Kalistan

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President Simpson Announces National Modernization Initiative
Aims at reorganizing Kalistani Regular Forces and National Industries
Eshar, Odufaray Region
September 8, 4072


President Simpson tours a field near Eshar which will be converted to Industrial Hemp production later this year

The President of the Republic Forrest Simpson visited Eshar this week to announce a series of initiatives that he will ask the Assembly to consider. Called his "National Modernization Initiative", President Simpson laid out a three point plan for modernization of Kalistan's military and national infrastructure. Below are the President's brief comments:

"I have sent to the Speaker of the SP, a number of draft bills that I would like the Government to work on this term. These, all taken together, are known as the National Modernization Initiative. This initiative is a comprehensive effort at updating our nation's resources for a new generation. In this initiative, I have asked the Speaker to move bills which modernize the Nation's Armed forces, both at land and at sea to take advantage of updated technology, which will make our fighting forces more effective in their primary role as Home Defense. We will employ cyb... excuse me... cyber technology to give us an edge usually only enjoyed by the major powers. We will focus primarily on development of our rotory wing assets, which provide critical close air support for troops on the ground, and will put money behind building a new class of destroyer to patrol our waterways. In addition, the old LAFA vessels will be replaced by newer fast attack craft which will guarantee us flexibility on the high seas. All told, the aim is at saving costs. I intend for this modernization to allow the Finance Minister to trim the Defense Budget by 5%, even after the updates are made, just in increased efficiency.

"The National Standing Force will not be the only thing we are working to bring up to date. I would like the Speaker to push hard on divestment of the National Ferry Company which travels between Ananto and the Mainland. My Party's leadership pushed this bill to create a redundancy in the market, with the aim of putting the private operators out of business. At the time, the National Ferry Company made sense, but I think this money would be used more intelligently by expansion of air links between Ananto and the Mainland, and this is where I would like my Party to focus their efforts. The National Ferry Company has outlived its usefulness, and should be divested immediately. Sales of the publicly held portions of the stock should fund expansion of airports on the mainland, and the construction of new air links within Ananto, so that the modernization effort will remain revenue neutral. Once the Company is divested, we will see a return of several million rubles to the General Fund every year.

"Finally, I would like to see a bill increasing public investment in infrastructure and strategic mineral production. We can work out the details of this, but updating the infrastructure of Kalistan has been a stated goal of our Administration, and now I hope the Government will move forward on this. I especially want to see open and unused spaces like this, sat on for decades by absentee landlords, brought under cultivation. Give our new support for industrialized hemp production under regulation, I would like the Government to provide subsidies for farmers who would like to switch their crops from relatively unprofitable crops to crops that there is a guaranteed market for, things such as hemp. We understand it is expensive to retool, both in ag and in Industry, and the Republic of Kalistan is in a position to help, should private producers want to make the shift. This will not involve any new nationalization: The goal is to put some money behind private production, so that the people of Kalistan benefit.

"I look forward to legislation supporting this initiative within the next six months, so it can be voted on before my term is over in a year and a half."

This has been Simpson's longest public speech to date. He took questions after the speech.

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Labour Party Conference Reveals Curti's Long Term Plan
On the eve of election day, the party reveal details about Jayanta Singh presidential bid and the ultimate goals of Leader Curti
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 14th, 4073

The Labour Party conference reached its conclusion this weekend, bringing to a close a week of excitement, hope and- more than anything else- surprise. Although this year's conference didn't have nearly the same level of tension, conflict and melodrama of twenty years ago, when the party looked as if it may implode with a moment's warning, there were more than a few unexpected announcements.

It was with a renewed enthusiasm for Kalistani politics with which the conference began. Luca Curti opened the event, as party leader, with an address on his plans for the party as a whole. Significantly, he explained to the tens of thousands crammed into the venue that the party would begin writing a complete and comprehensive manifesto. Whilst he did not provide a date for completion, he told party members that the manifesto would feature input from everybody who involved themselves in Labour politics and that it would not be a fixed document to limit the ability of future leaders to transform and reinvigorate the party instead constantly evolving to match the party membership's views.


