NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: So, it's 2008, and Brutland and Norden is about to hold its elections. For reference, here is a post on the government of Brutland and Norden (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13322436&postcount=6). This thread will be an IC/OOC thread that will serve as the springboard for any RPs. This is also where I will post updates and talk about new threads. Feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, and other stuff, IC or OOC. ;)

As for RPs related to this, I am planning a thread wherein you folks can ask questions which the candidates will answer, like a press conference or something. I am also thinking of another RP wherein you guys will vote for your preferred candidate for a parliamentary seat.

IC:
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King Dissolves Parliament; Elections Called
April 05, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – Upon the advice of Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella, King Kyle II issued a Royal Proclamation yesterday dissolving Parliament and calling for new elections for May 31, 2008.

PM Cortanella decided to call elections three months early upon the request of Norden Governor Adam Lambroglio. “This is purely for practical reasons,” said Cortanella. “We moved the date so that the federal election would coincide with the Norden provincial legislative election.”

Analysts say that this election would do little to change the political landscape. “Cortanella and the Popular Party are confident they can call elections anytime,” said political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “They won by a landslide in 2004, and it seems that the Social Democrats can’t clear away that landslide. Talk about a Prime Minister with a 77% approval rating, a growing Popular Party, and popular provincial leaders. The result of this election is essentially known, the only remaining question is, ‘Will the Social Democrats lose more seats?’”

Indeed, the second largest party in Parliament, the Social Democratic Party, is projected to lose seats, especially marginal ones such as Micchiolli, Platina-Doro, those in suburban Nordville, and even in the PDS’ leader’s seat of Fonzo Esta. One strategist for the PDS, who declined to be named, said that “our strategy for this election is to hold as many seats as we can. If we win any, then we’ll say thank you to the miracle maker.”

But the leader of the Social Democrats, MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden], was more optimistic. “We’ll try to win this time around.”

For their part, the Popular Party would not sit on their laurels. “We will try to maintain our positions, by presenting a realistic platform, reasonable and attainable goals, and through our track record of good performance and good governance,” said Treasury Minister and MP Lúanna Gardefini [PP: Capriati Esta, Brutland] and this year’s chairperson of the Popular Party Campaign Committee.

Other analysts are more cautious in their predictions. “Despite the hugeness of the Popular Party, we must be reminded that the PP is a heterogenous party divided into factions,” explained political pundit and blogger Michele Soriano. “Should be a fractious intraparty argument, it could split the PP into two, or maybe three groups. That nearly happened just seven years ago.”

Indeed, the worst enemy of the Popular Party might be itself. “The Popular Party is divided into three factions, the conservative faction, where many Brutish MPs adhere to; the libertarian faction, which includes the deputy Prime Minister; and the centrist faction, where Cortanella is aligned to,” explained Prof. Contini.

And division is precisely what Cortanella avoids. The theme for the Popular Party’s convention next month is “United for Progress”, and Cortanella’s close aide Mario l’Ecclesini said that the PM will emphasize unity in the party, especially now that they are enjoying success, both on the political front, and on governance. It will be seen in May whether this would translate into another success at the polls.
(see original post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13584935&postcount=12))

The following are the parties running their candidates, with their traditional colors and campaign logos:

Popular Party (Partide Populoddía)
Number of Seats in the General Court: 115
Leader: Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella [PP: Dennillia Ostennía, Norden]
The Popular Party was formed in 1977 with the fusion of six small conservative-to-libertarian parties. It has three main factions: the libertarian wing; the conservative wing, and the centrists. This big and diverse party has members of widely varying opinions, often leading to fractious intraparty arguments. It is also known to be a center-right party. The Popular Party had lost power for only three years since its inception, and it currently holds a majority of seats in Parliament.
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Popular Party: "United for Progress"

Social Democratic Party (Partide Democraziellía Scaglia)
Number of Seats in the General Court: 32
Leader: MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden]
The Social Democratic Party is a homogenous party consisting of socialists and social liberals. It is Brutland and Norden's second major party and is currently the oldest of the five. Their power base are the true leftists, radical feminists, workers' unions, and urbanized cities. They have only held power for three out of the last thirty years, and their policies are usually unpopular in Brutland. The PDS is currently trying to attract more Brutish and Dennish voters without compromising their stances on issues.
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Social Democratic Party: "We can do it better."

Green Party (Partide Verta)
Number of Seats in the General Court: 1
Leader: Lúella Carbonella
The Green Party is a party for the environmentally-conscious Nord-Brutlandese. It had broken off from the PDS in 1990 and has enjoyed some successes in recent times, including the election of an MP and the control of the grant council of Tonzivibbia. The still-small Green Party still had not extended their platform much into other areas such as foreign policy and the social issues, and many Nord-Brutlandese still regard them as a single-issue party, an image they are trying to shed off.
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Green Party: "Let us work for a better world."

