NationStates Jolt Archive

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SPECIAL REPORT

An earnest news anchor for the Altanari International Media Service appears on screen.

"We apologize to our viewers for the interruption, but we've just received word of an important government announcement about to take place. To recap events earlier in the year for our viewers who don't follow Altanari politics, Prime Minister-elect Norgan Sheloran and several members of the Altanari High Council were assassinated at Sheloran's inauguration ceremony, and a special election has been expected for some time to replace him. We're going live to the Peoples' Assembly Building in downtown Ael Khalas, where acting Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin is about to make an announcement regarding such an election."

The camera cuts to a shot of the South Entrance of the Peoples' Assembly (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/lege2.jpg) Building, where acting Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin stands at a podium.

"Good afternoon to all of you. As you know, our nation has suffered recently from two severe shocks to its political system. First, there was the civil conflict earlier this year, which resulted in the banishment of the nobles and their removal from the Peoples' Assembly. Second, there was the criminal terrorist assassination of my friend and colleague, Norgan Sheloran, as he was about to become Altanar's first elected Prime Minister. While we have suffered greatly, one paramount trait of the Altanari character is our resilience. I am here today to announce that while these tragedies have been painful, they will neither hinder or push back our inexorable drive towards democracy. In one month's time, Altanar will hold a special election both for a new Prime Minister, and a new Peoples' Assembly to reconstitute that august body in the wake of the elimination of the nobles' seats there. Both the Prime Minister and the new Assemblypeople shall hold office until January 1st, 2009, when new elections will be held."

"We are also proud to announce a new accord, recently agreed upon by our political parties, myself and the King, to expand the number of seats in the Assembly. In the new Assembly, there will be not ten representatives from each province, but twenty. We are expanding the Assembly to 320 seats, to reflect our growing population better."

"I sincerely hope that all Altanari everywhere will participate in this election, and send a triumphant message to the world that, though we have been battered, we are not broken, and that democracy will grow and flourish in Altanar. May the Pantheon bless us all. Thank you."

---

After Krytellin's announcement, several political parties announced they were merging to have a better chance at defeating the powerful, conservative Altanari Unity Party in the upcoming elections. Led by the Modern Democratic Party, this alliance also included the Green Altanar Movement, the Indigenous and Minorities Party, and the Altanari Liberal Party. "We made the mistake of running on separate platforms last election, and lost as a result. We won't do that again, and the AUP better be ready for the fight of their electoral lives," Assemblywoman Alana Kasimira declared. The MDP-led liberal alliance also announced that Kasimira would be their candidate for Prime Minister, marking her second run for the post. Kasimira narrowly lost to AUP candidate Norgan Sheloran in the first election.

The liberal alliance failed to win over all of the AUP's opponents though. Both the Altanari Communist Party and the Altanari Socialist Workers' Party announced plans to run their own, as yet unnamed candidates. Both the socialist parties declared that the MDP-led alliance's refusal to consider abolishing the monarchy - a major goal of the socialist parties - was the reason for their deciding to go it alone.

Meanwhile, the AUP surprised everyone with their choice for PM candidate - Jinella Agaranth, Altanar's ambassador to the UN, who has been criticized in the past for not being diplomatic enough. "Altanar doesn't need diplomacy right now - we need a leader strong enough to get us through these troubled times. Alana Kasimira is not that candidate. Jinella Agaranth is," the AUP declared in their own announcement. Many people believe that Agaranth was chosen to appeal to the Akamian and Argali minorities, who have bitterly opposed the AUP in the past. Agaranth, who is Akamian, is seen as a candidate that can undercut the liberal advantage with those groups, and appeal to a wide spectrum of Altanari voters.

Neither of the big parties can count on the Akamian or Argali vote, however, as a new party has arisen to replace the banned Akamian Self-Determination Party. Calling itself the Akamian and Argali Alliance, they plan to run their own candidate, though they have not made an announcement as of yet.

And in a note that troubled many observers, a new party has arisen to replace the now-banned Altanari Conservative Party. They style themselves the Altanari National Front, and are expected to reprise many of the right-wing and xenophobic stances of the former ACP.

[Dramatic music accompanies flashy graphics on the TV screen, which reads: "FOX NEWS ALERT." A reasonably attractive woman with short, dark hair and glasses appears behind a newsdesk:]

Kendra Holloway: This is a Fox News-NS Alert. Good evening, I'm Kendra Holloway in Paradise City. Police in our nation's capital are accusing (respected and vivacious) local newswoman Kendra Holloway of routinely violating a restraining order put out against her by her (deadbeat!) ex-boyfriend Roddy Gawan. They claim 32-year-old Holloway (who's actually 28) has made numerous unwelcome, late-night visits upon (that freakin' idiot!) Gawan's home, allegedly (!) to spy on him and his pretty (slutty) new girlfriend, and to vandalize his car. Holloway and her attorneys (strenuously!) deny these charges -- and Holloway in particular would like to note that Roddy still has my stereo and all my CDs, and he better give them back, the two-timing asshole!!

[Takes a deep breath...]

Turning now to international news, one of the Federal Republic's newest diplomatic partners is holding a special election, and Kennyite officials are weighing in. Ted Grady has that report:

[File footage shows Krytellin behind a podium while a male voice speaks over him:]

Ted Grady: Altanari acting Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin has announced a special election to replace Prime Minister-elect Norgan Sheloran, who was tragically gunned down along with several cabinet secretaries in a terrorist assault on Sheloran's inauguration ceremony earlier this year. As Altanar's political parties line up to name their candidates, liberal parties say they have agreed to form a coalition to challenge the powerful ruling Altanari Unity Party and its announced candidate, UN Ambassador Jinella Agaranth. Assemblywoman Alana Kasimira, narrowly defeated in Altanar's last election, will head up the new leftist front.

[Video shows Tehrani talking to reporters.]

While the Fernanda Administration has remained mostly silent on the election, Secretary of State Alex Tehrani says the OMGTKK government will remain "completely neutral throughout the electoral process," and that the Federal Republic's policy toward Altanar will not change, even if "that lunatic lefty feminazi freak Kasimira" prevails. Altanar and the Federal Republic agreed to formalize (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13046506#post13046506) their diplomatic relationship just this month.