Luca Curti has led the Labour Party since 4057, nearly three times longer than both of his predecessors combined

Later, there were further developments as Curti announced his latest National Executive Committee (essentially the party's internal cabinet). It featured several new faces, including Nasim Shahnaz as the party's new Head of Finance and Jayanta Singh- who has already been confirmed as the party's Presidential nominee- as Deputy Leader. Singh is a relatively inexperienced candidate especially when compared to Curti, who was the party's previous nominee and Kalistan's previous President, however countless figures from within the party have professed their huge admiration for him. Despite only being 38-years-old, Singh has already enjoyed a successful career in medicine. He spent several years working as a surgeon in various parts of Ananto before becoming a university lecturer in Kaliburg. He then changed his career again, to politics, in 4071 when he was elected to the Ananto District Assembly. Interestingly, he would be the first President since Dr. Heiman Boragard of the Cathartic Crisis Coalition in 4017 who has never been a member of the Socialist Party. Other movements saw Curti himself become the party's Head of Internal Affairs, whilst long-serving pair Vitalico Viviani and Elanora Raneri- who were both members of Karen Omobo's first ever National Executive Committee- retired from their respective roles.


Regina Vestri, Foreign Affairs Minister described Singh as 'the most engaging man in Kalistan's Labour movement

On top of this, Curti disclosed that the NEC, in future, would not be appointed by the Labour Party leader but voted for by all members of the National Party Conference. In a speech in which he described the move as a 'democratisation of the Labour Party,' he explained how elections to the NEC would take place exactly one calendar year before national elections. Curti's decision comes after rivals within the party have accused him of hastily reshuffling the NEC after elections in order to ensure his allies secured positions within the National government. "Now," he says "there can be no more claims of foul play from those who do not support me." Recently, there has been a rise in anti-Curti sentiment within the party due to a perceived lack of involvement in national issues; he still won a huge 91% of votes in the most recent ballot on his leadership, though.

The conference closed with a speech from Jayanta Singh, the first time ever that it has been the Deputy Leader and not the Leader to close the event. As well as outlining his plans to shift Kalistan away from the right again, he explained why he decided to enter politics to begin with;

When I was lecturing young people, I would look around and see a room full of bright, young and excited people staring back at me. I knew that everybody I was teaching would have the opportunity, once they left our establishment, to head out into the world and fulfil their potential, to achieve their ambitions. Yet, as time went on I became aware that this wasn't necessarily a guaranteed and universal truth. As more and more parties in Kalistan began to emerge, the way of life which many of us here today take for granted came under threat. I stood for election because I wanted to join the fight to defend that way of life. In fact, I felt it was my duty to join the fight to defend that way of life!

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Left Loses Power for first time in 200 Years
Socialists Claim Mantle of "Loyal Opposition"
January 17, 4074
Kaliburg, Ananto District

For the first time in almost two centuries, the Republic of Kalistan is Presided over by a Rightist Party. In a stunning upset in the January 4074 elections, the Conservative Independence Party narrowly defeated the Labour Party's candidate on the Second Ballot, making a shift in electoral Politics. The CIP's center Right Backers the Democratic Freedom Alliance and the Kalistan Passion Party do not hold a majority in the Assembly, and the Monarchist Party, Kalistan's smallest Party will now serve as Kingmaker to any Cabinet proposal put forward by the new President. It will be a bit of a chore for the Conservatives to govern under such conditions, but it appears unlikely that the President will have much trouble building a governing coalition out of the four Parties which currently comprise the collective opposition.

The Socialist Party of Kalistan did not waste any time in offering legitimacy to the incoming President. In a brief statement, SP Chair Fredricka Carrangus stated that the SP wishes the incoming President Luck and will likely call on her Party to support whatever government proposal the New President puts forward. But behind the scenes, the Socialist Party is quietly preparing to serve in the roll of opposition. "This is something the SP has not had to do in the lifetime of our membership: Prepare to become loyal opposition," spokespeople close to the Speaker told The Republic. "It means we don't support the Majority's Agenda, first and foremost. But second of all, we offer bills designed to move positions around and improve the SP's standing for the next election. We intend to continue to work with the Labour Party while in the opposition, but we do expect a significant obliteration of many of Kalistan's fundamental institutions under conservative rule, and it will be up to us to work to regain the agenda so we can limit the disaster which has been awaiting Kalistan for a couple decades now."