Communist Party (Partide Commonzossúa)
Number of Seats in the General Court: 1
Leader: Roberta Saccamolense
The Communist Party is the second oldest party in Brutland and Norden, yet from its inception it remained a small party catering to true-blue communists. Its platform is openly republican and opposes the monarchy, making the party unpopular with most Nord-Brutlandese. They have their strongholds, though - the areas of Normark that were fiercely republican during the Nordener Revolution in the 18th century. They have recently elected one MP to Parliament.
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Communist Party

Nationalist Party (Partide Nazioneddíttúa)
Number of Seats in the General Court: 1
Leader: MP Danico di Padanica [PN: Civito di Padanica, Brutland]
The Nationalist Party was once a major party after the Christian Democratic Party became defunct, becoming the leading opposition party to the governing PDS-Populist coalition. When the PDS-Populist Coalition was defeated in 1978 by the new Popular Party, many of their supporters drifted to the PP. The reason was that many found the party too rightist in their stances but they had no other choice back then. It has since been reduced to a fringe party, with isolated strongholds throughout Brutland. It is generally considered to be a party of the radical right.
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Nationalist Party: "for Brutland and Norden"

Below you will see "ratings" under each candidate. These ratings refer to the "score" or "grade" a certain interest group gave to the candidate in reference to his/her votes/stances. Highest is 100, meaning that the candidate voted with and/or stood with the group's position, lowest is 0. Here are the groups:
ACP ~ Attesse Cittadettuque Patriotellía (Patriotic Citizens’ Action) – a group that advances “Nord-Brutlandese interests”
AGNb ~ Allearse per la Giovettu Nordèbrutelliense (Alliance for the Nord-Brutlandese Youth) – a group that advances legislation for the younger generation
ANI ~ Allearse Nordèbrutelliense per l’Ivono (Nord-Brutlandese Alliance for the Environment) – a pro-environment group; supports legislation protecting the environment
ARNbM ~ Associazone Reala Nordèbrutelliense Medica (Royal Nord-Brutlandese Medical Association) – a group that supports legislation to improve the health status of the Nord-Brutlandese
CB ~ Coalizione Barcolena (Rainbow Coalition) – a group that advances LGBT rights
CNbST ~ Confedere Nordèbrutelliense di Sindicati Trabbajettuque (Nord-Brutlandese Confederation of Workers’ Unions) – a group of labor unions, representing almost all of the unionized Nord-Brutlandese workers
CrC ~ Cittadettu rescal Crime (Citizens against Crime) – a group for maintaining Brutland and Norden’s sterling record against crime
CRCNMb ~ Cambre Reala di Commerzie di Norden e Marchòbrutellia (Royal Chamber of Commerce of Brutland and Norden) – a group that supports legislation promoting commerce, trade, and economic growth
FNbDL ~ Fondre Nordèbrutelliense per la Defenze di Liberte (Nord-Brutlandese Liberty Defense Fund) – a group that defends rights and freedom
GC ~ Gardoce Creziosso (Treasury Watch) – a group advocating efficient use of the nation’s coffers and avoiding government waste
LG ~ Leghe di Geratrettu (League of Seniors) – a group that advances legislation for the elderly
LNbAE ~ Leghe Nordèbrutelliense per l’Avanze d’Eddicchione (Nord-Brutlandese League for the Advancement of Education) – a group primarily composed of public school teachers that purports to improve the Nord-Brutlandese education system
LVDNb ~ Leghe di Votottu Donna Nordèbrutelliense (League of Nord-Brutlandese Women Voters) – a feminist group
PVC ~ Progiete Votottuque Cattolica - (Catholic Voters’ Project) – a lay Catholic group that supports Catholic legislation
PVNMb ~ Pro-Vite Norden e Marchòbrutellia (Pro-Life Brutland and Norden) – a pro-life group; supports legislation protecting human life

Marianna Cortanella
Party: Popular Party (Partide Populoddía)
Constituency: Dennillia Ostennía (Westernmost Dennland), Norden

Born: May 27, 1968; Sant’Emillo, grant of Cavese, province of Norden
Residence: Sant’Emillo, grant of Cavese, province of Norden
Gender: Female
Social Status: Single
Spouse: none
Issue: none

Education: Sant’Emillo Integrated School; B.S. Psychology, Universitado Reala di Norden e Marchòbrutellia – Vilòstresa (URNMbV; Royal University of Brutland and Norden – Kingsville); LL.B., URNMbV; J.D., URNMbV
Occupation: lawyer

Present Position: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden (2004-present); MP for Westernmost Dennland [PP: Dennillia Ostennía, Norden] (2001-present)
Other Positions held: President, Grant Council of Cavese (1996-2001); Leader, Popular Party of Brutland and Norden (2001-present)

Ratings:
ACP - 66
AGNb - 72
ANI - 40
ARNbM - 64
CB - 10
CNbST - 21
CrC - 55
CRCNMb - 84
FNbDL - 29
GC - 87
LG - 51
LNbAE - 43
LVDNb - 26
PVC - 81
PVNMb - 88

Cestre Staracina
Party: Social Democratic Party (Partide Democraziellía Scaglia)
Constituency: Fonzo Esta (East Fonzo), Norden

Born: August 16, 1967; Gualamarata, grant of Seltina, province of Norden
Residence: Ceana, grant of Fonzo, province of Norden
Gender: Male
Social Status: Single
Spouse: none
Issue: none

Education: Gualamarata Primary School; Bracciolina High School; B.S. Psychology, Universitado Reala di Norden e Marchòbrutellia – Vilòstresa (URNMbV; Royal University of Brutland and Norden – Kingsville); LL.B., URNMbV; J.D., URNMbV
Occupation: lawyer

Present Position: Leader of the Loyal Opposition of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden (2004-present); MP for East Fonzo [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] (2001-present)
Other Positions held: Member, Municipal Council of Ceana (1994-1996); Mayor of Ceana (1996-1998); Member, grant Council of Fonzo (1998-2001)

Ratings:
ACP - 14
AGNb - 54
ANI - 75
ARNbM - 36
CB - 74
CNbST - 83
CrC - 59
CRCNMb - 14
FNbDL - 75
GC - 22
LG - 67
LNbAE - 76
LVDNb - 72
PVC - 10
PVNMb - 15

Felice Tartascone
Party: Green Party (Partide Verta)
Constituency: Vilòstresa Sordosta – Tonzivibbia (Southwest Kingsville – Tonzivibbia), Union Territories

