NationStates Jolt Archive

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[ 2006 leadership race ]

This thread will host all news reports, RPs and OOC comments related to the race to lead the Federation of Progressive Democrats. A poll has been posted for international respondents to vote for the candidate they think is most competent and who they think would make the most effective leader for Pacitalia's dominant centre-right party.

The leadership convention will be held from the 8th to the 10th December, 2006 at the Vestibulo Conabitanto di Cantone Rado in Rado di Fungiati, Margheria, Pacitalia.

Current count of delegates attending conference: 82,804 / 115,302
Current count of delegates eligible to vote remotely: 5,456,127

Leadership candidate: Ramón Ambardoza

Born 22nd May, 1969 in Ampo di Ticino, Margheria, Pacitalia
Raised in Liberiana-Sornanesca, Amalfia, Pacitalia
University and academic lecturer, environmental activist
The most recognisable advocate of envirocapitalism in Pacitalia, frequently lecturing on the subject as well as on other facets of environmentalism and economics, such as sustainable resources, climate change, air and water pollution, currency markets and mass industrialisation by developing countries

See more in his main biography here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ram%C3%B3n_Ambardoza).

Leadership candidate: Archetenia Nera

Born 25th August, 1961 in Rêvane, Ariddia
Raised in Argentia, Amalfia, Pacitalia
Political scientist, journalist and editorialist
A senior advisor and researcher with the Pacitalian Academy of Liberal Arts, and, as an intern with the Republican Institute in Timiocato during her studies at Poca, L'Instituto degli Sienciata Politicata alla Capitale, between 1979 and 1985; Nera is of aristocratic heritage but does not consider herself one.

See more in her main biography here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Archetenia_Nera).

Leadership candidate: Andreos Samothrakidis

Born 2nd January, 1948 in Antemegara, Fentomeria, Pacitalia
Professor, ancient historian, religious activist
The former chair of the Council of Religious Pacitalians, a primarily Catholic christian-democratic lobby group to the federal government - held that position from 1998 until 2005. Taught religious studies and ancient Greek history at the University of Eastern Liguria in San Marchese between 1983 and 1996.

See more in his main biography here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Andreos_Samothrakidis).

Latest poll (27th November) 10,000 responses, MoE: +/- 1.1%, 19/20
[ Nera 40% | Ambardoza 40% | Samothrakidis 20% ]
Previous polls: N 41, A 37, S 22 [ 27th/10 ]


Momentum tracker
[ Ambardoza +7.5 | Nera +0.5 | Samothrakidis +3.5 ]

Ambardoza +1.0 for 'green' economics advocacy
Samothrakidis +2.0 for comments on handling terrorism and insurgency
Samothrakidis +1.5 for comments on dealing with alleged or known dictators or autocrats
Nera -1.0 for implicit support of "old FPD"
Samothrakidis -1.5 for advocating the bonding of church and state
Nera +2.0 for comments on national identity
Ambardoza +2.0 for comments on diplomacy
Ambardoza +2.0 for comments on politician honesty and integrity
Nera -1.0 for non-comment on politician honesty and integrity
Samothrakidis +0.5 for comment on political ideology
Nera +1.5 for comment on alliances
Nera -0.5 for not stating own opinion on central bank union
Ambardoza +1.5 for comments on regional affairs
Nera -0.5 for suggestions on Sorantanali
Samothrakidis +1.0 for stringent opposition to military base expansion
Ambardoza +1.0 for comments on Southeast Asia

[ How the momentum tracker works: Each candidate is docked points for, through consensus of leading political experts, what is perceived as a misstep in their campaign, and conversely, awarded points for, through the same consensus, saying or doing something that will help their campaign to a certain extent. Bigger actions will result in a greater docking or awarding of points. Candidates who exceed a momentum of +10 will be in good position to either overtake the polls leader or secure their position as frontrunning candidate heading into convention week. Similarly, a candidate exceeding -10 will very likely not succeed in their bid for the leadership and will very likely drop to last or remain last of the candidates. ]

"Where does each candidate stand on Zaire? Or, more specifically, Pacitalian-Zairian relations?"


Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga
President of the Republic of Zaire
http://wiki.globalprogressrpg.net/images/a/a9/Zaire_coat_of_arms.PNG

Ramón Ambardoza
"I agree that Pacitalia should pursue opening an embassy in Kinshasa, but I would like to see environmental regulations on the extraction of coltan in Zaire."

