NationStates Jolt Archive

Los Angeles, California, Earth SSR--

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

For the first time in its history, New Dornalia will host open, free elections for control of both the People's Congress and the Premiership. While free, secreted ballot elections had occurred before to choose the recent People's Congress, the fact that Premier MacIntyre's term is nearly up thanks to the Premiership Powers and Duties Act means that elections must be held once more to decide the Premiership.

With elections coming up, the two main issues hanging on everyone's mind are the war at present and the issue of the MacIntyreist reforms. Are citizens satisfied with the war's progress? Are the MacIntyreist reforms far-reaching enough and beneficial? Survey says....

Robert MacIntyre then turned off the HoloNet reciever, and then straightened his tie.

"God, I hope this works."

If it was one thing he hated, it was the prospect of potentially losing his job. He had to go before the Collective Caucus of the Progressive Arm--fancy words for a simple party primary--to explain himself, to recite by rote all over again why he should be Comrade Premier once more. Not an easy task when you thought about it. It was made somewhat easier considering the level of opposition he was up against; none of the other candidates seemed to have his level of loyalty and charisma.

After primping himself, a man walked in and said, "Comrade Premier, its time."

Nodding, he left the spartan dressing room, and walked into the speaking chamber. What in civilian life was known as the People's Sport Palace, home to many a judo match, was now host to the Caucus. The lights were bright. His face--everywhere. On placards, on posters, on banners in agitprop style. Slogans--just as ubiquitous. It was almost as if he wasn't going to stump for reelection, he was going to suddenly break out into a rendition of "Love Reign O'er Me" complete with Orchestra.

He then shuffled his papers, coughed, and began to speak. The MC introduced him with a hearty, "Ladies and gentlemen! The Premier of New Dornalia himself, Robert MacIntyre!" to the sound of thunderous applause.

He then waved, and spoke.

"Comrades, I come before you as a man who, with your assistance and with the assistance of the people of New Dornalia, has taken a backwater world from a simple Stalinist garrison into a flourishing, democratic state. From mere valley and a city in Southern and Central California, we have expanded to not only incorporate the entirety of this Planet Earth, but we have also incorporated numerous alien nationalities and worlds into our fold. Luxembourgia, New Star City, New Leningrad, Mars SSR, New Wuhan--the list goes on and on. From a few million, we are now billions, enjoying what a True Dictatorship of the Proletariat should be like! Where freedom from fear, freedom from want, and freedom from injustice are the keys to a better life!"

The crowd cheered, eager for more.

"Now, we stand on a precipice. The people now go to the polls to elect a Premier.

We stand at the brink of a new era, where reforms have begun to alter our society in ways our forefathers could not imagine. Could they imagine our fighting men mastering mass driver technology and powerful energy weapons to defeat foes? Could they imagine our people hooked up to the HoloNet, able to recieve information faster than ever before? Could they imagine a society where minorities, alien and abhuman, live in peace with their fellow terrans? I am sure they would find these things mere science fiction. But these changes are here, and now! And I, with your help, made them happen. Now, let me continue them, but in a direction that will bring the most benefit to the people of New Dornalia than ever before.

We stand at war with the Solar Union, who has burned New Wuhan to tiny bits. They intend to fight us, and lay us prostrate, to extinguish our ideals under a mound of tentacles, violence, and rapine. However, the tide is beginning to turn. We are taking the offensive now. We are pushing forth, to take down the foe, and to show him the might of the Dornalian People! We have allies in the GFFA and wellsprings of support, that will ultimately assist us in ending the conflict in our favor. So fear not!

There are those who would wish for peace at any cost. They ignore the fact that they are willing to exterminate us, like at New Wuhan! Comrades, reelect me, and I will show you victory!"

A pause, and then applause.

"So reelect me, Comrades. Reelect me, and I will ultimately bring New Dornalia into a glorious new future! I will continue on my present course of reforms. Civil rights, such as greater protections on free speech and private property, will be extended to minorities and the common people. Economic reforms shall continue, with an eye towards allowing business freer investment and rights while protecting the just institutions and customs that enable Dornalian workers to thrive, such as the Workers Committees. And, for matters abroad, I will continue to work with the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, in order to bring about greater peace and stability in the universe!"

