NationStates Jolt Archive

IC:
ANN news: The time is finally coming around...

The free elections promised by Secular Party president General Ndelebe are due in a year, and the tensions are so thick that one can literally smell them in the air! Many once outlawed parties are now reforming, their leaders resurfacing from years of underground hiding - Parties that are considered extremist groups by the present government(such as the Communist Worker's party of Africa, and the National Socialist Front for the Commonwealth) remain outlawed, but generally all ideological sentiments are free for the population to choose and support in the coming elections

African Democratic Union
Presidential Candidate: Ngolo Marshall
http://www.100bmla.org/images/lmurdock.gif
The African Democratic Union is the bastion of democratic resistance in the AC elections. Reformist socialism, Demilitarization, civil rights, liberal democracy and a stronger public sector are the causes dear to the ADU, and it enjoys broad support in the Commonwealth. Drawbacks would be that nearly every other party in the elections are in opposition. Nonetheless, radical reformist Ngolo Marshall might just have what it takes to lead the Commonwealth into a democratic future?
Ideal Government: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy/New York Times Democracy.

African People's Front
Presidential Candidate: Nina Mwani(to the right)
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/winnotes/spring01/assets/yngwomn.jpg
With revolutionary socialist parties being illegal, and membership punishable by more than ten years of prison, the closest communists can get to representation is the very liberal reformist socialist party the African People's Front. Strongly concerned with African Unity(the party wants to re-establish strong ties with the socialist Republic of Lusaka), re-instatement of welfare and health care, revitalization of the public sector and a general abolishment of the authoritan societal model the Commonwealth uses today. This party is discredited at every turn by the Secular Party, African Right and the Christian Democrats of Africa who(not wholly incorrectly) accuses them of deceptively harbouring communists and anarchists that cannot be represented otherwise.
Ideal Government: Democratic Socialists/Scandinavian Liberal Paradise

African Right
Presidential candidate: William Anderson.
http://www.oahperd.org/Graphics/alewis.jpg
The neo-conservative/libertarian hideout, the African Right enjoys some support among the moralistic and conservative metropolises in the central Commonwealth. While it is somewhat close to the Secular Party, the ruling party is not fond of the Right's opposition to state control and abolishment of gun control and planned economics.
Ideal Government: Libertarian Police State/Right-Wing utopia/Capitalizt.

Christian Democrats of Africa
Presidential candidate: Bishop Ndeki Donaldson.
http://arc.episcopalchurch.org/congr/Black/BISHOP/James_Ottley.gif
This, dominantly catholic, christian party thinks things are fine as they are right now. State control is necessary to keep all the atheists, homosexuals and socialists in their place, serving the state without introducing their deviance or perversion in the Commonwealth society - Police and Military aplenty is not only necessary for international stability and home defense, but also to enforce a society with christian morals. While over 82% of the Commonwealth are catholics or of another christian persuasion, most voters consider the CDA to be a bit too extreme for their tastes. Another drawback to CDA chances are the fact that they work closely together with the Secular Party, and many suspect their parliament candidates of harbouring members of the secret police, the Manus Nigra.
Ideal Government: Moralistic Democracy/Father Knows Best State.

Secular Party
Presidential candidate: 5-star CAF General Mshone Ndelebe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/85000/images/_85683_nyanda300.jpg
The Secular Party has been the ruling party since Nwabudike James forged the Commonwealth and made it the huge, economically powerful nation it is today. It is also almost universally hated by the populace for removing their civil and political rights and creating the huge military and secret police that has beat on, tortured and killed their kinsmen for years. Paradoxically enough, their presidential candidate holds great support and love in the population for breaking his own party's back, bringing back crucial civil and political rights, as well as creating open elections. It is thought that Ndelebe will win the elections if he breaks out and makes his own party - That is, if he dares brave the wrath of the Secular Party and their serious military and political clout in the current authoritan state. The Secular Party is a conservative, republican party that believes in using naked force, opressive laws, limited political liberties, strong police forces and the occasional terror action to consolidate their party.
Ideal government: Iron Fist Consumerists/Corporate Police State.

Those are the parties. The army has received increased funds lately, as it is widely believed by the Secular Party that the increased democratic rights given unto citizen will lead to riotous and violent behaviour during the political campaigns leading up to the final showdown.

This was African News Network, thank you for watching!


OOC
Relevant OOC information:

Quick recap: The African Commonwealth has wavered between Iron Fist Consumerism, Father Knows Best Authoritarianism and Corporate Fascism, all under the still-dictatorial auspices of the Secular Party and their appointed President for life, war hero President Ndelebe. While Ndelebe seems quite the pleasant reformist, the cynic iron-fisted ruling party has not really let him accomplish the improvements he has had in mind for some time now.

Open elections were announced at the end of the recent "cold war" between AC, Lusaka, Roycelandia, Das Uber-Deutchland and other foreign nations - A opposition party that is not ripe with secret police and secular party puppets has been established, and more are re-forming, now that their presence is not outlawed. While this sounds all good, Ndelebe knows the new parties crawl with extremist that rebel against the extremely moralistic, militaristic society the secular party has created through it's 5-year reign of terror and fear; and thus he knows that an election would not bode well for the nation.

He is essentially a good-natured President Musharref, wanting to accomplish extensive reforms before he dissolves his dictatorship and lets the people take over - knowing that the latter might FUBAR his nation quite badly if the time is not ready for it. This RP starts a year before the elections, and follows the affair to it's grim, bloody end, whatever it may be.

While this is an invite-only RP(only regional nations and nations AC has very strong positive/negative ties to can participate actively in supporting/weakening various parties), I want to stress that ALL nations are heartily welcome to post their official opinion on the election developments, contribute funds and volunteers for the respective parties!

Early and cautious optimism in Lusaka over much vaunted Commonwealth elections has thus far persisted, though the Social Progress Party has made efforts to avoid upseting the Secular Party.

New Lusaka City absolutely must protect its lately walming relationship with Kinshasa lest the war in Gabon become a lost cause after great expense.

That said, it would be surely no surprise to anyone informed if SPP members, including the likes of Miyanda and Igomo themselves, privately expressed a desire for the APF to at least gain some influence. It is widly suspected that ethnic Lusakans living mainly in the Commonwealth's south east will be encouraged to back Mwani's bid. Quite how much effort Igomo is willing -and indeed able- to put behind such encouragement is yet to be proven.

Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

Governor-General Philip J. Fry switched off the TV in his office and smiled.

"Kiff! I have an idea."

Robert Kiff, Fry's African secretary, PA, and confidante looked up from his PC in the next room.

"And what would that be?"

"AC is by far our largest neighbour, and it's important that they have stable, reliable, popular, and most importantly, pro-Roycelandian Government."

Kiff nodded. "Yes, especially with the situation in Gabon at the moment."

Fry thought for a moment. "Kiff, How much money is there left in the Governor's Discretionary Fund?"

"One moment, Sir. I'll check... $550million Imperial Wibbles." Kiff let out a low whistle.

"Excellent. More than enough to ensure that the appropriate party gets elected to parliament. Find out what you can about the African Democratic Union and the African Right, ideologies, policies, everything. We must prevent the AC from becoming Communist, or a Police State. And we must keep them Pro-Roycelandian at all costs. We can outspend Lusaka, but Rhodesia & Nyasaland has just as much cash as we do. Get in touch with them and see what their opinions on the matter are."

Kiff finished writing down the instructions. "I'll get right on it, Sir..."

A few days later, the Leaders of the African Democratic Union and the African Right are approached by the representatives of a consortium of African Businesspeople, who have some Hard Currency that they would like to "invest" in ensuring the African Commonwealth's future is a prosperous and stable one, free of Communist and Christian influences...
The Leaders are told that this Consortium have considerable resources at their disposal, not all necessarily financial, if the Parties are interested...

((though IC, For Roycelandia's eyes only:))

Preliminary read-outs on the parties:

African Democratic Union:

A very motley crew, the ADU consist of nearly everyone who has no outspoken ideology towards the left or right, authoritan or libertarian, but still prefers a truly democratic system instead of the thinly veiled dictatorship that has plagued the nation for years. Very moderate reformist socialists, radicals, liberal democrats and more moderate conservatives form the party, proving that no consistent ideology other than the all-important crusade for democracy drives the party(this is, incidentally, also the reason it is the most popular party).

Their expected policies are first and foremost the abolition of one-party rule and excessive state control(they are against the Police States), then re-instating limited "communist" initiatives like welfare and health care, which the AC has none of at all, currently. Tertiary, they might lobby for destroying some of AC's sizable WMD stockpiles. Their stance on Roycelandia is uncertain, but being a populist party to certain extent, public opinion may force them to take an anti-imperialist, and thus anti-roycelandian, stance. Under their auspices, liberalism and communism is not a likely outcome, but should it ever become the public's wish(nigh-impossible) while the ADU is in government, it will of course be so. Representatives from the ADU has AGREED to opening talks with the Roycelandian consortium, but has made no further promises.

The African Right is pro-capitalist(and pro-Roycelandian, since that means increased trade with Europe), and readily AGREED to cooperation with Roycelandia on election matters. They are looking for a free market economical state, free of the excessive police and state control present, but support the all-consuming military budget AC has currently. They despise communism, including liberal initiatives like planned economy and social welfare of any kind. They would support the current government, if not for the fact that the iron-fisted consumerist policies the Secular Party are crimping their free-market ideology, putting their archaic economic neo-conservative ideology ahead of practical considerations. They are a strong party, with most members being of the same ideological persuasion, and have no compunctions about getting what they want. Unfortunately, they only enjoy limited support from 2 or 3 of the huge cities in central AC.

Both parties oppose the power the Catholic church exerts over AC society.

Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

Governor Fry looked over the reports that Intelligence had brought to him.