Archetenia Nera
"I would support opening an embassy in Kinshasa. The Zairian people are warm and loving and I am an admirer of their culture. While they have not enjoyed the most prosperous of years the Democratic Capitalist Republic is in a position to help Zaire enter an age of progress and growth."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"Marshal Mobutu has brought nothing but pain, suffering, famine and despair to innocent Zairians who deserve nothing of the sort. We must not reward tyrants with better relations. We have not done so in the past, so why should we start now? If Mobutu is prepared to improve his friendship with the Pacitalian people he should start democratising the country. And really doing it, not just saying he's doing it."

"Dreadful, just dreadful, that racism persists in this day and age, even in such a model, progressive, upstanding nation like Pacitalia. Mr. Samothrakidis, referring to me as a tyrant is a grave, unacceptable, intolerable insult which stems from contempt and racist condescension. I suppose you believe all the stereotypes, do you not? The ones about iron-fisted Big Men who pillage their treasuries, impoverish their people, and reign through a combination of terror, demagoguery, fraud, and intimidation? I guess because I am a black African head of state, I am one of them? Such stereotypes are not only patently false, but destructive to common sense and reason."


Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga
President of the Republic of Zaire
http://wiki.globalprogressrpg.net/images/a/a9/Zaire_coat_of_arms.PNG

Andreos Samothrakidis
"Marshal, there is no way for you to hide the fact that under your direct leadership, Zaire has suffered. I think it is unbecoming of your reputation for you to pretend otherwise; not only that, I could walk into any public library right now and sign out a hundred books with substantial information on your practices in Zaire from 1965 on, if I so desired. Please do not play the racism card, it insults both of us to think that we humans are still so primitive that the colour of your skin plays a part in my comments. I truly wish the Zairian people the best in their growth as a state but I stand by my call that they will forever be doomed unless Mobutu nurtures a democracy."

"Zaire is a democratic nation, and her people are doing fine, in spite of a few mishaps and occasional difficulties. The Western press, especially propaganda mouthpieces such as The Economist, greatly exaggerate the occasional problems we have. We have no political or other problems in Zaire. Such problems exist only in the imaginations of my enemies. Most of the sources alleging that I am corrupt, oppressive, etc. are neocolonial, racist propaganda."


Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga
President of the Republic of Zaire
http://wiki.globalprogressrpg.net/images/a/a9/Zaire_coat_of_arms.PNG

First question:

"Where do you see Hampto-Pacitalian relations in 5 years? 10 years?"


Second question:

"For almost a decade, Hamptonian leaders have been pressing Pacitalian Prime Ministers and the Pacitalian Parliament to begin serious discussion about establishing a joint, bilateral monetary authority to regulate the Krone and Douro. Pacitalians argue that such an institution would infringe upon the national sovereignty of both nations while Hamptonians argue that the status quo itself is a dangerous threat to national sovereignty. Would you support a joint monetary institute? If not, why?

Ramón Ambardoza
"It's hard to say where we will be in five to ten years. We might be one big country, we might just be closer friends, or the opposite. I don't really want to speculate."

Archetenia Nera
"I see Pacitalia developing closer friendships with other liberal democracies, but a continued emphasis on our relations with the Grand Archduchy."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"Pacitalia will be better off staying in close quarters with Hamptonshire. We are two nations that share similar goals and beliefs economically, but that have vast social differences. It hasn't stopped us from being good friends in the past, so provided we don't change too much I see us staying friends for at least the next decade."

Ramón Ambardoza
"I have not been informed of the benefits of this union as much as I would like but I have heard the drawbacks of the union from a Pacitalian perspective. I feel it is incorrect to say Pacitalians fear their sovereignty will be encroached upon rather than it being just a matter of national pride, the fact that the douro is both a national and international icon of free-market capitalism. Pacitalians do not want to give up something they have worked very hard for, and it seems that we just feel a general sense of wariness when it comes to unifying currencies after going at it solo, and successfully, too, for so long."

Archetenia Nera
"There are benefits and drawbacks to a proposed union, just like in other political situations. Monetary union will be bad for Pacitalia in that the world loses one of its foremost and strongest currencies, but good for Hamptonshire in that, as you say, the status quo that is claimed to be dangerous, will be eliminated for the good of at least a chunk of those under a new system."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"I think the only way this will even become a reality is if the Hamptonians are willing to accept the douro as their currency."