The platform was somewhat vague, but it was something that could easily be explained to the press later. And, besides, it didn't seem to matter. The Progressive Arm was eating it up.

He then finished with, "LONG LIVE NEW DORNALIA!"

A cry of, "AROO! AROO!" erupted from the audience. Half an hour later, after the Caucus let others speak, the ballots were cast. MacIntyre was made the candidate for Premiership of the Progressive Coalition once more, though by a somewhat slimmer margin than expected.

Tovarichiigrad, Mars SSR--

David T. Chen left the Democratic Coalition's caucus, and stepped out into the somewhat crisp Martian air. Mars had always been somewhat more chilly than Earth, owing to its distance, but it was certainly livable thanks to a little terraforming. Breathing in and walking out, surrounded by press, he took the opportunity to breathe in the sweet smell of success.

A press member caught up to him and asked, "Geena Davison, NDBC News! What do you think of MacIntyre's bid for reelection?"

With a smile and look at the camera thrust into his face, Chen winked and said, "I'm personally not worried at all. I welcome an opponent like MacIntyre."

Davidson then continued, saying, "What do you think of his plan to keep the Workers Committees?"

Chen then turned to the camera and stopped walking. Strategically positioning himself in front of a statue of General Shimura, he then said, "Let me get one thing straight. I am not anti-union, nor am I opposed to Workers' Rights. After all, the less workers injured, the more will get done. But if there's one thing I am not for, is the eternal constriction of big business by a combination of unnecessary government intervention and Workers Committees that stifle creativity and hamper sensible decisions in red tape. If I am Premier, I pledge to gradually phase them out, and replace them with strengthened protections on collective bargaining and arbitration."

Another question rang out.

"What of your stance on MacIntyre's reforms in terms of civil rights?"

Chen then quickly shot out, "I am for civil rights. After all, the individual liberties of every citizen must be protected from a potentially overbearing government."

"What will you do about the current war with the ESUS and with the GFFA? There are those that allege it has dragged on long enough. Are you one of them?"

Chen then raised his hand, and said, "I believe that the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is a fine organization. I do not intend to leave it at all whatsoever. I also do not intend to seek a seperate peace in the war with the Solar Union. However, I do feel it is time to wrap things up, as the massacre in New Wuhan has shown."

"So you basically differ from MacIntyre in terms of domestic reforms and management?"

Chen laughed a little and said, "That's putting it a little weakly. I agree with the Premier's international policy, but I don't agree with all points of it. After all, there are many ways to cage a tiger."

He then grew serious, declaring, "It's his domestic policy, which has so far been halfhearted in terms of civil rights and allowing New Dornalia to transition to a true market state, I have issues with."

He then looked at his watch, and said, "Any further questions?"

OOC: Any GFFA member that wishes to ask questions can do so of both candidates at the debates. In the meantime feel free to post news commentaries.

Los Angeles, Earth SSR--

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

With the rather unsurprising results from the Democratic and Progressive Coalition Caucuses, the only results to be tabluated now are those from the Orthodox Arm and the Green Coalition. The two factions have reportedly formed into a coalition today, in a rather long and painful series of secret deals. Known as the Red-Green Alliance, they are currently undergoing disputes between who should be the legal candidate for their coalition--Thomas d'Alessandro of the Orthodox, or Marisol Kokalas-chibi of the Greens, though for now d'Alessandro is the acknowledged candidate.

As for the major parties, the parties are set to conduct debates soon."

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Soon came closer than a lot of people thought. Five days after the caucuses, the first debate was held. Standing in the People's Sport Arena once more, the three candidates were side by side. Located behind podiums, they all wiped their glasses, shuffled papers, straightened ties and generally worked to clean themselves up before game time.

In front of the candidates and with an eager audience behind it, lies a simple wooden desk with a man in a simple business suit sitting behind it. PDA in one hand with questions, gavel in the other hand to moderate the debates, Keith Burgundy of the New Dornalian Broadcasting Service sat ready to get things started. With a slamming of his gavel, he then cried out, "Order, order!"

The room stilled, he then said, "Let's begin. Hi, I'm Keith Burgundy of the New Dornalian Broadcasting Service, and I am here live moderating these debates. The rules gentlemen are simple. You will take questions from the audience and questions from me in alternate order. You will then have time to reply, rebut replies, and so on. Thank you."

