NationStates Jolt Archive

(ooc: this takes place after the end of the Knootian occupation of Tanah Burung. Occupation-related threads still to be finished, but this comes to you thanks to the miracle of fluidic time)

People’s Assembly elections in Tanah Burung

With the departure of the last Knootian soldier from Burungi soil, the provisional government has announced elections for a new People’s Assembly (Dewan Rakyat). Previously all decisions were taken by popular referendum. However, this made decision-making painfully slow, opening the door to a foreign invasion of the motherland.

In this time of post-war reconstruction, decisions will have to be made more swiftly. Reconstruction takes planning and requires speedy decisions on matters of national importance. Therefore, it has been decided to elect a People’s Assembly, empowered to plan the broad lines of the national reconstruction programme. It also has the power to propose and implement constitutional changes, but only with a two-thirds majority including at least half the Delegates from each province. All decisions are subject to ratification by referendum, but will take effect immediately.

The People’s Assembly will fill the place taken in many countries by the upper house of parliament or Senate. It consists of ten Councillors from each of the six United Provinces, plus three representing the new federal district of Rumbipura. The place filled in other democracies by the lower house will continue to be filled by all citizens of Tanah Burung through direct referendums.

In response to the projected elections, political parties have been formed for the first time. They are:

Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) or Federasi Rai Adil. The CCF is founded on the principles of Catholic social justice teachings. It pursues the “preferential option for the poor” and seeks and build a just society on earth. In a Catholic-majority country, the CCF is considered one of the strongest parties. Leader: Alvaro Pinto, an ex-diplomat whose most recent posting was as Ambassador to Pantocratoria.

World Federalist Movement or Movimento Persatuan Dunia. This party believes that Tanah Burung was invaded because of an unhealthy obsession with the outdated principle of national sovereignty. Peace and security can only be achieved through dissolving borders and surrendering some aspects of sovereignty to a larger federation which should eventually cover the entire world. The party’s utopian ideals cost it support, but it gains through the personal popularity of its leader, the aged former foreign minister Violet Bi Bere.

League for Economic Democracy (LED) or Liga Demokrasi Ekonomi. The LED is the political vehicle of the cooperatives that control most of Tanah Burung’s economy. The party campaigns on a platform of sustained economic growth, with ideology taking a back seat. A nationalist group, it still believes in increased trade outside the country’s borders. Party leader is Rosa Almeida, an economist and member of the wartime government-in-exile who led the country’s most successful trade mission, to other signatories of the International Free Trade Agreement (IFTA). LED hopes rest on Almeida’s popularity and the power of the large coops.

League Against Imperialism (LAI) or Liga Lawan Kenusantaraan. The LAI upholds Tanah Burung’s “proud tradition of anti-colonialism.” Economic nationalists and political internationalists, the League is believed to be the political vehicle of those members of the anti-colonial Rumbiak Brigade who traded bullets for ballots. LAI promises to fight for the freedom of Knootian Colombia and Ianislean Gallaga give this belief weight, although the party denies any connection. Its leader is Jacob Rumkorem, who claims to have fought in Colombia.

Green Party or Serikat Hijau. The Greens pledge to protect Tanah Burung’s famous rain forests and other aspects of the living environment. Although like all other parties it is socialist to some degree, the Greens are perhaps the most libertarian of the parties, stressing individual rights and small government outside the environmental realm. Leader: Silas Simparieff, former Governor of Burung Paradis province and a member of the government-in-exile.

Socialist Front or Barisan Socialis. The Socialists are an urban-based party claiming to speak for industrial workers, a growing segment of the population in a country which is still heavily agrarian. Its leaders are of a high intellectual calibre and stress organization of small cadres to advance the cause of eradicating capitalism once and for all. The party is a strong advocate of international network structures that bypass capitalism entirely. It is led by Mari Alkatiri, the incumbent minister of foreign affairs & human rights who headed the government-in-exile.

KOTA, a Tetemalayu word best translated as “defenders of the motherland.” KOTA is the most nationalist of all the parties and the most protectionist. It upholds defence of indigenous traditions and includes many who protested against the costs of rapid economic development. KOTA is led by Bi Kikere, a former sports hero as goalkeeper for the Tanah Burung Crocodiles voted the nation’s Sexiest Footballer nine years running. Now an old woman unable to walk, Bi Kikere commanded guerrilla forces resisting the Knootian invasion from a pallanquin carried on the shoulders of her soldiers.

The Free Republic always applauds democracy. As a matter of policy the Free Republic does not endorse parties or candidates in foreign elections , as they are an entirely internal affair.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will comment that it has found Violet Bi Bere a sincere and trustworthy Woman of State, with the best interests of the Burungi People in mind.

Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

OOC: see also http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8558210#post8558210

Official Response from the United Republics of Tiburon

The United Republics agrees wholeheartedly with the statements of the Free Republic. Any instance in which democratization, de-imperialization, and modernization occur is an instance to rejoice. The United Republics will not support any particular side- it is a choice to be made by Burungis. We strongly hope that the flower of democracy, independence, and modernity continues to flourish in the state of Tanah Burung.

OOC: Based on what er..I would have defined as 'terroist' activity Seth Rumkorem would likely be sitting in prison someplace. That is actually fighting outside of Tanah Burung.

Burung-yang-membuat-dunia

The crane moved slowly, picking up the large wooden beam to be placed back onto the Cathedral. Burungi workmen busied themselves, cutting and carving the large peices of wood that would support the new roof.

A blond woman stood in the square below the church watching. Her blue eyes supervising the work. It seemed a bit strange now, a woman in a kaki uniform standing in the morning sun.

"Um, your grace...Major" the local reporter approached her. Unsure how to address a member of royalty.

Elizabeth Crawfordturned, looked at the reporter and nodded, "Your ladyship is the proper address."

"Your Ladyship, can you comment on the recent annoucement of elections considering your nation's forceful demands for the end of Knootian occupation of Tanah Burung. And of course the fact that your nation was involved in actually trying the accused members of the Rumbiak Brigade.