"What do you think, Kiff?"

"Well, Sir, I think we should fund both of them- give them snappy election Campaigns, a bit of pressure in the right places. We must prevent the Secular Party from regaining control."

Fry mulled over this as he sipped his Bourbon.

"You're right, Kiff. The problem is, the ADU are the most popular party, but they could be forced to take an Anti-Roycelandian stance if the people of the AC demand it. God only knows why..."

"Well, Sir, we did nearly cause an Atomic War not all that long ago over our Facility near the Congo River... you know, the old Colony site."

Fry waved his hand in dismissal. "That was ages ago. And besides, we didn't ACTUALLY cause an Atomic War. No-one really got hurt in the grand scheme of things. I mean, no ICBMs got launched, no-one got Nuked, and we got rid of their Communist Problem for them."

Kiff sighed loudly. "I still wouldn't suggest giving them TOO much support, until we know their views on Roycelandia and our presence here in Africa."

"Very well, Kiff. Now tell me about this other lot."

"The African Right are very much Pro-Roycelandian, but they support the huge AC military- which could be useful if they get into power. However, they oppose all Social Welfare, which would cause huge Poverty problems. Also of concern is the similarity to te current party, which, let's face it, isn't exactly our best friend in the world at the moment."

Fry leant back. "Very well. Initiate a Pro-Roycelandian Propaganda Campaign, but do it subtly- make some high profile donations to Orphanages, maybe pay for a Hospital or something, perhaps endow a Professorship on the University of Kinshasha- that kind of thing. For now, we shall support the ADU, but channel some funds to the AR- as well as weapons and technical training if either the ADU or AR want them. Don't offer weapons, wait for them to request them. We've got to try and stay well below the Radar on this one, Kiff."

"Of course Sir, I'll get right on it. One other question: Does His Majesty know about this?"

"Yes, he does. The PR campaign is being funded from Port Royal, so spare no expense with it. And get Imperial Airways to offer cut-price flights to and from the AC. I'm talking ridiculously cheap- $40 one way type thing. I'm sure Port Royal will give you the clearances for that."

"I'll get in touch with them now, Sir." Kiff left the office to get on with his many tasks.

"I shall be very interested to see how this plays out" Fry said to no-one in particular. "I just hope Commander Sword doesn't get wind of this, or we'll half the Foreign Legion running around the AC faster than you can say Deniable Operations."

And with that, he switched on his office TV and found the Satellite News Channel, which would hopefully keep him informed of events in the world as they unfolded...

Office of the Prime Minister, Salisbury, Rhodesia

"Prime Minister, can I assume we will do the usual thing?"

"Of course, use all the off the books money you want and make sure Anderson wins, if necessary not through elections."

"Yes Sir."

"First thing to do is have somebody at our embassy contact the Afrcian Right and ask what we can do, start with the easy stuff, financial assistance, giving them intelligence on the government. Hint that we might also be prepared to arm them, should it be required. Clear with the plan?"

"What plan?"

"Exactly."

Kinshasa, African Commonwealth

On a busy high street in the city centre, a Rhodesian 'diplomat' made a call from a phone booth, certain that he had eluded the secret police that routinely followed him. He dialled a number, a private number, and one which the authorities would not have tapped yet.

"Is this William Anderson? I have something you might be interested in, in fact it may make you this country's leader. I dont want to say who I represent on the phone, I thinks it obvious enough after all. Anyway we can help you, we will in fact do anything necessary to make AC capitalist, after all who stands to gain the most?"

Roycelandia>>

Responses are good thus far. Several ADU clerks have informed the Roycelandian presence that they would like to travel to R. East Africa to pursue talks with representatives of the imperial government there.

The African Right has accepted monetary transfers, but has returned somewhat dry requests as to why they receive the cash, and what Roycelandia might demand in return on their investments.

Rhodesia etc.>>

Anderson has agreed to a top secret meeting in the metropolis Mbandaka. Any diplomats and representatives may bring a small, unarmed escort but quote "No funny stuff, you hear us?" unquote.

DaKhiem would make a mess of this, there could be little doubt. If ever there was a nation (besides the USA) that failed to understand the outside world, it was Dra-pol. The "dark continent" was especially poorly understood.

The Central Directorature mechanically processed what little information it had on involved parties (parties in the personal sense rather than the political organisations which have never existed in Drapoel experience).

Anderson, and to a still greater degree Donaldson drew the attention of the Banat, the organisation that would quite likely try to kill both men despite the impracticality of such a move..

The republic watched and struggled to make sense of the wider situation in Africa.

Invitations to the ADU clerks to visit Roycelandian East Africa have been issued (discreetly), along with the appropriate Diplomatic Visas.

The Consortium wishes to know whether the ADU representatives would prefer to travel via The Spirit of Africa (Train) or Imperial Airways?

The AR representatives are informed that, as a Democratic nation, Roycelandia would like to see fair elections, and that means ensuring that your party has adequate funds to run a decent campaign.

The Imperial Government has also made vague promises of a lucrative Free Trade deal with the AC's new Government if elected...

The Kilean leadership viewed the elections with a good deal of anxiety. The Secular party- the regime Kilean has sought so long to support- may be simply voted out of office. If this changed the African Commonwealth policy twards kilean, it could mean disaster....

<OOC: is it alright for me to post in this thread?<OOC?

*click*


The lock was picked. The agent slinked into the African People's Front party offices.

Watergate what? Thought the agent. It sucked being one of the three black dudes in the ISD. You always had to do the field work in these situations. Shoulda sent johan, the teutonic guy the next desk over....

He banished the thought. The ream of paper flopped down in the photocopier and he got to work. Membership lists, local strategies, all of it. When he was done, he set everything back to rights and slinked out of the building.

Some of these canidates would be acceptable- barely. But some of them simply could. not. win. Not with Kilean so desperately needing AC aid in it's costly war with Dibujante.

The secular party would get a lot of help- the leadership wouldn't know of it at all, but mid-level people would be looking at these documents. The African Right was also getting a fair amount of money- very well-hidden. Two of the other black guys in the ISD were running very profitable companies in the AC, companies that donated quite a lot of money for having offices that consisted of an adress and a bank account and not much else.


The ISD was hoping that they didn't have to become more......active. Confirmed banat agents had been sighted around Kinshasa. That was bad.

Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

"Any Word from our 'friends' in Africa yet, Kiff?"

"No, Sir, I'm afraid not. You know how these African Countries are."

"Of course, Kiff. Let me know as soon as anything happens."

"Of course, Sir..."

OOC>> Internet access is on and off the next week. If I don't post, do me a favour and wait for me to post, aight?

All nations that have posted so far may consider themselves invited for now. You're all nations that are intimately involved with the AC.

IC>>

News in the campaign struggle

This week, several mid-level clerks and spokesmen from the ADU took to Roycelandian East Africa by Imperial Airways, ready to initiate talks with the Roycelandian empire. Widespread protests took place in Kinshasa and Mbandaka condemning foreign donations to political parties - With more than a slight smirk, the Secular Party domestic political spokesman explained that laws barring such donations would not even be an issue before the new government elections are over, quote "Because we need to give everyone a fair chance", unquote.

In a much, much more serious incident, 10+ APF officials have gone missing, with a least one found dead in slums outside Mbandaka. Secular Party, or rather; Manus Nigra involvement is suspected but, as usual, never confirmed. The APF offices have been broken into as well, and campaign strategic documents as well as member lists tampered with, suggesting that a wide-scale sabotage of the socialist party is underway. Miss Mwani could not be reached for comments.

In other news, the African Right has gained another 6% in the polls, gaining some ground on the APF and ADU - Analysts say this is due to greatly increased campaign funds from, as yet, unknown sources.

The first campaign debate is due in a week, with parties debating two issues that are likely to be big factors in the exit run: Police numbers and the CAF foreign involvement in Kilean.

Royal Hotel, Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

The Conference Room of the Royal Hotel (the best in Port Imperial) had been chosen for the meeting with the ADU representatives, partly because it was tastefully decorated without being too Imperialist or African, the service at the Royal Hotel was second to none, and the staff were famous for their discreation. As an added security measure, the Wait Staff were both White and Native, some male, some female.

A complete Smorgasbord lunch was planned, along with a wide array of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Attending on behalf of the Imperial Government were Governor-General Philip J. Fry, Secretary of Internal Affairs Robert Kiff, Trade Minister Lisa Sharpe, Imperial Foreign Minister Jeff Lebowski, and a few members of the African Trade Consortium. Reassuringly absent was Commander Jack Sword, primarily because this was a political meeting, not a military one.

With the Campaign beginning next week, His Majesty Government would like to work out some sort of arrangement with the ADU to ensure that they get elected, and perhaps help 'clarify' some policies which would help everyone out and ensure that, once elected, the ADU stayed there for a long time, and that AC citizens saw Roycelandia as a friend and not an Evil Colonialist Empire with aspirations of Global Domination.

The Kilean government itself had officially backed the person of General Mshone Ndelebe in the upcoming election. The Kilean government has wed itself- in the public eye, at least- to Ndelebe. All Kilean has to do now is project a positive national image.

Which is really easy, right?
_____________________________________________________________

The ISD safehouse got orders. Operations were to commence against banat assets in the African Commonwealth. Nothing lethal yet, but the ISD was to impede any banat attempts to sway the election results.

The Kilean government itself had officially backed the person of General Mshone Ndelebe in the upcoming election. The Kilean government has wed itself- in the public eye, at least- to Ndelebe. All Kilean has to do now is project a positive national image.

Which is really easy, right?
_____________________________________________________________

The ISD safehouse got orders. Operations were to commence against banat assets in the African Commonwealth. Nothing lethal yet, but the ISD was to impede any banat attempts to sway the election results.