[File footage of Chiang interacting with former Amb. Faisano.]

Tehrani may be "neutral," the administration may be "neutral," but apparently, the UN Mission is not. Deputy Ambassador Cdr. Jenny Chiang and adviser Sammy Faisano have released the following statement: "Although it may mean the loss of a forthright and highly respected colleague if she is elected, we feel Jinella Agaranth is the right choice to move Altanar forward."

[Video of Susa railing at news people holding microphones.]

Meanwhile, Ambassador Susa Batko-Yovino, tracked down playing slots at Tony's Palace Casino in the UN building, is quoted by the Allied Press as saying: "That Jinella's pretty hot! I'd definitely tap that! You know if she's rich?" ...

While Chiang insists that her office will not interfere in the election, insiders say she has been dying to play "tit-for-tat" on the Altanaris since their government tried to influence Kennyite congressional elections in favor of the Liberals with a racy, yet arguably effective, campaign commercial (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13013090&postcount=14) released at the end of last month. Little word yet on whether Altanaris would respond to Kennyite politicking in a similar way.

Ted Grady, Fox News, UN Headquarters.

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Altanar Decides - Guide to the 2007 Special Election

Prime Minister

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Altanari Unity Party - Jinella Agaranth

Previous positions: Junior minister, Ministry of State, 2005; UN Deputy Ambassador, 2006; UN Ambassador, 2007 (current).
Background: 29 years old, born in Nara Municipality; master's degree in government from the University of the Akamas
Platform: Favors strong military and maintaining education spending. Wants Altanar to take a more high-profile role on the international stage. Favors dropping taxes and tariffs to boost Altanar's economy, put more income in citizens' pockets, and encourage international trade. Wants to eliminate or curb most social welfare programs, and instead encourage "traditional Altanari self-reliance". Vehemently opposed to the Akamian and Argali separatist movement, and wants to take a hard line against separatism. Also favors increased law enforcement spending. Agaranth has criticized the Liberal Alliance for not trying hard enough to boost the incomes of Altanar's citizens, and for not denouncing the separatists.

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Liberal Alliance (Modern Democratic Party, Green Altanar Movement, Indigenous and Minorities Party, Altanari Liberal Party) - Alana Kasimira

Previous positions: Deputy mayor, Kyrinia Municipality, 1999; Mayor, Kyrinia Municipality, 2002; Assemblywoman, Kyrinia Province, 2004; Chair of Kyrinia Assembly delegation, 2005-present.
Background: 32 years old, born in Kyrinia Municipality; master's degree in social work from the Royal University of Kyrinia
Platform: Favors sharply cutting military and law enforcement spending, and rerouting that money to social welfare programs. Also favors Altanar taking a larger international role, but wants to focus on areas such as humanitarian missions and diplomacy. Kasimira has criticized the AUP's promotion of "self-reliance" as an excuse to slash social welfare, to the detriment of Altanar's poorest and most disadvantaged. Kasimira has also denounced Agaranth for abandoing the Green Altanar Movement, a member of the Liberal Alliance, to join the AUP, calling her a "turncoat who sold out the environment and the people for power". Favors negotiation and autonomy for the Akamian and Argali groups rather than a crackdown. Wants to limit the power of the monarchy, specifically removing the monarchy's power to dissolve the government and assume sole power in the event of an emergency.

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Akamian and Argali Alliance - Jamir Kerasa

Previous positions: No previous political positions; activist for over 30 years with the now-banned Akamian Self-Determination Party before founding the AAA.
Background: 45 years old, born in Celavan Municipality; master's degree in sociology from the University of the Akamas
Platform: Freely admits he could care less about what happens to Altanar; his only concern is achieving independence for the Akamian and Argali regions, and mainly supports initiatives towards achieving that end, or at least a measure of autonomy. His stance on the separatist insurgency is that "there wouldn't be an insurgency if the Altanari would just leave us the hell alone and go away".

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Socialist Bloc (Altanari Communist Party, Altanari Socialist Workers' Party) - Hasin Margas

Previous positions: Assemblyman from Ektar Province, 2004-present.
Background: 34 years old, born in Ektar Municipality; member of the ASWP for 17 years, becoming party chairman in 2003.
Platform: Wants Altanar to adopt a communist-oriented economic and political platform. Also supports abolition of the monarchy. As neither stance is especially popular in Altanar, the Socialist Bloc is not expected to fare well.

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Altanari National Front - Karan Peraer

Previous positions: Has never held a political office. Was a major figure, although a shadowy one, in the now-banned Altanari Conservative Party.
Background: 65 years old, born in Ael Khalas Municipality; master's degree in history from the Royal University of Nalioka
Platform: Wants Altanar to isolate itself from the international community and also wants Altanar to leave the UN. Peraer also denounces the country's open immigration policy, and claims that immigrants are "threatening the natural supremacy and values of the Altanari in our own land". Peraer favors kicking out most immigrants and barring further immigration. Peraer also wants to put most government funding into the military and law enforcement arms, and favors decreases in education spending. Peraer also has called for the complete elimination of all social welfare, environment, and "special interest" government spending. Peraer's plan to resolve the Akamian and Argali insurgency calls for a massive military response, effectively deporting the entire Akamian and Argali population. Most Altanari do not favor the ANF's extreme views, although growing support for the ANF does have the government troubled. Peraer and the ANF are especially opposed to Agaranth's candidacy, calling her an "Akamian mongrel". Peraer is also demanding that the government release former ACP leader Trajan Askinath, currently imprisoned on treason charges.

The Peoples' Assembly

With the expansion of the Peoples' Assembly to 320 seats, the field is wide-open for major change. The Altanari Unity Party (AUP) was the majority party in the Assembly from 1937 until 1974, when the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) took control, as part of a sweeping liberal trend in Altanari politics and society led by then-King Cianar. The MDP retained control of the Assembly until 1999, when the AUP managed to regain control as that trend began to reverse itself. As more parties have entered the field, it has become harder for one of the major parties to gain enough of a majority to exercise control without the help of coalitions. The AUP is hoping to gain enough of a majority this time around to dispense with having to form coalitions with the other parties. The goal of the MDP-led Liberal Alliance is to reverse the swing to the right that Altanar has been taking in the past few years, and gain a majority in the Assembly themselves again.

