Into the Unknown - Fictional Election Series (Master Thread)

[Kamala]

Labor Leadership election, 1982

First Ballot
Nelson Crane - 45.5%
Shelley Mendelssohn - 42.4%
Simon Desmondee - 12.1%

Second Ballot
Nelson Crane - 53.7%
Shelley Mendelssohn - 46.3%

In what turned out to be a tight race between Nelson Crane and Shelley Mendelssohn, the two major wings of Labor came down to the wire. By the end of the first balloting, no candidate had reached a majority, leaving third-place loser Simon Desmondee to be the kingmaker.

Reluctantly, Desmondee gave his support to Crane, claiming that Mendelssohn's socially liberal agenda was too much of a threat to the party's prospects and the nation to be tolerable.

By November of 1982, Crane's intraparty reforms had begun to take shape. He appointed Desmondee his deputy for his support during the leadership election. However, Crane's own somewhat egotist personality led him to be extremely antagonistic against Mendelssohn and her supporters. The resignation of Clement Burdiss from Parliament led the party to another breaking point; party leaders had the ability to appoint replacements for any of their members who had left Parliament, but the motion must be approved by a majority of the party's sitting MPs. Mendelssohn's attempt to use the motion to gain leverage over Crane resulted in her expulsion from the party; soon, six other loyal supporters left the party voluntarily. While Crane did fill the empty seat with his chosen nominee, Labor was cut down from the second largest party to the third smallest, and lost its position of official opposition to Ta' Lāmla.

By December of 1982, the independent caucus led by Mendelssohn had to make a choice regarding its future, which will be covered in the next segment.

[Kamala]

1982 Flag Referendum



Q1: Ought the flag be changed?

No - 52.6%
Yes - 47.4%

Despite a spirited effort by the pro-change camp, the referendum on the flag failed to bring about change. Because the first question failed, the second was not considered at all, and the old colonial flag of Lamarna would remain the official flag of the country.

[Kamala]

The 1st Praxbee Government
1981-1985

Penny Praxbee's coalition government of the Progressive, Justice, and Liberal parties was off to roaring start as the government began to liberalize the economy. Taxes were cut for the poor and middle class, while being raised slightly on the wealthy. Within a year of the government's formation, the economy began to recover, with growth returning to approximately 4% per year by Easter of 1983.

Trade relations were strengthened with the United States, and a trade deal with Australia was established. However, at the behest of Kim Miller, the country raised the tariff on steel, corn, and wine. Overall, relations with President Reagan grew much warmer, and Prime Minister Praxbee met with him at a summit in Hawaii in 1982. In July of 1983, a tetrapartite summit regarding the Pacific was held in Sunderland, where Praxbee invited Reagan, recently-elected Prime Minister Bob Hawke, and Soviet premier Yuri Andropov [who, upon his return to Moscow, would be admitted to the Central Clinical Hospital.] The talks were mostly ceremonial, but demonstrated a general amelioration of relations between the two superpowers. Praxbee became an international celebrity overnight for her work to bring the two most powerful men in the world together.

However, that popularity did not translate well into popularity throughout Lamarna. The welfare reform acts that Praxbee desired to pass, such as UBI, were well-thought-out, but stumbled in convincing coalition partners to vote for it. Praxbee then sought to receive support from constructive opposition, such as the Social Democrats and Ta' Lāmla, but failed to whip enough votes to pass any significant change in welfare policy. The government did succeed in passing an important fuel subsidy for the poor, allowing those living on outer islands to heat their homes adequately during the winter. The government also implemented a prenatal care package, effectively making obstetric checkups and  giving birth at hospitals paid for by the government.

The cholera epidemic of the outer islands continued to spread, and reached the South Islands. A strike by the sanitation workers' union hamstrung the government's efforts to contain the disease. An emergency sitting of Parliament passed a law making strikes illegal during a state of emergency if the industry was deemed necessary to solve the emergency.

Such backroom maneuvering disgusted the left wing parties, and Ta' Lāmla and Labor agreed to stand together as one list for the next election. The Social Democrats officially changed their position and refused to be constructive in opposition.

By the end of the crisis, approximately two dozen people died from cholera, and the government was left ashamed. Praxbee, however, managed to whip the votes within the government, often berating, shaming, and yelling at uncooperative MPs in back rooms, to pass a universal basic income of £150 a month per adult and £75 per child  – not enough to live off of, but definitely made life easier for the poor.

As the monthly checks began to be distributed, the people of Lamarna headed to the polls once more...