Born: February 10, 1973; Santa Cecilia al Mare, grant of Fiorgamino, Union Territories
Residence: Dorzano, grant of Tonzivibbia, Union Territories
Gender: Female
Social Status: married
Spouse: Giangiacomo Baglieri
Issue: 2

Education: Santa Cecilia Primary School; Bestiannino High School; B.S. Biology, Universitado Reala di Norden e Marchòbrutellia – Vilòstresa (URNMbV; Royal University of Brutland and Norden – Kingsville); M.S. Environmental Science, URNMbV
Occupation: biologist, environmentalist, researcher

Present Position: MP for Southwest Kingsville - Tonzivibbia [PV: Vilòstresa Sordosta - Tonzivibbia, Terru di l’Unnone] (2004-present)
Other Positions held: President, Allearse Nordèbrutelliense per l’Ivono (ANbI; Nord-Brutlandese Alliance for the Environment)

Ratings:
ACP - 8
AGNb - 55
ANI - 100
ARNbM - 56
CB - 70
CNbST - 63
CrC - 44
CRCNMb - 9
FNbDL - 68
GC - 13
LG - 55
LNbAE - 60
LVDNb - 76
PVC - 22
PVNMb - 0

Tornessa di Carmolli
Party: Communist Party (Partide Commonzossúa)
Constituency: Quartelo di Trabbajetto (Worker’s Quarter), Norden

Born: November 29, 1958; district of Carmolli, borough of Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Nordville, Norden
Residence: district of Carmolli, borough of Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Nordville, Norden
Gender: Lesbian
Social Status: married
Spouse: Dorina Chiaie
Issue: none

Education: Quartelo di Trabbajetto Integrated School
Occupation: factory worker, union organizer

Present Position: MP for Worker’s Quarter [PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Norden] (1986-present)
Other Positions held: Councilor, City Council of Nordville (1978-1986); Grant Secretary, Communist Party of Brutland and Norden (1982-1986)

Ratings:
ACP - 0
AGNb - 45
ANI - 69
ARNbM - 24
CB - 90
CNbST - 100
CrC - 55
CRCNMb - 0
FNbDL - 50
GC - 47
LG - 44
LNbAE - 59
LVDNb - 79
PVC - 0
PVNMb - 0

Danico di Padanica
Party: Nationalist Party (Partide Nazioneddíttúa)
Constituency: Civito di Padanica (City of Padanica), Brutland

Born: March 7, 1950; San Gottardo, grant of Tortona, Brutland
Residence: borough of Cofiúenza, Padanica, grant of Padania, Brutland
Gender: Male
Social Status: married
Spouse: Margherita di Padanica
Issue: 6

Education: San Gottardo Primary School; Cofiúenza High School; B.A. Business Administration, Universitade Duca di Padania – Padanica (UDPP; Ducal University of Padania – Padanica)
Occupation: businessman

Present Position: MP for City of Padanica [Civito di Padanica, Brutland] (1994-present)
Other Positions held: Leader, Nationalist Party of Brutland and Norden (1996-present)

Ratings:
ACP - 98
AGNb - 59
ANI - 35
ARNbM - 50
CB - 12
CNbST - 14
CrC - 78
CRCNMb - 63
FNbDL - 10
GC - 55
LG - 59
LNbAE - 51
LVDNb - 22
PVC - 66
PVNMb - 41

It is the government stance of the Principality of Northern Rangeria not to intervene in national elections of another nation, even in the form of supporting one candidate over another. We wish good luck and wisdom for the current party candidates, and hope that the peaceful relationship between Brutland and Norden and the Principality may continue to exist, no matter what the political landscape of Brutland and Norden will be in the future.


On behalf of His Majesty Prince Mikhail IV of House Halsar, Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St gid of the Greens,

Duke Stapani Aalthone,
Minister of the Exterior

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Cortanella leading in the polls
April 12, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – the most recent TRNM/L’Unnone/VosePopola poll showed Popular Party Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella with a big lead over her closest opponent, Social Democratic leader Cestre Staracina. Respondents were asked who they would vote for prime minister among the declared candidates for the election.

48.6% of the respondents chose Prime Minister Cortanella, with only 9.2% choosing Mr. Staracina, with a smattering of votes for the other candidates. 44.1% said they remain undecided. The survey’s margin of error is two and a half percentage points.

The survey showed the intense popularity of Ms. Cortanella and her party, bolstering the view that the Popular Party will win this election hands down.

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Result of the recent TRNM/L’Unnone/VosePopola poll. Brown indicates "undecided".

Constituencies
Of the 115 constituencies held by the Popular Party, only the Nordener constituencies of Strigine Valley (Vallo di Strigina), Tambione, Nordville Southeast-Dastamone (Vilònorda Sordesta – Dastamone), and Nordville West-Píarmognazzo-Holy Archangel of the Hills (Vilònorda Osta - Píarmognazzo - Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino), and the Brutish constituency of Tercelli-Porbano are at risk. On the other hand, 23 of the 32 seats held by the Social Democratic Party are at risk – including that held by Mr. Staracina.

Based on the recent survey, the Popular Party can increase their standing from 115 to 133 seats in the 150-member General Court, while the Social Democrats will see their numbers go down from 32 to 15. The Greens are predicted to win the constituency of Kingsville Southeast – Santelleria Southwest from the Social Democrats; while the Nationalists are set to lose their only seat, the City of Padanica, to the Popular Party.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/994/districts22008finaltt0.png
Map of Brutland and Norden showing the constituencies colored according to the party holding the seat. Blue = safe Popular Party-held seat; Light Blue = at risk Popular Party-held seat; Yellow = safe Social Democratic Party-held seat; Light Yellow = at risk Social Democratic Party-held seat; Green = Green Party-held seat; Red = Communist Party-held seat; Gray = at risk Nationalist Party-held seat; Violet = see inset.

