LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WIN MAJORITY AND PRESIDENCY (The Sekowan Times)Above: George Takawa, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, delivering his victory speech after official results were released.The Liberal Democrats pulled off a major political victory in the general election yesterday, winning a comfortable majority in the National Assembly and re-securing the presidency just six months after the previous snap election was held.
The Liberal Democratic Party won 271 of the 500 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition Aryan Socialist Revolutionary Front won 229. The results were largely consistent with opinion polls and predictions by political analysts in the past few weeks.
John Mason of the Liberal Democratic Party won a third term for the presidency as well, garnering 54.7% of the popular vote. Opposition candidate Charles Stephenson of the Aryan Socialist Revolutionaries obtained 45.3% of votes in comparison.
Enthusiastic, supporters of the Liberal Democrats crowded the party headquarters as votes were counted last night. A thunderous cheer erupted when the election commission announced the final results.
George Takawa, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, addressed the crowd yesterday in his victory speech. "This is an important chapter in Sekowan history," Takawa said. "The people have expressed their support for democratic rule, for a compassionate government that cares, and more power in the hands of provinces. Our new government will not disappoint the people!"
The Liberal Democrats are expected to vote in a new cabinet once the next session of the National Assembly is convened, with Takawa as the premier. As well, it is widely anticipated that the new government will introduce a revised budget, eliminating wasteful spending - particularly in the defense ministry - while implementing across-the-board tax reductions.
The election was the first to be held since the National Commonwealth Party was disbanded soon after the dissolution of the National Assembly.