Kalistan

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Conservative Independent Wins Suldanor District Contest
Large voter Turnout puts Heiress over the Field; Sanchez-Guirre drops out
Sulari, Suldanor
April 27, 4016


Independent Conservative Frieda Schmidt-Bennots, at her last campaign rally ahead of Suldanor Primary elections

In April's Suldanor Primary, large numbers of voters turned up at polls to voice their opinion on who the Socialist Party's nominee should be: One in five of all voters voted for Conservative Independent candidate Frieda Schmidt-Bennots. Schmidt is the heiress of the large fortune made by the late owner of the extremely popular private video game company known as "Schmidt Electro", which developed a number of mega hits, including the very popular social game called "Poppy Grower." More than 72 percent of the electorate turned out to vote, which is almost twice the turnout in Neveras. Exit polls revealed widespread support for Schmidt's ties and support for private sector high tech, as well as her socialite reputation. Schmidt also benefits from connections to the Bennots political family on the Mainland: Voters said that her glamorous public relationship with Bill Bennots helped her tap into a political network that provided her with widespread support across the district.

The Suldanor Primary also produced its first casualty. Independent Socialist Evo Sanchez Guirre has announced that he is suspending his candidacy. "I am not bitter," he said. "Though it is rather bizarre that the District would pick a Conservative over a Socialist. Anyhow, I failed to gain traction in this race, and so I will ask the Party to withdraw my name from consideration in upcoming Primaries. I wish whoever wins luck."

The focus of the nation now moves north to Vrassa and Odufaray, who hold their primary elections in July, on the same date. these twin contests are expected to clear the field for the final Primary contests in Ananto in September.

Suldanor Primary Totals, April 4016
1) Frieda Schmidt-Bennots(Ind)- 2104711 (20.0)
2) Agnetha Hilstrom-Bennots(Int)- 1870854 (17.8)
3) Eva Hayek(B)- 1636997 (15.6)
4) Guillermo Castro(B)- 1403141 (13.3)
5) Hilda Bjorksdattir(B)- 1169284 (11.1)
6) Gina Filotimo(Int)- 935427 (8.9)
7) Davjeet Bhattichariya(Int)- 701570 (6.7)
8) Horace Carrangus(B)- 467714 (4.4)
9) Evo Sanchez-Guirre(Ind)- 233857 (2.2)

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Bjorksdattir Scores Big in Vrassa and Odufaray
Campaign moves to Ananto
Vrassa City, Vrassa District
July 29, 4016


Dr. Hilda Bjorksdattir, giving testimony before an Assembly inquiry, last year

In the twin Primary contests in Vrassa and Odufaray Districts, Hilda Bjorksdattir, great Granddaughter of former President of the Republic Elga Bjorksdattir, walked away with significant victories over her 7 other competitors. In Vrassa, Bjorksdattir won with 20.5 percent of the vote and in Odufaray, she won with 19.2 percent. Though the contest is about actual votes rather than percentages, Bjorksdattir is now the clear favorite to succeed outgoing President of the Republic Carrangus, having finished second earlier this year in the Neveras Primary.

Bjorksdattir, typically a woman of few words due to her Brethrenist upbringing, made a brief speech when her twin victories were announced. "This is a good day for Socialism and a great honor for me personally. I look forward to the finishing the campaign this September and then going to the convention. This is a real treat for me. When my Great Grandmother was President of the Republic, I was not yet a memory. She and my other great grandmother had just adopted my grandmother, who was an infant. When the Republic lost her, something seemed lost in the Nation. Today, we begin restoring the Nation."

The twin victory of Bjorksdattir spelled the end of three campaigns going forward. Current Foreign Secretary Davjeet Bhattichariya, who has been consistently near the bottom the entire year dropped out of the race and endorsed Angnetha Hilstrom Bennots. Meanwhile Militia Representative Gina Filotimo suspended her campaign, throwing her support to Bjorksdattir. Horace Carrangus also suspended his campaign, and did not endorse anyone. Horace Carrangus noted that the campaign was hard on his family, and he didn't see a path forward for his candidacy.

The last contest of the Season is scheduled for September 30th, in Ananto. When the votes are in, the totals will be added and the Socialist Party has agreed to endorse whoever holds the highest vote tally.