Elizabeth grimiced, "The United Duchies only wants to see the nation of Tanah Burung placed on a path that future invasions are unlikely and uneeded, we feel this national assembly is a step in the right direction."

"Your Ladyship, some people have accused the Klatchian Federation of Imperialsim..."

"If you are refering to Neo-Tyr, that nation invaded us. We only responded by defeating the threat and then placing Neo-Tyr on a less agressive path."

"By thrusting a Regent upon them..."

"Until the Princess of Neo Tyr comes to an appropriate age to rule..."

The reporter wrote down her responses.

"Uhm, Your Ladyship...some have said that the World Federalist Movement wants to create a version of the Klatchian Federation..."

"No, their description of a borderless society spanning the globe is not the Federation. The Federation is about the joint protection of the Klatchian States from outside interferance. Obviously, all the states of the Federation submit some of their soverignty over to the Federation. But not to the degree that the WFM describes. We believe in Federalism."

"Final Question, is Seth Rumkorem recent annoucement that he participated in activities in Columbia an afront to the Alconian Government."

"No, not at all, however he might just wished to keep his mouth shut on that matter. Ever since he started saying that he participated in fighting in Columbia, the Knootians have been pondering if he actually was in Columbia. If he were charged with international terrorism, I am afraid he could wind up being found to be a liar, or convicted, or both. I think Mr. Seth Rumkorem has done himself a great diservice."

"Thank You your Ladyship."

(ooc: i made an error in the opening post, now fixed. The leader of the League Against Imperialism is Jacob Rumkorem, the name given in the poll. Like many politicians, he is "bending the truth" when he says he fought in Colombia. His brother Seth did lead a group of fighters to Gallaga, though.)

Loro Sae

Red banners festooned the recently-freed city by the Bay of Snakes, centre of Rumbiak Brigade sentiment. A young man, carried on the shoulders of other young men through the city's narrow streets, shouted through a loud speaker.

"Merdeka, my friends! Freedom!" Jacob Rumkorem, a warrior of the Biak longhouse and new leader of the league Against Imperialism, punched his fist into the air jubilantly. "We're free again!"

He clambered onto a ramshackle platform. "But it's only half freedom, my friends! We are only half free, as long as any nation if held under imperial rule! As long as any of our citizens are held in the courts of a foreign power! We need 100% merdeka, 100% freedom for all our people and all people who still groan under the colonial yoke! Our beloved Markus Rumbiak showed us the way. My brother Seth has fought for freedom. It's time for our entire nation to fight the same way! Freedom now! Freedom everywhere!"

The small and youthful crowd shrieked their approval.

"Freedom! Freedom! Down with imperialism!"

Ukun Rasikan

Her hip replacement and rejuvenation therapy had given Violeta Bi Bere a fresh-faced appearance. For a woman of 96, she looked almost spry. True, her skin still looked like ancient parchment and she walked only with the aid of a cane, but her eyes twinkled with mischief as she prepared to launch a campaign blasting what she saw as the foolishness of her government since the last elections. Elections that had swept her from her long tenure as foreign minister.

Bi Bere's enormous popularity in her home town ensured that the park along Canal Street was packed with Rasikani people carrying picnic baskets and sky-blue ribbons bearing the letter V. "Victory!" Violeta!" they cried as she emerged from her vegetable oil-powered car. The row of foreign embassies behind provided a silent reminder of her foreign policy experience. The perfect backdrop for a campaign launch.

Bi Bere smiled. "The doors are open again to the world," she said softly, forcing the crowd to strain to hear her. It was her favourite rhetorical technique. "Time to open them wider still, my dear ones. Wider still."

She paused, offering smiles and nods to people she knew in the crowd. "Did your father have to die in the occupation, Carlos?" she asked one boy. "No. The last government's folly brought that disaster upon us. And you, Maria? Was it right that your family lost its home when the Knootians bombed our beautiful city? Did the last government really help us by screaming defiance? The invasion was the fault of a cruel and vicious warmonger in Knootcap, but it was also partly our own fault, dear hearts of my own heart. I would heal your wounds with my tears, mend your broken bodies with the ways of peace. But there is a balm in Gilead, beloved ones. A healing time, a time to reach out, a new answer that shall save us from another tempo funu, another time of war."

The crowd waited, hanging on the old woman's flowery rhetoric.

"Federalism, dear children, that's the way ahead. Open the doors wider, let the new day in. Federalism. Arms are for hugging, not for fighting."

Bordo looked around, checking for any suspicious around him. Nothing. He was enjoying the peace being experienced here in Tanah Burung after the withdrawal of the Knootian troops. There was, however, a power vacuum that could, in its worst possible state, cause the country to erupt into upheaval, and perhaps civil war.

Bordo took out his phone and began dialing. He continued to look around for any signs he was being followed. Still nothing. He breathed a little easier. Recently, he had been in the hotzone, caught up between the guerilla war that was going on between Bi Kikere’s troops and the Knootians, despite continuously being asked by Bi Kikere herself to not put himself in the way of danger. Finally, the ringing stopped.

“You are calling sooner than expected.”, the person on the other line stated.

“What can I say, I am efficient.”, Bordo responded matter of factly.

“Good news, I presume?”

“You could say so. I met with Bi Kikere earlier today, and they agreed. I told her we will be backing their cause as it is in both our interests, and she told me that as long as we did not try to get involved internally in Tanah Burung, then she has no problem with working together.”

“I see. Tell me, could anyone else know about this?”

“You picked me out yourself, Dewars. You don’t need to ask such questions.”

“Indeed, I do pick them well. How did you get her to come around?”

“I have my ways. Alright, enough chit-chatter. I’ll report back when I’ve got more news. For now, sit tight. Bi Kikere is a strong candidate. Her nationalistic views are strong, but she appreciates all I’ve done for her. She is a good person, as am I. No one will cheat the other. Take care, send my regards to my dear Nedalian homeland.”

Bordo hung up. He had not told Dewars Strand, Nedalian Minister of Foreign Affairs, about his involvement with the guerillas. He didn’t know, either, about Bordo actually fighting alongside with them. Hey, you don’t win over a nationalist’s loyalty by sitting back and watching her fellow countrymen die for a cause they think you do not believe in. Bi Kikere knew that Bordo worked with the Nedalian government, and she had promised him benefits in which both countries would enjoy.