However, the pollsters reminded the Nord-Brutlandese that the attitude may still change and that they are merely predicting results based on their survey. There is still a large chunk of undecided voters that can influence this election.
view original post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13601481#post13601481)

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Social Democratic Party Leadership in Dispute
April 14, 2008
by Rina Stangello

FONZO – If there was any party likely to disintegrate, the Social Democratic Party is not the likely candidate. However, during the fractious recent party convention held at Fonzo City, several delegations would want their leader replaced.

“We want another leader,” chanted several delegations as a heated debate emerged.

“He’s an ineffective campaigner,” said Agerica Torbellina, grant chairperson of the Social Democrats of Micchiolli. “How are we going to win elections if our leader is like that? The Popular Party wins not because they’re good, but because we lose the elections.”

Despite their vocal and sometimes aggressive opposition, the convention delegates retained MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] as the Social Democrats’ leader for this election. The convention voted 1690-883 to retain Mr. Staracina.

“We are not changing leadership, especially right now in the middle of a campaign,” stressed delegate Simona Dageschietti, grant president of Fiano. “I know Mr. Staracina. He is a good leader for the party.”

“We are facing an uphill battle,” admitted a delegate from Chiardogna in Brutland, “and having this intraparty argument is not doing anything good for the party’s image. I mean, if the party members themselves won’t support their leader, then why would the voters support him?”

Mr. Staracina’s detractors consistently point out his poor campaigning skills. He is leading the party for the first time in an election. Mr. Staracina had represented the constituency of Fonzo Esta since 2001, and skillfully held the wildly marginal seat during the Popular Party landslide of 2004. He was elected as party leader in 2005 after former prime minister Borio Drasella lost in his seat of Runeo-Morlise-Jorca.

“Halfhearted,” a delegate from Doro described Mr. Staracina’s campaign skills. “He may have won in his seat, but he possibly can’t win the election.”

The Social Democrats are projected to lose seats, many of them in marginal constituencies – hence the anger of some delegations. Included in those that tried to vote out Staracina are the grant delegations of Micchiolli, Doro, Esolu di Pecadi, Seppa, Santelleria, Onna, Desantorica, and Soltera.

“He’s got no campaign charisma,” complained a delegate from Santelleria, “I don’t even think that the Nord-Brutlandese know him.”

The recent poll by TRNM-VosePopula showed that Staracina is being viewed positively – by 69% of those who know him. However, those who know him are only about half – 52% - of those surveyed. And half of those who knew him and viewed him positively don’t intend to vote for him or his party. His being unknown, analysts say, is a grave disadvantage opposite a widely-known incumbent with an even higher positive rating.

“Makes me wonder if he [Staracina] would even keep his seat,” remarked MP Lazzaro Tricola [PDS: Grattio d’Onna, Norden], who is at par with his PP opponent.

Indeed, Staracina is in danger of losing in the marginal grant of Fonzo. Two out of three constituencies of Fonzo are held by the PDS, and both are in danger. When matched head-to-head with his PP opponent, Norden Chamber of Commons Speaker Larisa Cacciamani, Staracina ekes out a 51-49% lead – and Cacciamani is still surging. “I would just hope,” says his PDS colleague MP Giorgio Alocchio [PDS: Fonzo Sorda, Norden], “that [Staracina] would not forget that he, too, is fighting for his own seat.”

Staracina’s awkward position even in his own constituency only gave more ammunition for his opponents. “Even if we win, we still aren’t sure if we still have a leader,” said Veronica Pignole, the delegation head and the grant president of Onna. “That is, even if we win,” she stressed.

“In the light of Mr. Staracina’s lackluster leadership and campaign, we would like to replace him as party leader,” said the delegation head and grant president of Desantorica, Marcella Ghirardelli, in a speech in the convention. Mrs. Ghirardelli then nominated the absent MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] as a candidate for the PDS leadership amidst protests and boos, especially from the Fonzo delegation. Their proposal, ultimately, was voted out, and Staracina was retained as the leader of PDS.

“We will not stop,” Mrs. Pignole said as their proposal was voted down 576-1982. “We are here to make the Social Democratic Party better, not worse.”
view original post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13606037&postcount=14)

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Calls continue for Staracina to step down
April 15, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – Despite having confirmed leader in the recent party convention, several Social Democrats continued their call for their leader to step down.

MP Cestre Staracina’s [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] opponents launched a press conference yesterday urging other party members to “support the party, not the leader.”

The group also bought a full-page ad in Brutland and Norden’s three major newspapers: La Diernalo, L’Unnone, and La Brutelliense. In the ad, they criticized their leader for “weak leadership”, “weak campaign skills”, and “poor leader”.

The campaign against Staracina was supported by grant chapters of the Social Democratic Party in Santelleria, Onna, Desantorica, Soltera, Doro, Platina, Albiore, Micchiolli, Seppa, Esolu di Pecadi, Pistozzi, Forlicesena, Tomo, Cerca, Piscierettu, Rivero, Corrica, Pennino, Duglie, Tonzivibbia, and Strigina.

Meanwhile, an interesting article came out of the Kingsville tabloid Extra! In the article, writer Carina Olivetti said that “the reason why Mr. Staracina fails in campaigning is that he has an attraction for his opponent.” Olivetti theorizes that Staracina is in love with Popular Party leader and Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella. “Look at it: they’re both single, they were classmates in law school and were once involved with each other, they’re both from Dennland… they’ve known each other since college.” Olivetti then cited instances buttressing his theory, like the congratulatory hug Staracina gave Cortanella after the PP won the 2004 elections. “That isn’t a friendly hug.”