Vote Totals from July's Vrassa Primary
1) Hilda Bjorksdattir- 1610583 (20.5)
2) Frieda Schmidt-Bennots- 1431630 (18.2)
3) Agnetha Hilstrom-Bennots- 1252676 (15.9)
4) Gina Filotimo- 1073722 (13.6)
5) Eva Hayek- 894769 (11.4)
6) Davjeet Bhattichariya- 715815 (9.1)
7) Guillermo Castro- 536861 (6.8)
8) Horace Carrangus- 357907 (4.5)

Totals in Odufaray are as follows
1) Hilda Bjorksdattir- 2237388 (19.2)
2) Eva Hayek- 2013649 (17.3)
3) Guillermo Castro- 1789911 (15.4)
4) Horace Carrangus- 1566172 (13.5)
5) Frieda Schmidt-Bennots- 1342433 (11.5)
6) Agnetha Hilstrom-Bennots- 1118694 (9.6)
7) Davjeet Bhattichariya- 894955 (7.7)
8) Gina Filotimo- 671216 (5.8)

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Bjorksdattir takes Ananto and Seals Nomination
Moderate turnout "still important" to Brethrenist Candidate
Kaliburg, Ananto District
November 7, 4016


Prime Minister of the Republic casts her ballot in the Ananto District Primary in September

In September Ananto Primaries, Dr. Hilda Bjorksdattir scored her third straight victory, and with that, obtained the plurality of votes in the Socialist Party Primary contest. The Brethrenist Candidate and Assistant Professor took her positive message to the people and won the hearts of the People of Kaliburg. Two weeks later, the Socialist Party held their convention in Kaliburg to officially nominate Bjorksdattir. Eva Hayek, the second place candidate, and Agnetha Hilstrom-Bennots threw their support behind Bjorksdattir ahead of the convention, ending hopes of Suldanor primary winner and Independent Conservative Frieda Schmidt of a serious floor fight.


Frieda Schmidt-Bennots addresses the SP's Nominating Convention

Schmidt was given time and space at the Convention nonetheless, and was given an opportunity to address the Convention. Among other comments Schmidt made, she said:

"I am very gracious for the opportunity to participate in your process, and in Suldanor, as well as throughout the remainder of the country, we demonstrated that there is an appetite for conservatism in some places: an opening toward free trade, toward private industry and enterprise, a restoration of the market as the mechanism of economic change, and of conservative social values. Though you will nominate Bjorksdattir at the end of the process, please keep in mind those in the country who have a lot of talent and passion, and are looking for opportunities to serve the Republic, though they do not share the political opinions of those who decide issues for our country. We wish to lend our hearts and hands, our sweat and time to the Republic as well, and are happy to work with those who have permitted people like me to run for office within their process, though they did not have to."

Brethrenist Candidate Bjorksdattir, addressing convention after being officially nominated for President of the Republic

For her part, Hilda Bjorksdattir kept her comments short. She thanked all those who competed in the process for keeping the campaign clean and honest, and for highlighting the areas of political division and unity in the Republic.

"We have learned so much during this campaign. For example, we have learned that there is some support for greater integration across Selaya within Kalistan. We also learned just how firmly the Brethrenist faith has taken hold in Kalistan. Over the last 100 years, Brethrenism has become synonymous with public life in many places throughout Kalistan. There are many varieties of the Practice found throughout the Nation, as different communities innovate according to the needs and wants of their own particular communities. I think there is also some support for a more internationalist outlook in Kalistan. We have roundly seen rejection of an isolationist position by the voters of our Nation, and will look for opportunities going forward to expand Kalistani's outward orientation toward the world."

Bjorksdattir completed her acceptance speech with the following statement: "I am humbled and honored to accept the nomination for President of the Republic and will strive every single day to make the Office of President of the Republic worthy of the respect and admiration of all people in our great Country." Bjorksdattir was cheered wildly by the delegates at the convention, and will likely go on to win the Office in upcoming January elections.

Ananto Primary Contest Results
1) Hilda Bjorksdattir(B)- 1835310 (26.5)
2) Eva Hayek(B)- 1631387 (23.5)
3) Guillermo Castro(B)- 1427464 (20.5)
4) Agnetha Hilstrom-Bennots(Int)- 1223539 (17.6)
5) Frieda Schmidt-Bennots(Ind)- 815694 (11.8)

Overall Results:
1) Bjorksdattir- 7675814
2) Hayek- 7091503
3) Schmidt-Bennots- 6334735
4) Hilstrom-Bennots- 5923113
5) Castro- 5889147
6) Filotimo- 2954781
7) Carrangus- 2940624
8) Bhattichariya- 2678174
9) Sanchez-Guirre- 416819

Total- 41,904,709 votes cast

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Rahjavi Resigns
Doctors say the Premier has "6 Months to Live"
Kaliburg, Ananto District
January 15, 4017


Premier of the Republic Rahjavi, announcing her resignation from Office.

Recent elections were barely completed when Socialist Party Leader and Premier of the Republic, Dr. Leila Rahjavi, announced her intention to resign from the Office. effective immediately.

"I have recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphatic cancer which is in advanced metastasis, which will likely prove terminal. My personal physician has given me an extremely limited prognosis, and I shall be resigning to spend my last few months with my family and friends. I was offered chemotherapy with aim to give me a few months extra, but I have refused it and instead have accepted hospice treatment. I wish to thank the people of Kalistan for their dedication to my tranquil government, and express my deep regret over this turn of events in my life. Thank you all for your good will toward me, and I request that my privacy be respected in my short time left in this Life."