For now, he was hungry. He knew a great local restaurant just down the road. Once again, he took a look around. Nothing. Peace was nice….he hoped it would last.

KOTA is led by Bi Kikere, a former sports hero as goalkeeper for the Tanah Burung Crocodiles voted the nation’s Sexist Footballer nine years running. Now an old woman unable to walk, Bi Kikere commanded guerrilla forces resisting the Knootian invasion from a pallanquin carried on the shoulders of her soldiers.
OOC: So she's um, a female chauvinist pig or something?
Now, if she was the worlds "Sexiest" Footballer, that's would be something different... ;)

Voted CCF. :)

(oops, cursed spell check! Love the Papal quote, Sys.)

The PDSRA wishes to offer its most heartfelt support and encouragement to the nation of Tanah Burung in these times of change. May you find the way best suited to your culture, your beliefs and the needs and aspirations of your people.

In friendship,

E El,
Ariddian ambassador to Tanah Burung

Rumbipura

It was an almost impossible dream, to transform this little rain forest village into a new national capital. But Bi Kikere did not dear the impossible. The village was swollen with demobilized guerrilla fighters and internally-displaced refugees from the recent war. It stank of too many people with few sources of clean water. Never mind: this would be a glorious capital city for a land reborn, cleansed of invaders. Good riddance.

Two guerillas carried her out to speak to a few hundred more. The crowd was small, but her target was the television cameras that ringed the massed green-clad soldiers.

"Ha! We showed those Knootian filth, didn't we!" The soldiers cheered. Peace treaties and outide help be damned: these people believed they had driven out the invaders by their own strength. And Bi Kikere, she had led them to their victory.

Bi Kikere spoke again. "You all know i care for speeches about as much as i care for that poisonous Pink Bunny concoction, yes? Yes, not at all! So i'll be brief. We have a chance to build a country purified of these colonial influences. To go back to the old ways, the ways of our own people, to rediscover our own authentic spirit. OK then. I can deliver that. Forget those pampered politicians who fled their country when it was invaded. Vote for someone who stayed and fought. Vote for one of your own."

She unrolled a piece of paper and read it aloud. "It is also my great privilege to announce offers for reconstruction aid have begun to pour in from our neighbours. Vrak has offered us help! Ilek-Vaad has offered us help! Midlonia has offered us help! These are not nations that bow down and scrape to the pretty promises of gloablization: they're proud nations that we should be proud to be associated with! I know it's only the beginning. Vote for me, and we shall make might friends, and be mighty ourselves!"

There. Patriotism and money. The wizened woman smiled to herself, and started waitign for her bump in the polls. And if she had other nations backing her that she had not mentioned, then what of it? Were campaign speeches delivered under oath?

Matebian

The lesser jihad was over, at last.

Mari Alkatiri had been blamed by many people for bringing the Knootian invasion on his country through a stubborn defence of national sovereignty. Once the invasion had come, of course, the people had rallied to defend the country against the hated Knootians. But many still remembered Alkatiri's tenure as people's representative for foreign affairs, mostly for the invasion.

Not here in Alkatiri's mountain home base, however, the city that had seen mroe fighting than any other. Here, many people had rallied to the call of the patriotic war. The lesser jihad, as Alkatiri's own clan had called it.

But Alkatiri himself had never had much interest in war. The real war, for him, was the war for socialism. That was the greater jihad.

"Socialism is the greater jihad." Mari Alkatiri repeated the message, over and over again, as he tried to win back support, one voter at a time. There were no flashy campaign launches for his new political party. Only the lonely and austere message of another battle ahead, a battle of economics.

"The real war is the war for socialism," he told the labourers rebuilding the factories. "Our struggle is for social justice, not only for freedom from foreign occupation," he told the people lined up for services of thanksgiving. "The war is not over. The greater jihad lies ahead."

But Mari Alkatiri was also having to deal with the cold hard fact that for peace he had signed himself into trouble.

In the mountains there were people poking about asking questions, with their odd hats and long swords. In BYMD, others scrutinized the surviving files of the Collective Presidency.
The people in the hats, offered nor gave an opinon of his declared 'Greater Jihad'. They refused to answer any questions about the Brungi election, only returned a black stare. In truth most of them considered socialism to depend too much on the honor of nameless beuracrats, but they had no part in deciding that fate of this nation. No, they had a task that Alkatiri was himself responsible for creating.

That task included investigating the connections between Mari Alkatiri and the Rumbiak Brigade. The irony was the fact that his name had appeared on the Knootian list, but not the Burungi list, of Rumbiak Brigade members, and he had known that when he signed the treaty.

François Taofinu arrived at the Archbishop Gopangi’s office a few minutes early, but he was not kept waiting. A smiling Gopangi came out of his office to clasp the Bishop’s hand warmly. “Your Excellency! Welcome back to Rome. You’re looking much better, much better indeed, thank the Virgin. All ready to step into harness again?”

Taofinu smiled in return, moving past the Archbishop into the office, and seating himself with the very slightest of awkwardness. He was still not entirely used to the latest exoskeletal appliance that helped compensate for his shattered left knee. It was an upgrade over the one that he’d had during his initial recovery from the blast in Ukun Rasikan, far more versatile, but it took some getting used to. “Ready enough, ready enough. As ready as I was a year ago, and more.”

There was a slightly ironic emphasis to Taofinu’s words. He’d been fully recovered for more than a year, but the Knootian occupation government had continually found oh-so-reasonable excuses to keep him from returning to his post among the people of Tanah Burung. Most ‘for his own safety,’ of course. They pointed virtuously to the blast that had destroyed the makeshift hospital Taofinu had been visiting, and their own swift action in retrieving him from the rubble, stabilizing his condition, and airlifting him back to Rome as evidence of their deep concern for his well-being. But Taofinu suspected their solicitude stemmed more from a wish to keep him out of Tanah Burung than any real concern for his safety. He had never openly incited resistance to the occupation government, of course, but he’d made no secret of his opposition.

