indecisive election21 February 5348 - Jayaranga Dewasirim, leader of the
Pilese Social Democratic Party, is set to become President of Rapa Pile after an indecisive election at the end of last year led to a period of political uncertainty. Dewasirim has agreed a “grand coalition” between his own party and the centre-right
People’s Democratic Party. Although the two parties have historically been political rivals, the sudden rise of the far-right
United Rapa Pile has forced them into cooperation.
In the general election last November, the governing People’s Democratic Party (MPP) saw their vote share slashed. Since the end of the
Rapa Pile War, the MPP has been the most successful Pilese political party. After electoral reform in the 52nd century, they have often relied on the support of smaller parties to govern though. Throughout this period, the Pilese Social Democratic Party has been their principal electoral rival.
The main beneficiary of the collapse of the People’s Democratic Party’s support was United Rapa Pile. Formed as the National League in 4871, they are among the oldest political parties in the country. For most of their history, they have been a fringe party though. Under current leader Amilajith Abeyesundere, the party has sought to moderate their ultraconservative policies in certain areas to broaden their appeal. At the same time, they have stepped up anti-Vascanian rhetoric.
In the immediate aftermath of the election, it was unclear how a government might be formed. Alongside the
New Socialist Party (NSP), the Pilese Social Democratic Party held exactly half of the seats in the House of Deputies. After the resignation of former President Nelaka Kotelawala as MMP leader, his successor agreed to meet Dewasirim for coalition talks. Despite the formation of a government, questions remain about Rapa Pile’s political future.
Rapa Pile News is an independent news broadcaster and website publishing in Pilese and Luthorian.