2620 Republic Election

The 2600 Republic election was the 12th general election in the Republic It was also the second time that the President of the Republic would be elected directly by the popular vote. 

Overview

The Terran Republic was founded with the promise of an elected lower chamber, the General Assembly and a partially elected upper chamber, the Senate. In addition, the General Assembly would then elect the new President 

New Presidential System

As of the constitution of 2594, the President would now be elected by a direct vote of the people of the Republic. It would require a candidate to have sufficient signatures to back them to be added to the ballot, along with their running mate. In addition, a person would need signatures on at least 75% of all member worlds. The election would then see a direct election of all presidential candidates. The top two candidates with the highest number of votes will proceed to a second ballot, unless one candidate achieves 51% of the vote in the first ballot, in which case they are elected President. In the 2nd ballot, held just one week later, the electorate would then vote on the two remaining candidates with the winner being elected President of the Republic. 

Parties

There were a large range of political parties standing the election, including several parties which were standing on just one world. The major political parties were: 

• Social Democratic Party SDP) -a centre-left party that proposes a “Big tent” left wing platform of state intervention and the construction of a welfare state. The SDP has attempted to portray itself as the "natural progressive party of government".
• Republican Centrist Party (RCP) - a moderate to centre-left party that has generally taken a Federalist tone. Originally very pro corporate, it clashed heavily ithe Hansa head of the 2590 elections.
• Heart of Terra (HOT) -
• Onyx (ONX) -the largest centre-right party in the Republic, Onyx were formed after a merger between Vishnu Elpis and Valiant to form a centre-right, somewhat religously minded party.
• Valtinist Popular Party (VPP) -
• Isolationist Party (ISO) -A conservative party that propose that the new Republic remain out of foreign policy entanglements. Favors the creation of a strong military
• Kasr Aleajala (KA) - a radical anti-Hansa party that was considered by many to be left wing insurgent party.
• Imperial party (IMP) -a centre-right party that aim to bring back the Empire, via a constitutional monarchy.

Joint Lists

After extensive talks, Onyx and Heart of Terra agreed to form a Joint List, referred to as the "National Conservative List". There were some wobbles, especially around the Baron's arrest (see below) and an attempt by both the Imperial Party and the RCP to get into the list. But in the end, it endured to the finish line.

The SDP failed to form a Joint List with VPP or the RCP, despite talks. Meanwhile KA attempted to form a JL with the SDP and VPP but were unsuccessful.

Some political pundits believe the lack of unity on the left played a part in their ultimate defeat.

Campaign Finance Laws

The Republic banned parties with no "vested interest" in the Republic from raising and donating money for political parties. The Emergency Delegates sent before the election set up a campaign finance board (RCFB) which was given broad oversight powers. 

New tougher laws on campaign finance had been passed during the Noah Averssen administration which gave the Attorney General more powers to deal with campaign finance violations. The regulations introduced in by the Isolationist Party made it illegal for parties, including corporations outside the Republic to donate to the campaign. It also set a limit of 4 billion adjusted dollars per campaign in the General Assembly and 2 billion at a planetary level. In 2559,

Vishnu Elpis introduced a new campaign finance law that would limit total spending during a ten year term to five billion adjusted dollars. This was voted through the General Assembly and then subject to a legal challenge on behalf of Valiant. The legal challenge saw the bill referred to the Senate, which was then delayed by filibusters and procedural road-blocks to prevent the bill from becoming law in time for the 2560 election but were effective for the 2580 election onwards.

Possible Supreme Court Challenge

There was an expected legal challenge against the campaign finance laws to the Supreme Court. However, as of the filing deadline in 2610, no legal challenge had reached the Supreme Court. 

General Assembly

Each member world would be assigned seats in the General Assembly based around its population, with proportional representation then deciding how the seats would be allocated. A party required a minimum of 5% of the planet's vote to be considered for a seat, any votes to parties with fewer than 5% would then be discounted. The 5% threshold value was also expected to face a challenge in the Supreme Court at some stage. 

Senate

After the 2594 constitution, all words were allowed to appoint or elect their senators at their discretion, with many of the hereditary governors choosing to appoint at least one, if not both Senators. 

Increasingly over the last few elections, more and more senators have been appointed and a full quarter of the 2620 senate class were appointed rather than elected.

Presidential Election

The President of the Republic is now elected by a direct vote of the electorate and assumes power after the election. They are free to appoint their own cabinet, though cabinet officers are now subject to approval by the legislature. 

Candidates

The 2620 presidential election drew a large field of candidates, with each party having a different system for selecting its nominee.