Andreos Samothrakidis
It seems futile to remind you once more that I oppose your rule based on your tyrancy and not the fact that you are African. Political problems run rampant in that you have eliminated all opposition. Social problems run rampant in that you restrict food and medical supplies to Zaire in an attempt to indirectly further flush your enemies. Most of the sources alleging your corruption and authoritarian style of rule have used thoroughly backed evidence to support their claims. May I remind you of Anastasio Coscarelli's important documentary on the reasons why Zaire is so poor? He concentrates not necessarily on the rebels, but on why Zaire's rural have been affected to the point of civil war. And you topped his list of reasons. Zaire is far from fine; in fact, ask any political scientist, regardless of their location on this planet, and their political beliefs, and they will tell you that Zaire is one of the least stable countries on the African continent. I urge you to stop ignoring hard fact, and to democratise your country for the benefit of Zaire and Pacitalian-Zairian relations.

"Where does each candidate stand on future relations with the KLM ?"

An Illiorian Reporter sent an email to the three candidates, "Several Questions for the three of you.
1. What is your stance on the Alliance wanking at this point in time in the world, along with the creation of counter-alliances to counter "threatening" alliances?
2. What can you bring to the Pacitalian people that makes you the best choice to lead them?
3. Do you identify yourself as a conservative? A liberal? a centrist? when it comes to economic, social, military, and foreign policies?
4. Do you feel that Pacitalia should be more of an international presence? Militarily? Politically? Economically?
5. What would your mother/father/sibling do if she found out you were doing illegal activities that if exposed could ruin your political career?
6. a Hypothetical situation, you are the Head of state of Pacitalia, and you are midway through your term. At this point in time, your Director of intelligence informs you that there is an impending terrorist attack, but s/he can't tell you where it may be or where it may come from, but the terrorists are already in your country and will act soon. What do you do?

Thank you for your time,

Helen Lantimer"

Where do you stand on Parthian-Pacitalian relations, and what would be your foreign policy directed towards the Shahdom if you were elected into office?

-Foreign Minister Sassan Savadkouhi

"Where does each candidate stand on future relations with the KLM ?"

Ramón Ambardoza
"After the tensions between our two states in the past few months it is doubly important that we move to a more cordial, trusting relationship. We can only benefit from mutually engendered prosperity and warmth; we have learned that distrust does nothing to advance our causes. We were friends once, then untrusting enemies. Now we have the opportunity to become friends again. I say let us not waste that chance."

Archetenia Nera
"Pacitalians did not enjoy being at opposite ends with the people of KLM. And while we were subverted into believing our distrust was founded on true principles we were both cunning enough to overcome such subversion and remind ourselves we are natural friends, and that being enemies was neither fruitful nor realistic under modern circumstances. Pacitalia and the KLM can encourage economic and social prosperity in the realm of power more effectively together, than we can if we are at odds."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"I am simply glad to see that we did not go to war with the KLM on faulty principles; although it came close, cooler heads prevailed and we realised what was wrong with the picture."

1. What is your stance on the Alliance wanking at this point in time in the world, along with the creation of counter-alliances to counter "threatening" alliances?

Ramón Ambardoza
"It is any worldly Pacitalian's hope that international politics does not degenerate into sheer, embarrassing hackery between ideological allies and their professed enemies."

Archetenia Nera
"The days of the alliance are long gone; the only fruitful alliances are between corporate entities, to encourage economic growth, and between social groups and extra-governmental organisations, to encourage the solidification of social fabrics in respective states."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"I have not seen any evidence to suggest the alliance is anything more than an oversaturated weight on state sovereignty. It is wiser to ignore chartered alliances, and if alliances are at all necessary, seek them out with individual states that are ideologically like-minded. That way we don't infringe on state sovereignty and a state's interests are still protected."

2. What can you bring to the Pacitalian people that makes you the best choice to lead them?

Ramón Ambardoza
"For me, I think balance is my strength. I present a brand of capitalism that does not restrict it economically, but rather balances it with the fact that the onus is also on states to do something about environmental damage within their jurisdictions. My refreshing brand of green economics will help keep Pacitalia in the global economic lead, as we develop a sector focused on sustainable resources, renewable energies and products made with 'green' standards to maintain economic diversity through the twenty-first century."

