NationStates Jolt Archive

The Kingdom of Reichskamphen has, since the inception of its current form, had a Parliament whose power was more or less symbolic. But within the past few months, there have been rumours and murmers about the streets of Reichsburg that the freedom the new Emperor of Greater Prussia had promised was going to assert itself in Reichskamphen first of all. These rumours were later confirmed when his Imperial Highness, Napoloen IV, Emperor of Greater Prussia, King of Burgundy, Scotta, and Alanea, and Royal Guardian of Reichskamphen signed the Decree of Kaiserstadt which granted enormous Legislative powers to the Parliament, but maintained the Autocracy by reaffirming the King's place at the head of the government and declaring that he would have veto power over any motion put through the Parliament. He could allow for a motion to pass back through and if it garnered enough votes it would go into law without his signiture, or he could permanently quash it by ripping it up when presented to him and declaring that the Law shall not be passed. The King nolonger has the power of absolute decree, but must get the approval of 40% of the Parliament for his pronouncements. The only man alive who can make an absolute decree pertaining to the Kingdom is its Royal Guardian, the Emperor himself.

Immediately, political parties began forming as there was a massive upheaval within the current Parliament. The former two party system consisting of the Royalist Party and the Reformist Party began to splinter and with elections only two months away, the new and old parties scrambled to ensure their place in what would actually be an election as opposed to an election where no one really turned up to vote as the Parliament had no power anyway.

The Political Parties that have been officially recognized and will be allowed to hold seats if they are elected to them are as follows:


Royalist Party

The Royalist Party stands firmly in support of the heriditary monarchy and the noble establishment, yet sees the need for the people to be represented in the government to prevent oppression and to have thier voices heard. Supports the ban on Catholicism, but timidly. The largest party in the Parliament. 170 of the 300 seats pre-Divide and 110 after the divide. Party head: Duke Erich von Dornsdorf

Reformist Party

The Reformist Party, the liberal party in the old establishment, now stands in a moderate position post-Divide as many of the radical elements have left the Party. They are loyal to and support the Monarchy, yet they also wish to see the establishment of a more constitutional style Monarchy with limited powers for the King and the curtailing of some of the noble privleges. Supports the ban on Catholicism, but timidly. 130 Seats were held pre-Divide, only 72 post-Divide. Party Head: Lucas Trimble

Greater Prussian Imperialist Party

The party is composed of former Royalist Party members who support a heriditary monarchy, but they want the Emperor of Greater Prussia to take the Crown of Reichskamphen for his own, and make the necessary changes to the stagnant system. Holds 13 seats. Political Head: Gen. Hans Decker, Imperial Guard (Ret.)

Protestant Traditionalist Party

Made up of members of both former main parties, though the Royalists comprise most of it. This group is loyal to the Monarchy, but they wish to see the re-institution of the Puritain lawcodes of 1680-1950's Reichskamphen. Some wish to see it return to the original codes of 1680, while some wish to see it return to a more moderated and updated version of the codes from the 1930s and 40s. Regardless of the position, both are strongly in favour of maintaining the ban on the Catholic Church and once again enforcing the death Penalty for any Roman Catholic Priest caught in the Kingdom. Holds 20 seats. Party Leader: Gerhardt Volcker

Constitution Party

Made up of former Reformist party members. Seeks to have the Monarchy completely stripped of all but ceremonial power and to establish a Constitutional Republic with a whole new set of laws. Seeks to remove the ban on Roman Catholicism and the restrictions upon the Anglican Church. Holds 48 seats. Party Leader: Thomas Leemaster

Liberal Party

Seeks to raise taxes and establish government institutions such as welfare, social security, and free healthcare. Supports the abolition of the Monarchy and the Nobility and seeks also to establish entirely new types of taxes to put a dent in the so called Nobility of Means...the Business and Corporate Moguls of the Kingdom. Opposes all religious bans and supports the secularization of society. Is warming up to the idea of suporting gay marriage and abortion. Holds 2 seats. Political Leader: Charles Perigord.

Absolutist Party

Supports the Monarchy entirely. Is only a part of the democratic process in the hopes of abolishing it alltogether from within. Very closely connected politically with the PTP (Protestant Traditionalist Party). Five of the most respected members of the Royalist Party opted to join this party instead of contending with a rapidly liberalizing Royalist Party due to the shakeup of the divide. Despite their small numbers, they have a great deal of clout. Holds 5 Seats. Political Leader: Duke Charles Cretan.