The moderator then said, "Now, we begin the questions. The floor is open to one audience member to begin."

Among many others, in the reporters' section a delicate-looking little xanthalian woman stands up, raising her hand. Her skin is a light brown tone, and her hair is cut very short, just barely covering her head. She's not old, but not particularly young, either. She has no uniform, wearing a casual long-sleeved brown shirt and dark grey slacks. There is no real fashion in her garb; she looks very much like an academic. When she's called upon, the woman glances down at her notes briefly before speaking to the assembled candidates.

"Masako Matsumoto, Xanthalian National News. Comrade d'Alessandro, given the significant ideological differences between the Orthodox Arm and the Green Coalition and the secrecy of the negotiations that formed the Red-Green Alliance, how are the Dornalian people to know what it is you stand for? Further, if elected, how do you intend to resolve the inevitible disputes that will arise within the Alliance and maintain the viability of your coalition government?"

"Masako Matsumoto, Xanthalian National News. Comrade d'Alessandro, given the significant ideological differences between the Orthodox Arm and the Green Coalition and the secrecy of the negotiations that formed the Red-Green Alliance, how are the Dornalian people to know what it is you stand for? Further, if elected, how do you intend to resolve the inevitible disputes that will arise within the Alliance and maintain the viability of your coalition government?"

d'Alessandro frowns for a moment, looking at his prepared notes. Clearly, this is a question that has dogged even the Orthodox faithful, for it takes a moment for him to reply.

He then stands up and begins talking.

"I'll tell you how it is the Dornalian people will know what we stand for. I will speak to them of our objectives tonight, at this so-called debate. And part one of our agenda is that We of the Red-Green Alliance vow to push for full economic justice for New Dornalians everywhere, in the form of tight government regulation of the market, reintroduction of limited economic planning through expanding government holdings in large enterprises, stringent retention of the Workers Committees, as well as the imposition of new tariffs and taxes to protect the Workers of New Dornalia from capitalist interference.

If elected, we will preserve our alliance by relying on the strong leadership that led the secret negotiations in the first place to work through our differences and settle any disputes that will arise within the coalition. I recognize that the matchup between the Orthodox and the Greens seems somewhat incongruous. However, I can assure you, that is why we needed the secrecy to build a coalition among those elements of our parties that could be trusted to work together and not bicker in the face of opposition."

MacIntyre then replied, "Well, what of the Federal Economic Community? Will you abandon New Dornalia's obligations to that treaty?"

d'Alessandro then shot back, "Both of our parties agree that the FEC is little more than an attempt to railroad free trade down the throats of our fair citizens, despite all the sugarcoating you have done Comrade Premier. We would prefer it if it promoted fair trade, or no attempt be made at all. Why serve the superstructure?"

Sticking to his guns, MacIntyre then said, "I see. So, you're willing to give up a chance at better economic health, integration with the universe at large, more prosperity for New Dornalian citizens because it offends your ideal vision of a worker's paradise? Well, I can say this. Times have changed, Comrade, and the old ideology no longer works. Pure Marxism and Leninism only brought us shortages under the old ways, they only brought us discomfort, and they certainly only brought us hardship. Under my current series of economic reforms and the FEC, economic conditions have never been better! And, I don't see a race to the bottom developing, thank you very much. If anything, the statistics show a different, and more prosperous picture overall for New Dornalia. So I think the people want free trade, no?"

d'Alessandro then said, "That may be. But not everybody in your paradise is happy. What of the worker who has been sidelined by the replicator, or the minority who is discriminated against in his job? Does your paradise watch out for them?"

MacIntyre then replied, "Hence, my generous nationalized safety net, including national health insurance, financial and medical assistance to the aged and the poor, as well as unemployment and housing benefits and other means to keep those in need from dying or starving. You make it seem as if I am without a heart, comrade."

d'Alessandro grimaced, and merely replied, "Window dressing. It would be better if you focused more on the people than your vaunted economy."

The moderator then banged his gavel, and then said, "Comrade Chen. Do you have anything to add?"