Archetenia Nera
"My desire is to lead a Pacitalia that does not forget where it came from, and one that is proud of what it is. Everyone makes mistakes. We are not exempt from this generalisation. We simply need to reflect on the wrong and make it right. That makes an effective Pacitalia, one with a strong sense of nationalism. So I think I bring that idea of recementing our national identity to the table, and it, combined with the traditional FPD principles, make up major strengths I can bring to the table."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"Pacitalia must rediscover its religiousness. We have drifted from it. A healthy Christian democracy is an effective, respected state. There is nothing wrong with redefining the boundaries between 'church' and 'state' if the people's interests are still kept in mind and the economy is still chugging along at full strength."

3. Do you identify yourself as a conservative? A liberal? a centrist? when it comes to economic, social, military, and foreign policies?

Ramón Ambardoza
"I am what Pacitalians would call an envirocapitalist."

Archetenia Nera
"Progressive, fiscally conservative, socially libertarian."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"I would consider myself a nationalist Christian democrat. But frankly, I consider that a poorly phrased question. I don't think there should be any centrists running to lead a right-wing party."

4. Do you feel that Pacitalia should be more of an international presence? Militarily? Politically? Economically?

All candidates agree Pacitalia should return to its former position of taking an active diplomatic stand, and are in agreement on Pacitalia's military role: involving itself only in conflicts that, unsolved, serve to manipulate or attack Pacitalian interests.

5. What would your mother/father/sibling do if she found out you were doing illegal activities that if exposed could ruin your political career?

Ramón Ambardoza
"I would never do such a thing anyway. Thus, I would hope they would do what's right and turn me in. I wouldn't be upset because I knew I had done wrong."

Archetenia Nera
"No comment on that."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"Define 'illegal activities' in terms of Illior, then define it in terms of Pacitalia. Laws are different, ideas of what constitutes corruption are different. We can't really say what the correct, incorrect, honourable, dishonourable, whatever... what the answer will be."

6. A hypothetical situation: you are the head of state of Pacitalia, and you are midway through your term. At this point in time, your Director of Intelligence informs you that there is an impending terrorist attack, but s/he can't tell you where it may be or where it may come from, but the terrorists are already in your country and will act soon. What do you do?

Ramón Ambardoza
"The government must show solidarity and strength for its people, while doing everything in its power to defend the country against imminent aggression."

Archetenia Nera
"The redirection of all pertinent resources to interrupting a possible tragedy is absolutely critical. The government must show itself to be on the ball at all times throughout the period of crisis."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"We must go on the offensive against these terrorists, and show them we are not to be messed with. It is important they know they will regret harming our people, that we will force them to the ends of the earth, and then seek revenge by slaughtering them ruthlessly. Diplomacy does not work with terrorists - they don't care about what we want, they would rather blow up the negotiating table than sit at it, and they hate Western ideals. We must take the high road, militarily and morally. We have to smoke them right out of their hiding spots."

Where do you stand on Parthian-Pacitalian relations, and what would be your foreign policy directed towards the Shahdom if you were elected into office?

-Foreign Minister Sassan Savadkouhi

Ramón Ambardoza
"Evidence of Pacitalia's longstanding friendship with the Shahdom and the Parthian people exists in so many aspects of our respective states' lives. We are economically intertwined and politically allied, and our peoples share a profound respect for the other, most notably in the friendships of Shah Khosru III and former prime minister Ell, and the Shah and current senior deputy prime minister Diego Zuna, whose wife is Parthian. I feel we simply need to reaffirm our position on Parthia, let the Shahdom know our direction, and take any concerns from there."

Archetenia Nera
"We must engender a common diplomatic policy and a mutual understanding of the other country's future goals and directions. A full reopening of the Pacitalian embassy in Persepolis, and the Parthian embassy in Timiocato, is quite necessary - partial operations are simply not doing justice for the large numbers of expatriate citizens and temporary visitors from each country in the other."

Andreos Samothrakidis
"It should be no surprise that I consider the Shah to be on the same level of the cellar as Marshal Mobutu. Both are tyrants, both commit unspeakable offences against their people and both rule with the hardest of iron fists, crushing dissent and killing political opponents - anyone with the slightest breath of new ideas is scaphised. It's abhorrent and I shall reaffirm that, likewise with the Shah we should not reward a tyrant with increased relations."

