"Well Chuffed." Ridenour's period becomes Presidential Head of State
In a bold statement of protest, the Union Royale ran a period (full-stop) as its candidate for top post in the government and won. Initial reports indicated that this was a technical fault, but UR Chair and former Premier Minister Ridenour clarified his party's intent to protest the passage of the "New Nation" Act.
"This sends a loud and clear message to the parties that voted to dismantle the monarchy in the last legislative session. The PRT and the PSN do not realize how cherished these beloved institutions are. That period represents our unfailing committment-- no mater what the communists put on the agenda-- to the people of Kanjor and to The House of Orleans-Vasser. Naturally we are well chuffed that this has worked out the way it has."
Ridenour said in a press release.
The UR gained 32% of the vote in the first round of Presidential elections, enough to advance to the second round where it beat out cheif rival, communist Parti Révolutionnaire des Travailleurs with 58% for the top spot.
Home Secretary Prescott speaking at a press conference
In an exclusive interview with Le Gardien sat down with Secretary for Internal Affairs, Robert Prescott (UR), who oversaw the voting process to speak about the election and the "." debacle.
LG: Mr. Secretary, you seem to be ecstatic with the results and the voter turn out.
Sec. Prescott: "Over 80% of Kanjor came out to vote. 80 per cent! That's incredible! This is a great day for democracy."
LG: But what about the fact that now, technically, Kanjor's Head of State is a period?
Sec. Prescott:"Clearly, a punctuation mark cannot perform the duties of a Head of State. Mr. Ridenour will become de facto President and Ms. d'Angouleme will lead the coalition government."
LG: Is that legal, if not unethical?
Sec. Prescott: To run a period as a candidate? or the shifting of the positions?
LG: Both.
Sec. Prescott: Well the "." is purely symbolic. It symbolizes the temporary end of the monarchy and that no one should rightfully fill that spot except Albert III. There is nothing in our constitution or bylaws that prevents us from doing what we've done.
LG: There has been some derision within your party. Some party members say that this was "unprofessional" and "irresponsible." How do you address those charges?
Sec Prescott: Well, everyone is entitled to their beliefs! We had to send a message, and that's what we've done. Protests generally don't make people happy. We wish we didn't feel so compelled to do this either, but it was the most effective, and clever if I might add, way to get our point across.
LG: Thank you Mr. Secretary.
Sec. Prescott: Anytime.