Chen then said, "I find the reasoning of the Red-Green Alliance quite facetious. Ms. Matsumoto is right. If anything, greater strength comes from open, clear discussion of one's goals and objectives, instead of closeddoor meetings. But then again, I am not the heads of the Red-Green Alliance."

d'Alessandro smiled nervously at the upstart, only saying, "Right."

The moderator then posed the next question.

"Currently, a major issue is the fate of the Workers Committees--those committees mandated by law between management and labor that help address grievances, work with unions to dispense benefits and run the corporation they are a part of. Should they be retained, or disbanded?"

The moderator then posed the next question.

"Currently, a major issue is the fate of the Workers Committees--those committees mandated by law between management and labor that help address grievances, work with unions to dispense benefits and run the corporation they are a part of. Should they be retained, or disbanded?"

The different candidates shuffled their notes about, and thought long and hard about what to say. In the end, however, it was Chen that spoke up first.

"Ladies and gentlemen, dispense with liberatarianism or communism here folks, thnk about this clearly. The Workers Committees, promise to fairly harmonize relations between management and labor. They promise to address the grievances of labor. They promise to address the needs of management. Indeed, they promise a lot, and they do a lot."

He then bowed his head for a moment, and then looked up again, saying, "But they are redundant, and mere tools for the state to interfere with the economy. After all, if existing labor unions negotiated with management directly instead of sitting on a committee which could take up time and energy. Also, the Workers' Committees effectively run the company. This has the advantage of benefiting the laborer, but it unnecessarily hamstrings the businessmen and the experts on the council who want to turn a profit, because they have to keep consulting labor for every little action."

MacIntyre shot back, saying, "There's a reason we have the Workers' Committees set up like we do. We recognized that employers are out to make a profit, and that healthy businesses contribute to the economy. However, we also recognize the role of labor in making profit happen. After all, the profits of the company are dependent on the performance of their staff. So that labor has a fair share in the governance of their parent company, we have instituted the Workers' Committees."

Chen then waved his finger, and said, "A noble goal, Comrade Premier. And one that I find highly admirable. But also one that could easily be solved by other means."

"How?" pipes in d'Alessandro. He is eager to strike, and it shows in his mannerisms and speech. He continues with, "Judging by your record, I can hardly see how you have the Worker in mind."

"And what is my record," Chen replied. "Let this be not about Ad Hominem assaults on one's character, Mr. d'Alessandro."

A gavel rap. The moderator frowns at both of them, and d'Alessandro says, "Anywho, the point is that the Workers should be given a chance to be freed from exploitation. MacIntyre's program is half-hearted and bourgeois; it tries to give justice while leaving that which promotes injustice intact. This cannot stand."

MacIntyre raises his eyebrow, and simply asks of d'Alessandro, "Then pray tell, what do you propose to fix these percieved injustices?"

"I intend to make the Workers Committees stronger and extend them to all industries and companies, regardless of size, and have them work in conjunction with direct government liasons in order to not only meet their objectives, but also to discourage any activity within the company that may threaten the health of the workers."

"And how is that any different from what the government currently does? I don't really see your logic; the government owns stock in large corporations with Workers Committees (who are the only entitites that are required to have them), and as majority shareholder, is effectively entitled to make decisions about company business from the get-go. And under my administration, it has worked to use its shareholder powers and the Workers Committees to ensure justice is done in the work place, and a profit is made. So your method isn't so much wrong, as redundant." MacIntyre said.

The moderator then said, "Time is up. Next question."

OOC: Figure I'll submit myself a question as an audience member.

IC:

One member of the audience got up, and said "Excuse me, I have a question."

Keith then stated, "Your name?"

The man then said, "My name's Jack Ronaldson. I have a question for Mr. Chen. What kind of plan does he have in terms of providing quality healthcare for our families?"

Chen smiled. This was an easy answer for him. He got out from behind his podium, and looked in the general direction of the questioner. With a bright smile and some hair adjustment, he replied with confidence: "Well, my good man, here is my plan for health care. The system as it is in New Dornalia is broken. As it is, taxes have become exceptionally crushing; sales taxes are approaching 50%, property taxes 50% of total income and all kinds of healthcare and maitenance fees are approaching critical levels when it comes to getting your paycheck. I say, its time to stop the taxes.