Now the Knootians were gone, and he was finally, finally, going “home” as he’d come to think of it. Tanah Burung was holding elections, the economy was being rebuilt, and Bishop Mangunvijaya was arranging a celebratory Mass, a Te Deum of magnificent proportions, and Taofinu would concelebrate. He left tomorrow for Tiga Burung; and by the next day he’d be back among his people. He could hardly keep the smile off his broad, rather homely face.

Gopangi had asked him to consult regarding the elections. “After all, Excellency, you had a chance to observe many of the key parties…” What, in Taofinu’s opinion, would be the best-case outcome for the elections? The worst-case? How might various outcomes affect the Church?

Taofinu considered. “In truth, Excellency, I think that the best outcome for the Church would be a plurality for the CCF. Enough margin to give them the government, but not a majority.”

“Not?” Gopangi was surprised. The CCF was certainly the most Church-friendly of the major parties.

Taofinu looked apologetic. “Given the many cultural and economic issues that Tanah Burung must address in recovering from the occupation, Excellency, a coalition would be the most productive long-term option. It might slow the process a little, but I really think it would produce a better result in the long run.”

“Indeed. And who would you see as being part of a CCF-led coalition?”

Taofinu frowned. “That is difficult to say. It is easier to say who would not be likely to participate. The Socialists, for one. They probably have a good chance of winning as it is, and if they don’t, they certainly have the strength to form a viable opposition. Alkatiri is an ambitious man, and they have much influence. The LED and the LAI are unlikely, though it is possible the LED could form a swing element, cooperating with a CCF-led government whenever they felt their economic interests were more likely to be served by such cooperation.”

He shrugged. “The Greens are probably the most natural partner, but they’re not likely to get a large enough share of the vote to be a substantial force. That would leave CCF making a choice between Bi Kikere and Violeta Bi Bere. Myself, I think they’d be better off with Madame Bi Bere, but the pragmatic realities are such that an alliance with KOTA might serve them better.”

“That would be a best-case scenario, however. I think the most likely outcome is a Socialist plurality by a slim margin, that will leave them in the position of forming a coalition. In that case, the CCF could be a junior partner with considerable influence, and that might not be a bad outcome, either—though I am not too sure how stable the Socialists really are at this point. Worst case scenario would be no clear plurality and a long floor fight to form a coalition government, with one of the more narrowly-focused minority parties ending up with a key swing vote—LAI or the Greens. That would slow the recovery process considerably, and probably absorb more energy than is healthy in parliamentary power struggles.”

Taofinu chuckled. “Of course, all of this is just speculation. If there is anything I learned while I was there, it was that the people of Tanah Burung are always capable of surprises.”

Gopangi nodded, thoughtfully. “I see. Well, it will be good to have you back on the ground, as it were. Word is that the Nunciature took some minor damage, but they are already reconstructing, and it should be more than habitable by the time you arrive.” He rose. “I appreciate your Excellency’s time; I know you have much to do before you leave. I will pray for your safe journey and happy return to Ukun Rasikan.”

Taofinu’s smile was luminous. “Thank you, thank you. I am most eager to return.” With deliberation, (his exo-knee sometimes produced feedback hesitation if he overcontrolled his movements,) he rose, and shook hands with his colleague.

“Go with God.”

Burung-yang-membuat-dunia

It was not really proper that the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation was launching its campaign on the day of the Nuncio's arrival in the city, Bishop Mangunvijaya reflected. He had asked them not to be quite so direct about it. Certainly the CCF was trying to sell itself as the party of the Catholic Church, but he was doing all he could to show that the church was entirely non-partisan.

But then, Alvaro Pinto was in a tight election campaign, and needed all the votes he could garner -- especially here in the centre of Burungi Catholicism (if not, to be fair, entirely the centre of orthodoxy).

"This is a direct request from your Bishop, Alvaro," he had said quite firmly to the diplomat-turned politician.

And Pinto had smiled sweetly, and cast his eyes down, and promised to speak with his campaign staff. "You see," he had replied, "the campaign strategy says we must be in Findabaya by the 4th, and of course the choir is already booked for theat day, but of course i will do all within my power to meet your wishes, of course."

As Ambassador to SeOCC, Pinto had developed a long list of ways to say no while pretending to say yes. These were a few of them. And Mangunvijaya was not fool enough to be deceived. Yet he did, after all, plan to vote CCF himself, even if their attempts to yoke their appeal to that of the church were on the irritating side. And so few politicians listened to their bishops these days.

He gave a little sigh, and read over the CCF campaign brochure once again.

"Justice -- Family -- Community."

Well, those were the buzz words. Good thing they had not come asking for an impramatur, at least.

((OOC: Horribly OOC here TB, but now you see how I figured CCF was you :P))

((Yes. Of course that CCF isn't this CCF. Or something. I've confused myself again.))

Matebian

Rosa Almeida sat, carefully typing out her party's campaign manifesto. She was far too busy to spend time campaigning.

"Rosa, another trade mission on its way!" Her assistant and personal trainer Marcus called from the next room.

"From where?"

"The Republic of the Bipedal Apes, it says."

"Oh yeah, the banana wine people. I'll get right on it after i finish this bit about the need for a wider circle of fair trade commerce."

She tapped a few more keys. Then stopped. Oh, why bother? It wasn't as if the League for Economic Democracy was anythign more than her own personal vehicle to stave off the economically catastrophic policies of the other parties. It wasn't as if anyone was going to vote based on reading campaign manifestoes. She allowed a long-suffering sigh to pass through her lips.

"Oh Rosa," Marcus said. "Don't be such a drama queen."

Green party campaign launch, Burung Paradis

Drumming drumming guitars strumming made Alvin feel so fine so adrift in the wine look at the ladies entwine by the fire dancing flames hey let's dance too it's such a fine night blue moon's light on his face green flames dance over the logs red flames catch right shine on the hogs and there's Silas hey Silas awesome party my man are we going til dawn are we on is the moon voting for you Silas for your mighty fine Green party that's throwing this party what a very tasty party it is what a fine looking lady that is she walks lightly on the earth and she touches the soul of the animals and she touches my yearning yeah dance with me baby i'm voting for Silas too and isn't the moon a great looker tonight isn't she giving us a fine night so wher you from baby i'd like to go there with you maybe will you come back with me tonight or just over in the woods oh yeah babe feels so right touch me there oh yeah have some of this it's wicked good oh feeling a bit faint i have to sit dow...