Many dismissed the article. “Rubbish,” said MP Benjamin Grocola [PDS: Viledenno Sordosta – Mendicino, Norden]. “That’s fantasy. We all know those tabloids publish fantasies.”

“That’s just stupid,” remarked Simona Dageschietti, grant president of Fiano.

Others eagerly defended their leader from both the issue and the criticisms. “Look, they aren’t happy with the party, why don’t they just leave,” said an exasperated Giuliana Bonni, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Party in Norden. “And instead of doing good for the party, the critics are making it worse. Assuming we give what they want, we would have to campaign all over again. Their demands are absurd, impractical, and illogical.”

“I think that Mr. Staracina had become a scapegoat for his party’s failures,” opined political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “They are frustrated, and they blame their party leader for it.”
view original post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13609244#post13609244)

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Staracina Receives Cold Shoulder
April 17, 2008
by Rina Stangello

PELARGONE – the leader of the Social Democratic Party [PDS] of Brutland and Norden went to the island grant of Santelleria to campaign, but many party officials in the island declined to join him.

Opposition leader Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] toured the island yesterday, campaigning for the PDS in this marginal grant with four parliamentary consitutencies. Staracina began his campaign by stopping by the port of Pelargone, getting down working with the dockworkers, a labor group voting strongly for the PDS. “You and your party have the continued support of us here,” lift driver Erbetto Scopenna assured Mr. Staracina.

Staracina went on to the middle-class suburb of Brusnengo for a speaking engagement. While the Popular Party mayor of Brusnengo, Gilberto Andreotti, attended his speech out of courtesy, the PDS candidate for the mayoralty, Mr. Andreotti’s opponent, did not. The perceived slight did not go unnoticed as attendees searched for Chiara Morelli. “Where is she to support the party leader? Mr. Staracina came down here to campaign for her and the party, and she doesn’t show up?” voiced one of the attendees, who declined to be named.

Lunch was held with the young Princess Alessandra, Duchess of Santelleria, in a courtesy call at her Montone Castle. Also notable was the absence of Geraldina Bocco, PDS chairperson of Santelleria, and Ríanna Riattense, the minority leader at the Grant Council of Santelleria, despite being invited. The mayor of the town of San Casciano was the only PDS party member present.

Staracina then toured the cities of Riatto, Sant’Emillo, Bellino and Corlano, all without any PDS official from Santelleria. The snub was especially glaring in the PDS stronghold of Bellino. Neither did it escape national party officials.

“They complain of Staracina being a weak campaigner, but you see he is trying to win over Santelleria, and here they are, not supporting him and the party,” complained Giuliana Bonni, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Party in Norden. Ms. Bonni then lodged a resolution in the party to censure the Social Democratic Party of Santelleria.

For their part, many of the PDS officials in Santelleria said they were “too busy” or “involved in their own campaigns” to join Staracina.

Upon leaving from the Sant’Anastasia Domestic Airport, Mr. Staracina’s campaign announced that it would cancel its next campaign stop at the Brutish grants of Morza and Micchiolli, citing exhaustion. “It was a long day,” says his chief-of-staff Bartolomeo Frascati. However many have a different explanation: the Social Democratic Party of Micchiolli was one of the party chapters that are campaigning to remove Staracina as party leader. “They don’t want another snub. So they stayed out,” opined political pundit and blogger Michele Soriano.
from: http://en.lunnone.nem/04172008/novo/4rg32s674.htm (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13616007&postcount=18)

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Cortanella Seeks Normarker Support
April 18, 2008
by Anna Mastella
CALALZETTO D’ONNA, Norden – Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella of the Popular Party capped her three-day campaign stop in Normark seeking to win over the swinging constituencies held by the opposition Social Democrats.

Ms. Cortanella held a morning rally in the city of Campobasso, once thought to be a PDS bastion. Campobasso Police estimated the turnout to be 500,000. Afterwards, she joined the caravan of PP candidates in the grant of Soltera. The immensely popular prime minister campaigned for candidates for both the federal Parliament and the Nordener legislature.

Afterwards, she held a speaking engagement/dinner at the city of Calalzetto d’Onna, where attendees gave her a standing ovation. She then headed for her hometown of Sant’Emillo in Dennland for a one-day rest.

Ms. Cortanella’s campaign trip was well-received in Normark. From her first stop in the PP bastion of Codigliana, grant of Valle di Giri, to the Communist-laden city of Píarmognazzo, grant of Onna, she was greeted with lots of supporters and sympathizers. The Deputy Foreign Minister for the United Nations, Dr. Cestre Montòccegliano, was virtually assured of reelection with her visit in the previously marginal constituency of Vilònorda Osta - Píarmognazzo - Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino. PP candidates got a boost with her visits in the cities of Campogallicano, Fromesino, Forlicesena, Avezzo, Mulgheria, Mogorella, Dastamone, Palanzamo, Secchia, Sant’Arcangelo, and Nordville. She also appeared with Norden governor Adam Lambroglio and cut a commercial for the Popular Party of Norden.

“The Popular Party is conquering Normark,” said Kail Stanziola, a PP supporter from the city of Castellero. “Normark is the last frontier for the Popular Party.”