My plan will retain some government element of healthcare; in this case, it will continue to maintain New Dornalia's excellent system of hospitals and healthcare facilities. However, insurance and financing will be different. I propose that instead of forcing the government to squeeze more money from its taxpayers, I propose instead the following measures.

One. That the government instead license a series of private insurance agencies that will insure the people of New Dornalia. Two. That we reduce the complex series of payroll taxes and healthcare tax provisions in the sales, income and property taxes that are currently used by the government to finance healthcare to a level that is sufficient to finance hospitals, clinics, and assistance payments to the poor of New Dornalia that cannot afford by any other means to purchase the insurance needed for their medical needs. Only by doing this can we help reduce the tax burden on New Dornalians when it comes to their health. Because taxes can be a killer too."

Te other two candidates looked at one another, and murmured rebuttals to themselves, eager to find a reply. Meanwhile, the audience replied with shock, and attention.

MacIntyre replied, "All well and good. However, what you propose leaves little or no room for accountability from private insurers. How are we to know they won't try to pull a fast one on their clients, and the government that would cover some of their costs under your plan?"

Chen replied, "Ah, yes. But the licensing system does provide accountability. After all, only those who meet government standards will be able to look after the health care of the Dornalian people."

To which MacIntyre simply said, "Right.

OOC: TBC

OOC: Owing to limited time due to schoolwork and whatnot, I've decided to speed things up a little in the elections. I'm thinking about revisiting the debates sometime later, with more time.

IC:

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

The Chess Headman Column--Why MacIntyre's still got it, but needs more of it.

Yesterday's Premiership debates show why Our Comrade Premier, Robert Lewis MacIntyre, still has the gift of grace and the coherent policy needed to keep New Dornalia together. Emerging with a trademark centrist policy dedicated to catering to all audiences, MacIntyre held his own against our resident bishonen, David T. Chen of the Democratic Coalition, weathering a blistering series of criticisms to the belt and countering back with exactly the right thing to say. Overall, he fought the man in an intellectual debate to a standstill, and overall, he did well.

Here's how I see the candidates. I got the question a lot at work, so here are my views. Then again, as New Dornalia's resident pundit....that's my job!

--David T. Chen's performance was slick, manufactured, and oh so captivating. Coming forth with a domestic agenda straight out of the free market playbook, Chen has promised a more than a smile to captivate the ladies. His agenda is decepitvely simple. Keep the welfare state, keep the GFFA, and keep the Military.

But oh, how different it is once you get to the nitty gritty--or should I say the fine lines? He has promised everything from reformed healthcare that will cost less, less taxes overall for the New Dornalian people, greater and more sweeping civil rights reforms and even a reorganization of the military to make it less pricey for the people.

His overall campaign seems to be, "I want you to be free to live how you wish, and to spend how you wish." And to a lot of people, that is surprisingly appealing. I know that sounds pretty good to me.

--In contrast, MacIntyre didn't look as slick. However, MacIntyre left a more substantial program for us to chew on, with his calls for continued government sponsored Universal Healthcare, a gradual sell off of government stocks and retention of the Workers Committees as opposed to Chen's more immediate "shock therapy," as well as his own healthy civil rights platform and the retention of present military levels and GFFA Committments.

Overall, it was more of the same success story that's brought New Dornalia so far, so good.

--D'Alessandro was the loser of the night. His inflammatory, sophomoric antiquated Marxist rhetoric was not only distracting, but also bordered on the offensive. No one wants to hear the word Superstructure every five minutes, especially from an aging Alan Alda lookalike that needs a little hair coloring and a lesson in political flexibility. Oh and his program? Impractical, worthless, and out of touch with current trends. Maybe in some places his kind of demeanor would fly but not here.

In other news, Premier MacIntyre and David Chen announced they will make their own respective campaign tours, travelling to cities all over New Dornalia to deliver their message and shore up local candidates. Premier MacIntyre alone will visit twenty cities on his tour. Meanwhile, all sides have also launched aggressive HoloNet advertising campaigns to bolster their campaigns as well.

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

Election tours move swiftly, polls show dead heat.