Roycelandia>>

Meetings progress very smoothly, with the ADU representatives enjoying the privilege of face-to-face talks with a member of the Imperial government.

They explain that the support is heartily needed, even if much of the population will vote ADU, as the state still has total control of the nation, and that the secret police and conventional paramilitary can and will work for the secular party in the coming election.

Also, while trade and cooperation with Roycelandian East Africa is practically already an ADU policy considering the amount of support the Empire gives them, the ADU diplomats lament the fact that most of the state personnel are not very keen on continual support of Roycelandian policies, and that the conservative tribesmen that make up much of ACs almost one billion inhabitants are opposed to Roycelandia simply out of habit - colonialism is what destroyed the pre-Commonwealth lands that make up the nation now, and most feel bad blood towards the Empire, even if it did aid the Secular Party crushing a popular uprising against the government(not too surprising, seen with hindsight). This can and will hinder the level of support the ADU, if voted in as government, is able to grant Roycelandia.

An aide to Ngolo Marshall himself also supplied the Roycelandians with one secret on the elections: The ADU will support the African People's Front in the elections and attempt to create a coalition with them for government.

Kilean>>

A strongly encryped letter using the IICS code developed during the pan-African crisis Kilean submitted troops to, arrives at the Director-General's desk. It reads "Will create a new front party, Kilean political support necessary. Contact me using this code only, am under secret police surveillance. General Ndelebe."

Rhodesia etc.>>

Anderson has agreed to a top secret meeting in the metropolis Mbandaka. Any diplomats and representatives may bring a small, unarmed escort but quote "No funny stuff, you hear us?" unquote.

The Black Jaguar pulled up at the meeting place, after succesfully losing their secret police tail. Three men then got out, Ambassador John Walton, and two former Selous Sout bodyguards.

Rhodesia>>

The small delegation was ushered into a non-descript flat, where Anderson himself, and two African Right parliament candidates waited, along with 4 men that would best be described as 'thugs'. The AR men are in suits, and the thugs in practical clothing adorned with Right bumper patches, and a disturbing array of right-wing slogan badges - coupled with their shaven heads, they imply extreme bodily harm if things should escalate in an unwanted direction.

The presidential candidate breaks the tension:

"Mister Ambassador! It is good to meet you, but however can we help one another? Your offer of "anything required" is both alluring, and not a little dangerous to both of us. How can we trust you, and the government of Rhodesia?"

Royal Hotel, Port Imperial

The Imperial Delegation enquire as to what sort of "Support" the ADU would require to help counter-act the Secret Police and so forth.

Privately, doubts are expressed about the ADU's alliance with the APF... the last thing the Imperial Govt. wants is to help vote the ADU in, only to have the APF decide that Colonialist powers are "Evil" and cause problems.

The Roycelandian Delegation are also prepared to fund a vigorous Pro-Roycelandian PR Campaign, to help the ADU as well.

It is made clear to the ADU representatives that Roycelandia favours them in the coming election, and everything they can do to convince the voters that Roycelandia is their friend will be to everyone's advantage.

The Imperial Foreign Affairs & Immigration Minister hints that Roycelandia could be persuaded to greatly relax the permanent residency and citizenship requirements for AC citizens who wish to move to Roycelandia, especially if the two nations enter into a Trade Agreement...

The news that General Ndelebe is going to split with the secular party is greeted with great (although secret) joy in Kilean political circles. The Kileanishe government very much respects Ndelebe, but the sheer scale of resentment twards the secular party was troubling.

The shell companies prepare to divert their funds to the strongman's campaign, and ISD assets within the manus nigra (and there are assets- the ISD worked with AC secret police a great deal) begin to collect data on Manus Nigra spying on General Ndelebe. Kilean covert support, and indeed, Kilean public opinion are firmly behind this solid, respectable war hero.

For it's part in the propaganda war, Kilean buys TV time in the AC, running footage of the falcon brigade fighting the marxist geurillas, then fading to scenes of AC units in Kilean being cheered as they roll to the fighting front. The Kilean-African Commonwealth alliance is a crucial domestic issue for the Kilean government, and no expense is spared in trying to play up AC-Kilean unity in the face of marxist agression.

Aircraft bearing the insignia of the Dominion Air Force were a common enough sight in the skies over the African Commonwealth. There was always some joint project or another being carried out, and when one considered the substantial manufacturing facilities the Dominion had established within the Commonwealth's borders, it was hardly surprising that their government would take an interest in that nation's affairs. This interest ran deeper than most, however.

Tires screeched as the converted 747 touched down, a combination of thrust reversers and breaks slowing it to a more managable ground speed in a surprisingly short time. Taxiing off the runway to make way for the pair of Black Widow II stealth fighters flying cover for the titanic aircraft, the 747 parked in its assigned section of the tarmac, away from the terminal for security reasons. As the fighters taxied over to join their larger charge, a staircase was wheeled up and the nose hatch opened.

Pausing at the top of the stairs to look around, Prime Minister Haley made its way down the stairs, followed closely by his faithful bodyguard, Sergeant Noonan, formerly of the elite Wolf Pack Black Shield special operations unit. Going directly from the plane to a Rolls Royce provided by the Embassy, the long-serving Prime Minister climbed into the back of the luxury car.

"Take me to Mshone Ndelebe's residence." he ordered the driver. "The General and I need to discuss his presidential ambitions."

Election process news

Shocking, if not unexpected, news! Mshone Ndelebe runs for president on his own! The small independent party that hosts his platform(List for Unity) is growing rapidly, and foreign support is abundant. He is still far from the level of support needed to run, but as the news are spreading throughout African metropoli his party is rising in the polls.

Current opinion polls(answering polls, like voting, is mandatory):

ADU: 31%
APF: 19%
AR: 12%
CDA: 4%
SP: 20%
Undecided and LFU: 14%

Roycelandia>>

The ADU will need lots of funds, but has no opinion on how to counteract the state control. The Manus Nigra make the Gestapo look like sissy girls to put it mildly, and the massive political machine the Secular Party can bring to bear is staggering in power. Armed resistance will only bring the elections to a halt, and destroy the dream of changing AC for the better.

While the APF might not appear to be the greatest partner in Roycelandian eyes, the ADU cannot afford an alliance with, say, the Right or the Secular parties - The loss of support would be great. In confidence, clerks mention the possibility of joining with General Ndelebe who would most likely support their democratic reforms.

As for being pro-Roycelandia, the ADU is still reliant on public opinion, but will likely be able to sway the population towards trade and friendship with the empire. It is suggested that Roycelandia goes for an independent PR campaign inside the Commonwealth, so as no 'outrageous' allegations of conspiracy between ADU and Roycelandian can be confirmed.

Kilean>>

ISD involvement is a godsend for Ndelebe and his closest aides, who can now host conferences that may or may not be out of reach for Manus Nigra surveillance. The Secular Party, while not strictly warlike, lets the Kilean unity ads play around the clock in order to keep up support for current wars abroad.

Kotterdam>>

The Right Honourable Scott Haley(had to get it capitalized :)), is welcomed as a guest of honour considering the staggering economical and military benefits the capitalist state under his control is providing the Commonwealth with. Ndelebe strikes all press appearances for the day to see the prime minister.

Royal Hotel, Port Imperial

Governor-General Fry confers with his finance minister for a few moments and then whispers something in the ear of one of the aides. The man discreetly withdraws, and conversation continues for a while until the aid returns with a silver attache case, which he hands to Fry.

"Gentlemen, we of the Imperial Government are aware of your pressing need for funds to help your election campaign. After all, money talks and crap walks, as the saying goes. Accordingly, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I wishes to make a 'donation' to assist you, and as a gesture of goodwill."

He pushes the attache case across the table to the most senior ADU representative present.

"In that case, you will find the equivalent of One Million Imperial Wibbles. Obviously, Imperial Wibbles aren't much use to you in the AC, so we've taken the liberty of converting it into Common Credits and Gold Bullion for you. All the banknotes are non-sequential, well used, and unmarked, and the Gold Bullion has proof marks from a well-respected and utterly trustworthy Offshore Bank. You are free to use the money as you wish, and His Majesty hopes that it will be of use to you."

There are nods of approval from the Imperial Delegation, and fine Cigars are produced from a humidor, along with VSOP Brandy, 100 year old Port, 21 year old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, 12 year old Bourbon, and various non-alcoholic liqueurs.
**************************************************

The Imperial Intelligence Service are a somewhat shadowy branch of the Roycelandian Government. Primarily concerned with Espionage in all it's forms, they are also masters of deception. They have brilliantly worked the IIS into almost every Spy Film made in Roycelandia, and portrayed it as a fictional department (much like Universal Exports in the RL Bond movies). The practical upshot of which is that everyone thinks that the IIS is fictional, leaving them free to pursue their plans and operations without interference from the Public.

It is to these people that Governor-General Philip J. Fry has tasked with assisting the ADU to win the election, by any means possible, short of Armed Rebellion.

The first task the IIS has is dealing with the Manus Niagra and the staggering Political Power of the Secular Party. Intel Officers are despatched to AC to find out WHY the Secular Party has so much power, and exactly how nasty the Manus Niagra really are.

Possible, preliminary plans include the usual standbys such as "The Honey Trap" (where an attractive young girl seduces an important person in a hotel where spy cameras are installed, setting them up for blackmail), slander and innuendo (the classic "I hear so-and-so likes little boys..."), bribery, and the odd expedient assassination, if the situation calls for it.

Another Field Agent is despatched with orders to identify areas that Roycelandia could exploit for PR gain- a New Hospital somewhere, maybe an Orphanage, Scholarships, or even something as simple as a well that needs digging or a bridge that needs building in some remote part of the country. The aim is simple: Make your average AC citizen see Roycelandia as a friend, and also take some of the heat off the ADU when and if people start asking questions...