10 members of Parliament decided to disassociate themselves with parties entirely and stand as Independants. They are essentially in the middle of the spectrum and vote along the same lines, yet they will not form a political party as they believe, after the upheaval of the Divide, that political parties do more harm than good in the whole process.

OOC: Will, you realize NON-GREATER PRUSSIANS are voting, right?

Think a little. Isn't it obvious our enemies would try to influence your nation when they get the chance, which you are giving them.

Don't you think he'd have to be pretty stupid to think that a poll open to all forum members wouldn't be, well, open to all forum members?

That said, why are you two assuming he is that stupid?

Don't you think he'd have to be pretty stupid to think that a poll open to all forum members wouldn't be, well, open to all forum members?

That said, why are you two assuming he is that stupid?

I'm not -- I'm just curious as to WHY he's doing it. He should know that the majority of Nationstates is left/far left.

Remember, I said that it would only decide half of the vote. I know what I'm doing trust me. This plays into the RP. I just hope some more people vote for the Conservatives in one way, shape, or form.

Remember, I said that it would only decide half of the vote. I know what I'm doing trust me. This plays into the RP. I just hope some more people vote for the Conservatives in one way, shape, or form.

OOC: Oh, okay. And in NS, do you REALLY think people would vote anywhere Right-of-center? :)

The Emperor sat at his desk, looking at the exit polls for the election.

"I honestly don't know WHERE the Liberal Party got all that support from. They were only polling at .5% earlier. I didn't think there were that many lefty-loonies in the entire country." He then mused, "Most of them escaped while they could."

He continued to scan the list as Duc Guillaume wandered in. "Monsieur le Duc, Comment ca va?"

"You're looking at the exit polls...you should know how I'm doing. We have to put a stop to this Emperor!" Guillaume shouted.

"Democracy is democracy, mon ami. But the King still has veto power, don't worry about it."

"The King??" Guillaume sighed. "He hasn't been out of his palace since the corronation, and before that, it had been 20 years. He won't do anything."

"But I have veto power, Guillaume. Ultimate veto power." the Pencil he was holding in his hand then snapped into small pieces.

Greater Prussians would if they would vote!

The Commonwealth of Chimaea applauds the Kingdom of Reichskamphen's democratic election and hopes the current government respects the results of the election, whatever they may be.

Of course, the Commonwealth supports any of the parties which support civil rights, democracy and human rights in general.

~Chimaean Foreign Ministry Representative,
Official Statement on Kingdom of Reichskamphen Situation

We agree with our Chimaean friends in this matter
~Random pseudo-official statement made by an ambassador-type person.

"The Commonality cautiously applauds these apparent reforms by Reichskamphen, but will not commit to tacit approval or disapproval until such times as the results are clear."

~ 3rd Ambassador Neurat

Sorry to interrupt - is it true that the majority of NS players are of a left-wing persuasion? I have seen many right-wing and far-right wing regions and nations throughout the game, certainly far more of those than left-wing ones

Sorry to interrupt - is it true that the majority of NS players are of a left-wing persuasion? I have seen many right-wing and far-right wing regions and nations throughout the game, certainly far more of those than left-wing ones

OOC: You obviously don't go to the general forums very much.

OOC: I'll count votes for another day, then I'll go with the results. I've got to figure out a way to explain how ALL those liberals turned out...because frankly there aren't that many in the Kingdom. I will respect the results, infact, thats what I was planning on getting...but I've gotta figure out how.

OOC: clearly there are that many liberals:p 86.84% cant be wrong...time for some uber POPULAR reforms...

KNN Talking heads, a slip of the tongue?
INTERVIEWER: "What do you think of the elections in Reichskamphen? The liberals are polled very well. As a member of the liberal SLP this should make you happy, should it not?"
HANS VAN MIERLO: "I am the minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence and therefore I do not favour one party or the other as long as they respect principles of democracy and human rights. I look forward to whatever Liberal government will take power in Reichskamphen after these elections, regardless of which party wins.