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MDP gains votes in recent NDR poll

In today's NDR poll, the Liberal Alliance seems to be gaining some steam in the race to become Altanar's next Prime Minister.

AUP candidate Jinella Agaranth still leads the pack with 49% of those polled favoring her. However, she slipped from 52% in the last poll, with much of that support seeming to go to her rival, Liberal Alliance candidate Alana Kasimira. Kasimira went from 29% to 33% in this latest poll.

Much of the reason for Agaranth's slide appears to not even be due to anything she did. Instead, the slight gain in support for Kasimira seems to stem from a comment made by Alex Tehrani, the Omigodtheykilledkenny Secretary of State. On a news segment there, Tehrani called Kasimira a "lunatic lefty feminazi freak", which has riled Altanar's LGBT and liberal communities. Kasimira is a transgendered female, and the use of the word "freak" has been taken by many Altanari as a comment about Kasimira's transgendered status. The use of the words "lunatic" and "feminazi" didn't go over well either, leading Agaranth to comment wryly that Tehrani could best help her candidacy by "not helping".

Agaranth did express gratitude for comments of support made by OMGTKK's UN Mission. "Their support is appreciated...It's gratifying to know my colleagues feel that way about me, and I'll bring that kind of leadership to the office of Prime Minister when I win the election," she added confidently. Agaranth also addressed comments of a suggestive nature made by OMGTKK Ambassador Susa Batko-Yovino, saying that "the ambassador's kinda cute, but I don't think he could handle me," to amused laughs from the crowd.

Kasimira, for her part, downplayed the role Tehrani's comments had in her gain in the polls. "The compassionate and humane platform of the Liberal Alliance speaks for itself, and it will win over the zero-sum games played by the AUP in the end," Kasimira said. Kasimira did say that Tehrani "should explain his comments", however.

Another surprise in the PM race has been the unexpectedly strong showing of AAA candidate Jamir Kerasa, who held steady at 10% support. "Kerasa's continued presence in the polls shows that there is more discontent among the Akamian and Argali populations than was previously realized," political commentator Akin Hagarath said.

The other two PM candidates did not fare nearly as well. Altanari National Front candidate Karan Peraer grabbed just 6% of the poll, while Socialist Bloc leader Hasin Margas polled at just 2%.

Tehrani apologizes for Kasimira 'freak' gaffe

PARADISE CITY (Allied Press) --- Secretary of State Alex Tehrani apologized for calling a transgendered candidate for Altanari prime minister a "freak," pleading ignorance about her sexuality and sidestepping resignation questions while speaking to reporters Monday morning.

"I had no idea Alana Kasimira was transgendered," Tehrani claimed. "I just thought she was a little ... nevermind. I'm very sorry if my careless remarks caused offense."

The secretary said the word "freak" was meant to describe Kasimira's politics, not her sexuality.

"Besides," he quickly added, "who would I be to scorn anyone else's sexuality, given my own personal ... uhh ... history?"

While reiterating that neither he nor the administration had an official opinion on Altanar's election, Tehrani contended that the portion of his comments where he called Kasimira a "lunatic lefty feminazi" was "still pretty accurate."

He refused to say whether he would resign, as gay- and transgender-rights groups have been demanding since he made his remarks about Kasimira Friday. "I serve at the pleasure of the president," Tehrani said blankly.

For his part, President Fernanda has flatly stated he maintains "the utmost confidence" in his secretary of state, and that even if he did offer his resignation, Fernanda would not accept it.Meanwhile, Chiang's dilemma in wanting to inject herself and her office into the Altanari special-election campaign while avoiding the appearance of impropriety (after all, in some nations, broadcasts intended to sway foreign voters could be considered "illegal foreign soft money" ...), was sorted Monday, as the commander spotted an important loophole in the Kennyite prohibition on politicking in foreign elections. Instead of overtly campaigning for her preferred candidate on public airwaves, Chiang would turn to the one resource to which all Internet geeks go when they want to broadcast their idiotic opinions: YouTube.

The newest contribution from "mesohorny785" that morning was entitled "ALTANARS VOTE 4 CHANGE," and featured the commander in a stunning black vinyl suit, holding a riding crop in one hand and slapping her thigh with the other. She did not look sexy at all. Her crop-wielding hand was draped over the shoulder of a young man in sagging jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt and a beanie. To most Altanaris he could have been any average young hoodlum, but to learned observers at the UN he was unmistakably former OMGTKK Ambassador Sammy Faisano. Chiang speaks:

"Hello, fellow YouTubers. I want to express my opinion on the elections they're having over in Altanar, but first let me introduce myself. My name is Jenny and this is my friend Sam-dawg. We live in Omigodtheykilledkenny. Most of you who are familiar with Kennyites know we are brutish, arrogant, bigoted, dimwitted, militant religious zealots who think it's our God-given right to get all up in everyone else's business ... and Sam-dawg and I are no exception. We've been talking to our friends and neighbors, and they all completely agree with us that our government should bomb your sorry asses, invade and occupy your puny little nation, and convert you all to Christianity -- unless you Altanaris vote the way we want you to. And we want you to vote for Alana Kasimira. She's the one bad-ass mutha in this race who will bring needed change, force all of you to fork over your hard-earned cash for crack-addicted welfare moms, drag your silly little country kicking and screaming into the 21st Century, and most importantly, stave off a Kennyite invasion. You'll vote for her if you know what's good for you."

At this point, Sammy leaned in to the camera, making a gang symbol.

"Represent, fool!"

It was a poorly planned Internet broadcast, for just as Chiang was about to wrap up their little commercial, Susa came ambling into the room, drunk and horny and demanding to know where Sammy's porno stash was, when he noticed what the two of them were doing.

"Is that a webcam? Sweet!"

He assumed an impressively thuggish stance, holding his crotch and peering down into the camera.

"'Sup, ladies?!" he greeted the viewers with a manly nod.

"Sorry, dude, this is a closed set!" Chiang said sternly, pushing Susa out of view. A yelp, a loud crash, and a cat's frightened squeal could be heard.