“They are indeed correct in saying that Normark is the last unconquered territory for the Popular Party,” said political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “The PP is fully in control of Brutland, and many marginal seats in Dennland will most likely fall into their hands. Only the Nordville metropolitan area is voting PDS, albeit marginally.”
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Brutland Social Democrat Leader criticizes Staracina
April 22, 2008
by Angelo Zegerelli

BRUTLAND CITY – The leader of the Social Democratic Party (PDS) in the province of Brutland, Brutland House of Commons Opposition leader Lorenzo Coroni [PDS: Salfredonia], criticized party leader and federal MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden]. When ambushed by a reporter about what does he think of Mr. Staracina, Mr. Coroni said that, “Do you wonder why the Social Democratic party does not win in Brutland? Well, there’s your answer, right there.” Mr. Coroni and his office declined comment at this moment.

The Brute leader of the PDS put the provincial party at loggerheads with the PDS chapter of Norden. “That’s outrageous!” said Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden, “They should be smarter than that.”

Mr. Coroni is represents the grant of Micchiolli, where the grant chapter of the PDS is strongly campaigning to remove Staracina.

“That was foul,” said Giovanni Tiriolo, chairperson of the PDS in the grant of Nicoletano. “He did not have the support of the entire Brutland Social Democratic Party in that statement.” The Social Democratic Party of Nicoletano immediately released a statement disavowing Mr. Coroni’s words, saying that “The Social Democratic Party of Brutland supports and will continue to support Mr. Staracina’s leadership.” PDS grant chapters of Trazio, Argento, and Pannondrio also issued similar announcements. “We are expecting others to join us in this.”

But would the Brutland Social Democrats remove their provincial leader? “That would be hypocritical,” said Tiriolo. “Until we hear an explanation from Mr. Coroni, we would not take that drastic action. We are waiting.”
from: http://en.lunnone.co.nem/04222008/novo/2zs465xhc8.htm (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13629877&postcount=20)

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Staracina quits
April 25, 2008
by Riano Petrucelli

BALLAGORIO, Norden – in a dramatic press conference earlier today, the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (PDS), MP Cestre Staracina [PDS, Fonzo Esta, Norden] announced that he was quitting the leadership of the party, and the party itself.

Following his acrimonious confirmation as party leader, vocal opposition from some of the local party chapters, perceived snub during campaign trips, and more recently, the failure of the Brutland Social Democratic Party to fully express their support, Mr. Staracina decided to quit the leadership post and leave the PDS entirely.

He made the announcement flanked by four high-ranking ardent supporters, namely Ms. Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden; Mrs. Simona Dageschietti, grant president and chairperson of the PDS in Fiano; Mrs. Raffaella Catallona, chairperson of the PDS in his home grant of Fonzo; and fellow MP Giada Costantini [PDS: Viledenno Settra, Norden].

“I believe that my mere presence is causing dissension within the party,” said Staracina, rather bitterly, “and to prevent further disintegration within the Social Democratic Party of Brutland and Norden, I hereby quit my post as the leader and candidate for the prime ministerialship. As one of my last acts as your leader, I am calling a convention of all PDS delegates to Kingsville to decide on who will lead this party, hopefully to victory. In the meantime, I designate Ms. Ferrina Ilario as the caretaker leader until the convention decides on the leadership. There is still ample time for us to gain ground against our formidable opponent. May the Social Democratic Party live up to its hefty goals and principles.”

Apparently, Mr. Staracina’s supporters were informed of his decision to step down. “Cestre [Staracina] told me about his decision,” said Mrs. Catallona. “I may not entirely agree with him on that decision, but the damage had been done, to him and to the party. It’s either we go on to the election with all these damage, or start again, however late.”

“It took a toll on him,” related Mrs. Costantini. “Not only they were slandering him, they were also destroying the party.”

The PDS of Fonzo will hold a special nomination convention to replace Staracina, as the PDS candidate. Mrs. Catallona is widely tipped to win the task to challenge the PP candidate, Norden House of Commons Speaker Larisa Cacciamani.
from: http://en.lunnone.co.nem/04252008/novo/3x758tgz02.htm (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13659183&postcount=21)

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Ilario selected as new Social Democratic Leader
May 01, 2008
by Anna Mastella

KINGSVILLE – The opposition Social Democrats elected federal MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] to the leadership post in the emergency party convention yesterday.

Mrs. Ilario, who describes herself a classical liberal, will lead the party in this year’s election, after former leader and opposition leader MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] quit the leadership post. Mr. Staracina had been criticized by several factions within the party for his poor campaign skills and weak leadership.

The vote was a unanimous 2107-0 to elect Mrs. Ilario. “After the past few weeks of trouble, the PDS finally got its act together. We are united again,” said Nicandro Tortovecchio, a delegate from Kingsville. “This is a sign of strong solidarity.” Many other delegates expressed similar opinions.

However, this was downplayed by others. “The divisions are still there, and they run deep,” observed political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville.

Several delegations abstained from the vote. “We abstain,” announced the delegation head of Ravino, Nicola Brutarigo. “We think that this convention as a whole, and even the decision to hold this election, was achieved by undemocratic and unethical means.” The delegations of Redutto, Subrigaria, Trebba, Tavoliere, Spiermanza, Thessalia, Albano, and Modica abstained. Also abstaining are some of Mr. Staracina’s allies, notably Ms. Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden; and fellow federal MPs Giada Costantini [PDS: Viledenno Settra, Norden], Giorgio Alocchio [PDS: Fonzo Sorda], and Benjamin Grocola [PDS: Viledenno Sordosta – Mendicino].

Other delegations were more stubborn and refused to vote. “They think the party can win this way?” asked a delegate from Borcenna, who declined to be named. “This is a farce.” Borcenna, along with the delegations of Argento, Potti, and Mordogudoro, refused to vote.