The election tours of MacIntyre and Chen have so far produced dramatic results. With support for MacIntyre and Chen in a statistical dead heat following the debates, it remains to be seen how these tours will affect the polls. So far, they seem to have had some effect, with MacIntyre and the Progressives slightly edging out Chen and the Democrats in what is otherwise a close race.

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

A successful stadium rally in the Rose Torusumi Sportcenter in New Leningrad yesterday night allowed Robert MacIntyre to not only rearticulate his program to 50,000 of the party faithful, but also to gain the lead in the polls over "Pretty Boy" Chen, jumping several points. The speech, which was broadcast over the HoloNet on the Progressive Arm Coalition's HoloNet site, reiterated MacIntyre's committment to gradual free market reform, universal healthcare and welfare benefits, a strong military, and active foreign policy including the GFFA.

Meanwhile, trouble has emerged for the d'Alessandro campaign, where a tape of d'Alessandro alledgely referring to the gentegata head of the Green Arm, Marisol Keralas-chibi, by a racial expletive has surfaced. The campaign denies the tapes' authenticity, and issued a statement declaring it a "conspiracy on the part of those opposed to democracy to attempt to slander those who would only try to save the people from oppression."

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

Tapegate causes riots, others comment

The ongoing scandal of "Tapegate" provoked a near riot today at the meeting of the Red-Green Coalition at Granville City, New Magnitogorsk. The incident occurred when protesters stormed into a meeting where d'Alessandro was making a speech to the assembled Red-Green Coalition faithful, accusing the candidate of racism and calling for him to step down, to be replaced by Keralas-chibi, who according to inside sources is the Coalition's secondary candidate.

According to Granville City Police Chief William Decker in a prepared statement:

"As far as we know, the candidate initially ignored the protesters and kept on speaking; however they continued to be distruptive. So. several members of the audience began heckling them back, urging them to 'Get the [expletive deleted] out.' As far as I can tell you next, someone threw an object, and the conditions degenerated into a brawl on the floor. To his credit, the honorable Comrade d'Alessandro did not partake in the fight, which spilled out into the streets and had to be contained by Granville City Police Riot Squad."

The incident has threatened to break apart the alliance, and a lawsuit against d'Alessandro is reportedly being filed at this time by an undisclosed plaintiff. Meanwhile, analysis of the tape has confirmed it is indeed the voice of d'Alessandro, causing his stock in the polls to plummet dramatically.

The other candidates had their two cents.

Speaking on the Chess Headman Hour, Robert MacIntyre said, "I won't make too much of a political comment out of the recent Granville City Riot, but I will say that was a shameful display on the part of the Red-Green Coalition. New Dornalian democracy is above that sort of fracticious infighting and mob politics."

David Chen, meanwhile, was more pointed in his remarks, saying simply, "[The Granville City Riot] just goes to show that some people don't quite get that democracy is about truth and an open mind, not mindlessly bashing another over the head whenever they say something that's the truth, but doesn't rub well with you."

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

Opinion: Dr. Michael J. Kenner--Nova Louisiana: Make or Break?

As I survey the recent series of election bunglings by d'Alessandro, all I can say is, the man deserved what he got.

Now, on to other subjects. I personally find one to be quite interesting. MacIntyre was there yesterday on the campaign trail, and David Chen appears in ads in the local language. What is this? Nova Louisiana.

You may ask, why NL? Why not Luxembourgia, Earth, or New Leningrad?

Well, for one, Nova Louisiana has the HNK. A holdover from the Nova Louisianan Wars, this group is one of the largest third parties not represented in the People's Congress.

And that's fine with them, because this party wants at the least greater autonomy for Nova Louisiana, and at the very most, complete independence. After all, the HNK acronym stands for "Hagja-Na-Kitai"--a local phrase meaning Conciliar Army of the People. Once an armed native rebel movement, veterans of the NL Wars still recall the combat against the "Hunks" with some trepidation and shudders, for they were skilled naval combatants and guerilla fighters that posed a serious challenge to Dornalian control of the area.

So why worry about them if they're disarmed now? Having since dropped their guns and adopted politics as a tool, they're still pretty popular with a lot of the Native Nova Louisianans, offering a program of cultural and ethnonationalist uplift. Indeed, many voters polled in Nova Louisiana among the native population said they would vote for HNK in local elections as opposed to the big three parties.