"The Hamptonian government does not, at this time, wish to pursue a monetary or currency union with Pacitalia. Chancellor Hayek has proposed a joint central bank for the regulation of the Krone and Douro. Since the Krone and Douro are already set at a fixed exchange rate, is it not logical that there should be institutional regulatory union between the two currencies?"

"Would you, as FPD party leader and/or as a future Prime Minister, officially apologize to the Grand Archduchy for the Seaburg debacle and the resulting diplomatic backlash that Hamptonshire was thrown in to?"

"Would you support or oppose the expansion of the Royal Armed Forces military base, Maalestren Station, located in Acqua Verdi province?"

What are the canidates views on the protection of smaller nations from the threat of invasion from much larger nations that have already set up a foot hold on their land?And more importantly what are their views on nuclear technology/weaponry.

Secretary of Defence Xavier Feiy

How do the candidates feel about the conflict within our region between the 2 powerful alliances of the Strategic Defense League and the Strategic Alliance of Autocratic States and how would such a conflict affect relations between out two nations if the candidate in question was to win the the Leadership vote and the election.

A Channel NewsAsia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Channel_NewsAsia) reporter sent these following questions to each FPD leader potential via e-mail, just like the Illiorian reporter had done so.


"What are the stances of the candidates for the leadership of the Federation of Progressive Democrats on the Union of Southeast Asian Nations, also known as the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia?"
"Many have been stating that the Union of Southeast Asian Nations, which is in an intermediately economic stage, may very well be a leading nation in the world and the global community.....what do you say to Southeast Asia's role in international affairs?"

"The Hamptonian government does not, at this time, wish to pursue a monetary or currency union with Pacitalia. Chancellor Hayek has proposed a joint central bank for the regulation of the Krone and Douro. Since the Krone and Douro are already set at a fixed exchange rate, is it not logical that there should be institutional regulatory union between the two currencies?"

Ambardoza "It is perfectly logical. The only issue for Pacitalians is priority - for us, we are just not looking at that right now. We have other, more pressing issues to attend."

Nera "I see the logic behind it and support it, but, as Mr Ambardoza said, it would be contingent on the alleviation of other issues."

Samothrakidis "We simply do not need more integration. Pacitalians are uninterested in losing sovereignty over any of their affairs."

"Would you, as FPD party leader and/or as a future Prime Minister, officially apologize to the Grand Archduchy for the Seaburg debacle and the resulting diplomatic backlash that Hamptonshire was thrown in to?"

Ambardoza "I think our apology has been implicit and consistent."

Nera "No, but if anything, I would have Mr Sorantanali personally apologise to the Grand Archduchy for the actions that took place under his government."

Samothrakidis "A disconnect has been defined between Mr Sorantanali and the party, so for us to apologise would be like asking a Jewish man to apologise for the holocaust."

"Would you support or oppose the expansion of the Royal Armed Forces military base, Maalestren Station, located in Acqua Verdi province?"

Ambardoza "I oppose. The Grand Archduchy needs to prioritise social and environmental issues before they consider an expansion of stationed military assets abroad."

Nera "I would oppose - there are other ways for our states to grow our friendship and expand our level of cooperation."

Samothrakidis "I oppose it. It's not even on the radar, so to speak."

What are the canidates views on the protection of smaller nations from the threat of invasion from much larger nations that have already set up a foot hold on their land?And more importantly what are their views on nuclear technology/weaponry.

Secretary of Defence Xavier Feiy

Ambardoza "Pacitalia has always taken a leading role in defending its own interests as well as the interests of smaller countries unable to do so for themselves. One such example is our strong relations with the Yaforites, who have now themselves matured into a leading state in the international arena. I support a continuation of that role on the part of the Democratic Capitalist Republic. As for nuclear technology, I do not support it. The after effects are appalling and the damage to the environment outweighs the conventional military benefits."

Nera "Pacitalia should continue aiding smaller states in times of crisis, but it should be contingent on the situation and those involved. We no longer have the luxury of just defending someone at whim without the risk of angering four other states, even ones that could be our friends or allies. I am undecided about nuclear technology - there are benefits to ending a war quickly and efficiently but the damage to people's lives is a major concern."

Samothrakidis "Pacitalia need not worry about the defence of smaller nations, especially in times where our interests are affected neither positively nor negatively, or simply affected negatively. If we have nothing to gain from defending a smaller state we should not even budge. I support nuclear technology on the principle that it can help win a war."