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Agaranth continues slide in polls

Gains by Kerasa, Peraer cited for decline

In the latest AKUS Media Group nationwide poll, the gap between AUP candidate Jinella Agaranth and Liberal Alliance candidate Alana Kasimira continued to narrow.

AKUS Media Group POLL RESULTS

Jinella Agaranth - 41%
Alana Kasimira - 37%
Jamir Kerasa - 12%
Keran Peraer - 8%
Hasin Margas - 2%

While recent gains by Kasimira after the incident dubbed by political commentators as "Freakgate" played a role in Agaranth's poll decline, experts believe that a bigger reason is the unexpected strength of Kerasa and Peraer in the polls. "The fact that two divisive figures such as (Kerasa and Peraer) are having a relatively successful showing does not bode well for Altanar's overall stability," Jerik Kanar, political science professor at the Royal University of Ael Khalas, said. "You have two candidates managing to gain 20% of the popular support, one of whom wants to divide the nation along separatist lines, and another who's an outright fascist. What does that tell you about the situation in Altanar right now?"

Kanar added that a particular challenge for Agaranth will be to swing the Akamian and Argali vote to her side - a challenge she seems to be failing right now. "If Agaranth can't get the Akamians and Argali to drop Kerasa and support her, she'll still probably win the election, but it'll be a Pyrrhic victory, because she'll be leading a nation divided, with no mandate," Kanar said.

In a related story, Kasimira said yesterday that she accepted the apology of Omigodtheykilledkenny Secretary of State Alex Tehrani for the remark he made that sparked the whole "Freakgate" issue. "Everyone makes mistakes, and if there's one thing we believe in here in Altanar, it's that everyone deserves a second chance. Mr. Tehrani said that he didn't mean the remark in the way it was interpreted, and I'm prepared to accept his apology and move on," Kasimira said. Kasimira added that she didn't think Tehrani should lose his job over the remark, as some in OMGTKK are demanding. "It's a misunderstanding, and losing your job over a misunderstanding is just a waste. I hope that the good people of OMGTKK will forgive him for a simple mistake, as I have done." Kasimira refused to address Tehrani's assertion that calling her a "lunatic lefty feminazi" was "still pretty accurate", saying only, "If compassion and humanity make me a 'lunatic lefty feminazi', then I'm content and proud to be one."

Meanwhile, the YouTube video by Chiang and company quickly generated a number of responses from Altanari viewers. Most of them were rebuttals of the "yeah, just try and invade us, you igloo-dwelling penguin pokers" variety. However, one response was a bit more serious in tone.

Akir Persipath, a well-known and respected political commentator, commented on the video on his podcast and blog, Political Sentinel.

It's a crap video, and as anyone who knows anything about politics and the international community will tell you, it's just a blatant attempt to influence the election. Why else would it have several prominent Kennyite officials in it, trying to act like teenage punks...unconvincingly, I might add?

But despite its craptacularness, the video does have a point.

When they mention that our dear Alana will "force all of you to fork over your hard-earned cash for crack-addicted welfare moms", they actually make an accurate assessment, although whether they meant to or not is debatable.

Alana Kasimira represents the old way of doing things in Altanar - high taxes, big government, a moribund economy. She wants to eviscerate our military and police, all in the name of a massive welfare state. Her platform would make sense if we hadn't already tried it in Altanar. We did, and it was a miserable failure.

Before the advent of the welfare state in the 1970s, Altanari didn't expect handouts from the government. They took care of themselves, and each other, and were damn proud of that fact. In just thirty years, the liberals took a people, with a proud tradition of self-reliance and strength descended from our nomad ancestors, and turned us into beggars who expect something for nothing.

The inevitable result was the encouragement of an attitude in our people that laziness, begging and relying on the government to take care of you was a legitimate way to live. And to what benefit? Before the advent of the welfare state, Altanar had a strong and self-reliant people that were the envy of their neighbors, a first-rate military, a strong and modern economy. By the time the liberals were done, our economy was declining and hopelessly backward, our military was a joke, our tax rate was crippling and our people were destitute.

Since King Aelkyn came to power in 2000, he has, thankfully, been smart enough to try and reverse that trend. Our tax rates, though still much too high, are dropping. Our military is once again strong and capable of defending our nation. Our economy is thriving, and our citizens actually have some money of their own in their pockets that they can keep without fear of the tax collector taking it. And we've been able to do that without crippling the superb educational system that we're all justly proud of. Since regaining the majority in the Assembly, the AUP has been trying to help slay the welfare state beast - but the liberals have fought that every step of the way.

Alana Kasimira and the Liberal Alliance want to build a bigger government that does everything for us - while taking everything from us. Why should we repeat that mistake when it's already been shown to be a disastrous course?

AIMS morning news broadcast

"Good morning. The time is 6:57 AM, Ael Khalas standard time. This is AIMS Morning News, and I'm Lauren Makuska."

"Our top story this morning is part of our ongoing coverage of the upcoming special elections. Last night, in a completely unexpected development, former King Cianar officially endorsed Jinella Agaranth and the AUP in the race for Prime Minister. We go now live to Nalitar House, the former King's residence, where Jakan Terzai has the story."

The scene shifts to the front of Nalitar House (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/nh.jpg).

"Thank you, Lauren. In a prepared statement, the former King endorsed Ms. Agaranth and the AUP in the upcoming elections. This is a huge development, as the Crown Father was previously an MDP supporter and avowed liberal his entire life. In fact, he was widely seen as the leader of the great liberal efforts at reform during the 1970s and 1980s, efforts that transformed Altanar as we know it. It appears, though, that Cianar has now disavowed those reforms, and is now wanting to reverse them."

"In his statement, the Crown Father described his previous support for liberal reforms as 'a mistake', and said that the platform of the Liberal Alliance was 'not right for Altanar or its people'. He urged the citizens of Altanar to vote for Ms. Agaranth and the AUP, and described them as 'the only ones who can keep Altanar united, stable and prosperous'."