Some PDS grant chapters took it further, expressly refusing to send delegates to yesterday’s convention. The PDS chapters of Fonzo [Mr. Staracina’s home grant], Fiano, Nicoletano, and Trazio did not send delegates. “We recognize Mrs. Ilario as the leader of the Social Democratic Party,” said Mr. Giovanni Tiriolo, chairperson of the PDS in the grant of Nicoletano, when asked why his chapter did not send delegates, “but we would like to send a message to the troublemakers.”

The most spectacular act of defiance came from the four-person delegation of Pannondrio. When asked about their delegation’s vote, Mr. Colombano Moscatello, the delegation head and a minority councilor in the Pannondrian Grant Council, shouted “Cestre Staracina!”

“I’m sorry, Pannondrio, but Mr. Staracina is not a candidate,” said the convention presider Lorenzo Coroni, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Brutland who recently criticized Staracina.

“Well, he’s our candidate!” the delegation replied. The delegation of Santelleria then moved to strip Pannondrio of its votes. The delegation of Tomo quickly seconded the motion, which Mr. Coroni happily passed, without submitting it to a vote. Later, the Pannondrian delegation, supported by 27 other delegations, argued that its loss of votes is illegal.

“This just shows that the Social Democrats are still divided,” said Prof. Contini. “Restoring the party unity is Mrs. Ilario’s most pressing job.”
translated from: http://www.labrutelliense.co.nem/storie/20485/Ilario-cielgecco-as-la-ledaretto-nuova-di-democraziellíettu-scaglia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13659185&postcount=22)

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Popular Party Wins
June 01, 2008
by Rina Stangello
KINGSVILLE - With counting of the ballots finished and winners being announced, this year's election proved to be another setback for the Social Democratic Party, and another spectacular win for the Popular Party.

Seat Counts
The Social Democratic Party (PDS) saw their numbers more than halved from 32 to 15, one of their worst showing ever aside from the 2004 elections. Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella's Popular Party (PP), on the other hand, increased their seats from 115 to 132. They won in all of the constituencies they held before the election, and captured 16 more from the Social Democrats.

The PP made significant inroads into former PDS strongholds in Norden. Their advance down the Carocchi Valley was stopped at Campobasso, where all of the PDS-held seats west of Campobasso changed hands to the PP while those to the east stayed with the PDS. The PDS also managed to hold onto the seats of Micchiolli and Brutland City Southeast-Strabbarno in Brutland, despite vigorous PP campaigning.

The Green Party (PV) won two seats, while the Nationalist Party lost their only seat in the Nord-Brutlandese General Court.

The New Parliament
Thus, the new General Court will be composed of 132 MPs from the PP, 15 from the PDS, 2 from the PV, and 1 from the Communist Party. More than one-third (56) of the MPs are women.

Popular Vote
The Popular Party also won in the popular vote, taking more than two-thirds of the vote in a slightly lower turnout than in 2004.