((*dips his finger in blue dye and shows it around. I voted liberal :P ))

OOC: Just as a heads up, this is going to get ALOT worse before it gets better. The end result after all is said and done will be a nice moderate representative government.

IC: GPNN News Analysis

"We have with us in the studio today one of the men most responsible for the elections in the Kingdom, the famed Arch Duke von Oberhausen. Your thoughts on how things proceeded, Emminence?"

The Arch Duke licked his lips a bit and then began to speak.
"It appears the people of Reichskamphen didn't seem that interested in the elections after all. Only a 32% turn out accross the entire Kingdom and exit polls are showing that most of these were liberal Anglicans and Secular Humanists."

"Yes." the Commentator then added, "Just for information's sake, Anglicans compose about 20% of the country, mostly concentrated in the Kamphstadt Area."

"Indeed," the Arch Duke continued, "The traditionalists and monarchists seem to have thought their position was so secure that they needn't even turn out."

"Infact, if our numbers are right." the Commentator tacked on, "As this first round of elections decides half of the parliament seats, it will effectively make the fledgling 'Liberal Party' the largest political party in Reichskamphen, unseating the Royalist Party for the first time in nearly 70 years. Emminence, are you upset with these results?"

"Well, I support the outcome of the election as it was a fair one...though I am not necessarily pleased with its outcome. I would have liked to see more of a gain for the moderates than the absolute far left."

"You aren't alone." The commentator put his hand up to his earpiece. "At this very moment there is a huge protest going on in King William Square, Reichsburg. Let's watch."

The view changed to King William Square, with a statue of King William III of Great Brittain, a hero to Protestants the world over, as well as a smaller statue to the side of Oliver Cromwell. A sea of people engulfed the huge area, the Royal Palace overlooking it. The people chanted "REVOKE THE VOTE! REVOKE THE VOTE!" The King in the palace heard the cries...but would not respond. The vote was secure. Outside there were effigies of the Pope and the liberal Party Leader strung up the statue of King William and set ablaze. The crowd cheered as the flames licked higher and higher and a new chant was heard, "Deft to the Liberals, Death to the Pope! Death to the Liberals Death to the Pope!"

"Truly troubling." The commentator said, the image of the protest still on display. "Wait, it looks like the leaders of the Absolutist Party, the Greater Prussian Imperialist Party, and the Protestant Traditionalist Party are getting up to speak." The three men in suits stepped up on the pedestal of the statue and Volcker, the head of the PTP spoke for them all. "My friends, and countrymen, the vote will not be revoked!" A chorus of boos started but he shouted above them, "BUT...BUT...there is something you can do yet. When the next half of the seats are up for a vote in a month from now...you should ALL go out to vote for Protestantism, for Tradition, for the Protestant Traditionalist Party! The Absolutist Party, the Imperialist Party and the Protestant Traditionalist Party are now all one! We stand under the great umbrella of the PTP to oppose these liberals with all of our might and yes...Oppose the Anti-Christ Pope with all of our might! Keep Prussia Protestant, vote PTP!" The crowd again began to chant, "DEATH TO THE POPE! DEATH TO THE POPE!" The three leaders then began to join them, Volcker shouting loudest of all, "DEATH TO THE POPE!!!"

The screen then cut away. "Emminence...your thoughts on this new development? It looks like this newly announced political coalition could quite easily knock the Royalist Party out of the running for good unless they hop on the bandwagon too."

The Arch Duke sighed. "One nation composed of two opposite extremes cannot remain one nation very long. Normally, I don't make any political endorsements, but I believe I now must. We cannot allow two extremist factions to tear this land apart. I am casting my support for the Royalist Party, and I hope my fellow citizens do as well."

"Thankyou, Emminence."

"My pleasure."

Greater Prussian News Network

*after the commercials*

"We're back to the GPNN. With the election obviously leaning heavily to the liberals, Reichskamphen may be going towards a state in which many other GP nations refuse to accept. A..." The reporter was cut off by a man coming up to him and whispering in his ear. The reporter looked shocked, but in a happy way, and the other man left.

"Well, we just got word from the Dersconi Foreign Ministry -- actually, Count Franz von Papen, the Foreign Minister to the Czar, our Archchancellor of Greater Prussia, just walked in to the studio." He looked up. "Hello, Franz." The Count nodded.