Scott grinned broadly as he greeted the Ndelebe, stepping forward to clasp the man's hand firmly in honest friendship. "General..." he smiled. "It's good to see you. They showed me the latest opinion polls on our way over, and I've got to say, for an independant party, the List for Unity isn't doing half badly... Which is somewhat connected to why we're here. Mshone, the Dominion has always been a friend of the Commonwealth, and to tell the truth, I like you. I think you're the man with the will to clean up your country's civil rights record, but the problem is that the Secular Party isn't going to like you leaving them in the middle of the election. That's why we're here."

"Tell us what you need, Mshone." he said, sitting back and spreading his arms wide. "As of right this moment, the List for Unity has the full and complete support of the Dominion of Kotterdam, as well as Viking Firearms. They owed me a favour for cutting the deal that let them build a plant on your soil. Anything you need for your campaign is yours. If you want me to appear in public with you, consider it done. Anything you need is yours. All you have to do is ask."

This just in!

The prime minister Scott Haley of allied nation Kotterdam has suggested support for General-President Mshone Ndelebe and the List for Unity. Noting the prosperity AC has enjoyed after a great economical crisis, in great part due to dealings with Kotterdam, the average Commonwealth citizen's support for relations to Kotterdam and the List for Unity has soared to 20% in mere weeks! ADU support is also growing steadily, purportedly because of foreign involvement in the election process.

[update 07-03-04]Word will have it that Ndelebe in his power as supreme commander of the CAF is signing new agreements with Kotterdam-based Viking Firearms, granting them full licence to produce and improve upon a Commonwealth-built 155mm artillery piece, as well as plans to make more Viking Firearms manufacturing plants inside the Commonwealth proper. Critics find it problematic that a candidate running for president does also do military business with allied nations. As usual, they did not voice their dissent too loudly, or they'd get jailed.

In other news, Roycelandia is launching a charm offensive on Commonwealth. It is widely met with distrust from the rather conservative population of central commonwealth, but for the throngs of workers living in poverty on the rural districts and border lands, it is a godsend. Civil support for relations with Roycelandia has grown from extreme resentment to ambivalent consideration. The Secular Partys position is as yet unknown.

Roycelandia>>

IIS intelligence report

The Commonwealth is essentially a totalitarian state. Reasons the Secular Party and the Manus Nigra can control the nation so thoroughly stems from fear for terror acts from the government, extremely limited political freedoms, and the naked force the state can bring to bear through limiting resources, and of course overt violence from their cutting-edge military and paramilitary police.

While it is in theory possible to expose Secular Party and MN officials(although it is nigh-impossible to identify covert Nigra officers) as the fraudulent, corrupt, sadistic swine they are, the party will expend the time and resources necessary to cover it up.

IIS HQ, Port Royal, Roycelandia

The task facing the IIS was formidable- discredit an entire Government, win support from people ambivalent at best, and win an election in a Totalitarian Police State.

The first rule of winning a propaganda war is to control information. In the Secular Party's case, this hasn't been too hard, as they control the AC's media. But they don't control Roycelandia (or REA's) media, and from there, an idea was hatched.

Many years ago, a far-sighted Communications Minister had insisted on the establishment of a Short-Wave Radio Broadcasting station, funded by the Government, but free off all Governmental controls.

The Network- known as the World Service, since it could theoretically be picked up in any country- has long been a respected source of unbiased news, information, current affairs, and light entertainment.

Rebroadcast stations are maintained in many friendly countries, and, of course, Roycelandia's Overseas Colonies.

The Transmitter in REA undergoes a serious refit one night, having it's Short Wave, FM, and Digital Broadcast capabilities quadrupled.

Meanwhile, communities in remote/rural AC are visited by members of the Roycelandian Special Assistance programme, and given free health check-ups, medicines if need be, food, and, interestingly, hand-cranked transistor radios that just happen to be able to receive the RBC World Service.

Nothing too inflammatory is every broadcast on the World Service, but slowly, imperceptibly, the African re-broadcasts have more news about events in the AC, suggesting that it's time for a change and reminding listeners that, with the international community watching, they should vote with their consciences and not fear reprisals.

The African Business Consortium (as the Roycelandian Consortium call themselves in the AC, for obvious reasons) also make enquiries as to resources that are either in short supply or restricted by the Government.

Soon, these goods begin arriving in selected, specially screened and vetted stores in areas where they will be most welcome and needed. More importantly, they are at least 15% cheaper than their 'competitors' with the same items in stock. The profits from this endeavour are to be split 60/40 between the ABC and the ADU, who will no doubt be able to link themselves with the availability of previously difficult to obtain items.

Those who have incurred the wrath of the Secular Party and/or Manus Niagra, are discreetly offered asylum for them and their families in Roycelandia, in exchange for their assistance uncovering the SP/MN's weaknesses.

The aim is to find a disaffected SP/MN member who, for the promise of asylum and some cash, might be able to work from the inside.

All of this is accomplished through "Cut-Outs", leaving the ADU and Roycelandia out of the immediate picture.

Also, Arms captured from Roycelandia's various overseas conflicts, especially AK-47s, M-16s, SKSs, FN-FALs, and other low-cost or obsolete guns are taken from storage in Roycelandia, cleaned, overhauled, and made ready for shipping on 72 hours notice.

Responses are good, with surviving marxist insurgents and democratic rebels having amateur-radio experience helping the spread of World Service. Responses to the programs themselves are not yet clear. In the rural territories, the aid is as always appreciated, but conservative forces run deep everywhere in the central Commonwealth; and no considerable support for Roycelandia has been voiced yet.

Many Secular Party members have been convinced to cooperate with Roycelandia because they loathe the system, but unfortunately all such deserters are low- or mid-level party clerks with no access to crucial information. All upper echelon people are members of the Manus Nigra, and therefore fanatically loyal to the opressive regime.

Office of the Prime Minister, Salisbury, Rhodesia


"Prime Minister, here are the latest polling figures from the Commonwealth."

The Prime Minister puts on his glasses and spends a bit of time digesting the numbers.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"You mean that the AR is polling badly and if we support them it may split the ADU vote thus causing the secular party to remain?"

"Exactly."

"Well the Roycelandians apparently have a pretty good propaganda scheme going on to help the ADU."

"Yes I read the brief, anyway call thr ambassador and tell him to break off support fro the African Right and meet with someone from the ADU."

"Yes Sir."

"Also get the Roycelandian Ambassador here sharpish."

"Yes Sir, I'll call him over."

Kilean is becoming nervous- so many factions are getting involved, it's getting harder and harder to insure an outcome. It has become clear to Kilean that the secular party has to go. They are simply too opressive, and their continued rule would provoke more rebellion. In a cynical calculation, Kilean has also concluded that a triumph for General-President Mshone Ndelebe would cause enough turmoil to make a foriegn adventure a uniting force in the African Commonwealth.

As some nations have noticed, the assurance of AC support for Kilean- currently locked in a life-or-death war- is the single driving force behind Kilean policy. Secondary to this is a desire to see enough reforms made to remove most of the popular discontent, and the continued reign of General-President Mshone Ndelebe, a man that most Kilean citizens and the Kilean government repects.

To Kotterdam:

Diplomatic feelers are sent out to Kotterdam, asking if there is any possibility of co-ordinating our efforts to support List for Unity. We share similar goals in this situation.

In Kinshasa:

The ISD has some very close ties to the MN. Very close ties. The two secret police services had cooperated throughout the entire insurgency. Now, those ties come in handy as the ISD mounts it's most ambitious operation ever.

The ISD will attempt to subvert, and in effect, take control of the parts of the ISD that are monitoring the election. It has been decided that involving the ISD directly is no longer a good idea, due to the sheer level of intelligence activity in the area, and the Manus Nigra was chosen to be manipulated. If all goes well, the ISD will be able to more or less control the MN policy in the election (not likely), but on a more realistic level, pressure on list for unity will drop, while left-wing parties will endure yet another crackdown.

This only leaves the problem of the moderate parties.

In Roycelandian East Africa:

Operations have begun to subvert roycelandian attempts to influence the election. Radio stations are sabotaged, and IIS agents are compromised. In one case, a broadcasting station is attacked by locals armed with Das Uber-Deutschland weaponry.

Those incidents are a rarity, however. The main body of the effort to undercut Roycelandia's "charm offensive" is proving flashier and more targeted propaganda. Kilean will focus it's efforts on the urban population- not the rurual populace, who may have already had some past negative experience with the ISD (e.g. a counter-insurgency regiment raid on their village).

In a theatre near you!

Centrepiece of this charm offensive is the film Bravo Four-Four. This is a film about firebase (duh) Bravo Four-Four, a staging base for the Falcon Brigade, that came under heavy insurgent attack during the war. Rear-area Kilean volunteers called for reinforcements (AC troops) who then became besieged themselves as the attack intensified. Called "a mix of zulu and black hawk down" the movie makes no bones about it's politically charged nature. Tensions between and in Kilean and African Commonwealth units are shown frankly, as well as the differning political creeds of the AC soldiers. Indeed, it's tough to get the film past Manus Nigra censors.

The film is a very sublte piece of propaganda, and a step above anything kilean has pushed so far. It's first-rate action scenes and "contreversial" theme are able to draw huge crowds to be exposed to the subtle glorification of the unity (even if it never existed) that existed in the African Commonwealth (and between the AC and Kilean) during the insurgency. Praise (but not too much to seem pandering) for the African soldier abounds, and Kileanishe are played up as being loyal, idealistic, determined allies.

Loyalties?

One by one, Kilean reporters get interviews with all major canidates, and ask them one question above all others:

What is your opionion on African Commonwealth involvement in Kilean?

