Medura's Controversial Election

[medura]

Three Recounts Later... Still No President

 

Medura International News

 

After the conclusion of a third recount, the results of the historic first Meduran election are still unknown. The elections were held 4 weeks ago.

 

The young 7 year old Holy Republic of Medura has been led by a provisional government comprised of one leader from the "12 core cities." During that time, Medura has developed an economy based off the free market and with government interference limited to breaking up monopolies. The 14 million citizens enjoy a high standard of living, for less than 5% fail to meet basic needs for living.

 

Nevertheless, the economic and political direction of the republic was an important issue during the campaign. The Centralist Party campaigned on government-run schools and an expansion on labor laws, including setting a minimum wage of Seven Bongos an hour. Both the Nationalist and Conservative Parties championed maintaining the free market system, they differed over Medura's foreign relations. Like the Centralists, the Conservatives promised protectionism and isolation. Conversely, the Nationalists promoted free trade and interaction with the world community.

 

At stake is 150 seats in Parliament- a legislative body comprised of representatives from all of Medura's parties- 100 senate seats- a legislative body comprised of directly elected representatives- and the powerful executive position known as "the director." This new government will take over for the provisional government next month.

 

The Nationalists won big in the senate, gaining 41 seats. The Centralists came in second with 32, the Centralists with 15, the Greens with 10 and the Socialists with 2. Parliamentary elections turned out differently for the Nationalists won a mere 50 seats, the Centralists scoring a majority with 60, the Centralists winning 22, the Socialists with 8 and the Greens, Purple People Alliance and Fascists United shared the remaining seats.

 

The Director's election has been extremely close, and controversial. In the first count, Centralist Party candidate Haman Banks received 31.4% of the vote, Nationalist Party candidate General Gordon Walker received 29.9% of the vote and Conservative Party candidate Peter Strong counted 25.8% of the vote. The various other candidates counted for the rest of the vote.

 

As laid out in the "Document of Unification," such close result warrants a recount to solidify the results. The results of the first recount were shocking: Walker (N) emerged on top with 33.1% of the vote, Banks (Cen) dropping down to 27.9% and Strong (Con) moving up to 27.6%. The Nationalists buckled under national pressure and agreed to another recount.

 

The second recount was even more bizarre. Banks (Cen) moved to the top with 30.5% of the vote, Walker (N) came within a mere 332 votes, scoring 30.4% while Strong stayed stagnant with 27.8% of the vote.

 

As the provisional government debated what to do, burned ballots were found in a countryside landfill. The garbage was traced to Centralist Party headquarters, and General Walker immediately directed accusations at the Centralists. He pointed to the fact that up to 9000 less ballots were counted in the second recount.

 

The Centralist response was pointing to supposed interference in the political process. The Medura Police force, under the direct command of Walker, was present in force at key election stations during the vote. Polling just days before the election had Banks winning by over 15%, and Centralist Party spokesman Jerald Concon stated "We find it hard to believe that so many people changed their minds naturally."

 

Banking on a mistake in counting, the Provincial Government ordered another recount three days ago. Representatives from the three major parties oversaw all counting stations. Seven hours ago, the results were released: Walker (N) scored 32.7%, Banks (Cen) received 30.6% and, in yet another unpleasant twist, Strong (Con) jumped up to 32.2%. Thirty minutes later, General Walker stood on top of the stairs of the Capital building and stated "Today, great people of Medura, I announce the beginning of a new era: an era of glory and prosperity. Today, I declare victory for the Meduran people!"

 

The Centralists and Conservatives both voiced their concerns and are meeting as we speak to discuss the day's results. Proposals range from requesting a new vote to even asking the world community to step in. It is expected that they will deem the results untrue, forged and disregardable.

 

The greatest outcry has come from the smaller parties, however. The most recent recount greatly diminished the number of votes credited to them. The Socialist Party, which gets is small popularity from the dirt poor of the country, has threatened to "unleash the Proletariat upon the oppressive bourgeoisie." The Green Party, formed out of protest as a result of the government's deforestation of the rainforest to get at valuable uranium, has threatened to resume its terror campaign of torching lumberyards and suicide bombing the homes of hunters. Such terrorism cost business thousands three years ago and resulted in a government ban on SUVs.

 

Most concerning, however, is a plea from "League of Hinduism" leader Bob Crank. The group comprises of religious minorities that attempt to combat the 95% of Medura that is Orthodox Christian through Separation of Church and State legislation. He directly speaks to the world community: "free us from this emerging dictatorship." Indeed, the controversial election may very well turn into a global issue very soon.

Edited February 10, 2006 by medura (see edit history)