NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Starblaydia's first democratic elections are taking place, and I'm asking y'all to weigh in with your opinions, which will form part of the new make-up of Starblaydia's Sjarondai (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sjarondai), their new Parliament. Imagine, if you will, that you're a Starblaydi, voting for a true government for the first time in your life. If you've been active in a banned Democratic movement you probably have prison time or a conviction for it, which has now been quashed to allow you to vote. Starblaydia has been a well-loved benevolent dictatorship, before turning decidedly malevolent and going to war. That was is over and elections have begun - who will you vote for?



IC:

"It's true, ladies and gentlemen: Starblaydia, for the first time in <static> years, the ordinary, every-day Starblaydi people will get to vote, that's right, to vote for who they want to govern them. Lord-Protector, and up until now, Dictator, Tiberius Starblayde promised free, fair and open elections for the population when he re-took power, and like all his promises, it's come true. Starblaydia Decides! To form a new nation!

"But who will win? We, like most other people, have absolutely no idea! But here's a run-down of the main political parties who will compete for Starblaydi votes:

Liberal Party
In the truest tradition of 'flip-flopping, lilly-livered Liberalism', the Starblaydi Liberal Party seemingly change their views according to whatever situation they are presented with and attempt to fight for each province as a separate entity. Their overall beliefs include increasing personal freedoms and re-distributing wealth.

National Facist Alliance
A formerly banned party, the SNFA is campaigning for a re-built dictatorship based around them, to remove foreigners and institute the Fam'dai (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Fam%E2%80%99dai) as the national religion. They wish to return to the malevolent dictatorship they had under Lady Viannor (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Lady_Viannor).

Nemyan Independance Party
Nemya (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nemya) is a culturally-Greek country enveloped into Starblaydi borders many years ago. There are some who wish for devolution and speration from the political union, and Greeks are attracted to their - formerly banned - promises of more money spent on the Nemyan peoples.

Praetoran Party
This is, and always has been, the main Political organisation in Starblaydia, and is dedicated to supporting the Lord-Protector and whatever his policies are. A majority of Starblaydi voters would choose this party simply because it's what they've become used to. They would install Tiberius Starblayde as Constitutional Monarch and national figurehead, while forging the democratic process.

Starblaydi Communist Party
Another party banned in the years of dictatorship, Communism is their aim, pure and simple, to create the People's Democratic Republic of Starblaydia.

Starblaydi Democrats
A centrist party, originally the banned 'Starblaydia for a Democratic Tomorrow' Party. They have got their prime wish, and now search amongst green and liberal issues for their ground.

Vilitan Antiparticulates
The party for Vilitan nationalists living abroad, who want to spread the Vilitan political background to their new homelands. The Antiparticulates (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Antiparticulate) generally run a neutral campaign, and lean in no significant direction towards the left or right of the political spectrum.

Workers' Party
Not as far over to the left of the political spectrum as you might think, the Workers' Party strives for an efficient and well-run economy, promoting the ordinary worker as the backbone of Starblaydia's power. Increasing economic output is the main priority of this party.

Oscar Phillips sat back and watched the news flash on the TV. The dual Liverpool England/Starblaydi international, who had competed for The Macabees' Tango et Kartuma in a season of the NS Formula 1 Grand Prix, was now a 53-year-old, retired, and a part-time popular sports commentator in Liverpool England. He'd not been home to Starblaydia since he moved when he was 6, but still had family in Starblaydia who had spoken to him in glowing terms about finally have democracy.

Phillips got up and went into the kitchen, where his son Darren was making himself some lunch. Darren looked up. "Want some?" Politely declining, Oscar wondered aloud about voting. Darren, 24, and an up-and-coming politician (or so he claimed to be), looked right in his father's eyes. "Starblaydia? You can't be serious. Since when did they ever have free elections?"