Salisbury, Rhodesia

The Roycelandian Ambassador to Rhodesia- a woman by the name of Louise Towson- arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister just after Lunchtime, complete with a briefing on the Roycelandian plans for the ADU. Support for the AR has slowly drained away, especially after support for the ADU has yielded potentially better results.

"Yes, I'm here for an appointment with the Prime Minister" Louise explained to the receptionist and guards at the entrance to Parliament House, and waited patiently for the Prime Minister to see her.
(Hopefully she won't be kept waiting too long... It's not good form to keep the Ambassadors of friendly countries waiting... :wink: )

Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

The sabotage of RBC radio stations comes as a complete and total surprise to Governor-General Fry, but not the IIS.

The footage of Colonial Guard firing volleys from their SMLEs into the angry mob below is headline news on Sky News Roycelandia, and internationally- although it is clearly obvious that the troops are only firing in self-defence and are aiming to incapacitate rather than kill. Nonetheless, Molotiv Cocktails through the windows disable the station, and the presence of DUD weapons is noted but largely uncommented upon- Firearms Ownership is compulsory in REA, and besides, the DUD guns might have been stolen, sold legitimately, leftovers from the AC conflict- the explanations were numerous.

Port Royal, Roycelandia

Late one night, a young IIS staffer, deep in the bowels of the IIS HQ, had a brilliant idea on how to discredit the Manus Niagra, and expose their corruption in one fell swoop. It was a simple plan, but he personally felt it was worthy of a nomination for the C. Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Acheivement In The Field of Excellence. This would never happen, of course, since no-one would ever publicly know it was his idea, but he enjoyed the mental image for a few moments before enacting his plan.

Using a list of names supplied by dissatisfied Secular Party members, he contacted a Bank Teller in the AC with a Major Bank, known to be dissatisfied with the Secular Party and supportive of Roycelandian efforts to oust them. He requested that a number of accounts be opened, quietly backdated a month or so, and thene explained the nutshell of his plan.

Then, an Offshore Bank known to be "co-operative" with the Roycelandian Government was also contacted, again with the names of the people who were to have accounts opened with them- numbered if necessary, but identifiable without too much work, and accessible only by the IIS.

Finally, IIS puppet companies (all untraceable back to the IIS, but in areas that are likely to be contributing funds to corrupt Government members in an African country) in both Lusaka, Kilean, and other, slightly corrupt nations known to have relations with the Secular Party are contacted with the plan.

Thus, money from these companies is transferred to these Accounts in the name of Secular Party and known Manus Niagra officials. The money is then transferred to the Offshort Bank, and records are maintained by the IIS and the Bank, securely transmitted to Roycelandian Intelligence or ADU members to prevent a cover-up when and if this potentially brilliant plan is exposed. And if the plan is compromised, a back-up plan has been worked out, along with a back-up back-up plan....

OOC: Yes, there is a point to this. Basically, the IIS is setting up a "paper trail" to establish that The Secular Party is taking substantial bribes, and hiding the money offshore- without paying tax, or more importantly, telling any of their other colleagues, who should be in on the scam, about this money. Then, of course, it will be leaked to the press in a Foreign Country (not Roycelandia, REA, or CPI), and, in effect, the whistle will be blown. The aim is to turn the Secular Party in on themselves, cause disharmony in the Manus Niagra, and keep them busy with their internal politics...

IC: The compromisation of IIS agents is difficult- the IIS is so secretetive that hardly anyone knows it exists. However, a couple of IIS agents in the Roycelandian Embassy in Kinshasha are (mistakenly) identified as working for the Roycelandian Imperial Security Bureau (which appears to have a similar function to the IIS), and are withdrawn to Coral Palm Island for a while. The Roycelandian Government insists the two alleged agents (one male, one female) were merely there in an advisory capacity.

Since every Embassy in the world (both NS and RL) is full of Intelligence Operatives, this news comes as no real surprise, but does brighten up an otherwise slow news day.

Meanwhile, the IIS are trying to work out how the two agents were compromised, the World Service continues broadcasting, and a well-known Roycelandian Charity visits some of the outlying areas of the AC to help teach the underpriviliged to read (both English and the language of the AC, coincidentally...)

In the cities, it's a different matter. Propaganda reminding the AC citizens of Roycelandian Assistance in quelling the Communist Uprising is subtly worked into Magazine and TV ads for REA-manufactured products, and a couple of "Advertorials" in the fashionable Colour Supplements highlight the equality that Native Africans have in REA. Imperial Airways starts offering discount flights to REA, Coral Palm Island, and Roycelandia, and ACTV is offered a new Comedy Show, "Kula Shaka", about a prosperous Native African family living in a large border town between the AC and REA, the hijinks they get up to, and their Roycelandian next-door neighbours. The show has been a hit in Roycelandia, especially amongst the Native population, but it has a cult audience amongst younger Whites as well, who enjoy the subtle undertones of the show. (It's probably best described as a cross between The Simpsons, Fawlty Towers, Red Dwarf, and Family Guy).

The message in the show is subtle, but there: Roycelandia is a great place, and if you let us help you, your life will be as good as the Shakas in this TV show. Possibly better, because you can buy all the neat stuff they have at discounted prices from certain select stores...

The Imperial Roycelandian Government wishes to apologise for this Double Post, and assures our loyal citizens, followers, well-wishers, interested parties, and readers that normal broadcasting will resume immediately. :D

While Lusaka continued rather passive efforts to incite support for the APF, largely amongst ethnic Lusakans in the eastern Commonwealth, Igomo began to consider the possibility of a Ndelebe victory. This was perhaps the man best placed to take-on the establishment- he must after all know it better than most.

City was terribly unsure of the man. He'd been seen briefly as something of a villain, but the rather rapid warming of URAL/AC relations after the border dispute lead many to believe Ndelebe's hand was guided by a rational and reasonable mind. Igomo was of course quite prepared to go to considerable lengths in the man's support, so long as it did not promote severing of his access to Gabon and Middle Congo. To cross the Secular Party Lusaka would have to be sure that it was in pursuit of a clear gain. Finally, however long after his rise to prominence, Lusakan intelligence began efforts to build up a file on Ndelebe, sending forth intrepid if modestly trained and supported agents and coaxing Commonwealthers to tender opinions, speculation, and anything else they had on the man.

Only a modest degree of secrecy was attached to operations- Igomo insisted that the Manus Nigra were better than anything Lusaka had in answer and would only find them out anyway- best not to look too cloak-and-dagger in the process. A Lusakan diplomat was prepared to offer Ndelebe and anyone important to his efforts some protection by the LRAC- probably in the guise of a private security firm- but they had to know that the man was really what he seemed and not intent on expansion against Lusakan interests.

Damn these neighbours of ours. Mused Igomo. If they're not openly imperialist they're not openly anything at all!


In Lusaka, meanwhile, a government crack-down on private enterprise got underway. Officially it was illegal, of course, but many foreign contracters -notably Sambezi mining concerns- were granted right to operate. The thing was, no official system of clearance or permission existed, and so many foreign companies had moved in, often against Lusaka's best interests. The Roiks were probably amongst the worst offenders, and out of the blue came the new government operation against them.
City felt justified in using rather unusual force and operating total non-tollerance, given that any private enterprise in Lusaka was knowing breaking the law.

On top of all this, Igomo had quietly assigned Theodore Tendyala and Colin Olongwe to the establishment of Lusaka's own secret police..

The "Africa Together" musical festival is held in kinshasa. The only white faces are the few Kilean culture directorate cameramen in the media section. The festival is a concert of african nationalist and black nationalist musical artists of a sort never seen since the heady days of the 1960's. Between the pulsing afro-pop, african nationalist reggae- as well as the less-well-recieved AC Death Metal band "Flaming Death Wasteland"- the festival highlights african music and culture. It has an appeal for youth, if nothing else for kitsch value. It harkens back to their parent's day, when pan-africanisim was just getting off the ground. Some call it "the african woodstock", although those people tend to work for the promoters.

The concert is the start of a huge- and engineered- resurgence in black african nationalisim, aimed for the most part at Roycelandia. THe colonial administration is increasingly portrayed in a variety of pop-cultural outlets as patronizing and racist. Old- and alarmingly racist- Roycelandian films are dug up from the 1920's and 30's, and in a play on nationalist sentiment.

As Roycelandians are painted as racist colonial overlords, complete with monacles, pith helmets, and whips, AC news is running footage of African Commonwealth troops being cheered through the streets of Skarlswald, and Bravo Four-Four is sweeping the box office.

<OOC>In effect, Kilean just hit the low blow in this PR war- we played the race card. People have tried to paint Kilean as imperialist, but there is no such thing as Kileanishe Ostafrika, and that gives Kilean huge leverage against Roycelandia.<OOC>

The intelligence operation, on the other hand, is not going so well. Roycelandian intelligence is proving to be almost impossible to infiltrate.

In an odd twist, the ISD approaches Roycelandian intelligence- if they agree to not implicate Kilean in their engineered scandal, we can leak some actual dirt on Manus Nigra agents. It seems to be, for the time being, that weakening the MN is good for everybody.

Port Imperial, Roycelandian East Africa

The "Africa Together" Festival was being covered in depth by one of the local REA Native-Language TV stations, but, rather reassuringly, the more extremeist views have been edited out- there's no 'official' censorship in Roycelandia or Roycelandian Territory, but Governor-General Fry made a note to ensure that particular station received a slight boost in Government Funding. The message would be well received by those at the Station, and life could go on.

Those old Roycelandian films were a bit of an embarrasment- with titles like "My Neighbour is a Darkie" and "Coconut Shy", you didn't need to be a film critic to guess the main content of the films. Admittedly, some of them were pretty funny- especially the ones where the Natives fell down wells or otherwise came a cropper in a variety of amusing and non-PC ways. But that wasn't the new Roycelandia, and Governor-General fry was sure he could find some old footage from The Archives showing the Roycelandians helping the Lusakans build their country, and assisting their African Neighbouts? He'd get the Archival Department to look into it...