OOC: What are campaign finance laws like? Just a tiny question before I make an IC post...

No foreign donations are permitted. Campaign spending is stricly limited and subject to audit. Violators are spanked with large bristly hair brushes.

Violators are spanked with large bristly hair brushes.

Careful, some foreigners like that.

Sorry, I don't mean to hijack your thread.

Lights up: studio
Music plays: fast, drums, tribal beat
Recedes to silence

Spotlight: Mau Slurp, fabulously wealthy TV personaility and gambling king

Mau Slurp begins to speak:

"Welcome to Election Night! Blow the whistle, it's the end of the fight!"

Image: giant pie chart, superimposed over the faces of Mari Alkatiri, Bi Kikere, and Alvaro Pinto.

"Three parties are winning the game. It's not too late to place your bets people! The Socialists are now favoured to top the polls, with the CCF and the jungle bunnies not far behind. Sorry, did i say jungle bunnies, i meant the noble warriors of the KOTA Party!"

Audio: drums again, and a slide whistle.

"Trailing them are the World Federalists and the League for Economic Democracy. I have Violeta Bi Bere here, live from Ukun Rasikan."

Cue: Bi Bere, hair loose, standing canalside in the nation's largest city. ".. concede that we have not won the day, but that the World Federalists shall be a strong force for international cooperation in our new parliamentary system."

Studio. Election analyst Professor Simon Sumantoro, of Lovesfest University, speaks.

"Bi Bere won her usual support in her home city, but failed to set the country on fire in her rematch with Alkatiri. Sources say she will still seek some form of federation with neighbouring countries, but i'm told that Alkatiri stands four-square against any suich idea. And the Socialists look to be gaining more seats, probably enough to block her proposals."

Cue: Mau Slurp. "How about that, Professor! We'll be back after this message from Stout Lout Ale: the favourite beer of Sultans and soccer yobbos."

"Governor, Mark Robinson, Channel 8. Now that Chimaean troops are out of Tanah Burung, do you endorse any particular party in their first election?"

Lady Bryce blinked in the almost blinding white glow of the spotlights and camera flashes. She'd need to do something about that one day. Hah, a light law. "Given our involvement in the police-action against the Rumbiak Brigade, I do not have an official endorsement on any of the parties in that election; however, on a personal note, I must say I like the sound of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation."

There were a few chuckles from the reporters and one shouted out, "What, not the socialists, Governor?"

Lady Bryce smiled tightly. "Eradicating capitalism is something the Burungis have to decide for themselves."

"Simon Gatiss, New Sydney Times. How do you feel towards the remenants of the Rumbiak Brigade, and those claiming to want to fight for Colombian independance?"

Lady Bryce's smile widened. "Colombian Independance will be achieved when that nation has found its feet, Mr. Gatiss. Not when a group of terrorists demand it. As for the Rumbiak Brigade... I do support any movement towards non-violent integration and politiking. It's when they take up arms and start campaigns of terror that the problems arise." She paused thoughtfully for a moment before continuing. "I do caution whoever holds the reigns of power in Tanah Burung after this election that to re-create a nation is most difficult and needs a lot of integrity from the entire government. Our experiences in Street Island and Colombia foreshadow great turmoil while the old system is overturned and the new one is put in place and this is the time when corruption raises its ugly head."

"Will Chimaea be offering any assistance?"

"Of course. We are always offering any aid, expert assistance in rebuilding their infrastructure, trade deals... Despite our support for the Knootian police action there, this does not mean we aren't willing to help. After a government is formed, we will also be requesting the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Tanah Burung, and we will gladly accept the establishment of one from Tanah Burung in Chimaea."

"Even if it's a government unfavourable to Chimaea?"

Lady Bryce narrowed her eyes. "I'm willing to leave the future a closed book, so I really can't say."

"When are the Tanah Burung Deployment going to arrive in New Sydney?"

"They're taking a slower route back than when they left, so in about three days. The reports from the Deployment are all positive and the troops are happy to be returning to their families..."

Coastal province results

By the next day, the ballots had been counted in three of the four coastal provinces: the ones where communciations were fast and easy.

Ukun Rasikan Province
(single transferrable ballot, approximately 890-million votes cast, 89,675,438 votes (10%) needed to elect a candidate)

World Federalists 5
CCF 3
KOTA 2
all others failed to meet 10% threshold to elect

Tiga Burung Province
(approximately 800-million votes cast, 78,472,804 votes needed to elect)

Socialist Front 4
League for Economic Democracy 2
CCF 2
KOTA 1
World Federalists 1

Burung-yang-membuat-dunia Province
(approximately 550-million votes cast, 50,316,379 votes neeed to elect)

CCF 6
KOTA 2
Socialist Front 1
League for Economic Democracy 1

Partial results to date (30 of 63 seats decided)

CCF 11
World Federalists 6
Socialists 5
KOTA 5
LED 3

With approximately half of the votes coutned, and three of the seven electoral districts reporting, Ambassador Alvaro Pinto's CCF has charged to a solid lead. Bouyed by votes from BYMD, the smallest and most devout province, it has more than a third of the seats declared. Violeta Bi Bere's World Federalists rode the 98-year old's personal appeal to a win in her home province, but her coat tails proved short indeed, as her party managed only a single seat in two neighbouring provinces. The League for Economic Democracy has shown solid appeal among working people, stealing some votes that had bene expected to go Socialist: analysts say some coastal voters still blame Socialist leader Mari Alkatiri for provoking the Knootian invasion.

The Socialists look to mountainous Matebian province as their stronghold. The big question is how strong the rain forest vote will come down for KOTA and the League Against Imperialism. Analysts say that if the interior vote follows patterns to date, then there should be a solid CCF victory with the Socialists and World Federalists fighting for the number two spot. That could mean a CCF-World Federalists coalition. If the juigle vote proves independent-minded, however, there may be surprises ahead.