Darren had been born in Liverpool England, of course, and did not obtain Starblaydi citizenship when he was born. "Darren, I'm as much a Starblaydi as you are Liverpool Englander. I was born in Starblaydia. I'm still a citizen of Starblaydia, and my relatives there have all been saying only good things. You're a politics student. You should know how to feel about voting... especially if you do intend to become a politician."

Darren Phillips shrugged. "You sure you don't want some food?"

"No. Where's your mom? She gone out shopping again?"

Darren nodded, and went back to cooking his food. Oscar walked back out of the kitchen, and wondered to himself. "I wonder if I should pay Starblaydia a visit and see it for myself? I could vote when I'm back home, too..." Picking up the phone, he dialled LivEng Airways.

"Hello? Hi. I'd like to know if you have any flights out of Orean today to Jhanna... That's right, Starblaydia..."

"Dad? Darren? Anyone home?" Darren Phillips recognised his younger brother's voice, and went to the door. "Can you believe Dad wants to vote?"

Jeremy Phillips looked at his older brother weirdly. "Elections aren't for another three years, don't try to pull a fast one, mate." Darren gesticulated towards the television. "Starblaydia." Jeremy's face changed. "You're kidding, right?" He looked at his father, who had just gotten off the phone. Rather incredulously, he asked, "Starblaydia?!"

Oscar nodded. "I've got tickets for a flight. It leaves tomorrow afternoon, Orean to CCL, CCL to Jhanna." Darren stared at his father. "You're going to Starblaydia?! Are you nuts? You haven't been there in over forty years! What plans do you have?"

"I've got four tickets. All of us are going. You'll finally see Starblaydia, and I'll get to see my family. We'll stay in a hotel, of course. While we're there your mom can... cough... do her shopping. I'll do my duty and vote, of course. I guess you two could find something...sporty to do there. Who knows, you two are eligible for Starblaydi nationality, maybe you get talent spotted in something." He winked at his two boys, then walked up the stairs. "Get packing, you two, we leave tomorrow afternoon!"

Jeremy looked at Darren and whispered. "Mom doesn't know about this yet, does she? She's gonna blow her top."

Ariddian leader Turei Lauru (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Turei_Lauru), interviewed by PINA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/PINA)

Lauru: "...Yes, of course, this is a positive change within Starblaydia. Self-determination for the Starblaydi people, freedom of speech... if freedom of speech can actually be guaranteed, and the authorities integrate the concept of democracy, with all its implications.

Now, of course, we'll be seeing Starblaydi citizens voting for the first time. And the question I can't answer just yet is whether they have a full grasp of what democracy means, and where their country is going, what its democratic institutions are going to be.

I think it's fairly obvious that you can't have a functional and healthy democracy without educated citizens, who have a full understanding of the various political models on offer, of the implications of policies suggested by candidates... and, well, of their own obligations as citizens of a democracy. My recommendation to Starblaydia would be to launch a wide-scale public information campaign, based on educational material prepared by all the major parties. It's also vital for a free press and media to be well-established throughout the country before the elections take place. Democracy needs foundations, not just elections."

Nettles (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Parliamentary_Channel): "Would Ariddia be willing to assist Starblaydia in building up a democracy?"

Lauru: "Assist them? Yes. Yes, if they request it, yes of course. Ariddia has well-established democratic institutions and a well-established democratic culture. Yes, if it can help, we can send advisers to Starblaydia to assist in preparing the transition to democracy, of course."

Nettles: "Will you be supporting any particular party?"

Lauru: "No. The Starblaydi people must decide on their own future, without outside influence or pressure. Any party that respects the fundamental rights of all Starblaydi, and which has the support of the largest number, would be fit to lead the government, and Ariddia will of course recognise it."

"It's Starblaydia's first election night!" Yells the deep, fruity-voiced announcer, "and here are your hosts... Javi Hierro and Saianne DeJardon!"

The horns flare, the camera swoops down, flashy yet authoritative graphics streak across the screen and the set, alive with colour - most of it Starblaydi purple, contains lots of smartly-dressed people.