Meanwhile, the Roycelandian Embassy in Kinshasha had received an odd proposal from a suspected Kilean sympathiser- don't get too mad about this scandal, and we'll help you bring down MN.

The message was passed onto the IIS Head of Operations, AC Station. Realising that more time was needed, AC station wisely fired the message off to IIS HQ in Port Royal with a request for advice.

The Head of the IIS was a distinguished Gentlemen, Sir Duane Dibley. Sir Duane was also the Duke of one of Roycelandia's many small islands, a distant ancestor having been granted a hereditary peerage and dukedom over the Island for assisting King Steven The Generous in 1407 in some long forgotten way. The Island was known as Dorque, so it was little wonder Sir Duane didn't have many business cards- Sir Duane Dibley, The Duke of Dorque didn't have a particularly Regal ring to it, so most people just called him Sir Duane- or "M", if they worked for the IIS.

Sir Duane's identity as head of the IIS was known to only a handful of people- His Majesty, Commanders Sword, Bigglesworth, and Forsyth, Governor-General Fry, and the Heads of Station for each of the Embassies that the IIS maintained personnel in. To everyone else, he was a well-liked, well respected member of the Nobility, who happened to take frequent overseas trips, and knew a lot of strange people. His neighbours knew better than to ask questions- after all, they had their own affairs to attend to.

Sir Duane decided to sleep on the matter of the Kilean offer, and see what happened overnight. He was a patient man, and very good at his job.

OOC: It's worth bearing in mind that the current Roycelandian East Africa is a pretty equal place- the Africans get exactly the same treatment as everyone else (And the Secretary of State is an African), so the Africans in REA don't have too much to complain about. The previous incarnation of Roycelandian East Africa, however, was an entirely different story, and Lusaka wouldn't be here if the Roycelandians had been as enlightened then as they are now... Even so, full credit for the idea of digging up old movies etc- I like it! :D

<OOC> the idea behind Kilean propaganda isn't that RAE is unequal; it's that saying Roycelandia is racist is really inflammatory and pushes a lot of buttons in the AC.<OOC>

Current Developments..

Anti-Roycelandian sentiment is on the rise following foreign meddling, but the funds they have poured into ADU has made it rise to a respectable 35% in the polls. APF is now at an all-time high of 23%, with many old marxist strongholds in the rural territories voting for Mwani.

Intelligence agencies around the globe were surprised to learn the the Manus Nigra was no longer executing, blackmailing or otherwise terrorizing parties and voters that did not support the Secular Party. They seem to have fallen into disarray(and given the vice-like grip the organization has on it's members and the Secular Party as a whole, this is a shocker), and is now ripe with internal strife that is crippling both the Nigra and the Secular Party itself in the voting process. The Secular Party is down to 5%, but is unlikely to fall anymore, as most voters are not aware that they can now vote as they want to without facing a grim end.

In related news, some Secular voters has fled to the CDA, that boasts 9%, and the AR, which is up to 14%. List for Unity falls to 14%, but is expected to rise sharply, with foreign interest for the list increasing...

Kilean>> Conveniently, a debate is to be hosted for the parties tomorrow, in which the topic will be military/paramilitary budgets and the war in Kilean.

Viking Firearms and Military Technologies wasn't about to back down from supporting the LFU. The Dominion-based corporation began to make generous donations to the General's campaign fund. Meanwhile, via courier, an offer from the Dominion's Prime Minister arrived in the hands of the General, suggesting that he would be more than willing to appear in a joint television advertisement, and began to throw more than verbal support behind the General - Funds began to pour in, always through private concerns.

Relying on his positive image in the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Haley also began to give newspaper interviews, in which he spoke out about the General's vision and leadership skills, and his own personal support of the man, while reaffirming that the Dominion will maintain close ties with the Commonwealth, regardless. The underlying message, however, was that those ties would be even closer in the event that the General was elected.

Roycelandia has stepped up their propaganda campaign something chronic, encouraging people to vote, explaining that there will be no repercussions, and pushing Roycelandia as a pretty cool place where everyone is welcome.

A popular film in Roycelandia this week is "The Tiger's Claw", about the Native Battalion in WWII, fighting heroically against the Evil Arabs and Other Bad People in the Middle East, bravely displaying all the characteristics of African Warriors, and kicking their ass as they help their Roycelandian friends secure the safety of Africa.

Of course, the events in the movie are totally fictional, but that hasn't hurt it's box office takings.

More importantly, Roycelandian Assistance Programme staff have been explaining the importance of Trade to people in villages, explaining that all these nice shiny toys come from Roycelandia, and as long as your government buys stuff from Roycelandia, we promise to make it so cheap that everyone can afford it, and don't worry about getting shot for not voting Secular Party, as the Rest of The World won't let that happen...

Current Poll Ratings

ADU: 28%
APF: 27%
CDA: 7%
AR: 10%
LFU: 20%
SP: 8%

Day of Debate!

Today, the Commonwealth chamber of deputies holds a debate that is certain to become spirited. A change in the schedule has come, and topics for today are: Relations to the UAR Lusaka and the empire of Roycelandia, and the war in Kilean.

This broadcast is brought to you by the democratic nation of Neo-Anarchos((another nation of mine)), that we may explain when and why candidates are censored for airing disallowed views.

Key: DH = Debate Host; ADU = Ngolo Marshall, AR= Mr. Anderson APF = Nina Mwani; CDA = Bishop Donaldson; LFU = General Ndelebe; SP = Party Spokesman Kengu Mortu.

DH: So... First up is relations with the empire of Roycelandia - The empire has expressed great interest in maintaining good relations with the people of the Commonwealth lately. Can we, and should we, keep up good relations with the empire? We go clockwise. Mr. Marshall?

ADU: The ADU supports trade and cooperation with the empire, to an extent. The empire will not receive more disputed land that belongs to the Commonwealth, Lusaka; or any other sovereign nation. That being said, we appreciate the aid they have brought in.

AR: The Roycelandian empire brings economic growth to our nation, the likes of which most people in this room cannot even imagine. We are for an extensive trade pact with the Roycelandian empire, even to the point of granting them right to produce manufacturing plants and mines inside our lands.

APF: You're all nuts! From an objective standpoint, it is certain that the people of the Commonwealth will not stand for ...
[EDIT:A women may not criticize the government too harshly; and especially not men on national television. She said something to the effect of: from a socialist standpoint, industry must be nationalized, rather than whored out to foreign investors, who seek to turn the AC into a client state.]

CDA: The Commonwealth can stand on its own legs. If Roycelandia has something extremely good to offer the Commonwealth, we should warily extend offers of trade, albeit limited.

LFU: While the Commonwealth can certainly stand on its own legs, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Donaldson. Roycelandia should be embraced to some extent, for the economic and social rewards they have given us. The Secular Party has unfortunately neglected to take care of the lesser endowed, and the long-standing absence of social welfare has left throngs of poor that Roycelandian assistance can reduce.

SP: The Commonwealth is a sovereign nation. The war is over. We no longer need foreign, and possibly imperialist, interests ruling our great country.

ADU & APF: But, certainly revisions in our social welfare program can save our poor, without involving a foreign empire that may have covert motives in aiding us?

DH: Back to Mr. Ndelebe.

LFU: Such revisions may well take years, and in the meantime, who will help out these unfortunates? Our economic aid grants, and even only those if the granting nations earmark them for social progress.

DH: Party Secretary Mortu.

SP: Sacrifices must be made for African strength. The state must remain sovereign and strong, even if the workers in it must suffer. In the end, we can make it work.

APF: You know, that's not a very good ... [EDIT:Guess what?]

DH: Er.. I believe we've seen a rather good collection of standpoints now. Onwards to the war in Kilean. Clockwise at first, then inform me when you wish to speak.

OOC:

The Kilean debate will come when I have the time.

After watching the results of the First Part of the AC debate, it was decided to channel some more funding to the AR, especially in light of their Pro-Roycelandian stance.

And some good news from the CRRF- using the rare Crystal Rose plant, the pharmacists there had synthesised a wonderous new medicine- granting immunity against Malaria and all range of other tropical diseases.

Orders were made to have it ready for distribution- Free of charge, no less, in the AC and Lusaka, partly as a PR boost and partly because it proved the CRRF was doing something besides taking up a rather picturesque part of the Lusakan coastline by the lake...

Second Part of the first election debate!

DH: Time for our next subject. As you are all aware, the republican armed forces are currently active in Dibujante, employing nearly 11.000 soldiers, pilots, sailors and support personnel. The enemy is the revolutionary state of Dibujante, against which the Commonwealth and Secular Party declared war against two months ago. The reason was the infilitration and sabotage wrought on our allied state of Kilean, and the losses the Kilean republic suffered against the numerous troops of the Dibujante Fuerzo. Currently morale is high and losses are not noteworthy, but should we really participate in a war that does not threaten our country?

ADU: Kilean has proven a valorous ally against insurgent forces who wishes no less than the replacement of our parliament with a totalitarian communist council. Many Kilean men and women died defending our forces from marxist and maoist militias - We are repaying the favour, so to speak. The CAF is one of the best militaries in this part of the world, so we are essentially capable of solving this conflict in the fastest and safest possible way.

AR: War is never pleasant, but in this case we have made a prudent decision based on our debt to Kilean, and what would be wise for the region as a whole. If Dibujante uses methods of terror and harassment on sovereign nations like Kilean, then we must do our part.