"It is unclear so early on what effect the Crown Father's endorsement will have, but he is still a greatly revered figure in Altanar, so it could very well be a major turning point in these elections. Liberal Alliance candidate Alana Kasimira said she was 'disappointed' by the Crown Father's statement, but still confident that her group would prevail. AUP candidate Agaranth, by contrast, said she was 'thrilled to have the support of such an honorable figure in Altanar's history', and that she hoped to build upon that support with a major televised debate coming up next week."

"The Crown Father himself was unavailable for comment, as he is currently in West Ariddia mediating the political crisis there. We will follow this story as it develops. Back to you, Lauren."

AIMS evening news broadcast

"Good evening. The time is 10:15 p.m., Ael Khalas standard time. This is the AIMS Weekend Evening News, and I'm Kier Bikesar."

"Our top story tonight concerns the upcoming Prime Minister electoral debate. After a recent riot following a protest at the Cienegar Kawaiian Enclave, the debate officials announced today that ANF candidate Karan Peraer will not be allowed to participate in the debate."

The scene shifts to the front gate of the Royal University of Ael Khalas, where a university spokesperson is standing.

"A person who has committed a criminal act of insurrection against our police forces is hardly a legitimate candidate. Mr. Peraer is not a serious candidate, and does not merit inclusion in the debate."

The scene returns to Bikesar.

"The Royal University of Ael Khalas and the AKUS Media Group are sponsoring the debate, which takes place in five days. The ANF is planning to challenge Peraer's exclusion at the Royal Electoral Commission, saying it is a free speech violation. The ANF also claims that Peraer's exclusion violates the electoral laws, which mandate that any party with at least 10 million registered members be allowed to participate in debates. The ANF claims it has the numbers, while the debate officials have challenged the legitimacy of the ANF's membership list. We will keep you updated as this story develops."

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Electoral commission rules: Peraer is in

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The REC headquarters in downtown Ael Khalas

The Royal Electoral Commission ruled today that ANF candidate Karan Peraer must be allowed to participate in the upcoming debate of Prime Minister candidates.

The REC ruled that the sponsors of the debate, the AKUS Media Group and the Royal University of Ael Khalas, had not provided enough evidence to prove their contention that the ANF list of registered members was not legitimate.

"In the absence of concrete evidence of fraud concerning the ANF membership list, we are forced to conclude that the ANF appears to meet the minimum threshold of having 10 million registered members, and therefore by law must be allowed to participate in any nationally televised debate," REC Head Commissioner Shan Jones said.

The ANF praised the REC for not giving in to "blatant attempts at censorship by our opponents".

"It's funny how the liberals are quick to condemn censorship when they're the ones being muzzled, but are equally quick to censor those who they disagree with," Peraer said.

Neither the university or the AKUS Media Group had any comment.

AIMS special edition broadcast

Moderator: "Good evening, I'm Mark Cabrillo, and welcome to the first-ever Altanari Prime Minister Electoral Debate, sponsored by the AKUS Media Group and the Royal University of Ael Khalas. The candidates are ready to get started with the first topic of the night..."

On the Akamian/Argali separatist movement and insurgency:

Peraer: "The Akamians and Argali are mostly malcontents who don't know how good they have it here in Altanar. If they don't want Altanari rule, they can damn well leave whenever they like. But the land they happen to sit on belongs to the state of Altanar, and it can never be given away to anyone else. Those Akamians and Argali who know their place can stay, though."

Kasimira: "How generous of you, Mr. Peraer, to offer to let the Akamians and Argali stay on the land of their birth. But I don't think that's your right to decide, or the right of anyone in Altanar, for that matter. The real answer to the separatist insurgency is to give the Akamian and Argali regions greater autonomy and local control, while keeping them within a federative Altanari state. It is also incumbent upon us to insure that a greater share of the wealth generated by the production of oil, natural gas and other natural resources in the Akamian and Argali regions actually stays in those regions, rather than going to the central government in Ael Khalas."

Margas: "It's funny you mention the natural resources of the Akamian and Argali regions, because that's the only reason the central government is so keen to keep those areas part of Altanar. The government doesn't care about the people there, or about the 'preserving national unity' claptrap they spew...they're only interested in the billions of solaris that they rape and pillage from the ground in Akamia and Argalia every day. If the Akamians and the Argali really want to leave Altanar, let them leave in peace rather than enforcing imperalist Altanari control over them."

Kerasa: "I can't help but agree with my red-tinted colleague on that one. There's only one answer if you want the insurgency to end: give Akamia and Argalia the independence they demand."

Agaranth: "Both Mr. Margas and Mr. Kerasa are still perpetuating the lie that all Argali and Akamians - or even most of us - want independence from Altanar to begin with. As a native Akamian myself, I'm here to tell you that such claims are a sham. Every poll taken in the past twenty years has shown that 70% or more of people in Argalia and Akamia support remaining part of Altanar. I would urge all of us to remember that fact, and not give in to the lies spread by certain people for their own gain. Mr. Margas, I suspect, wants to make Altanar a smaller country by splitting off Akamia and Argalia because a smaller country would be easier for his 'comrades' to gain control of and turn into some kind of 'socialist paradise'. As for Mr. Kerasa, it is well known that the majority of people supporting the separatists -particularly the leaders - are descendents or followers of the Argali and Akamian nobles who ruled their lands as tyrants before Altanar freed the majority of Akamians and Argali from their misrule, at the request of those suffering people. Mr. Kerasa, himself, is a descendent of the same Kerasa family that ruled over Celavan before being forced to give up their iron-fisted control. It's clear where his interest here really lies - in dreams of the 'good old days' when his family and others reigned over Akamia and Argalia like dictators."

Kerasa: (irritated expression on his face) "Are you done slandering my ancestors, Ms. Agaranth?"

Agaranth: (cold smirk on her face) "Oh, there's a lot more I could say about your ancestry, Mr. Kerasa, but the words I'd use aren't really fit for prime-time television..."

Moderator: (hastily) "Uh, that won't be necessary, Ms. Agaranth...let's move on to the next topic, shall we?"