"Greetings and welcome to Starblaydia Decides, I'm Javi Hierro," Javi takes the lead, as ever with his deep, bass voice, "and I and Saianne will be your hosts throughout the day as all of Starblaydia decides - who will be in their first government? But how will the voting proceed? For those not in the know, here's what will happen, with Saianne. Saianne?"

"Thankyou, Javi," the sultry mass of flowing blonde locks that is Saianne DeJardon waltzes across the stage, eyes firmly fixed on her piece to camera, "Starblaydia's eighteen provinces have the challenge of electing three-hundred and sixty Honourable Representatives to the Sjarondai. More on the history of Starblaydia's parliament later, but for now the crucial question. 'How can I vote?'

"You can take your Voting Card into your local polling station - the location of which is printed on the reverse - simply hand it to the Election Clerk there and they will hand you your voting form.

"You can also text your vote in, if you have applied for it, to 84428. Simply type your code, then 'VOTE' and then the party you are voting for. Your mobile phone number is linked to a special access code, and if you do not make your text message conform exactly to that procedure, your vote will not count.

"So, if you haven't already.. text now, to 84428!"

"I think it's obvious that only the vanguard of the revolution, the Starblaydi Democrats, would be fit to serve as the first democratic leaders. Of course, the Starblaydi haven't the experience in peaceful transfers of power like we Iansisleans have --"

"Death to the aristocrats!" shouted someone off screen.

"-- so I shouldn't be surprised if the entire confounded systems collapses like so many dwarves stacked on top of each other. Wait, that's not really an easy metaphor to relate to, is it? Um, collapses like... something that's rather famous for collapsing. Erm. Good night!"

Gulls Fan Throckmorten Alabaster
Still recovering from multiple axe wounds

At a hotel in Tabeck (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Tabeck), Starblaydia, 16 year-old Cherry Lake sat down at a computer, logged in to arixpat.org (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Arixpat.org), and started typing. In the same room, her parents and younger brother were watching Election Night on television - her brother, typically, trying not to drool over Saianne DeJardon.

They had flown in just ten hours earlier from Rêvane, and despite the jet-lag, Cherry was feeling rather thrilled. She typed a quick message in reply to the thread she had started earlier, sent it, then went over to join the rest of the family in front of the screen.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3666/cherrybladepostsmhu3.png

"Well, lads, how you enjoying Starblaydia?"

Darren grumbled, and conceded, "It's okay, I suppose." Jeremy piped up. "Great sporting atmosphere. This place is brilliant. Have you voted, Dad?" Oscar looked at his watch. "Not yet. Boys, I've got something I need to tell you guys."

Darren looked at him, fully expecting what was coming next. "You want to stay here. I can't believe you. You've been back one day and you've already decided you want to stay? What about me? I've got my master's back home! And I'm, like, this close to becoming a politician, you can't do this!" Jeremy scoffed. "Politician, schmotician. I love it here." Darren pinched his brother. "Ow! That was unnecessary!"

"Now, boys. Darren will go home to Orean to finish his graduate degree, after which it'll be up to him if he wants to join us. Jeremy, you can stay if you want to. I've transferred ownership of the house to Darren, and bought one here, your mom is fully supportive of it."

Jeremy looked at his watch. "Dad, you'd best vote now."

Oscar nodded, and took out his mobile phone. "There, done. Starblaydi Democrats. Looking forward to spending my retirement here. I'm sure the people back in Liverpool England won't miss my commentary too much," he chuckled.

Jérôme Labrie: Now, something that might interest the Francophone Starblaydis. Today is elections day in Starblaydia. To explain us the situation, we join Rodrigo Manilla in the capital, Jhanna. He is the policial correspondant for SBC News. Bonjour M. Manilla.

Rodrigo Manilla: Hi Jérôme.

Jérôme Labrie: Is there any difference between today and a month ago in Starblaydia?

Rodrigo Manilla: More freedom. *laughs* Well, I've always prefered Tiberius to Viannor personally anyway, so I guess it's a pretty good news.

Jérôme Labrie: All right. So you think Tiberius Starblayde is serious about his democratic intentions?