APF: The honourable Mr.'s Marshall and Anderson may think so, but we have no business attacking a sovereign revolutionary state. While we understand that a Dibujantean student burned down the entire Kilean parliament building, the matter could have been resolved peacefully. The APF understands the seriousness of the situation, but it does not warrant the slaughter of tens of thousands of young people.

CDA: We have made a decision, and now we must stick with it. The socialist menace must never be taken lightly, and we should pursue the Kilean-Dibujantean campaign with fervour, till it is over. Only this way can we truly win the conflict, together with our righteous allies.

LFU: I made the heavy decision of approving the troop transfers last month, and I must say that I have not regretted it since. The young men and women of the CAF know what they went into upon signing, and they are currently fighting for a just and necessary cause. We have broken the back of Dibujantean resistance, and RCAF and RAC troops are pressing into the country, alongside Kilean and Etronian forces as we speak.

SP: Dibujante is a rogue state of terrorists and marxist fanatics - We are doing not only Kilean a favour in pursuing this campaign - We are doing the world a favour.

APF, ADU and AR: We have reached an agreement on criticizing the Secular Party and Christian Democrats for Agrica on this issue. Why is our view superior to that of the rest of the world? In fighting Dibujante, you claim that we are in fact fighting out of habit, not necessity.

DH: Donaldson?

CDA: The socialists ARE scum. Their idea of a secular, collectivist totalitarian state is abhorrant. We do retract our statement, however. We are in this to aid Kilean.

DH: Party Spokesman Mortu?

SP: Well, they are fighting a guerilla war against Kilean - one they initiated long before Kilean ever set foot in Dibujante, it seems. Against such tactics force IS the only solution.

DH: It doesn't seem we are getting further - that being said, we have to yield the next half an hour to a breakthrough in the medical industry - More in 5 minutes. We will continue next week discussing the state budget and the societal model the Commonwealth should pursue.

*The broadcast continues with news from the CRRF*

There actually was cheering after the debate ended. The men and women in the Kilean Foriegn Office had watched the debate unfold with glee as virtually every canidate backed Kilean.

A statement from Premier Frosch reguarding the debate:

"Although the African Commonwealth is well on it's way to becoming a fully democratic state, there are still opionions that are almost universal. These are not the stances of any party or creed, but simply the standards of international decency and conduct in the brotherhood of nations. There is no doubt in the minds of the people and government of Kilean that the African Commonwealth will continute to be a good and selfless ally to the National Republic of Kilean"
_____________________________________________________________

Due to the general support for the Kilean war, much of the fear that was felt by Kileanishe officials is now gone. Some of the more...drastic plans considered are shelved. Kilean efforts are now focused on weakening the Manus Nigra's internal operations and backing the List for Unity with every asset Kilean has.
_____________________________________________________________

To coincide with the debate, Kilean TV breaks the news of the fall of Agrenida right after the debate airs. Although reminded the war will not be a short or easy one, the tone is a victorious one. African Commonwealth troops are shown triumphantly marching through the streets of Agrenida- the capital of the new "Free Republic of Dibujante" which is, as a matter of course, backing whatever Kilean backs in the AC.

double post

The Lusakan government has asked Roycelandian authorities to allow them access to the new drugs offered for tests and trials by Lusakan scientists prior to its introduction on any level beyond that in the UARL.

Secretary Miyanda was heard to mutter, off the record, that he wouldn't be surprised if the drug was designed to cause impotence or such.

Through most of the republic interest in the AC elections had waned in light of seemingly more pressing issues, though there were at least a few voices begining to suggest more serious involvement as Lusaka came under increasing attack from its insufferable neighbours.

The Imperial Pharmaceutical Authority has released a small amount of the new medicine- known as Rosnine- to the Lusakan authorities, along with the test trial results from Coral Palm Island.

For once, there seems to be nothing wrong with it, at least as far as the Lusakans will ever know... :D

In an attempt to show the Commonwealth people the beneifts of our free market system thus increasing support for the ADU and the AR, the Department of Trade and Industry has announced that supplies of certain Rhodesian products, most notably 'Southern Cola', 'Bush Beer' and numerous brands of Rhodesian cigarettes and cigars will be increased all over AC and prices are expected to be reduced by up to 10%.

The Rhodesian Broadcasting service's native regional radio stations have already started running adverts for thes products and the DTI is trying to extend the marketing to indigenous Commonwealth and Roycelandian broadcasting.

Current ratings

ADU: 32%
APF: 21%
CDA: 3%
AR: 12%
LFU: 23%
SP: 9%

Current news and notifications

Election time is in 5 months! Polls show that if the elections were run tomorrow, the ADU, APF and LFU would have major parts of parliament, and the AR and SP would also enter the parliament with a few representatives, while CDA would fall short of votes and be set outside of influence.

In other news: Foreign trade and tourism on a sharp rise following AC industrial and tourism ad campaigns in international media; as well as increased foreign interest in the Commonwealth. The sudden boom stems mainly from Roycelandian, Kilean, Das Uber-Deutch, Lusakan, Dutch and Kotterdamian tourists and immigrants.

The List for Unity is now a real political force, and the Manus Nigra has been more or less broken in its ability to influence domestic politics. Now, a few loose ends need to be tied up.

The ADU still has the lead over the LFU, but an ISD operative, a high-class callgirl, a ADU official, and some hidden cameras could change that. It's a low blow (no pun intended), but the smear campaign against the ADU hopefully will convice people that they are a bunch of wishy-washy corrupt moderates who couldn't get anything done.

In addition, Kilean corporate cartels begin to invest in the urban economy of the AC. If the economy is good, more people will be inclined to not look a gift horse in the mouth and keep Gen.Ndelebe in office.

The Manus Nigra has been broken, but there is now another problem- foriegn intelligence can now operate within the AC rather easily. As it turns out, the MN are not only crippled in their abilitity to influence internal affairs. The ISD steps up it's efforts to compromise foriegn (and praticularly lusakan) spies in the AC.

The IIS, as many people have since established, are incredibly good at their job. (Think Mossad, but even better, more secretive, and efficient).

Attempts at "exposing" corruption in the Socialist Party were shelved, after it was pointed out that they were "allied" to the ADU.

The big problem the Kileans will find is that the ADU are very well funded... and well versed on security measures.

REA still continues to wage a propaganda war, and the PR Experts are trying to find a way to discredit Kilean, without much success thus far...

Current polls

ADU: 32%
APF: 19%
CDA: 2%
AR: 13%
LFU: 24%
SP: 10%

The attack on ADU credibility has not yet had any significant success. Mr. Marshalls affair was hushed up, and their cast role as reformist heroes stands.

In light of the many crises abroad, the second debate has been postponed until further notice.

Developments in Kinshasa

To the surprise of several civil rights movements, President Ndelebe has let elections proceed on the promised date - Many are concerned with a power vacuum after(or if, one might say) the authoritan General Ndelebe is put out of power. Still, levels of support for him and his role in the Gabonaise struggle remains stable. Hastily made polls put his List For Unity, composed mainly of Ndelebe's ADU supporters and more liberal Secular Party democrats(We use the term loosely, as the SP likes no other kind of democracy than the one that keeps it in power), at about 34% in the coming elections, guarenteeing Ndelebe a place in power if he enters a coalition with the African Democratic Union and perhaps the African Peoples Front - This will mean democratic reforms, and ultimately, perhaps, the withdrawal of AC from the Gabonaise conflict. Results remain to be seen, as the election is held in a week, and tensions are accordingly high inside the republic.

Although Ndelebe has lost some credibility in postponing the elections, most of the populace respect his decision on account of the terrible war in Gabonaise. His party is currently the most popular, sharply followed by the African Democratic Union and the African Peoples' Front.

Current Polls

ADU:24%
APF: 16%
CDA: 2%
AR: 14%
LFU: 34%
SP: 10%

The IIS were keeping a close eye on proceedings in the AC, but at the moment everything could be said to be on track, all things considered.

However, it was quietly suggested to some of the ADU and APF delegates that the AC withdrawl from Gabon could only have positive benefits, both economically and militarily....

tag

The Kilean effort in the African Commonwealth has had a massive shift in priority. Now every intelligence, political, and economic asset we have is working full tilt to push AC public opinion against Dra-Pol. Exclusive footage is "obtained by our special investigative reporters" by news channels all across the AC. It seems that the AC media always has a real easy time (and are usually getting the exclusive so more people will watch it) uncovering Dra-Pol atrocities.

Photographic evidence of Dra-Pol atrocities would be exceedingly hard to unearth inside AC. Any business AC has with the fiercely isolationist state is on an extremely covert scale, and the(state-run) media would not be informed of it.

Roycelandian cayoling APF representatives found that they were preaching to the converted. A broad alliance of anarchists, communists and liberal democrats, they oppose AC military expanisonism, because they see the need to divert funds from the all-consuming defense budget onto social welfare, health care and education.

ADU representatives lamented that they would need to obey the populaces opinion on foreign matters, and that they would gladly push Roycelandian issues; but might be forced to stay their hand against overwhelming anti-imperialist sentiment in the other parties and the general population.

A brilliant plan had just been hatched deep in the bowels of the IIS HQ in Port Royal . Another Monty Award Winner, if anyone would ever know the identity of the creator. Which they wouldn't.

The Ad Campaign was simple.

WHAT ARE YOU FIGHTING FOR?

Pictures of angry Gabonaise mobs, interspersed with pictures of AC troops on peaceful duties, made the message very clear: The Gabonaise are a bunch of ingrateful peasants who don't want the AC's help. Leaving them alone is the best thing the AC can do.

Other campaigns indicated that fewer troops in Gabon would mean more Social Services, especially for rural AC.

Governor-General Fry was very pleased with this. The sooner the AC was out of the war, the better in his opinion.

The ad-campaign never got past Manus Nigra censors to be run on AC television, but many on the outskirts are picking up the propaganda through the world service.