The SP picked up an additional District in the Contest however, and now controls 3 of 5 District Governments. Of this, the spokesperson said "Well, if they roll things back at the national level, we will simply continue them in the Districts. So the SP can continue to work for people in Ananto, Odufaray and Suldanor though we might have difficulty doing that on the National Level. We don't want to cast doom and gloom on the country, though: The Party wants to see if the Conservatives even have a majority first and foremost before making any plans."

This is not to say, of course, that all of Kalistan mourns the loss. One independent voter in Ananto told The Republic: "Well, I voted for the Rushmoore because I wanted to see what a different sort of government would look like. I liked the policies promoted by Simpson and the SP over the last year, and I am glad to see that those proposals were centrist enough to get even the Conservatives to vote for them in the Assembly. But if the country goes too far to the right, well, I'll be back on the SP next time around, for sure. My family is SP for generations, but maybe it is time to try something different."

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Kalistan Needs Me Now More Than Ever- Curti
Luca Curti explains why he will not stand down as Labour Party leader
by Vincent Baldi
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 11th, 4074

Just when things began to look as if they were going to calm down in Kalistani politics, there has been a shake-up once again. As the Right managed to seize power last month, all Labour eyes became firmly fixed on Luca Curti once again. Despite leading the party through some of the most successful periods of its entire existence, he now faces pressure from centrist members to step aside and make way for another candidate, with the de facto leader of this opposition being Marianna Simonides. Simonides is a name unknown to many outside of the party but this hasn't stopped her from building up a significant support base within it and when Curti gave a speech shortly after the election results had come in, he appeared to be addressing her specifically.


Luca Curti was resolute in his defence of his leadership

Let me begin by saying that there can be no doubt- these results are a disappointment. To everybody involved in Kalistan's Labour movement, this is a signal that we now face a huge uphill battle. The Labour Party will ensure that it is firmly on the frontline of that battle, fighting as hard as we can to ensure that Rushmoore and his gang of fascists do not completely erode Kalistan's precious institutions. The record is quite clear- the Conservative Independence Party does not care one bit about the people of Kalistan, it doesn't care about their freedom, their prosperity or their democracy. It is now the role of the Labour Party, as well as our friends in the Socialist Party, to ensure that these are protected from the CIP's attack.

If our party is to be prepared for this attack, though, we must first be united. I know there are still some within Labour, perhaps some in front of me today, who resent my leadership. They might say I'm a Socialist Party agent or that I am just an undercover Communist. Whatever they say, they do not want me as leader. For these people, the results today represent an opportunity to de-throne me, to destabilise and to undermine me. Kalistan's loss is, in essence, their gain. So let me be unambiguous when I say that I will remain as leader of the Labour Party. I would be a complete failure as a leader if I were to step down now, when this nation needs me the most.

Undoubtedly, this won't stop those who really wish to see me gone and it would be foolish of me to think this but I am being wholly and utterly serious when I say that Kalistan is in danger. If the Labour Party allows itself to turn its gaze inwards, away from the government, then that government will wreak havoc on the lives of the most vulnerable citizens in Kalistan. If Labour members genuinely care about our cause then they should unite and prepare for the fight of their lives over the next three years. In the meantime, I will continue in my role as Premier- working for the people of Kalistan.

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reprinted from
IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Fredricka Carrangus-Howard
A Portrait of Kalistan's Institutionalist-in-Chief
Sulari, Suldanor District
February 17, 4074


SP Leader Fredricka Carrangus-Howard, Long serving head of the Socialist Party of Kalistan

The 4074 election was one for the books: Both of the Governing Parties have openly expressed shock at the unexpected results. But at the ancient site of the SP's Headquarters, you wouldn't know it. Instead of a Party in disarray following a fairly stunning defeat on the national stage, the SP's offices remain calm, and as far as we can tell, the various (soon to be Shadow) Ministers remain at their desks in the National Assembly. No Party Leader has been ousted for the loss: the National Leadership remains in tact, and even the outgoing President of the Republic, the quiet, slow-spoken Forrest Simpson has merely moved down the street to Ananto District Offices as he resumes his job as Governor of the District. It is a remarkable transition- Remarkable even more so because it is doesn't appear to be a transition at all.