• Vice President Wren Dando - Onyx -former Valtinist priest who was elected to the GA in 2600 and then Vice President under President Jose Canazarro . Seen as a moderate within her party
• Senator Julianna Knottman - Social Democratic Party -former lawyer turned speech writer and then senior staffer to Senator Johnston Coady. Seen as a radical within the SDP
• Senator Watson Beals - Heart of Terra -former Marine Corps colonel who was appointed to the senate on the Terra Undivided ticket and later became their floor leader.
• General Keiko Sanada - Imperial - former Marine Corps officer who rose to the post of Chief of Staff of the Republic Military. A first time political candidate who had been courted by several other party's
• Dr Laurence Fellowes - VPP -controversial Valtinist preacher whose doctorate was withdrawn after a major disagreement with the SAC. A first time candidate
• Rep Joshua Moscone -Isolationist Party -former lawyer, elected to the 2610 GA. Somewhat of a left field candidate, Rep Moscone was forced to step up when much of the Isolationist field refused to run
• Governor Beau Hillcoat - Republican Centrist Party - a former corporate lawyer and investor who became Mayor of Cape Town and then was elected Governor of Earth in 2610 in a surprise result.
• Dr Erica Guerin - KA - academic, writer and consultant, considered an expert in foreign policy. A first time political candidate who viewed the Hansa as "dangerous to the safety of the Republic."

Mergers and Changes

Terra Undivided (TU) and Ravenheart (RHC) agreed a merger, despite some of their core differences. The two parties merged after discussions between Baron Gaius Corvo and Tyrus Elazar, which resulted in the merger as Heart of Terra (HOT).

Both party's had agreed a ticket for their own party's so a fusion was agreed, with Senator Watson Beals (from TU) as the presidential nominee and Senator Malvan McCoy (from RHC) as the VP nominee.

Long standing, if sometimes awkward allies Gurava and the SDP agreed a formal merger after ongoing talks from 2612. Senator Julianna Knottman's relationship with her brother, Finn, was a key part to the merger. Former members of Gurava were given some key races and their senators, with a few exceptions, all agreed to run as SDP senators.W

With the end of the Dhau War, Stop the War rebranded as the Valtinist Popular Party (VPP). A handful of people refused to join the new party and either went to the SDP or became independent.

New Party's

A group of academics and former military professionals published a paper which suggested that the Hansa had played a key role in the Republic's failure to win the Dhau War. This coalesced into a new political party, Kasr Aleajala (KA) - a radical anti-Hansa party that was considered by many to be left wing insurgent party.

House Moreland formed the Imperial Party (IMP) which sat as a centre-right party that aimed to bring back an Empire through Democratic means and to end up with a constitutional monarchy.

The Campaign

The 2620 campaign got underway with the normal five week window between starting and the 1st ballot, with a total of six weeks campaigning in all.

Collapse of the Isolationist Party

Since 2610 and the breakaway of the "Social Conservative" wing of the Isolationist party to join Terra Undivided, the Isolationist Party, officially the oldest party in the Republic, had been a long decline.

After the end of the Dhau War, there were sharp disagreements over the signing of the treaty, which saw the party terribly divided.

Dwindling support and funds saw many top members of the party fade away, drop out or party switch.

Count Royce Cutbill, who had long been counted on as a key ally, withdrew his support in 2619 and Ward Dutton, who had served as Attorney General under President Jose Canazzaro, went Independent in 2620.

The Isolationist Party convention in 2620 was a sad affair, with most of the top candidates either not turning up or refusing to run.

In the end, Rep Joshua Moscone (ISO) won the party's nomination but few gave him or the Isolationist Party any chance at all in 2620.

The Senate Oversight Hearings

There was much discussion as the 2619 Senate closed as to whether to begin an oversight hearing into the "Moreland Affair", where Duchess Lysa Moreland (IMP) had agreed a deal to see charges dropped by the Attorney General, Ward Dutton.

Many senators felt that it was a "dirty deal" and so Senator Baxter and her committee were empowered to investigate.

However, due to delays to starting the hearing, Senator Baxter felt it was "improper" to carry out such a partisan hearing during an election.

Corvo Scandal and Arrest

Baron Gaius Corvo (HOT) who was serving as the Heart of Terra campaign chair, was arrested by the RFP on charges relating to election fraud and mishandling of classified documents.

The charges were later reduced to "breach of election spending laws" and the Baron was sentenced to five years in prison, with a further five year suspended sentence.

This news did significant damage to the HOT campaign and spiked the numbers for Senator Beals, who had been running 2nd for quite some time.

In a follow up to this event, Secretary of Intelligence Derrien Lewis (HOT) resigned from the cabinet and was later charged and convicted of failure to control classified documents.