The state seems to have a stranglehold on information given to the public, and ANN broadcasts the new "Presidential Confidence" on odd hours around the clock - The TV show, nicknamed "All Presidente, All Day" by sour elements, sends speeches from Mshone Ndelebe and the party secretary Mortu on a bi-hourly basis. African solidarity is stressed, as are remaining strong in the face of agressive and high-technological imperialist onslaught.

At least 1,1 billion Commonwealthers are still in support of the Governments cause of action, while the rural agricultural provinces give up their support in favor of joining the APF street agitators.

The RBC World Service has increased the power of its shortwave transmissions, allowing greater coverage (well, clearer reception, anyway...).

In an effort to counter the ANN's "All Presidente, All Day", the RBC is broadcasting a wide variety of popular music, comedy radio shows, and News of the Weird/Ripley's Believe it or Not!-type shows- along with news which isn't political in nature.

OOC: Nice to see another "Tropico" fan out there, AC! :wink: :D

Rural provinces

As he laboured to finish the rest of his crop, Jojo could hear the Britney Spears hit "Toxic". He wondered exactly why he was being subjected to this torture, but the kids seemed to like it, and afterwards there'd be news from the world. Yes, that world service sure wasn't the worst thing in the world; now if only they'd stop sending that horrible American pop music..

Elsewhere across the agricultural territories on the outskirts of the Commonwealth, other peasants tuned into the shows whilst they finished their backbreaking work..


OOC

You play too? Sweet... "It seems you are making quite a number of enemies, presidente.."

The Managing Board of the RBC has also directed that the World Service increase it's Golden Oldies/Pop Music ratio, after a suggestion from His Majesty indicating that a little more of The Eagles, Supertramp, Queen, and Dire Straits etc would improve the already excellent quality of the station...

OOC: I love Tropico- I even bought the expansion, Paradise Island. Best. Game. Ever. (asides from NS!) :wink: :D

The Managing Board of the RBC has also directed that the World Service increase it's Golden Oldies/Pop Music ratio, after a suggestion from His Majesty indicating that a little more of The Eagles, Supertramp, Queen, and Dire Straits etc would improve the already excellent quality of the station...

OOC: I love Tropico- I even bought the expansion, Paradise Island. Best. Game. Ever. (asides from NS!) :wink: :D

I love the Eagles more than anything, and I like Queen, especially because I know their drummer, Roger Taylor but honestly nothing can beat Hotel California

*plays it for the third time today*

What's Tropico BTW?

The APF as well as the Secular Party has gained a little in polls, while the ADU and LFU has receded - The democratic coalition still seems like a winner by earthslide, however.

Tensions are on the rise as the elections near...

OOC

Here's the site: http://www.poptop.com/Tropico.htm

If you can get it, do buy it - It's more fun than you can have with your clothes off!

Basically, it's a game that lets you be El Presidente of a small Carribbean Island. Kind of like SimCity, but with Island Rhythms and more Oppression... :D

Well worth checking out, if you can find it.

And The Gyspy Kings did an excellent cover of Hotel California- it was used in "The Big Lebowksi"

*This OOC Topic-Hijacking Post has been bought to you by the Roycelandian Government* :D

"This isn't the insurgency, dammit! There are rules!"

The Kilean ambassador rolled his eyes.

"Dammit, man- NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO DO WITH THE INSURGENCY!"

African News Network: Elections special!

According to everyone you ask, the elections are on their mind! From the presidential candidates to the man on the street, no one can wait to vote; and tensions have even exceeded the fervour seen in America! In local news, commonwealth farmers have been constructing huge party logoes and burning down the huts of those not voting as they do. In the greater cities, people are keeping their politics close to heart, and several riots have occurred in Mbandaka and Kikwit.

The local police forces are on high alert, and divisions of the CAF patrol all major cities in anticipation of even greater unrest on election day. While there has been no noticeable terror threats or the like, Commonwealthers have a reputation for starting trouble and the Secular party is evidently prepared for what will come.

On to the election campaigns! Support for Nina Mwani and the APF has waned with the blows dealt to her campaign early on in the elections, but the Secular party has risen in polls, striking it almost equal with Mr. Marshall and the African Democratic Union. Other parties remain static in support, but the polls are nowhere near accurate, with widespread paranoia meaning that not every Commonwealther is willing to part with whom they vote for.

While the elections have been postponed several times due to intra-african conflict, it would seem that the new date(16. of october) is set.

Polls:

ADU:22%
APF: 10%
CDA: 2%
AR: 14%
LFU: 34%
SP: 18%





OOC: a week left, play your hands gentlemen ;)

The IIS has been hard at work discrediting people who disagree with their views, funding various groups through a variety of means, both legal and illegal, and generally saturating the airwaves with Pro-Roycelandian Propaganda via the RBC World Service...

Kinshasa, African Commonwealth

The black cadillac sedan had finally given the Manus Nigra the slip, having being tailed since they had left the embassy. Now they manouvred through an industrial suburb, pulling in to an abandonded warehouse.

As arranged, the leadership of the ADU were present, and the meeting began.
Remaining at all times within a few feet of several armed guards the Elias ambassador explained to Mr. Marshall that he would be gifted the equivalent of over fifty million dollars in AC currency and other forms of support if he agreed that should his party win the election, AC troops would be removed from Eastern Gabon.

As well as brief cases containing five million in cash as an upfront payment (the rest following over the next few days) should the ADU agree, the Ambassador was prepared to handover documents showing payments made to the African Right earlier in the campaign. Now that the AR had no chance of winning, their financial support from UE had been suspended and now the ADU could use the fact that the AR were being 'bribed' by a foreign government to discredit them and gain a significant percentage of their vote.

Visibly cautious, Ngolo shared a word with his running mate Mtabo Ndeki and then agreed to the Elian proposal. While ACs economy depended on the strong defense sector, it was definitely worth it and public support could be swayed in favour of withdrawal. Since the fuel-air blast had killed 219 special force troopers, support had been slowly declining as of late, peaking up again only when combat operations had fully ceased.

Easing up, Marshall flashed an evil grin at the sight of the documents. Handing them over to his spin doctor and press executive to be 'processed', he put down his case and nodded to the Elias ambassador. "Not to worry, my friend. I am certain this will turn out to our advantage.".

Later that day, AC state media broadcasted the "bribe scandal", and the Secular Party clerks in control of said media were undoubtedly happy to discredit their opponents - African Right support is expected to wane.

VICTORY for Mshone Ndelebe and the list for unity!!

ANN Special edition: The List for Unity fronted by current president Mshone Ndelebe has won the elections! According to pan-african and UN observation delegations the election ran in a surprisingly free manner considering the Commonwealths poor(that is, practically non-existant) record of allowing political freedom to its citizens.

There have been problems. Several parties, among others the African Democratic Union and the African Right appears to have received campaign funds from extra-national, and as yet unknown, sources. While these have not won the election per se, this form of aid is technically illegal according to the AC constitution. Apart from this, several of the AC metropoli that had a large vote percentage for the Secular Party has apparently experienced irregular voting procedures, such as ghost voting and black-clad thugs possibly hired by the Manus Nigra jostling and threatening voters outside voting stations.

In spite of this, the Secular Party has only received 15% from the almost 60 million commonwealthers who voted and the clear winners of the election have been the List for Unity, African Democratic Union and African People's Front. In spite of the APF's large support base, analysts predict that the socialists will be left out in the coming government, and that Ndelebe will build his new democratic government on a coalition between his LFU and the ADU, possibly with support from either the APF or the SP(the Secular Party is more unpopular than ever, but even Ndelebe aknowledges the stranglehold it still has over state media and the dreaded secret police.).

End results:

ADU:25%
APF: 18%
CDA: 2%
AR: 8%
LFU: 32%
SP: 15%

[Much more to come in this post, player in a hurry.]

The Roycelandian Government is still processing the results, but has been strangely quiet on the various electoral "irregularities" reported in some of the larger cities.

A full analysis is pending, but the Government and IIS are cautiously optimistic about the poll results...

Today ANN and the LFU confirmed that a coalition consisting of LFU and the ADU is under construction, with the ADU receiving two minister posts and the LFU filling in the rest. Despite a somewhat uneven power structure, Ndelebe and the LFU promises "close cooperation with the ADU and all parties in parliament".

At The UE Embassy in Kinshasa, officials hurredly arranged a meeting with the ADU leadership, after all any evidence that their election results had been as a result of foreign support would, probably end their chances of having anything to do with the ruling coalition. Using this leverage and based on their earlier deal, they would make it clear to the ADU that UE expected them to try and pressure the rest of the government into military withdrawl from Eastern Gabon. Being reasonable, the diplomats would also say that given the ADU's weak position compared to the LFU, achieving a partial withdrawl would be enough to keep the evidence of illegality from the government or the press.

As the parliament formed, the first two of many pressing issues for democracy to resolve was presented to the parliaments 131 seats.

The Domestic Employment Protection Act was presented by the African Democratic Union and African Peoples Front to ban AC corporations from outsourcing jobs. While the African Right and the Secular party gave extremely vocal resistance, the bill was passed 91 to 40.

The second bill was the Gabonaise Protection Plan drafted by the ADU and supported by the APF(and, to some extent, by the LFU), to reduce the number of professional soldiers inside the republic of Gabon and replace them with engineers and special forces instructed in riot control and urban counter-insurgency. While many politicians remain in opposition to "pulling out "of Gabon in any way, public opinion in the most poverty-stricken urban and rural districts(incidentally also the areas where the highest ratio of youths join or are conscripted into the armed forces) lean strongly against reducing troop numbers in Gabon; and the ADU and LFU who promised closure on the Gabonaise conflict will have to respect this. The bill narrowly passed, 70 to 61.