Doctors who are familiar with the Premier's prognosis note that she has at most 6 months to live.

The incoming President of the Republic, Dr. Hilda Bjorksdattir, expressed her deep sorrow at the news, as well as her well wishes for the Prime Minister's Family and friends.

The President will now need to name a new Government. There is speculation that the Cabinet will include Independent Conservative, Frieda Schmidt-Bennots, in an attempt to honor the tradition of Divided Government. During the Primaries last year, Bjorksdattir and Schmidt, though rivals, became friends, and have both expressed a great respect for one another. Despite differing ideology, the President is likely to name Schmidt to be Rahjavi's replacement.

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Premier Rahjavi dies at Age 44
Government collapse leads to new elections and unexpected results
Kaliburg, Ananto District
April 17, 4017

Former Prime Minister Dr. Leila Rahjavi has died. In January, she announced that she had been diagnosed with terminal lymphatic cancer and resigned from the office, leaving it vacant. Rahjavi was buried quietly in a small memorial service at her home in Dahriel, Ananto District, which was reported to be attended by only close family and members of her local meeting.


The Late Prime Minister of the Republic, Dr. Leila Rahjavi, who died in April

Rahjavi's departure created a crisis in Government. Initially, newly elected President Bjorksdattir endorsed her friend and political adversary Frieda Schmidt Bennots to take over for Rahjavi in the role of Head of Government. But when Schmidt defected to the newly created CCC, and Bjorksdattir announced that she planned to go ahead with the nomination anyway, Socialist hardliners revolted and forced new elections. These elections resulted in a complete disaster for the Socialists, who lost 599 seats, one seat shy of losing a super majority in the Assembly. Most notably, elections meant the loss of the Presidency for Bjorksdattir, who held the office for just 4 months. Brethrenists stuck with the Socialist Party, but Internationalists and independents, as well as almost the entire population of Ananto District, peeled off from the Socialist Party, and the CCC also received unified support from Conservatives in Kalistan, who have been looking for a chance to take control back from the Socialists for decades.

The question now is: What shall be the role for the SP now that it is in the wilderness? It will not be able to prevent a radical reorientation in Kalistani society, by any means. Socialists are beginning to call Bjorksdattir's decision to support Schmidt for Premier was "one of the worst decisions ever made." It is likely now that much of the social progress of the last hundred years will be completely undone, and the SP will relegated to the role of opposition Party.

The Socialist Party, who is currently without a leader, will select a new Leader soon, and then will begin an ambitious campaign aimed at reclaiming power. Bjorksdattir has resigned from the Socialist Party and has returned to Neveras and private life.

[Jon B]

Official News Release of the CCC
July 4017

The CCC is a new party, as we all know, and is itself a party in turmoil. Our leader, Dr. Heiman Boragard, is a reluctant leader who after long talks with high ranking officials of our party has agreed to serve his term before retirement. He will propose a unity cabinet with the SPoK, in the hopes of unifying this country behind the message of the CCC, democracy and prosperity for all of Kalistan.

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reprinted from
IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Jillian Martin-Carrangus named new SP Leader
Brethrenist from Vrassa vows to "rebuild Party"
Python, Vrassa District
July 15, 4017

The turbulence which beset the first half of the year has, in large measure calmed, as the Socialist Party named Vrassan News Anchor and social justice activist Jillian Martin-Carrangus as the new head of the Party. Martin holds a Masters degree in mass communication, and a Bachelors' Degree in Psychology both from The University of Ananto at Kaliburg. Martin held public positions at ODEN and in the officer of the Socialist Governor of Vrassa before taking a job at KNRTVN-2, in Vrassa City, where she anchored the nightly news report for two years.

Martin is 27 years old, and as such is one of the younger Party Leaders to be named. Martin was recently elected as a freshman Member of the Assembly in the 4017 elections representing Python, in the Country of Monty, Vrassa District.


Comrade Jillian Martin-Carrangus, the new Shadow Premier of the Republic, at the Vrassa Memorial for Premier Rahjavi in April

Said Party General Secretary Frank Welch:

"I think the Party wanted to go with a young Comrade because we wanted someone who will be a long term leader. We seem to do best when we have a consistent set of policies over a long period of time. Comrade Martin's Brethrenist positions, her clear preference for moderation of some of the more hardcore elements of the Socialist economic program, and her name recognition made her the preferred candidate for the job. She won an outright majority over three other candidates on the first round of the mail in ballots following Comrade Rahjavi's departure from office, and so Comrade Martin will be our Party's shadow Premier going forward. We hope for the Best for Comrade Martin, and look to follow her legislative direction."