Seat Changes
24 out of the 150 MPs will be taking their seats for the first time. The constituencies of these freshman MPs are:
Brutia Nordesta - Merano: Giannina Lavecchio (PP) - The PP solidified their control over the province of Brutland with their win in this PDS-leaning mixed urban-suburban seat. Giannina Lavecchio of the PP defeated MP Lara Opricco of the PDS, 53%-45%.
Campobasso Osta, Norden: Petrarco Lima (PP) - The seat of West Campobasso was the endpoint of the PP's gains along the Carocchi Valley, but Campobasso City Councilor Petrarco Lima's (PP) win over incumbent MP Maria Litti (PDS) was nonetheless impressive. Mr. Lima won 59%-40% in this constituency that includes much of Campobasso's residential areas.
Cantabrica Osta, Brutland: Giustino Snidi (PP) - PP Mayor Giustino Snidi of the city of Aventina replaced the retiring MP Simon Pallatina.
Civito di Padanica, Brutland: Joshua Morcone (PP) - MP Danico di Padanica, the lone Nationalist MP in the General Court, lost to City Councilor Joshua Morcone in this district that encompasses the entire city of Padanica and its adjacent suburbs. The Nationalist Party of Brutland and Norden currently has no representation in Parliament.
Civito di Tratagnano - Albugnano, Norden: Thorizio Gagliardo (PP) - MP Costantino Dolmefini of the PDS lost to Thorizio Gagliardo of the PP in one of the widest defeat of an incumbent in this election. Dolmefini won 27% of the vote against Gagliardo's 63%.
Concessa di Rivero - Nova Venezia, Brutland: Fabrizio Tartaglia (PP) - The PP defeated the PDS in its southern Brutland stronghold. MP Diana Ramina (PDS) was defeated by Fabrizio Tartaglia, the minority leader in the Concessa di Rivero city Council.
Desantorica, Norden: Derrico Sbaraglia (PP) - The PP won in this suburban grant of Nordville, highlighting the undercurrent of Desantorica's drift to the right within the past few years. Mr. Derrico Sbaraglia, Lord Mayor of Tanagrese, wrested the seat away from MP Alcide Bonzoni of the PDS.
Fonzo Esta, Norden: Larisa Cacciamani (PP) - East Fonzo is the seat of former PDS leader Cestre Staracina. With native son Staracina removed from the party's leadership post, Fonzoans turned to the PP in droves. Norden Speaker of the Chamber of Commons Larisa Cacciamani won 70%-20% over PDS candidate Mrs. Raffaella Catallona, chairwoman of the PDS' Fonzo chapter.
Fonzo Sorda, Norden: Paola Santáolalla (PP) - Ms. Santáolalla defeated incumbent MP Giorgio Alocchio of the PDS, a close friend and ally of former PDS leader Cestre Staracina. The constituency of South Fonzo went 55%-40% for the PP.
Forlicesena, Norden: Cristina Bacco (PP) - The seat of Forlicesena fell to the PP after several gaffes made by its current MP, Mrs. Doria Cataldo of the PDS. This PDS-leaning seat was won by Ms. Cristina Bacco, a descendant of Carlo Franco Bacco, a Christian Democratic prime minister in the 1920s.
Grattio d'Onna, Norden: Clara Salzola (PP) - Like Desantorica, the suburban grant of Onna has been steadily drifting towards the PP. Clara Salzola's win over incumbent MP Lazzaro Tricola (PDS) crowned the PP's success in Onna.
Pianuro di Norremaque, Norden: Camilo Rastella (PP) - Voters of the Normarker Plain replaced MP Alberto Sgrena of the PP with his partymate Camilo Rastella, mayor of the city of Secchia.
Plantina Sorda - Ravino, Brutland: Tobias Brutarigo (PP) - Mr. Brutarigo replaced MP Taddeo Albureneschi, who retired after holding this seat for more than 20 years.
Platina - Doro, Norden: Francesca Santóianni (PP) - Incumbent MP Marico Bazanella of the PDS was defeated for reelection in this constituency full of unionized miners and steel workers. Mrs. Santóianni attracted voters with her moderate stances in economics and conservative stances on social issues.
Soltera Esta, Norden: Ludovico Lungarelli (PP) - Mr. Lungarelli, lord mayor of the town of San Geraldo al Carocchi, defeated MP Zenone Croce of the PDS for the seat of East Soltera.
Soltera Osta, Norden: Lamberto Cadorna (PP) - The seat of West Soltera joined the drift towards the PP, ousting incumbent MP Bernardo Giovanetti (PDS) and replacing him with Lamberto Cadorna (PP), mayor of Santa Cristina al Carocchi.
Spadavecchia, Norden: Angela Armelli (PP) - The city of Spadavecchia voted a rightist candidate as MP for the first time in almost 30 years. Angela Armelli of the PP won over incumbent MP Ambrogio Pisticci of the PDS in what was thought to be a safe PDS seat.
Trefini Sorda, Norden: Dario Doria (PP) - Even with their well-known candidate being pitted against a relatively unknown newcomer, the PDS still failed to win this marginal constituency of South Trefini. Mayor Dario Doria (PP) of Briatico won two-to-one over former PDS gubernatorial candidate Arrigo Paolini.
Torranica - Esolu di Pecadi - Cattero di Perucce, Brutland: Kyle Tyler Lancelotti (PP) - The PDS lost a chance for a gain in this marginal seat. With popular longtime MP Cedric Verona retiring, Esolu di Pecadi grant president Oratio d'Algravi went head-to-head with PP candidate Kyle Tyler Lancelotti, the surprise winner of the PP primaries. D'Algravi went on the negative, criticizing Lancelotti for his lack of experience. It didn't go down well for the positive-looking, incumbent-happy voters of the district: D'Algravi went on to lose by more than twenty percentage points, barely squeaking a win in his home grant of Esolu di Pecadi. Meanwhile, Lancellotti racked up huge margins in his home grant of Torranica, with one-third of the voters in the district. Lancelotti will be the youngest person ever to be elected MP, at age 22.
Vallo d'Azura, Norden: Diana Calderone (PP) - With the PP win in the Azura Valley, both of Asernia's parliamentary constituencies are now in PP's hands. Diana Calderone, the mayor of Castellfiumanese and wife of Norden Justice Secretary Thorizio Calderone, won over MP Salvatore di Mucci of the PDS, 51%-48%.
Vallo di Chiardogna, Brutland: Giuliana Dragonetti (PP) - Following PP MP Marieta Corcovana's retirement from politics, fellow PP member Giuliana Dragonetti won easily in this safe PP seat.
Viledenno Nordosta - Vallo d'Albiore Inferiore, Norden: Carmela Caduccio (PP) - The PP leanings of the lower Albiore valley overwhelmed the weak PDS strength in Dennville proper, electing Ms. Carmela Caduccio to the seat formerly held by PDS MP Francesco Gomicola.
Viledenno Sordosta - Mendicino, Norden: Isaac Cardarella (PP) - Another slice of Dennville fell to the PP after the seat of Southeast Dennville - Mendicino voted in Isaac Cardarella (PP), relieving MP Benjamin Grocola (PDS) of his parliamentary job.
Vilòstresa Sordesta - Santelleria Sordosta, Union Territories: Aurora Pasi (PV) - The seat of Kingsville Southeast - Santelleria Southwest was the second win for the Green Party. Environmental activist Aurora Pasi defeated incumbent MP Tireno Salvamano in this urban-suburban district separated by the Union Channel. Salvamano placed third in the five-way race, retaining support in the Santelleria half of the district but lost the Kingsville half to Pasi.
Aside from these, the Popular Party is also projected to win the seat for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad.

Reactions
Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella and the Popular party were elated at the result. "We would like to thank the people of Brutland and Norden for their trust the had given and the mandate they granted for us to continue the good and effective governance for Brutland and Norden," Cortanella said in a press conference after Nord-Brutlandese networks projected Cortanella to win more seats. PM Cortanella also confirmed that there will be no change in the cabinet.

The Social Democrats, on the other hand, were dismayed at the result. "No comment," replied MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] when asked about her reaction on the result.

The Green Party were also considered winners in the election, adding another seat in their representation in the General Court. The Nationalist Party, on the other hand, was eliminated from the General Court.
from: http://en.lunnone.co.nem/06012008/novo/4r568ssb3.htm (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13737045#post13737045)