"Hello."

"So, what's the word inside the Kremlin?"

"Well, Andre, obviously, the Arch Chancellor is not very pleased with the results." The Commentator nodded.

"That's obvious. If I'm correct, he didn't want the elections to occur in the first place."

"That is correct, Andre. In fact, the GPNN took a polling the day before the election showing a seventy percent approval rating of the current monarchy. Granted, this includes those who want a moderate democractic system but still support the crown, but all the same, this is NOWHERE NEAR what the election is showing. In fact, like the Arch Duke previously stated, only the areas of Kamphasdadt and a few other isolated areas are voting. The majority of the country didn't even vote, and I think this is a vote to itself -- they don't want a democracy." Andre acknowledged the statement.

"Correct, but you didn't just come down to give an analysis." Franz smiled.

"Of course not. I came down to deliver a message from the Arch Chancellor." The Commentator looked pleased.

"Do go on." Papen nodded.

"The Arch Chancellor of Greater Prussia, Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov III of Derscon, has told me that he will NOT recognize any liberal government in Reichskamphen, as it is not the will of the people.

"He has also stated that if Reichskamphen goes too far from its 'Divine Path', as he called it, he will send in troops to reinstate the proper government and the True Will of the People of Reichskamphen." The Commentator just stared.

"You're saying that the Czar will send in military forces if the liberals take Reichskamphen from this Divine Path?" Franz nodded.

"Yes, that is exactly what I said." The Commentator looked slightly nervous.

"You realize that this would not go over well with a lot of people." Franz nodded.

"The Arch Chancellor does realize this, and doesn't care. He believes he would be doing God's Will, and nothing is going to stop him."

"Well, that's an interesting development," Andre responded. "Thank you for coming aboard." Papen nodded.

"No problem." Andre turned to face the cameras.

"And now to your local weather on the nine's."

The official tally of gained seats from the first half of Royal Provinces to vote:

Of 150 seats up for election, they were selected as follows:

Liberal Party: 128
Constitution Party: 10
Royalist Party: 8
Reformist Party: 4

The other parties gained no seats.

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Election Analysis:

As most of the Liberal Party voters came from Reformist Strongholds, the Reformist Party is all but dead as their MP's have mostly been replaced by Liberal Party MP's. The smaller parties that formed after the divide, with the exception of the Protestant Traditionalist Party and the Constitution Party all dwindled to essentially nothing. The PTP lost 50% of its 20 seats in this election, but has certainly more power than the Imperialist Party and the Absolutist Party which dwindled to all but 1 seat each. For this reason, the three parties merged to give the right wing a stronger voice. And currently, the Protestant Traditionalist Party is polling well ahead of any of its competitors for the next election.

Not wishing the Liberals to gain control of the country, the leading political groups are forming working coalitions, the Royalist Party and the PTP are looking ready to vote in lock step. The Reformist Party and Constitution Party are voting in lockstep as well. All of these combined, as it stands now, if they take a collective stand on any issue, can block an extreme liberal swing. But it will take coordination.

There was even a press conference held today where a statement agreed upon by the leaders of every party except the Liberal Party in which they assured the public that they would stand united in principle against the Liberals and vote against their evils at every chance that they could.

Here are the final standings in Parliament of all 300 seats. The merger of the PTP, GPIP, and AP, has been noted in Parenthesis

Liberal Party 131
Royalist Party 76
Constitution Party 38
Reformist Party 14
Protestant Traditionalist Party 10 (12)
Greater Prussian Imperialist Party 1 (0)
Absolutist Party 1 (0)

The Acting Prime Minister until the other half of Parliament is elected shall be the head of the Liberal Party, Charles Perigord. If, after the results of the second election, the Liberal Party is still the largest Party, he will be officially named Prime Minister.
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NEXT ELECTION POLL NUMBERS

The following is the polling for the next round of elections in the provinces which have not voted.

Protestant Traditionalist Party 45%
Royalist Party 35%
Reformist Party 10%
Constitution Party 5%
Liberal Party 5%

The already huge campaign by Mr. Volcker of the PTP has thrust it ahead in the polls of the traditional majority Party, now the largest Minority party, by a whoping 10%. This seems to be a backlash against the new liberal dominance. Many people, even those who would not necessarily vote PTP otherwise are casting their ballots with Volcker because they view that the only way to stop the Liberals is to make a strong united opposition and moderates such as the Reformists, Consitution Party, and the Royalist Party to an extent cannot do this.