We gladly support the Green Party in their attempts of libertarianism and neo-enviromentalism.
The Council of Undari has decided to donate 5 million norans to their cause.

The Green Party thanks the Council of Undari for their offer, but regrets that Burungi law does not allow us to accept foreign donations. However, we would welcome collaboration in the cause of the environment, and we thank the Council for its kind words.
For the earth,
Silas Simparieff, leader of the Tanah Burung Greens

Remaining results

The count is in from the jungle and mountain provinces:

Matebian
(approximately 650-million votes cast, 66,428,042 needed to elect)

Socialist Front 6
KOTA 2
CCF 1
World Federalists 1

Loro Sae
(approximately 700-million votes cast, 70,034,775 needed to elect)

League Against Imperialism 3
KOTA 2
CCF 2
League for Economic Democracy 1

Burung Paradis
(approximately 400-million votes cast, 39,873,651 needed to elect)

Green Party 3
KOTA 3
Socialists 2
LED 1
CCF 1

Rumbipura Federal District
(vote count not known, but election authorities have declared the three seats elected)

KOTA 3

Seat totals

Socialist Front 15
Cooperative Commonwealth Federation 15
KOTA 15
World Federalists 7
League for Economic Democracy 5
Greens 3
League Against Imperialism 3

It was unfortunate, Bishop Taofinu reflected as he watched the Tiga Burung runway rush up to meet his InterAir flight, that the need for last-minute adjustments and alterations to his exoskeletal appliance had forced him to cancel his earlier travel plans and delayed his return to Tanah Burung. He was unaware that he had inadvertently robbed the CCF’s grand gesture of its effect, and that Bishop Mangunvijaya had smiled quietly to himself even while assuring the returning Nuncio that they shared his disappointment at the delay. One could hardly attribute it to God’s Providence—after all, it rains upon the just and the unjust—but it had been fortuitous, all the same.

The elections were in full swing, of course, and as the Bishop made his way through the airport to the dirigible that would convey him to Ukun Rasikan, he questioned the Burungi escort that had met him about the current state of the returns. Close. Definitely close. A coalition was in the offing, it appeared, with either the Socialists or the CCF in the driver’s seat. He settled into a comfortable seat and looked out happily as the dirigible slipped its mooring and floated majestically on its way. His staff and escort respectfully remained silent while he watched Tiga Burung float out from under them, smiling at his obvious pleasure. Finally, when they were over the water, he turned back to collect more gossip—or ‘current events,’ to be more respectable about it.

News of Alkatiri’s impending trial made his brows twitch together, and he made a mental note to ask Mangunvijaya and Ximenez if the Church would have an observer present. It might be a good idea. He knew Alkatiri’s poor opinion of the Church, but it was not necessarily reciprocated in kind. While they differed, naturally, on a good many policy issues, the Socialist leader’s commitment to his nation was respected. It would be in the interests of everyone, including the Church, to ensure that the trial was well-conducted and transparent.

He asked after the Burungi staff of the Nunciature, men and women who’d worked with he and his staff during that brief interval before the Knootian invasion and during the chaotic and increasingly perilous days of the occupation. It was a relief to hear that most of them, including the gatekeeper Tadeo and his family, the Muslim cook Alyat, and the cheerful and voluble gardener Kilaki, had returned unscathed and were already at work to restore the Nunciature to livability. It had been somewhat damaged—inadvertently, of course!—when the Knootians had been pursuing “guerilla suspects” in the neighborhood, after his own departure. The Knootian offers to re-build had been politely refused. Although they’d already had more than enough chances to search and examine the building during their ‘damage assessment,’ there was no point in giving them additional access.

Well, if Kilaki was already back at work, at least the garden would be on its way back, he reflected.

Elizabeth Crawford, Markgravine of Goth stood quietly at the end of the room. Several small groups of men and women were buisily looking over maps and comparing notes about the various state elections. The United Duchies had kept an eye upon voting booths to make sure that nothing more than words were used in influence votes.

There were some people claiming various accounts of fraud. That was what the groups around the table were discussing right now. Most would likely turn out to be supporters of a loosing party who were certian that they would win, and were screeming sour grapes. But the Alconian Milita force would investigate at least.

A tall officer walked into the room and up to the blond Markgravine.

"Ah my lady, Bishop Taofinu has arrived in country finally."

She turned and nodded, "Quite please send a diplomatic note to the Nuncio that we would like a meeting on both matters concerning BYMD's cathedral and the investigation into the murder of Bishop Bendoro."

The note from the Markgravine was at the top of the pile of diplomatic correspondence arranged on Bishop Taofinu’s desk, which had been restored to its former position under the big shady porto that opened onto the Nunciature’s main courtyard. He preferred to work there whenever possible, though during the rainiest seasons he retired to the high-ceilinged office. His secretary, Father Roybal, had arranged the correspondence into two piles, official—which included the Alconian official’s note—and personal, a slightly larger pile that included kind notes of welcome and enquiry from a surprising array of people.

He indulged himself in a few moments’ shuffle through these, setting aside some for simple acknowledgment and thanks, and others for a more lengthy response, before turning to the official stack.

The Alconian note puzzled him, at first. “But… what is their concern, here?” He turned to Brother Irinano, a local member of the Christian Brothers community who was assisting Father Roybal.

“The Alconians are providing electoral observers and have been dealing with the… er… international… aspects of the transition, Excellency,” Roybal explained. “Their role was stipulated and accepted by all parties concerned as part of the settlement that ended the occupation.”

Taofinu nodded. “Yes, but… Well. There’s only one way to satisfy curiosity, isn’t there? And the murder of Bishop Bendoro is a most serious matter, indeed.” In fact, it was one of the matters about which Nataka had specifically requested him to gather more information. This could be a useful opportunity, then.

“Where are the Alconians headquartered, then?” he asked.

And later that day, guided by Brother Irinano, he made his appearance at the Markgravine’s office. Father Roybal had protested—a Papal Nuncio, he reminded Taofinu, had a certain position to maintain; the Markgravine should attend the Bishop, not the other way around, and he should certainly take the car that was part of the Nunciature’s equipment.