A lot of this has to do with the Party's Leader, Former Premier Fredricka Carrangus-Howard. Comrade Carrangus has controlled the Party for nearly two decades, and shows no sign of giving up. The Party's support for the Conservative President's Cabinet Proposal, even as the Labour leader, and even the Monarchist Party balked at the proposal, has earned her the title "Institutionalist-in-Chief" by those closest to her. But it is clear that this title should have been bestowed upon the Speaker years ago: The SP has adopted an extremely conservative stance toward institutional change following the end of one Party rule, while being open to other changes in society.

The Socialist Party adopting the role of Conservator of Kalistan's Institutions is certainly not new, but the Party under Carrangus has been particularly vociferous in their support for the Institutions of Kalistan, even to the point of alienating Parties who might otherwise be willing to support Socialist agendas. As a matter of fact, at least one Party specifically lists the SPoK as a threat to freedom, likely due to Carrangus' steadfast unwillingness to budge on things existential questions like ODEN, the National Industries, and the Presidential Prerogative. The only thing the SP has moved in the realm of institutional change is the end of the Empire, and this move was roundly supported by all Parties at the time.

Our reporter, Jessica Floris, caught up with Comrade Carrangus after her speech at Kalistan's Republican Club last week for a brief interview

I(zquierda reporter Floris): Speaker Carrangus, the SP-Labour Coalition endured the first electoral defeat last month in two decades. To what do you attribute this defeat?

C(arrangus-Howard): Drugs.

I: Excuse me, Comrade. You said drugs? Would you elaborate?

C: Yes, Drugs. Of course I am being facetious. Polling demonstrates a nearly universal support for the Drug policy of the Government, and the Conservatives harping on this issue certainly doesn't do them any favors. Drugs will always be legal in Kalistan: I don't think the people will tolerate any significant departure in that policy. But you see, the DFA going defunct right after the last election and the returning to pull just enough seats from the SP and the LP is what caused our defeat at the polls this time. Its how the system works. I would like to point out that while the Left Coalition lost the Presidency, we only barely lost it. We won on the first ballot but the Right picked up enough support from the MPoK on the second ballot that Labour lost by 3 points. Good news for the Conservatives, but not nearly good enough to claim a mandate, and their gains were not matched in the Assembly. That's how it goes.

I: You seem rather sanguine about being out of power for the first time in two centuries. What is the secret of your serenity?

C: Drugs...

I: Ahem...

C: In all honesty, I put my faith in Kalistan's institutions. The Conservatives now get to learn what it is like to rule. They are already off to a rocky start, having to form a coalition with enough Assembly members in it to form a legislative majority, and finding out that one Party that they need to join has voted against the President's proposal. I have no idea what they will do in this event, but as long as the Monarchists stay out, there will be no new government. When one is on the outside, it is easy to find fault with the Institutions. But when you find yourself in charge of the institutions, you have nobody to blame. The Conservatives will both learn how much of a balancing act is necessary to govern effectively, but this is also a trial by fire: they will either learn to rest on the Institutions of Kalistan or they will fail. I imagine that after governing for even one term, they will learn to appreciate the foundation that our Institutions provide to those who have to govern. And Kalistan will be stronger as a result.

I: So you do not intend to oppose the Conservative Coalition?

C: If we can find constructive things to work on together, why would I? But if they continue on their previous course and attempt to undermine ODEN or try to promote Ananto Independence again, or change Presidential Prerogative, or whatever wacky ideas they have tried to run up the flagpole in the past, the SP is in the opposition, and cannot be faulted for opposing them. The Conservatives came on board with the Modernization initiatives, all three of them. They voted for institutions, and their voice provided needed input into the system. Same with the DFA: They also supported the President's plan for divestment. Both Parties demonstrated that they can be responsible political actors. So if they propose reasonable legislation now that they are in power, there is no reason that the SP can't lend its votes to their policies. Given the apparent Monarchist "No" vote on their cabinet bill, it looks like they will need all the help they can get.

I: So no acrimony for the hell they gave the Left over the last 20 years?

C: You're stirring a pot, Comrade. No acrimony. But we are not going to help them destroy our National Industries, or ODEN, or the Constitutional Rights of the President. They are going to have to move those mountains themselves.

I: Shifting gears here, what is the SP's agenda in the Districts?