How do the candidates feel about the conflict within our region between the 2 powerful alliances of the Strategic Defense League and the Strategic Alliance of Autocratic States and how would such a conflict affect relations between out two nations if the candidate in question was to win the the Leadership vote and the election.

Ambardoza "I regret that the tension between two of the three major alliances in Atlantian Oceania had to erupt into conflict but I do not see how relations with Bazalonia would be affected by their participation in the war, so long as it does not commit unnecessary atrocities during their campaign."

Nera "Operation Galactica is what I would define a 'necessary evil'. Had ASPIRE moved to prevent the war from happening it would have simply prolonged a shaky negative peace that would have made the conflict simply more intense, more bloody down the road. It is better for the states involved to get this out of their system and then focus on rebuilding the region into a more stable, more prosperous land."

Samothrakidis "Bazalonians have been good friends to us, I don't see how that would change with your involvement in the war."

"What are the stances of the candidates for the leadership of the Federation of Progressive Democrats on the Union of Southeast Asian Nations, also known as the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia?"

Ambardoza "This is a tough question to answer because, to be honest, it's rather vague. Generally, I would assert Pacitalians have a favourable opinion of Southeast Asians because of their similar ideology and view of international affairs."

Nera "Southeast Asia is a very good example of building on a dream and turning it into reality. Your recent history has proven you willing to work hard to achieve your goals, politically and socially."

Samothrakidis "We have a general distrust of Asian people stemming from the Hiroshikan War and our interaction with pro-anime terrorists. As for the Union itself, I hope it continues to build on its recent success."

"Many have been stating that the Union of Southeast Asian Nations, which is in an intermediately economic stage, may very well be a leading nation in the world and the global community.....what do you say to Southeast Asia's role in international affairs?"

Ambardoza "Southeast Asia still has a long way to go in all realms: political, economic, social, diplomatic, environmental and military. The USN's role is still relatively minor compared to other states."

Nera "I would agree that you are at an intermediate stage in your economic growth, but your political and diplomatic role in the international community is still relatively small. Your country has the potential."

Samothrakidis "Name your sources. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm simply curious as to who's saying it."

[Bored, so its question time! *waves pro-Nera banner*]

The questions from Pacitalia's northern neighbor arrived via email, well three of them. For they had been selected at random from hundreds of user submissions at newslink.izi, and three selected at random.

"How do the candidates feel about the Kraven Corporation's threat to invade Southeast Asia?"

"What are the candidates thoughts on Izistani/Pacitalian relations? Any thoughts on the Directorate's seizure of power?"

"Do any of the candidates plan on a expansion of the Pacitalian military?"

"Any thoughts on a Pacitalian space program?"

(Yay! Questions!)

"What are your opinions on Yafo-Pacitalian relations? What do you think could be done to improve them? What are your opinions on the current Yaforite government?"

"With the recent split of the Libertarian-Capitalist Party in Yafor 2 (into the "True LCP" and "Moderate LCP") what do you see as the future of big business? What do you think of the so-called "younger generation", such as Vas Aderon, who caused the split and brought the majority of the LCP to the middle of the Yaforite political spectrum?"

"What do you think Yafor 2 owes the Pacitalian government? What do you think the Pacitalian government owes Yafor 2?"

"Would any of you be willing to take a diplomatic tour into Yafor 2 in the near future?"

(Sorry, went a bit overboard there. Feel free to condense your answers. I like your reference to me in GDA's question [by Ambardoza too!]. Pretty accurate, I must say!)

Official Imperial Communique

The Imperial Government would like to pose several questions to the candidates of this organization.

I. What are your views on Paci-Doomani relations thus far?

II. If you were to be elected, how would you carry on relations with the Imperium Doomanum? I.e., would you maintain the status quo, expand Paci-Doomani cooperation, or even reduce relations?

III. What are your views on the new sovereign ruler of the Imperium, the most pious and noble Emperor Maximus III? (OOC:Contact me on AIM if you have any OOC questions on that, not sure if you ever got to see his coronation thread)

IV. What are your views on the Sovereign League?

V. What are your views on the CAD?

VI. What are your views on the recent outbreak of war between the Imperium Doomanum and the Questarian Empire and Czardas?