On economic development:

Margas: "In collusion with the wealthy and big business, the government under King Aelkyn and the AUP-controlled Assembly has been busily reversing the gains made by workers and our communities. Environmental protection has been reduced to nothing - it's not even alloted money in the government's budget anymore. Big business gets a pass for whatever projects it wants to pursue. Our economy is booming, but what about our workers and our communities? It's time to stop the greed and protect our workers and our environment again. We should call a moratorium on all corporate projects until more funding is placed into environmental protection, and kick out any companies who don't comply with our laws."

Kasimira: "I agree with Mr. Margas - the environmental situation, in particular, is approaching a critical stage. We need to reverse the AUP-led pillaging of our environment and institute strong environmental protections. We should also require businesses to help the government fund environmental protection efforts."

Agaranth: "That would be a really good idea - if our goal was to drive every single bit of foreign investment out of Altanar, and close down half the domestic ones. But that would be economic suicide. While protecting the environment is important, it's also important to ensure our citizens a good life. And without economic strength, we have no way to do that. Under the King's leadership and the AUP, we've seen taxes drop and GDP per capita rise. Our citizens actually have their own money to spend for a change. A revolutionary concept to my opponents, but I just see that as fair. And under an Agaranth administration, we will continue to make it a priority to improve the economic standing of our citizens."

On immigration:

Peraer: "Altanar has gained nothing from foreigners except crazy ideas diluting our religion and culture, and causing dissension among our people. And now, we have a government that's so eager to court outsiders that they give away sovereign Altanari land to outsiders. The creation of the so-called 'Kawaiian Enclave' is just more evidence that this government is controlled by outsiders. If you elect me, I'll secure our borders, kick out foreigners and renew our culture and religion. That's the true way for Altanar to become strong."

Kasimira: (disgusted facial expression) "That's the true way to make Altanar an international pariah, a xenophobic and stagnant state. Immigration brings us new ideas and creativity, and helps us grow in ways we wouldn't achieve otherwise. If anything, we should be increasing immigration, not shutting it off."

Kerasa: "While immigration in and of itself is not a bad thing, this government uses immigration as another tool to reduce the power of Akamians and Argali in their own lands. By resettling large numbers of immigrants in Akamia and Argalia, they dilute the number of people who might vote against the government in elections. It's just another form of control."

Agaranth: "I don't know who's more paranoid and insane, Mr. Peraer or Mr. Kerasa. Either way, you're both completely out of touch with reality. It may be one of the few things I agree with Ms. Kasimira on, but I also feel that immigration is a great benefit to Altanar, not a hindrance. We gain far more from the influx of revenue, ideas and resourcefulness that immigrants bring than we ever lose. If I'm elected, we will continue to open the borders of Altanar to others."

On government spending:

Kasimira: "Over the past five years, we've seen our priorities in spending shift from education, social welfare, the environment, healthcare and public transportation to spending on the military and the police. This is a horrible trend that does not bode well for Altanar's future development. Our educational system is still well-funded and the envy of many nations, but with an AUP-led administration, how long will that last? We've already seen them slash social spending in every other arena, and for what? So the military can have shiny new toys? Altanar's a neutral and nonaggressive state - who is the government so afraid of that we need to keep such a massive military? As for the surge in law enforcement spending, increasingly the police are acting as tools of repression, rather than enforcing the law. This government has been getting away with building a police state by exploiting fears of terrorism and insurgency. It's time to stop the slide into repression, and begin building a compassionate society again."

Agaranth: (plainly angry) "I have a simple response to that statement, Ms. Kasimira: where were you during the last Prime Minister inauguration? I'm pretty sure you were there. I remember seeing you there - before terrorists killed over thirty people, including Prime Minister-elect Norgan Sheloran and half of our High Council. Do you really forget so quickly? I'm also curious - where were you during the civil war earlier this year, when thousands died? On a vacation, perhaps? I remember all of those things. It's shameful to accuse the government of trying to create a police state - the only goal the government has is to protect our citizens from the real threats that exist out there, and which have already claimed thousands of Altanari lives. It's liberal administrations like the one you wish to inflict upon Altanar that allowed our police and military to atrophy so badly that we couldn't prevent such tragedies. We're only now beginning to reverse the damage that MDP-led governments did to our security. And now you want another shot? I don't think so."

Kasimira: (furious) "I resent your implications. I also resent the notion that a Liberal Alliance government wouldn't protect our people. We would, but we're smart enough to realize that guns and tanks aren't the only way to protect our people. All the soldiers and cops in the world won't preserve a nation that rots from within because its spending doesn't have a conscience. Maybe if we funded social welfare and efforts to resolve separatism that involved words rather than guns, we'd be doing a better job of resolving the problems we face."

Kerasa: "I'd agree with Ms. Kasimira on that one, and I'd raise the point, yet again, that you wouldn't have terrorism and insurgency if you'd stop imposing Altanari rule on an unwilling populace. If you put some of the money used to fund your jackbooted thugs into creating a truly fair autonomous structure for this nation, and giving more power to Akamians and Argali, you wouldn't need so many cops and soldiers. You'll never win if you keep choosing to fight rather than be fair."

Margas: "The lack of funding in the current budget for social concerns, and the huge amount we spend now on cops and soldiers, just shows that this government has no conscience. If I'm elected, I'll support the bare minimum we need to protect the nation and maintain order, while funding social welfare and environmental initiatives again."

Peraer: (chidingly) "Oh, that's such a typical pinko answer. What the hell good are welfare programs and pretty trees if you can't keep other nations from taking you over? In case you softies haven't noticed, there are a lot of nations out there with no qualms about doing just that. This is a dangerous world. If I'm elected, I'll ensure that Altanar's military is so strong that no one will dare to mess with us. We can do that by dispensing with funding unneeded programs like the environment, social welfare and transportation, and by reducing education funding down to the bare minimum needed for literacy."

Kasimira: (sarcastically) "I'd love to live in a nation like the one you envision, Mr. Peraer. Tyrannical, xenophobic, rabidly paranoid, horrifically ignorant, and with no basic rights at all for anyone who isn't 'pure'. Doesn't that sound like paradise?"

(Laughter from the audience)

Peraer: "You know, Kasimira, that guy Tehrani was right when he called you a freak."

(Boos from the audience, drowning out a very few cheers)

Kasimira: "Perhaps, but when the alternative is being a senile, doddering lunatic with delusions of grandeur, I think I'm pretty content to be who I am, thanks."