C: In the Districts where the SP is in control, nothing changes.

I: You are referring to Ananto, Odufaray and Suldanor. When you say nothing changes, what exactly do you mean?

C: I mean, nothing changes. Currently, District Assemblies are passing bills which will ensure that any institutions undermined at the National Level will be continued by District Governments. So if we lose ODEN at the national Level, Ananto ODEN, Odufaray ODEN and Suldanor ODEN continue to operate, and unless nationalized, the Regular Forces and the Militia in each of those Districts will execute the laws of the District Governments. These powers are powers of the District Government Act, which the Conservatives themselves supported.

I: And in the Districts that the SP does not control?

C: We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I: This will likely not sit well with the National Government, of course.

C: We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I: One final Question. Are there any plans to host a cultural festival exposition during the next three years?

C: I am not aware of any planning along those lines. Though, I think if something like that were to come up, the SP would certainly support it. The art expos of old have pretty much disappeared in Kalistan since the beginning of the Century. I don't think it would be too hard to bring it back and invite artists from other countries to show case their work. But when the Right takes over the Foreign Ministry, that will be their job to promote. The SP is not in power anymore, and we have an election to prepare for.

I: Thank you for your time, Comrade Speaker.

C: It has been a pleasure. Oh- And tell your readers that the SP is hosting this year's Gan-Jam in High Bong. Some kids from up there wrote in and offered us the opportunity to sponsor the Concert, and as it is the first time we were invited, of course I had to say "Yes". I will be hanging out at the ODEN tent, and the DJ Rah Sol, who you all may not know is a good SPer and a good Brethren up in Neveras, will MC. I think The Killer Crowes will be headlining: I've never heard their music, but I am told they are a quite popular with folks your age, so I look forward to checking them out too.

I: Will do, Comrade. Peace.

C: Peace.

[jamescfm]

On behalf of the Conservative Independence Party
The Kalistani National
Rushmoore Elected President
Kaliburg, Ananto District
January 29th 4075

After a turbulent election night with the results of the election seemingly to close to call, we can reveal that Owen Rushmoore of the CIP is to take office. He will lead a new Kalistan, after 200 years of left wing presidents, Owen Rushmoore will certainly stand out in history books as the man that changed Kalistan. However there have been doubts about his leadership already, already 4 cabinet proposals have been turned down and with a possible early election fast approaching, Kalistan needs Rushmoore to stand tall and fight for his presidency.


Owen Rushmoore on the campaign trail prior to the election

He gave a brief speech in Vrassa on election night;

When I said I wanted to be president, I was laughed at. The media said I would be weak and basically not capable. Well I am. The people have spoken and they want a CIP president. There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of things to be thought about but slowly we will unravel the Left's policies which have created an economy free from opposition and free from challenge and opportunity. We want to change that. We want to change the fact that thousands are dying a day due to loose drug laws and we want to change the justice system. Thank you for giving me this great responsibility to change Kalistan for the better.

He went on to take questions and meet members and candidates who had won seats.

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Rushmoore Faces Motion of No Confidence
Labour Party attempts to hold fresh election just a year after the President was elected
by Vincent Baldi
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 4th, 4075

Twelves months after the Left lost power for the first time in two centuries in Kalistan, the President of the Republic, Conservative Owen Rushmoore, is facing a motion of no confidence. The vote was proposed by the Labour Party and the outcome is still currently unclear. The CIP are obviously planning to oppose, as are the Kalistan Passion Party whilst the Labour Party will, predictably vote yes. The Socialist Party have stated that they are split on the issue so the decision may lie with the Democratic Freedom Alliance and the Monarchist Party.

In spite of the motion, the sitting government is technically still a Labour-Socialist one with Luca Curti as its Premier as a result of Rushmoore being unable to form a coalition cabinet of any kind. His first cabinet fell shy of the of a majority of the National Assembly, his second didn't earn the approval of the MPoK or the DFA nor did his third and his fourth- which was representative of the entire legislature- failed to attract KPP support. When asked for a comment by the People's Press, Luca Curti provided us with this statement on the issue;

It is an extremely difficult situation to operate in, needless to say. It is far from ideal for the government to be completely unaware of how long they will be required to do their jobs for but we're working hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything continues to run seamlessly. From a Labour Party point of view, we've submitted several pieces of legislation to try and secure votes for the next election, whenever that might take place. In terms of our involvement in a cabinet, we have made clear to the Conservatives that we would only work with them if it was in a 'unity' capacity. By this we mean, in co-operation with all other parties.