Rodrigo Manilla: Of course he is. When he first was Lord-Protector, we thought he was bad, but we realised Viannor was much more worse. The majority of citizens will agree with my comment here.

Jérôme Labrie: I suppose they will. Do you have something to tell to the Starblaydi expatriates in Oliverry? I know there are at least 100,000 scattered all around the country, all of which didn't revoke their citizenship.

Rodrigo Manilla: Never deny you're a Starblaydi. Be proud of your nation and its new freedom. This is a new era in Starblaydia and you won't want to miss it.

Jérôme Labrie: That was only the introduction of the interview. Now, let's get to serious business. The election is today. Here, in Oliverry, we don't know what are the parties to participate in this election. On screen, we currently have a brief description of the different parties, but it's simply not enough for our listeners to understand what's going on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/teleoli24electionstar.png

Rodrigo Manilla: I'll begin with the two principal parties: The paetorians and the democrats. The firsts could be considered as the conservatives, which would mean that they support a higher role for the lord-protector and a smaller one for the parliament. While the democrats could be considered as the liberals, who want more power for the parliament. The real Liberal Party is more like a Centre-Left party. There are other parties, both on the left and the right, but they shouldn't win. Right now, the favourites would be the Praetorians, as they are the most well known party in here, but the democrats still have a chance.

Jérôme Labrie: Thank you M. Manilla. If you need any information about Oliverrian elections, you can always interview me *chuckes*

Rodrigo Manilla: *chuckles* It's been a pleasure Mr. Labrie.

Jérôme Labrie: So, it was Rodrigo Manilla, from SBC News. Oh! Last hour news: The newly reelected Socialist President of Oliverry, Bertrand Dionne, is about to talk to the press about the elections in Starblaydia. I hear that he's going to do that right now. Let's see what he has to say:

*The screen switches to a screen showing the president in Chambre de la Presse with Oliverrian flags behind him, standing behind a podium*

Right Honourable Bertrand Dionne: Bonjour à tout le monde, à la presse, au peuple et à la nation Oliverrienne et, tout spécialement, au peuple nouvellement libre de Starbladie. Maintenant, si vous le voulez bien, ce message sera lu seulement en anglais, pour que les Starbladiens puissent le comprendre. I'll translate: Hello to everyone, to the press, to the Oliverrian people and nation and, especially, to the newly free people of Starblaydia.

I welcome you in the world of democracy. After so many years of dictatorship, you, your parents and, even, your grandparents have never voted in free elections. Today is the day everything is going to change. I see some Starblaydi channels in here and it makes me proud *laughs*

*Everybody in the crowd laughs*

Great stress chaser hehe. Well, now back to serious talks: Let me congratulate my fellow Starblaydian Head of State, Tiberius Starblayde, for letting free and liberal democracy enter his nation. Some other head of states should follow his example, but I won't tell any name, because I'm sure I'll receive threats tomorrow morning *chuckles once again*. Ah... Now, this is headed to the Starblaydi, especially those who never got to vote. Check carefully the different parties' platforms and vote for the one you like the most. Consider that your vote is going to change your life, because that decision is affecting who will govern the nation. Also, more freedom doesn't mean you don't have to respect the laws, so my last advice for you, Starblaydis, would be to act responsably, respect the laws and to push for the adoption of a charter of rights and freedoms for your nation.

In conclusion: All I'm going to say is: good luck to the Starblaydis with their new government! Thank you.

Jérôme Labrie: So that was Président Dionne, speaking out his mind about the first free elections in Starblaydia. Now, it's time for a break. After the break, some international news, then Les Télénouvelles Midi. I'll be back at 12:30 with "Le débat du midi".

"...and the polls are open in the first democratic elections in Starblaydia, after..."

Dominique Domasca, President of Krytenia, sat transfixed in front of her (rather oversized) television screen/videowall. Watching the events, she flicked a switch to activate her intercom, and spoke three words.

"Plane. Jhanna. Now."