(Peraer glares at Kasimira, while the audience cheers loudly and even the other candidates can't help but laugh)

Moderator: "Ladies and gentlemen, please, let's pretend to have a modicum of decorum and move on to the last topic of the night..."

On abolishing the monarchy:

Kerasa: "I could care less what happens to the Aranathan dictators. I just don't want them exercising their tyranny over Akamia and Argalia anymore."

(loud boos from the audience)

Peraer: "A monarchy is fine, if it actually does its job. The King of Altanar is supposed to preserve our traditions, maintain the purity and integrity of our nation, and protect our people from outside influences. Aelkyn plainly does none of these, and perhaps it's time he did like his father did and stepped down because he can't do the job."

(even more loud boos, with an object or two thrown towards the stage)

Kasimira: (laughing openly at Peraer) "Are you angling to be King Karan, instead of Prime Minister Peraer? I hate to break it to you, you don't really have a shot at either. But hey, it's good to dream, right?"

(Peraer makes an obscene gesture at Kasimira and stalks away from the podium. Kasimira simply grins, as the audience hoots Peraer offstage.)

Margas: "The monarchy is a repressive and obsolete form of government, and the King dressing it up in the trappings of democracy by calling it a 'constitutional monarchy' doesn't fool anyone. We all know that Aelkyn still has all the real power. And the days of one-man rule have long since passed. It's time for the government of Altanar to reach the modern times already, and ditch the dictatorial rule of a monarchy. And we shouldn't stop there. The last tattered remnants of the old nobility - the Inimena and Krytellin families - should be disenfranchised too. Both of them participated in the same plot that got the other noble families disenfranchised, yet because of their ties to the King, he's protected them and let them retain their noble status. Why should they continue to be allowed to live off the people like parasites? Ikinar Inimena is nothing more than a beer-swilling, debauched son of privilege. And Jaris Krytellin - his own father was a traitor, and supposedly he's some hero to the nation? He's been nothing more than a government stooge his whole life, and it's time to kick out all the monarchist parasites-"

Agaranth: (visibly angry) "I knew you were an idiot, Margas, but I never realized how much of one until now. Have you ever even met Jaris Krytellin? I have. I've had the pleasure of working alongside him, and being his friend. No one, possibly excepting the King or Crown Father Cianar, has given more of himself in serving Altanar. You're not even one-tenth of the man he is. And you're surely not enough of a person to lead Altanar, as he has. That might be why you barely have 2% of the people supporting you, though. Oh, and as to the question of abolishing the monarchy - not a chance in the seven hells, if I'm elected."

(Crowd cheers wildly)

Moderator: (coughs) "And on that note, it appears our time is up. We'd like to thank you for watching the first-ever Altanari Prime Minister Electoral Debate. Next up is the AIMS Evening News. Have a good night."

(The moderator stands up, shaking his head, as the candidates file offstage.)

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A sweep to the right

- Agaranth first Akamian head of state in Altanar's history
- AUP regains absolute majority in Peoples' Assembly

AEL KHALAS - With 99.9% of the vote tallied, the Royal Electoral Commission officially declared Jinella Agaranth the winner in the special election for Prime Minister.

Prime Minister results
Jinella Agaranth - 46%
Alana Kasimira - 40%
Jamir Kerasa - 9%
Karan Peraer - 3%
Hasin Margas - 2%

The REC also released results showing that the Altanari Unity Party won a commanding majority in the Peoples' Assembly. For the first time in over two decades, the AUP now has enough seats in the Assembly to pass legislation without having to gain support from other parties.

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In her concession speech, Liberal Alliance candidate Alana Kasimira thanked her supporters, and urged Agaranth and the AUP to work with other parties. "They should not construe this election as a mandate," Kasimira said. She also noted that "when the totals are combined, more people voted for parties other than the AUP - 54% to 46% - when they voted for Prime Minister."

In her victory speech, Agaranth thanked the people of Altanar for "giving me the historic chance to be the first Akamian to lead our great nation" and pledged to use that breakthrough to combat separatism. "My election proves that any Altanari citizen, regardless of ethnicity, can achieve anything they want to," she said. Agaranth pledged to work with the other parties to achieve compromise, although adding the "overwhelming" number of seats the AUP won in the Peoples' Assembly race "indicates to me, at least, that the people of Altanar like what the AUP is doing and stands for."

Agaranth names new Council

Wasting little time, Prime Minister-elect Jinella Agaranth named her new cabinet (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Altanar_Council_of_Ministers) today.

The cabinet, previously named the Altanari High Council, will be renamed the Council of Ministers. No reason was given for the name change, but it is most likely due to the government's drive to modernize some of the more "archaic" aspects of the government.

The government also announced today the creation of two new cabinet-level posts: the Minister of Commerce and the Minister of Security. The Commerce Ministry will take over the management of the economy and business sector once handled by the Ministry of Infrastructure, while the Security Ministry will take over internal security functions from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Justice. All changes and appointments will need to be approved by the King and the Peoples' Assembly, although that is expected to be a formality.

It was also announced today that Royal Treasurer Warca Simexpa, who has served as the guardian of Altanar's tax revenue and spending for over 40 years, will be retiring effective immediately. When asked why, Simexpa laughed, "I'm 78 [expletive deleted] years old. It's about time, isn't it?" Deputy Treasurer Mishin Kasarek will be the new Royal Treasurer. King Aelkyn praised Simexpa for his long service to Altanar.

The Council of Ministers will consist of the following:

Jinella Agaranth - Prime Minister
Askar Palanik - Minister of Commerce
Pargal Khaskereth - Minister of Defense
Merin Hargeth - Minister of Education
Simon Wilkinson - Minister of Infrastructure
Lisa Shannon Gerasnak - Minister of Justice
Mishin Kasarek - Royal Treasurer
Heram Kashar - Minister of Security
Hamilton Askari - Minister of Social Welfare
Nelron Khiskithy - Minister of State

Ariddian leader congratulates Jinella Agaranth

In a televised broadcast, the PDSRA's recently elected Second Secretary Turei Lauru (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Turei_Lauru) has congratulated Altanar's Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth for her election.