Not a problem for the parties until you consider that the Native Nova Louisianan population is one of the largest ethnicities in New Dornalia. It even outweighs the human/Dornalian settler population, to some extent by at least 20-30% according to the Commissariat of the Interior's Statistics Unit. Granted, there are plenty of Dornalianized NNLs, but these are an elite compared to the rest of the common population.

And, Nova is no slouch when it comes to economic matters. The territory itself is one of the largest in the Workers State, and one of the most populous and most productive. So, combine the sheer weight of numbers with an ethnonationalist party that has strong appeal and a strong economy and you have the recipe for a vote-grabbing third party that could decide the fate of this election. We're talking swing state here, folks.

As a result, I think its time for the big parties to realize that maybe, just maybe, if they want to succeed in Nova Louisiana without the mess of a recount, they're going to have to campaign extra hard to win the Native population over. Not that it will be easy, but they'll have to. MacIntyre's tour of the area is a good start, and the attempts to appeal to Natives in their tongue by Chen is one too. But more must be done in order to avoid a potential political deadlock.

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

Refusing to back down, Thomas d'Alessandro today issued a statement to the press, condemning the "media circus" surrounding the incident at Granville.

"I don't see what this has to do with my campaign. I thought this campaign was about the issues, not about leaping on the hate d'Alessandro bandwagon," d'Alessandro said as he left his campaign headquarters.

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In the other news, Nova Louisianan Natives today participated in a pro-HNK rally on the planet of Hieara Major. Coming out several hundred strong in the local capital, they rallied to hear the HNK Governor's candidate, Frederick Gwo-ika, call for them to support his candidacy in order to "defend our traditional way of life."

"The Dornalians have brought good things. A united government, technology, trade. But what they cannot replace is our culture, as much as they try, and as much as they say they are not trying to! Join with me, and defend our traditional way of life. Because though we may be Dornalians now, at heart we are all Qwosillan [Native Nova Louisianan term for NL]!"

In reaction, the incumbent gubernatorial candidate from the Progressive Arm Coalition, Lewis "Skip" Braganza, said, "I have no doubt that Mr. Gwo-ika has become quite popular. But I think that ultimately if you look closer, there are plenty of the Native Nova Louisianans that support the Dornalian control over the area.

And, as much as he would have you believe we're not--we are and have been protecting their way of life, through extensive local representation on the HoloNet programming in the area in terms of language and native culture, support for native arts and language instruction in schools, aggressively defending freedom of religion in the area, and even county-by-county bilingualism on signage and government business. And that's just a shortlist."

In the mainstream, the other parties have certainly begun to watch Nova Louisiana, and reportedly, David Chen will make a tour of the area as part of his campaign.

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Robert MacIntyre, meanwhile, visited New Wuhan. Touring the ruined civil defense bunkers, he issued a campaign speech declaring, "I will never, ever let this happen again," referring to the infamous New Wuhan Massacre that left millions dead. MacIntyre, concluding the ceremony, left a small wreath and bowed his head in prayer for several minutes, in a manner described by observers as contrite.

The "apology," as it is being called on the HoloNet, has reportedly gone along well not only with MacIntyre supporters, but also many locals who otherwise had mixed reactions to the visit. One reportedly said, "About damn time. Captain Graham still shoulda done his job, but at least I know somebody in the government still cares."

NDBC News

"New Dornalia's Number One Independent Broadcasting Service."

With election time nearing close, here's the rundown on some recent events.

--Candidate Chen today began a five day tour of Nova Louisiana, just as planned. Speaking in the city of New Lafayette today on Hieara Major, he proclaimed to a crowd of Native Nova Louisianans in their native language, "I will not forget who you are!"

In addition, he also was seen at another rally, promoting local gubernatorial candidate Gus Jackson.

--Robert MacIntyre, meanwhile, has concluded his twenty-city tour, and is reportedly going to make a series of television appearances to defend his platform. He can be seen tonight on the Chess Headman Hour.

--And who can forget the Red-Green Coalition? Today, the Coalition announced that it would hold a HoloNetcast from Basel, Switzerland, where it would be taking questions about recent troubles as well as the party's overall platform.