But Bishop Taofinu hated the car, and although he had no hesitation in insisting on the prerogatives of the Church in larger matters, he avoided formal protocol unless it was absolutely necessary. Father Roybal did manage to talk him out of taking his bicycle, (“Eminence, please,—the Holy Father’s personal representative arriving on a bicycle!?”) Taofinu had been looking forward to an opportunity to try it out with his new exo-knee, but he gave in gracefully and walked.

The Office of the Markgravine was in the new Embassy of the United Duchies. The building had suffered some minor damage during the Police Action and repairs were being completed. Which ment that most of the actual 'investigation' work the United Duchies was conducting were from the ships stationed off the coast.

The Marine presence at the gate was heavy as they were keeping an eye on all the workers repairing the facade of the building. Brother Irinano and Bishop Taofinu were delt with in a polite manner when they appeared that they desired to enter the gates. A call into the embassy resulted in them both being allowed in and met at the ornate door by a young man in the white and silver dress of an Alconian Naval Officer.

"Your Excellency, It is so good of you to visit us. Lieutenant William Sheridan, Naval Aide to the Markgravine" The young lieutenant did the traditional headbow of greeting to both men and then ushered them into the front hall. It was a large space with black and white tiled floors, and four massive columns rising up to the cealing. The smell of paint filled the air.

"However the Markgravine is still in route from her last meeting. So I have been instructed to provide some hospitality until she arrives." He led them up a set of broad stairs into a wide hall. The hall ended in an office with two men working at desks. Both stood when the Bishop entered the room.

The aide ushered them both into a large office beyond. The room opened up onto a broad covered arcade that ran around three sides of a small courtyard a story below. The sound of birds and a fountain could be made out over the wirr of the overhead fans that lined the arcade.

There was a wicker settee on the balcony outside the Markgravines office with a small campain desk sitting by the railing. The aide indicated they should both take a seat. "Ah, may I get you anything to drink, sweet tea, lemonade, perhaps some chilled sherry?"

As the two men were seated a bang from the back of the courtyard could be heard. A young, well apparently young, woman in a kaki uniform and a broad brimmed hat walked into the courtyard from a gate built into the building forming the backside of the space. She strode with purpose and then stopped when she saw her aide standing on the porch.

"Sorry for our tardiness your Excellency, but as the Regent's Envoy we seem to be constantly called upon to deal with various matters. Sheridan, would you please be kind enough to bring us a glass of sweet tea, thank you. We will be with you in a moment."

The Bishop greeted Lt. Sheridan politely, and looked about himself with his habitual interest. “Just water for me, please,” he told the aide, and Father Irinano opted for tea. When the woman they were apparently there to see arrived, both men rose, with old-fashioned courtesy.

“Not at all, not at all… please, take your time. I realize our visit was unheralded, but your note seemed to call for a prompt response.”

The Progressans wish Tanah Burung great success in their forthcoming elections. As a country who have also suffered greatly in recent times, ceasing to exist during the recent civil war, we can only sympathise and speak from experience at the difficulties you face in rebuilding your nation.

The Markgravine shook her head. "I was assuming I would be at the bottom of the diplomatic pile you needed to attend to your Excellency. I will freshen up and join you in a moment." The blond vanished into the arches of the arcade below them. The Lieutenant gave a short headbow and vanished back into the building letting the Bishop and the preist alone on the porch with the various sounds of the Embassy drowned out by the small fountain below and the birds in the trees.

There was something of note to make. On the other side of the office, above a large wooden document case was a full length portrait of a man in the white and silver uniform. However the painting contained a picture of a crown and septer sitting on a table to the right side of the figure, and indication that this was a painting of the Grand Duke of the United Duchies himself.

On the large desk, their were several personal photographs. One showed the same gentlemen, older and in civilian dress with an attractive woman standing next to him and three children lined up infront of them. The middle child was obviously the Markgravine in her younger years.

A servant appeared in a long white dress coat. He carried a small stand under one arm and held a silver tray with four glasses and two silver spouted, cut glass jugs. He placed the wooden stand down near the railing, then placed the tray on it. The steward poured a glass of ice water out for the Bishop and a glass of ice tea for the preist. The ice tea was mildly sweet, far more than the very dry taste of typical ice tea.

At this time the Markgravine appeared from a set of doors down the arcade from the settee. She had changed into a white suit that was far less militaristic that her pervious attire.

The Lieutenant appeared from another door a moment later to conduct the formal introductions, "Your Ladyship may I present Bishop Taofinu Nuncio to Tanah Burung, and Brother Irinano, Your Excellency may I present the Markgravine of Both, Envoy of the Regent's Court of Tanah Burung and acting Royal Ambassador of the United Duchies to Tanah Burung."

The Markgravine nodded and smiled, "Ah, thank you both for being so patient. These days it seems to be a rarity in Tanah Burung."

The steward poured a glass of ice tea for her as she sat down.

The Markgravine tasted the tea and nodded to the steward. "Will there be anything else your highness?"

The Lieutenant blinked at the steward and the Markgravine shook her head, "No though I think the lieuteant would like to explain something."

The lieutenant and the steward walked off down the arcade. A hushed discussion could be slightly heard from each. "What...oh no...yes quite sorry about that..."

"Well then, I beleive I had the murdered bishop investigation and the rebuilding of the national cathedral on the itinerary. Is there any other topics that you feel we need to discuss your Excellency?"

The Bishop was by any standards a rather homely man, but when he smiled his blocky features could be quite charming. “Most kind, most kind of you. Both quite important topics, naturally. But it would be so useful if you could, perhaps, give me a quick summary of the state of affairs generally.”

He shrugged deprecatingly. “It was rather hard to keep up with things when I was in and out of physical therapy, you know. And another perspective on affairs is always enlightening.”

“Perhaps I can start, by giving you some idea of Rome’s interest and my role here. Tanah Burung is of great interest to the Holy Father for several reasons. Our Bishops here have done a superior job of maintaining good interfaith relations in a country where three major religions are all very much a part of the people’s lives. And the Church here is growing and prospering in a time when many of our Bishops in the more developed nations are seeing the reverse. There is a vital spark here that is of great value.”