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"The people of Altanar have been through some difficult times, but they can now look forward to peace and stability with a democratically-elected government," Mr. Lauru said. "I'd like to congratulate Prime Minister Agaranth and wish her all the best for the challenges ahead."

He added: "It's no secret that Prime Minister Agaranth and I have strongly divergent views on a number of issues. In particular, Ms. Agaranth's intention to slash welfare assistance to those most in need is of great concern. The people of Altanar have made their democratic choice, and I hope and trust everybody will respect that. But I urge the Prime Minister not to neglect the basic and essential needs of her fellow citizens."

Altanar, Mr. Lauru said, "is a good friend of the Ariddian Isles. Nobody here will forget their part in helping our neighbours in West Ariddia find stability and democracy in times of trouble."

President Banita Sho (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Banita_Sho) of West Ariddia also expressed her congratulations. "The people of West Ariddia take a particular interest in Altanar, and we remain very grateful for former King Cianar's friendship to us. Altanar will always have friends here in West Ariddia."

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President Fernanda reacts as he watches the results from last
night's Altanari elections on K-Span3. (He's smiling because aids told him
the bigger number of votes next to Jinella's picture meant "good!")

Kennyite leaders celebrate Agaranth win
Prime Minister-elect takes congratulatory phone calls from Fernanda, Cdr. Chiang

PARADISE CITY (Allied Press) --- While Frowning Street refused to take an official stance on the elections in of Altanar, Fernanda Administration insiders said the mood of top government officials was "jubilant" after conservatives trounced the opposition in the war-torn kingdom.

President Fernanda called Prime Minister-elect Jinella Agaranth to congratulate her on her electoral victory, Frowning Street spokesman Jeremy Hunter told a daily news briefing Monday. "And he didn't just say 'Boobies!' and hang up this time," he hastened to add. "They actually had a nice chat. Then he said 'Boobies!' and hung up."

Sources said Fernanda and Secretary of State Alex Tehrani are optimistic about closer relations between Altanar and the Federal Republic now that Agaranth, the blunt-spoken former Altanari UN ambassador, has won the premiership along with a solid majority in parliament for her right-leaning Altanari Unity Party.

UN Mission officials in particular hope for continued Altanari support for "important repeals," free-trade accords and international-security measures at the world body.

Cdr. Jenny Chiang, deputy ambassador to the United Nations, said she too called Agaranth personally to wish her luck "in what is sure to be a difficult task ahead.

"Pressing for national unity after a devastating civil war, sectarian violence and the tragic assassination of government leaders won't be easy," said Chiang, "but I'm confident Jinella will do a fantastic job. She has the majority, and the mandate, to do what needs to be done for her people."

She added that Agaranth would be "sorely missed" at UN Headquarters.

Agaranth outlines plans for future in inaugural speech

In her inauguration speech today, newly elected Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth sketched a broad outline of her plans for her first year in office.

On the economic front, Agaranth outlined plans to lower taxes and tariffs, and provide incentives for businesses and investors. She also stated that the newly-created Ministry of Commerce would soon begin "aggressively seeking" new foreign investment in Altanar. "Our economy has improved greatly in the past five years, but taxes are still too high and that creates a barrier to building our economy, or raising the GDP per capita of our citizens. By lowering taxes, and offering the international community new incentive to invest in Altanar, we can make our economy even stronger and help raise the standard of living of our citizens," Agaranth said.

On two other major issues in the election - immigration and the ongoing Akamian/Argali insurgency - Agaranth outlined her plans as well. "Immigration is the lifeblood of any advancing and prosperous society, and we will continue to keep Altanar's door open to all," Agaranth said, and stated that the Ministries of Commerce and State would soon begin working together to create a campaign to entice even more tourism and immigration to Altanar.

In regards to the insurgency, Agaranth plans a two-prong approach. She said that within the first 100 days of her administration, she would convene a hasha, or traditional council, to be made up of Akamian, Argali and Altanari leaders. The hasha will discuss ways to resolve the insurgency peacefully, and resolve the demands of Akamian and Argali citizens for greater autonomy. The other "prong" will consist of increased military and police efforts to clamp down on the insurgents. "We will negotiate a solution to the insurgency with those who are interested in talking, but for those who are not interested in letting words do their talking, we can speak their language too, and much more fluently," Agaranth warned, reminding the insurgents that the government "has never even come close to unleashing its full military and police force upon them", and adding that "they would be very wise to come to the hasha and talk to us".

Agaranth took time in her speech to thank Ariddia's Second Secretary Turei Lauru and West Ariddian President Banita Sho, as well as Omigodtheykilledkenny's President Manuelo Fernanda and deputy UN ambassador Jenny Chiang, for congratulations they had given her. "The friendship and support of other nations has been, and will continue to be, vitally important to Altanar as we continue to work to resolve important national issues to everyone's satisfaction, and we look forward to future cooperation with our international partners," Agaranth said, adding that Altanar would be resuming the launching of new embassies to other nations and increase its participation in international bodies, which had dropped significantly during the internal strife earlier in the year.

In response to concerns raised by Mr. Lauru about her plans to reduce social welfare spending, Agaranth said that she wanted to reassure the international community, as well as domestic viewers, that Altanar would not abandon its people in need. "Our goal with social welfare reforms is to change the nature of Altanari social welfare to a model that helps people in times of crisis or emergency, and helps them get back on their feet again. Far too often, welfare programs become a way of life for people, and that should not be the case. We will always remain ready to help in times of emergency, but we must also provide the means for people to stand on their own - education, job training, and work programs. It always feels best to gain something when you know you've earned it, and that's the kind of empowerment we must provide to all our people." Agaranth also said that by lowering spending on welfare programs and shifting emphasis to education, job assistance and training, the Altanari government could lower taxes, thus improving the financial state of all its citizens.

The televised ceremony was held in the Legislative Chamber (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/assemint.jpg) of the Peoples' Assembly building. Unlike past ceremonies, Agaranth's inauguration was held indoors and in front of a carefully screened audience. "After the disaster at the last inauguration ceremony, security was a bit more of a paramount concern for this one," new Security Minister Heram Kashar said.