The Royalist Party still polls strong as it is the traditional party of Reichskamphen, but even in the largest Royalist Strongholds where any other party name is a curseword, we are beginning to see Orange flags hanging out of windows here and there...the Orange banner of the PTP.

((OOC: Someone is trying to get out from under his election results. *shakes head*))

From 85% to 5%?

coughwankcough

FIX! FIX!

Incidentally, I really wouldn't mind seeing more Constitution Party seats, but that's just me.

OOC: I agree with Menelmacar. I would've voted for the Liberal or Constitutional parties myself.

LEGALIZE CATHOLICISM!!!

*makes "Paisley as Antichrist" effigy in case Will and/or Derscon go on anti-Catholic rantings*

OOC: Catholicism IS legal in Derscon -- ALL Christian denominations are legal in Derscon.

OOC: Technically, reichy can declare the vote null and void as there was too much international interference in the election.

But frankly, that's his problem. ;)

Francis sighed.
"We threw our support behind the Constitutional Party. From second to second to last." he said to Count Antonette, "From second to almost last"



ooc- Yes, it is possible to go from 85%- 5%. Different regions. South US votes different than New England.

OOC: To dissuade fears, I am not wanking out. My nation doesn't have that many liberals in it. I know because I designed it. I'm trying to find a way to make the election results work. Now if we look at it logically, the Liberal Party will more than likely be the largest party in the country regardless, because the seats they've gained cant be challenged...and they can still gain more. I don't want my entire country turned into Knootoss (no offense knoot). To tell you the truth, most of this had been planned from the beginning. The whole reason I divided the election into two parts from the very beginning is so I could have a moderate government as opposed to a hard right or hard left government. If you just watch, you'll be pleased with the results at the end. I have a whole RP about this coming up. The way its going to work is that the PTP will begin exerting alot of influence, become a huge national phenomenon because of their opposition to the liberals, but the governing process will be deadlocked because the PTP and the Liberals are so diametrically opposite of one another. I will tell you that in the end it will be a completely fair and representative government, but its got to undergo a baptism by fire first.

OOC: To dissuade fears, I am not wanking out. My nation doesn't have that many liberals in it. I know because I designed it.

TOTALLY OOC: That statement would make me wonder why you bothered with the Poll then, since clearly you already have your story arc totally planned and no intention of changing it.

Final 2nd Vote Results:

Protestant Traditionalist Party 30% 45 Seats
Constitution Party 30% 45 Seats
Royalist Party 20% 30 Seats
Liberal Party 15% 22 Seats
Reformist Party 5% 8 Seats


Final Parliament Seat Count:

Liberal Party:150
Constitution Party: 55
Protestant Traditionalist Party: 45
Royalist Party: 38
Reformist Party:12

Prime Minister: Charles Perigord (Liberal Party)
Loyal Opposition Leader: Gerhardt Volcker (Protestant Traditionalist Party)

The Prime Minister was selected by an internal vote of the Party holding the most seats.

Each Party that was not the Dominant Party was given the chance to declare alliance, opposition, or neutrality in respect to the Dominant Party. The Constitution Party and the Reformist Party declared Neutrality and the Protestant Traditionalist and Royalist Parties Declared whole hearted opposition. Therfore, an internal vote was conducted among the Royalist Party and the PTP. Volcker, the head of the PTP was selected by a vote of 55 to 28 which means many members of the Royalist Party voted for him also. It is quite apparant from the start that the Royalist Party is looking to either align itself in voting with the PTP or to merge with the PTP to form a more effective Opposition.

The Constitution Party is officially the second Largest Party in the Kingdom and achieved this by a massive ad campaign that cast them as sensible moderates in contrast to the Liberal Party and the PTP.

The Liberals options are thus: Recognize that their dominance is quite temporary due to the low voter turn out which boosted them into power which will likely not be repeated and do all possible to move thier measures through, or moderate themselves and form a more feasible permanent majority.

Whatever they do, Volcker is prepared to draw blood.