Meanwhile, as alluded to by Curti, the party has proposed its 'Plan for Labour Based Economy' due to the continuing process of developing an official party manifesto and platform. Whilst the process is ongoing, no details can be officially confirmed about the positions which it will outline however trusted sources tell us that the section in relation to the administration of Kalistan calls for extended terms and the removal of 'Presidential Prerogative'. This would represent a significant deviation from not only the current legislation but previous positions of the party. It should be noted that these remain rumours at this stage, though.

Finally, nominations have begun in preparation for the first election to the National Executive Committee. All positions with the exception of the Chair, the leader of the party, are available for election but it is unlikely that all will face a challenge. Even though he cannot be removed as leader in this way, Luca Curti could lose his position as Head of Internal Affairs; other candidates likely to face opposition including Deputy Chair and failed Presidential candidate Jayanta Singh and Head of Infrastructure and Transport Wenonah Accosi with the former position being targetted by Marianna Simonides, a prominent critic of Luca Curti. Simonides' support has declined in recent months, however, so it is difficult to tell if she will be successful.


Marianna Simonides led criticism of the Labour leader in the wake of the election result

[Doc]

Carrangus Returns to Power
SP, earns Assist, Premiership in compromise Government Bill
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 18, 4075


Premier of the Republic Fredricka Carrangus steps into a familiar role

Fredricka Carrangus, long serving Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan, was unanimously elected Premier of the Republic by the Assembly earlier this year, and immediately set out to give an important assist to the Conservative Independence Party. Arguing that the President was elected legitimately, and should serve his term out, Premier Carrangus led the SP to join with the Conservatives, the DFA, and the Passion Party to put an end to the motion of no confidence filed by the SP's normal political allies in the Assembly, the Labour Party.

As the bill went down in defeat at the beginning of this month, Premier Carrangus was asked why she sided with the Conservatives against Labour and the Monarchists.

"Politics makes strange bedfellows, I suppose. But I want to establish, as an enduring legacy, a respect for the institutions of Kalistan. It seems that our stalwart support for the Dual Economy has won over some new supporters. Our unending support for the prerogatives of the President has convinced some people to change their opinion on this matter... I don't think that us helping the President in this matter signals any movement away from our friends and comrades in Labour: Our vote was for the office of the President, and has nothing really whatsoever to do with the man who occupies it."

As for hints of realignment, Premier Carrangus brushed these aside.

"The Conservatives won the last election over Comrade Singh. This is the nature of elections. But the one-two from the Left, both with the nationalization acts as well as the Prison Abolition Act, which we are currently reintroducing in the Assembly, ensures that the Left, while technically in the Minority, can still pull legislation together, and can still oppose some of the harshest of plans that the Conservatives have for Kalistan. There are enough swing votes in the center to ensure that we do not go too far one way or another, while maintaining the institutions of the country. On that note, we hereby repeat our call for a New Constitutional Court. When one is called, the SP will be suing the Conservative Party over their proposal to establish secret military labs designed to study nuclear, biological and chemical weaponry in contravention to our laws. We want a precedent that RP acts cannot directly contradict existing laws."

The Premier was then called away by her aides.

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Elections Held For National Executive Committee
Florence Orlando is nominated for President and Curti wins his vote by huge majority though some key allies are defeated
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 14th, 4076


Florence Orlando has been selected as the Labour Party's Presidential nominee

Last week the Labour Party held elections for the National Executive Committee for the first time in its history. Previously, the NEC- which functions as the LP's cabinet and determines its nominations to the national cabinet- had been exclusively appointed by the party leader. Current Labour leader Luca Curti proposed a change to the rules, though, which was subsequently approved by party members, so now all members of the NEC must be voted to their positions democratically. The decision was seen by many as Curti giving in to pressure from challengers to his leadership from the party's more 'moderate' wing, headed by Marianna Simonides.