[Kamala]

1985 Elections

Alliance pushes toward victory

Alliance - 30.6% - 43 MPs (+4) (Ta' Lāmla - 25 MPs, Labor - 18 MPs )
Liberal - 19.7% - 27 MPs (+7)
Progressive - 18.0% - 24 MPs (-2)
Social Democrats - 13.4% - 18 MPs (+11)
Justice - 13.1% - 17 MPs (-6)
People's - 2.7% - 0 MPs (-8)
Union - 2.3% - 0 MPs (-4)

President
Tanno Lalleé (incumbent) - 55.9%
Edward Stamer - 44.1%

As the campaign dragged on, political discourse in the nation began to rear its ugly head. The campaign of 1985 could be called the first real political election, as parties began to criticize each other, took on an aggressive tone, and formed animosity between the party leaders.

As soon as it arrived, the People's Party faded into obscurity, alongside Union. Neither party leader was able to cite any experience or work in the government, and failed to motivate their base, leading to a significant exodus out of the parties.

Justice was forced to answer for many questions, such as its votes for the Praxbee Government's programs, that contradicted its own policies. Miller, showing signs of age and illness, was lackluster I answering those questions.

The Liberal Party managed to capitalize on the success of economic reform, and co-opted the Prime Minister's attempts to display those successes as her own. The Liberals managed to excite many of their supporters. The Progressives lost a small amount of support, but remained at a respectable support level.

The left-wing Alliance worked together soundly, and deflected many attacks by the new Social Democrats. However, Mendelssohn's impassioned appeals to minorities and women struck a chord.

The Social Democrats list was 50% women, and they elected 9 female MPs, more women than served in the entire previous Parliament.

As the Ta' Lāmla-Labor Alliance succeeded in its goal of pushing the Prime Minister out of first place, it was immediately dissolved after the certification of the results. Disagreements over who would receive the mandate resulted in the reelected President Tanno Lalleé moving the mandate to the Liberals, citing "the importance of forming a functional government."

Upon receiving the mandate, Bellson, keen on making good use of the opportunity, reformed the previous governing coalition, albeit with him leading. Penny Praxbee, whose backbench continued to support, agreed to work with the Liberals, citing that either Alliance member receiving the mandate would be disastrous. Miller, however, refused, obviously shaken by his party's recent loss.

In a desperate attempt, Bellson approached Mendelssohn, promising to work with her social liberal agenda as well as implementing a government healthcare scheme. Mendelssohn was still leery of Crane for expelling her from the Labor Party, and was suspicious regarding Onamlee's willingness to work with Crane. Mendelssohn decided that it would be better to work in government and push forth her goals than allow Crane to become PM.

Both Crane and Onamlee immediately regarded the deal as "the Liberals stealing the election." The Alliance was about to be reformed, but it was too late to change anything; coalition negotiations were going smoothly, and seemed ready to succeed. Praxbee would once again serve as Foreign Minister, while Mendelssohn's demand of Chancellor was met – she wanted to make sure the Liberals would not go too far in their right-wing agenda.

Prime Minister Bellson after being sworn in

[Kamala]

So here's a little opportunity for people to make an impact on the game: naming cities! First come, first serve - just please make sure the name is at least semi-realistic and not sophomoric. Select a city and go wild.



1. 88,000. Old coal mining town, with a decent amount of metal and heavy industry.
2. 78,000. Relatively new town, with a strong tourist industry.
3. 93,000. Oldest city in Lamarna, former capital, with minor industrial development. Iron mining town. Home of a university.
4. 83,000. Fishing town, minor port,
5. 97,000. Home of the nationalized arms industry.
6. 79,000. Fishing town.
7. 80,000. Largest Mālno-majority city. Fishing-industry based, home of a university. - Mana'eā
8. 104,000. City with a small port, entrepôt for vineyards on the island. Cultural capital, home of a university.
9. 75,000. Major meatpacking and cannery industry. Located centrally near most farms and ranches. - Marswick
10. 120,000. Large port town, major shipbuilding center. Home of a university. - Arcadia
11. 165,000. Working-class suburb, with a large amount of steel industry. Major transit center. - Morganville
12. 95,000. Bourgeois suburb, former home of Blakelee's presidential palace complex. Commuter suburbs.  - Sunderland

I'm going to repeat this, just in case anyone else wants to name some towns. Otherwise, I'll just alternate between Tim's and Mainiac's lists.

[Kamala]

 

Justice Leadership Election, 1986



First Ballot:
Edward Stamer - 54.6%
Dan Fyfor - 45.4%

Stamer's popularity among the general public helped him win over concerned undecided voters between him and Fyfor. However, to maintain party unity, Stamer appointed Fyfor his deputy.

Kim Miller was forced by the party apparatus to resign from Parliament, and Stamer took over Miller's former seat.

[Kamala]

Constitutional Amendment of 1987


MMP System
Yes - 59.3%
No - 40.7%

Senate
Yes - 49.8%
No - 50.2%

With the passage of the mixed-member-proportional amendment, Prime Minister Bellson was happy to announce that the next election would include the new districts and the size of Parliament will be increased.