Comrade Martin is likely to become the next Premier under the Principle of Separation of Powers, if the CCC and President Boragard acknowledges the principle.

[Jon B]

President Boragard Proposes New Cabinet
Reluctant President will lead Nation despite resignation threat
Kaliburg, Ananto District
July 16, 4017

Despite threatening to resign, the newly elected President Dr. Heiman Boragard of the CCC has agreed to stay on through the end of his term, after being pressured by fellow members of his party to stay on. He has proposed a unity cabinet that will include the newly appointed leader of the SPoK, Jillian Martin-Carrangus, as Head of Government. Furthermore, the SPoK will retain a few of their traditional roles within the cabinet.

It is my duty to lead this great nation through these turbulent times, and though I am extremely reluctant to hold this office, I will do so for the good of the people of Kalistan. I assure you that once my term is complete, I will return to my private medical practice in Kaliburg.

The unity cabinet proposal shows signs that the turbulent political climate of the recent past has smoothed over, as the CCC shows all signs of wanting to transition to 2 party rule peacefully. However, the party has already proposed some controversial bills that will no doubt fluster the SPoK as it finds itself in the unfamiliar position of being a minority party. Only time will tell if the two parties will be able to govern together peacefully.

MAny have asked where the CCC comes from, and how it came so quickly to become the dominant political force in Kalistan today. Multiple sources within the party have been contacted for this story, and most tried to remain silent on the inner workings of the party. It would appear, however, that the party is largelky made up of a coalition of individuals like Dr. Boragard, who were fed up with the single party status quo and anxious to bring about change. Many of the party's roots can be traced to the old Christian Capitalist Coalition (also CCC) of the 2900's. That party was a dominant conservative force in Kalistani politics, and the new CCC would appear to also be taking a Libertarian/Conservative track in it's own legislative proposals.

The long term Future of Kalistani politics remains uncertain, but for now the CCC is the dominant party in the National Assembly. We will see if this remains the case many years to come.

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New Kalistani Prime Minister Launches Political Information Program
Martin takes to the airwaves to promote Civic Literacy
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 8, 4017


Scene from the new Political Literacy program, "National Ryot, with Jill Martin" starring Premier Martin

Prime Minister Martin launched a new Civic Literacy Program on KNRTVN-1 in Ananto last week. Drawing on her skills as a television news anchor, the Premier spoke of the new show, called "National Ryot, With Jill Martin" as a "Hour long show, aimed at educating teens and young adults on the Kalistani Constitution, issues of National Concern, and activism." The Prime Minister said the show is officially non-Partisan, and is aimed at activating a new generation to reinvigorate Kalistani democracy.

"Whether you are a leftist, centrist, or rightist, we want you to get active. The only way young people will be active is if they feel like they are really a part of the process, if they understand that they have a role in our society, and they are encouraged to take an active role in their society."

The Premier will serve as the host of the weekly program and offer editorial comment, which she admits will contain a partisan spin, but the show will employ producers from across the spectrum of Kalistani Politics, to produce segments in the show which discuss current and relevant issues from all points of view. In addition to political topics, the show will feature a different current band from around Kalistan every week, as well as discussion of arts and culture. "National Ryot, with Jill Martin" will appear every Saturday night at 10:30 pm on KNRTVN-1 across the Republic, and then will repeat at 2:30 am on Sunday Morning. The show has initially been greenlit for one season, with option for renewal.

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Prime Minister Proposes Adoption of Northern Selaya Train Operating Company Treaty
New Foreign Minister agrees that "It is time"
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 7, 4018

Prime Minister Martin today advanced an initiative from Foreign Minister Edwards to consider ratification of the Northern Selayan Train Operating Company. The Premier gave a short speech on behalf of consideration of the Act, calling for an initial outlay of about 16 billion Kalistani Rubles to buy into the company. The Premier stated that this was an excellent opportunity to deepen economic ties to the rest of Northern Selaya. After the Assembly Session where the treaty was introduced, the Prime Minister briefly answered questions from reporters. During one such answer she noted, "Well, Kalistan is the last nation in Northern Selaya to consider this bill. We have already lost almost two decades of economic opportunity due to the rather public dust up between the former Foreign Minister and the Lodamese Vice President. The Foreign Minister believes that It is time we think about joining this group and continuing the deep economic development that we began late last century."

The Premier made it clear, however, that the matter was still under consideration. "Well, naturally we do not have input from the Comrade Speaker of the Majority Party, nor the President of the Republic on this matter. The Bill will remain in debate until the Majority Party weighs in with a definitive opinion one way or another. If the CCC or the President demonstrates that there is not support for the bill at this time, we will be happy to table the discussion for a later date. But as of now, the Minority Party feels that cooperation with our neighbors would be a good idea for Kalistan and something we would like to pursue."