The format for the elections was somewhat improvised, given that they had never happened before, so it is sure to develop in future. This time round, though, the elections were held twelve months before national elections, candidates required the nomination of 1,000 party members to get on the ballot paper and they tended to run in co-operation with each other. This resulted in the development of several competing groups of candidates. The first, consisting almost entirely of the incumbent NEC, aligned themselves to Luca Curti; the second was made up of Simonides and her close supporters; the third comprised failed Presidential nominee Jayanta Singh and his allies whilst the fourth was composed of extreme, hard-left members of the Şorewa group. Additionally, there were several candidates running independently.

One such independent was Florence Orlando, who was standing for the Deputy Leadership and Presidential nomination. She was up against Singh and Simonides in what was predicted to be the most significant vote of them all. Orlando was victorious by a sizeable margin, beating Simonides by 39 percentage points and Singh by 52. Curti himself received nearly 90% of the votes for the Internal Affairs position, which he currently holds in the national cabinet although the other Labour member of the government, Serhat Aslan, did not contest his current role. Instead, he won the four-candidate race to replace Regina Vestri (who has stepped into a different role as President of Terra Union) as Head of Foreign Affairs. Ahmad Ali replaced him as Head of Environment and Tourism.

There were some victories for Curti's detractors, though. Simonides-supported Guðrun Jonsdottir defeated Wenonah Accosi to take her place as the Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson, while Jim O'Connell edged Lorenzo Ambrose by the narrowest of margins to become Head of Trade and Industry. Ivan Moric, who ran alongside Jayanta Singh, recorded a decisive victory in Food and Agriculture. The results of all the votes can be found here: http://bit.ly/2b1PulZ

We contacted Florence Orlando for a comment but she declined, informing us she would be outlining her entire Presidency plans soon.

[jamescfm]

On behalf of the Kalistan Unionist Party
Tragedy Strikes the KPP
Tilney elected new leader, rebranding begins
Vrassa City
17th May, 4076

The Kalistan Passion Party leader William Killams has tragically passed away at his home in Vrassa City aged 58. Killams had been leader for 18 years and had overseen the KPP entering the cabinet with Eleanor Tilney as Justice Minister. Killams funeral was very well attended with tributes from nearly all other parties. The President of the Republic Owen Rushmoore paid his respects to William Killams who he called a desirable politician. He said: 'William Killams was a good politician and one to be desired. There is no doubt he will be remembered as a passionate leader who fought for what he believed in.' Luca Curti from the Labour Party stated he had 'complete admiration for Mr Killams and his ability to stand up for his principles whilst leading his party, everybody in the Labour Party sends their condolences to Killams' family, friends and supporters.'

Killams death resulted in a hotly contested leadership election, with six candidates stepping forward. Deputy leader Pasil May was one of the favourites to win along with Eleanor Tilney, a well thought of figure in the KPP ranks. Also standing were veterans Bill Marchan and Dita Vanser along with rookie leadership contenders Louise Grander and Nicholas Fallero. The eventual victor and new leader of the KPP was former Justice minister, Eleanor Tilney. Ms Tilney, 37, won after the 3rd round of voting beating runners up Pasil May and and Bill Marchan. Ms Tilney, a former lawyer, joined the KPP 6 years ago and today she has promised widescale changes within the party in order for it to progress. Ms Tilney said; 'It is an honour to be elected leader, I will look to build on the success that my predecessor William had. However I will be looking to rebrand the party and bring in widescale changes in order to improve the party.'



Eleanor Tilney addressing the crowd.

Eleanor Tilney first major action was to reshuffle her shadow cabinet and rebrand the party to the Kalistan Unionist Party. Ms Tilney said;

This shadow cabinet reshuffle has allowed the KUP to invoke fresh ideas and hopefully improve our position for the upcoming election. We have decided to rebrand as the Kalistan Unionist Party. We believe in a strong Kalistan and a strong Kalistan requires a strong Union. We are better together and worse apart. We will commit to protect Kalistan's place in the various unions we are in at the present. However we will be staying towards the centre right of the political spectrum.

Among the cabinet changes, the five other candidates who were unsuccessful receive shadow cabinet positions. The last remaining original member of the shadow cabinet, Jezza Hartsos remains as Shadow Health and Social Services spokesperson. Veteran Bill Marchan has replaced Pasil May as deputy leader. Marchan thanked May for her efforts and dedication in the role.