[Kamala]

The 1st Bellson Government
1985-1987

Andrew Bellson's government marked the first centre-right administration in Lamarna's democratic history, and it was off to a relatively solid start. The economic recovery that began under Praxbee continued, and by mid-1986 unemployment was at a low 4.8%.

Bellson succeeded in passing tax cuts, tax breaks for foreign investment, and a significant infrastructure rehabilitation package. The ratification of the 1987 MMP amendment was another tick in the list of Bellson's accomplishments. A drug price ceiling was established, teachers' unions were weakened, and the cholera epidemic entirely contained.

Bellson's foreign policy was also successful - not least thanks to Praxbee as his Foreign Minister. New trade deals with the United States were crafted, as were ones with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the U.K. Bellson was even invited by President Reagan to the White House. The American airbase on Lamarna was begun to be constructed, and there were rumors of a potential naval base as well.

However, in early July, 1987, Bellson decided to push for labor union reforms, proposing a significant cut to the power of the unions. Mendelssohn initially expressed her unhappiness with such a policy in private to the Prime Minister; however, the PM continued to push for aggressive reforms, to which the Social Democrat leader publicly announced in mid-August that her party will no longer support the government. A motion of confidence was called, and the government collapsed on August 20th, 1987.

Meanwhile, Labor leader Nelson Crane died of a heart attack on August 23rd. Labor officials scrambled and were unable to determine how to select a leader in time for September 30th election. However, in a party conference, 9 MPs (out of 17 in Parliament after Crane's death) proposed uniting with Ta' Lāmla. Jacob Onamlee would preside as the leader of the new party, called The Left / O' Matui, which would be a permanent alliance.

[Kamala]

Parliamentary Elections, 1987



LIST

The Left - 39.3% (+8.7%) 52 MPs (+9)
Liberal - 38.9% (+19.2%) 51 MPs (+24)
Social Democrats - 11.7% (-1.7%) 15 MPs (-3)
Progressive - 5.8% (-12.2%) 7 MPs (-17)
People's - 3.0% (+0.3%) 4 MPs (+4)
Justice - 1.2% (-11.9%) 0 MPs (-17)

CONSTITUENCY

WON BY THE LEFT

Karlburg	Weald	Brennanhaven East	Brennanhaven West
Alberton Carlotta	Morganville North	Morganville South	Victoriana
Lialar	Hamilton	A' Kapui	Mana'ea
A' Kalae	A' Makalae	Kelele and Pana	Arcadia Port
Arcadia University	A' Makapui	Ka' Lai	Artlenton
Kama-mana

WON BY LIBERAL PARTY

Winot	Cook	Debonair	Keln's Harbor
Alberton High Church	Alberton Port	Alberton Georgian Gardens	New West
Bellasare	Tasman	Schwartzland	Blacksburg
Campette and Hayana	Aribye

WON BY SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Pryne, Althur, Charles, and Grantia

Sunderland

Neukiel

Marswick

WON BY PROGRESSIVE PARTY

Alberton Centre

Montaign

TOTAL
The Left - 73 MPs
Liberal - 65 MPs
Social Democrats - 19 MPs
Progressive - 9 MPs
People's - 4 MPs

The election of 1987 was marked by a unique trend towards a two-party system, perhaps spurned on by the creation of the first-past-the-post constituencies and the Left union. The campaign ended up focusing on the question of the alliance with the United States, with the Left taking a much harder anti-USA stand than usual.

Both the Liberals and the Left received the highest proportion of votes in electoral history, and together won 35 of the 41 constituencies. The Left swept the Southern Islands, while the Liberals performed strongly in the capital metro.

After results were certified, no party reached a majority by itself. The Social Democrats announced they will not serve in government with either the Left or the Liberals due to irreconcilable differences on foreign policy and economics, respectively. This meant that Jacob Onamlee could not form a majority government. The Prime Minister couldn't form a majority either, even with the support of the Progressive and People's parties, who did not reject a coalition with the Liberals. However, because neither alliance could form a majority, a grand coalition seemed to be the only possible option. However, both leaders ridiculed the idea.

The Left first received the mandate to form a government, but failed. The Prime Minister received the mandate next, once again failing to form a majority government.

For several weeks the fate of the nation was uncertain. However, after several rounds of negotiations, the Social Democrats finally agreed to give confidence and supply to a Liberal-Progressive-People's coalition, while voting only for matters they agree with the government.

Jacob Onamlee called Shelley Mendelssohn "a traitor to the cause of the left."

The Prime Minister was sworn in for a second term by President Tanno Lalleé.