The Channel NewsAsia reporter sent back another e-mail to the candidates, and a specific response to the most religious FPD candidate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Andreos Samothrakidis
Subject: Re: Question on Source

I cannot speak for my superiors, but we did notice that there was a general feeling amongst Southeast Asians that they want to help the community as much as they desire to breath oxygen like all members of humankind itself. It just happens so that the upper echelons at Channel NewsAsia noted this and decided to cast so a poll itself to confirm it. Nothing more or nothing less, Mister Samothrakidis.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

And the candidate also sent an e-mail message to Mister Samothrakidis and the other candidates:

"What is your stance on the Founder of the Union himself, and the first (and incumbent) Prime Minister of the United Sovereign Nations, Yao Yang Nelson Neo?"

"At present, what is your stance on the party of the Southeast Asian Prime Minister, the Federal New Liberal Party?”

“Continuing from the previous question, would the Federation of Progressive Democrats under your leadership, should you be elected, support the Federal New Liberals in an election for the Second Right Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia?”

“And finally, what is the FPD feeling about the High Command of the Kraven Corporation?”

With one week to go to the leadership convention as of Sunday, the Federation of Progressive Democrats asked ABM/Capax to survey delegates on their voting intentions and their opinions about the candidates. Each delegate was asked the following ten questions.

Which candidate best represents FPD principles?
------------------------------------------------
Archetenia Nera 69.21 percent
Ramón Ambardoza 15.15 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 14.30 percent
None / other 1.34 percent


Which candidate best represents the direction the FPD as a party should head?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ramón Ambardoza 51.02 percent
Archetenia Nera 35.63 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 11.58 percent
None / other 1.77 percent


Which is the strongest candidate?
----------------------------------
Ramón Ambardoza 34.12 percent
Archetenia Nera 33.46 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 32.42 percent
None / other 0.00 percent


Which candidate best has the ability to connect with individual voters?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ramón Ambardoza 78.82 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 11.93 percent
Archetenia Nera 9.25 percent
None / other 0.00 percent


Which candidate would make the best prime minister?
----------------------------------------------------
Archetenia Nera 39.78 percent
Ramón Ambardoza 36.41 percent
None / other 12.21 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 11.60 percent


If Ramón Ambardoza became FPD leader, how would you vote in a subsequent election?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federation of Progressive Democrats 44.24 percent
Pacitalian Social Coalition 31.11 percent
Non-Partisan Association 12.98 percent
Pacitalian Greens 6.77 percent
Other 4.90 percent


If Archetenia Nera became FPD leader, how would you vote in a subsequent election?
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Federation of Progressive Democrats 40.72 percent
Pacitalian Social Coalition 33.84 percent
Other 10.10 percent
Non-Partisan Association 9.46 percent
Pacitalian Greens 5.88 percent


If Andreos Samothrakidis became FPD leader, how would you vote in a subsequent election?
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Pacitalian Social Coalition 52.25 percent
Non-Partisan Association 20.18 percent
Federation of Progressive Democrats 15.83 percent
Pacitalian Greens 7.60 percent
Other 4.14 percent


Which candidate has the best chance of beating Fernando Chiovitti in an election?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archetenia Nera 47.50 percent
Ramón Ambardoza 47.45 percent
Andreos Samothrakidis 4.49 percent
None / other 0.66 percent


How will you likely be voting at the leadership convention following the first ballot?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archetenia Nera 50.11 percent
Ramón Ambardoza 49.89 percent
I will not be voting 0.00 percent

[OOC: Would it be safe to assume that the questioning time for the candidates are over?]

[OOC: Would it be safe to assume that the questioning time for the candidates are over?]

Yes, it's over.

First ballot (delegate-only voting) results

To win: 57,801 | Elimination point: Last, or < 10.0%


Ramón Ambardoza
Vote share: 36.83%
Votes received: 35,481

Archetenia Nera
Vote share: 36.33%
Votes received: 34,997

Andreos Samothrakidis (Eliminated)
Vote share: 26.84%
Votes received: 25,857

Andreos Samothrakidis released his delegates and asked them to "vote their conscience". He has decided against supporting either candidate.

Second ballot results

To win: 3,331,477 | Elimination point: Second place, last or <10.0%


Archetenia Nera (Winner)
Vote share: 61.01%
Votes received: 3,387,557

Ramón Ambardoza
Vote share: 38.99%
Votes received: 2,164,905