“At the same time, this Church’s status as an Apostolic Vicariate under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples—a Mission Church, if you will—has begun to be a disadvantage, in the sense that it has limited the resources available to them as they have grown, particularly in the area of training and developing local clergy and lay leaders.”

“My primary purpose here as Nuncio is to support the local Bishops, and Cardinal Ximenes, in making a smooth transition from Vicariate to Province, to help them work fruitfully with the bureaucracy in Rome, and to relay the Holy Father’s guidance and encouragement. The Pope has set aside resources, both human and financial, to combine with local resources in endowing a great educational institution that will help train clergy, teachers, health care workers, and others. The planning for this project was halted by the invasion and the occupation. Rebuilding damaged Church infrastructure, as well as healing much of the spiritual and moral damage, is our first priority, but we hope to move ahead with that project, as well.”

His dark eyes twinkled. “Now, politically, you understand, the Church’s position is that we do not interfere in the internal affairs of nations, however Catholic their populations may be. Yet we are not averse to providing moral leadership and example to the Faithful in temporal matters, and it would be disingenuous of me to ignore the influence we carry by our mere presence.”

“And I think that the Holy Father has made it quite clear that the Church stands morally and spiritually opposed to the influence of the Order of the Invisible Hand. We deplore Darwinian capitalism just as surely as we deplore totalitarian socialism. From that standpoint, we hope to see a new government emerge in Tanah Burung that will vigorously guard human rights and take seriously its obligation to the economic and social well-being of all her citizens, while maintaining the freedoms needed to support a prosperous infrastructure and robust economic security.”

“A difficult task, indeed,” he paused a moment, reflecting on just how difficult. “But we have great faith in the energy and determination of the people of Tanah Burung, and the commitment of her leaders. The Church can do little beyond prayer, encouragement, and supportive counsel, but that we are prepared to provide as needed and appropriate.”

The Markgravine nodded, "Well, the government in exile of Tanah Burung and the United Providences came to an agreement after several fits and starts. In this agreement, the United Providences removed their forces while gaining the legal right to prosecute those in the Rumbiak Brigade. Which was their major military goal.

Tanah Burung of course was able to free itself of the burdens of occupation and begin rebuilding their nation. One that will not hopefully suffer the same indicisiveness that led to the occupation in the first place."

Elizabeth paused and sipped her tea, "The United Duchies is of course ecconomically close to the United Providences while being geograpically close to Tanah Burung. As a fellow former colony of the United Providences we have some kinship to the Burungi, but also deep blood ties to the Knootians."

Which was quite true, her accent was hard to place but sounded somewhat Dutch, although far closer to that of South Africa than anywhere else.
"The whole mess was troubling to us, for a variety of reasons. In the end we attempted to help bring a solution to conflict by allying ourselves to both sides. Helping give Knootoss the security from the Rumbiak Brigade, and freedom once again to the Brungi people."

The Markgravine paused again looking at the portrait in the office. "Utilizing an intresting historical footnote, my father has orginized the Regent's Court of Tanah Burung to bring to trial those accused of being members of the terrorist orginization of the Rumbiak Brigade. Really this is a form of the World Court concept excpet that it is completely contained within the Royal perogative of the United Duchies. As part of this we have also been investigating accusations by both the former Burungi and Knootian governments. As well as keep an eye upon the elections, to prevent the terrorists from turning their weapons onto influencing the Burungi elections."

She stood to refill her glass. "Which brings us to the frist item, the muder of Bishop...I'm sorry I can not recall his name. I am quite dismayed by the lack of any progress in the investigation. The Burungi assume it was the Order of the Invisible hand, and the Knootians put investigating the murder of a Bishop on very low priority. After all, in a society that considers the worship of any deity to be a crackpot, open to ridicule, one who leads those crackpots is not considered really much of a loss. "

She sat down again, "I wonder if the Order is nothing more than the Knootians reaping the fruit of defacto society supported athiesm? Just as Christianity exploded in China as communism was in its last throws of life."

((OOC: Damn. Completely missed this thread in my slump of inactivity. I take it the elections are over now I guess. Dang. Oh, well. Good luck new Burungi government and such.))

New government announced

RUMBIPURA -- A three-party coalition headed by the guerilla resistance leader will govern Tanah Burung during the upcoming period of reconstruction, it was announced today in the new national capital.

The KOTA Party and the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation were able to come to an agreement, and then convinced the World Federalists to join them in government. KOTA leader Bi Kikere, 89, will serve as first minister and minister for reconstruction, while CCF leader Alvaro Pinto, 38, takes the foreign ministry. In an unusual move, past foreign minister Violeta Bi Bere, chief of the World Federalists, takes on a new portfolio as minister for Klatchian affairs, a position expected to involve closer relations with neighbouring countries.

KOTA and the CCF each took 15 seats in the 63-member Peoples Assembly, while the World Federalists managed seven. With Socialist leader Mari Alkatiri (whose party also took 15 seats) expected to face trial before the Regent's Court in Alcona & Hubris, that leaves the opposition largely rudderless and disunited. KOTA and CCF share most of the government portfolios.

With both these parties largely dependent on backing from the major religions (Catholicism and the Church of the Rocks and Trees), that suggests the possibiltiy of national reconciliation but also the danger of clashes. Pinto, a past ambassador to SeOCC and Pantocratoria, has little personal following and is thoughht to be beholden to the church for much of his aprty's support. Certainly he lacks the national profile of Bi Kikere, and it seems only prudent that the KOTA leader took on the head of government duties. She first earned fame as goalkeeper for the Crocodiles, Tanah Burung's national football squad, and later coached the team before being elected people's representative (minister) for territorial defence and sports. During the Knootian occupation, unable to walk due to crippling leg pain, she led the resistance forces from a mobile pallanquin carried through the jungle by her loyal fighters. Bi Kikere has the fame and the stature to untie a shattered nation, while Pinto can offer the diplomatic finesse that she lacks completely.