[Kamala]

The Lamarnan Civil War

The freed Jacob Onamlee returns to Alberton, 1991

As hostilities continued to increase, neither side seemed to be gaining a clear victory. 1989 was full of stalemate battles and long sieges of cities. Government forces, having resettled in Blacksburg, buckled down and asked the Americans for assistance. Unfortunately for them, President Dukakis was unwilling to risk a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, and instead sent only humanitarian, nonsectarian assistance to areas affected by violence.

However, due to the Government's control of the city of Blacksburg, they were also able to reap the benefits of the arms industry, still located and functioning in the city. Yet this was not enough to propel the government to victory.

The Southern Islands, under total control of the rebels, elected their own president, Yanne Hepburn, of mixed Anglo-Mālno heritage, to serve as their leader.

In March 1990, the city of Sunderland surrendered to the rebels, the first step to gaining complete control of the capital metro. Hepburn declared that victory was coming, and began to set up international consulates in Marswick.

In July 1990, government forces, increasingly desperate, launched a risky assault on the outer boroughs of Morganville, hoping to score a victory, something that had become increasingly rare in the past few months for the Government, and distract the forces laying siege to Alberton. The forces were successful in breaking the defenses and capturing a neighborhood. Increasingly weary and driven insane by war, the commander of the forces claimed that people living in the neighborhood were spies and were providing crucial, secret information to the rebels. In what came to be known as the July Massacre, he ordered the execution of 473 women, children, and elderly.

The international community was outraged, and the UN swiftly condemned the Bellson government. The United States and the Soviet Union, in a secret summit in northern Japan, agreed to work together to blockade Lamarna and overthrow Bellson.

The blockade fleet was assembled and set sail for Blacksburg in late August of 1990. A small contingent of ground troops from both superpowers also arrived in Sunderland to help the siege of Alberton.

The blockade lasted for several months, with Alberton falling to the rebels, yet Bellson refused to surrender. In mid-December, Dukakis and Gorbachev decided to allow a ground force to land in Blacksburg and turn the town.

On Christmas Day, 1990, Prime Minister and President Andrew Bellson was captured and taken upon the USS Kitty Hawk. Also aboard the ship was rebel leader Yanne Hepburn. Bellson was forced to surrender and call his government to stand down.

The UN, US, and USSR all aided in the transition and rebuilding of the island nation. The two-year-long war had resulted in the death of over a quarter of a million people, nearly 10% of the country's population. Hepburn was sworn in as President, and freed many political prisoners, including The Left's leader Jacob Onamlee. Shelley Mendelssohn returned to Lamarna, as did the Progressives.

In 1991, Hepburn, with the aid of the MPs who were loyal to the rebel forces, pardoned all those who fought for both sides for crimes committed during the war, save for the perpetrators of the July Massacre and the members of the government.

Elections were to be held immediately, in February of 1991. The Liberal Party was banned and disbanded, as was the People's Party, for their participation in the government during the war.

[Yeahsayyeah]

I have now read the whole series and appreciate it very much. I would have been a Social Democrat voter (and probably party acitivist at the local level - because of my last name "Stern" I love to pretend being Jewish for gameplay reasons *g*) from the beginning. As the move of supporting the first Bellson government is quite logical, though I am not very comfortable with this move.
My question about the 1987 government formation is, why no Left-Social Democrat Coalition was formed. It would have been arithmetically possible and would have made sense policy-wise, more than the "Cooperation Coalition á la Schulz" that was finally formed, from a Social Democrat perspective. Especially as they and the Progressives did not accomplish anything progressive in the first Bellson government and his quite autocratic persona was known by then.

Social wedge issues weren't important in the campaign and obviously there was no real purge,  Mendelssohn had almost the support of the half of the members, but only a part of the left wing left Labour. So there still has had  to be a socially liberal to moderate wing in Labour, which is why an alliance with Our Future was possible. And Our Future was never very vocal about social issues, but seems to be on the Left to Old Labour though Malno were probably more socially moderate to conservative then the average population at the beginning.

Barring the catastrophic events that have shaken all things up, I would probably have left the party in the long run over this dumb move. I want my party to be more then a tool of Mendelssohn's personal revenge (though I like her personally).

I also think that there should be a party of Bellson apologists at a point after this polarising war. As there should have been a party that has roots in the followers of the first dictator, but that is to late. ;-)

[Kamala]

Would anyone be interested in this becoming an interactive election game (as in, moved to the section down in the site)?

[GoTfan]

Would anyone be interested in this becoming an interactive election game (as in, moved to the section down in the site)?

Hell yeah. Maybe set it in the modern day, since the backstory is already established.

[MAINEiac4434]

Would anyone be interested in this becoming an interactive election game (as in, moved to the section down in the site)?

Yes, perhaps the lead up to a 2018 election?

[Kamala]

Game master thread link here!