SDP & Sharing the Stars

The SDP launched a major campaign effort , with Senator Julianna Knottman (SDP) taking part in an event on Skerrit's World.

She called on "progressive voters to mobilize and affect real change within the Republic. We have an opportunity here to stop the conservatives like Senator Beals and Vice President Dando from entrenching their values and hoarding power. We have a chance right now, we have to take it."

Meanwhile, Rep Paxton Fields (SDP) launched a major policy speech on New Berlin. Speaking at the New Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Rep Fields announced the "Sensible, Shared, Sustainable" policy line. Rep Fields, whose name as been mentioned as a possible candidate for the role of Secretary of the Treasury under an SDP president explained what the policy would do.

"Sharing The Stars: Infrastructure development across the Republic to stimulate local economies and attract jobs and opportunities everywhere, not just in Sol. Money shouldn't be a barrier for education, so generous education grants across the Republic. Tax cuts for SMEs Putting money in your pocket by helping pass the Fair Share Act and no tax increases for working people. Tax cuts for the least fortunate, nobody should have to rely on charities and food banks for their basic subsistence. We're not only focused on a more equitable system which will see the poorer areas of the republic invested in, but in a fiscal policy than can be carried forward. This will put money in the pockets of our citizens and therefore straight back into the economy, to stimulate sustainable growth we've not seen across the Republic in a long time."

Onyx Legislative Wins

During the election, Onyx, which controlled the gavel in the General Assembly, used its position to pass two new laws which helped to enhance its reputation as a sensible and effective party.

Meanwhile, the SDP's attempt to amend the constitution was comfortably defeated, which dented the perception of them as a "serious party" of government

Destiny Fulfilled

Tantor media released a major movie, "Destiny Fulfilled": a biopic of former Marine Colonel and Senator Watson Beals (HOT).

With a massive budget of at least 775 million adjusted dollars, the movie has been launched on a dozen different distribution channels and is a slick, action packed and deeply patriotic movie that showcases Watson Beals backstory, his time in the marine corps and his desire to fix the Republic "through seeking office."

The movie features Miles Palward as the lead, using AR and makeup effects to play Watson Beals from the age of 20 to the age of 65. Miles, known for his liberal political views, said that "I saw it as a truly fascinating challenge to inhabit this character and bring him to the screen." The movie has been a huge hit with audiences, earning massive box-office on its early release Critics have called it "campy, overblown fun" and "pushing an effective narrative". Some critics have said that it is "nothing more than a feature length campaign advert for the Heart of Terra." Tantor is owned by Tavar-Corp.

There was criticism that Tavar-Corp had breached campaign regulations but this was dismissed as "donations in kind" do not count towards elections spending limits

The Presidential Debates

The 2620 debates followed a very similar format to the 2610 debates, with four debates held on four different subjects.

1st Debate

The 1st debate of the 2620 electoral cycle was held from the University of Chicago campus, with Prime Pulse Media holding the primary broad-casting rights.

Dalton McCabe was unavailable so Aliyah Sortaridis was the moderator. The tough nosed former Martian bank executive was a tough moderator and as an expert on the economy, she was quick to push for detail or clarification.

Eight candidates lined up for the first debate and generally speaking, they were on friendly terms, at least in front of the camera. Senator Watson Beals (HOT), tall and ramrod straight, made a big point of walking up to each other candidate for a firm handshake. There was a notable coolness between him and Senator Julianna Knottman (SDP). The diminutive figure of Dr Erica Guerin (KA) was easily missed at first on stage but when it came time for her first answer, she immediately let rip.

She called the Hansa "an engine of self destruction" and accused the mainstream party's of "allowing stagnation and business as usual politics to make the Hansa more powerful and the Republic weaker and weaker. You've been both been asleep at the switch", said looking at first Senator Knottman and then Vice President Dando.

Vice President Dando (ONX) also exploded out of the traps with a powerful, commanding performance. Her clear speaking style, presence and charisma made her the stand out performer on the day and she gave short, balanced answers. She began one answer by agreeing that "the Hansa has become far too powerful and whilst Onyx has taken steps to reduce their power, we haven't gone far enough." The Vice President argued that "KA has some fine notions but they would not be possible to implement without costing jobs, dropping the economy into chaos and without hugely increasing the size of the civil service."

General Keiko Sanada (IMP) also had a very good debate. She showed poise and a clear connection with the subject and she repeatedly moved the issue back to that of "the economy is a national security issue." She criticized the Hansa for "refusing to do more to support the Republic during the recent war" and that their push for tax cuts was "horribly selfish." Critics praised the General for her clear, precise and factually accurate answers With eight candidates, it was hard to stand out for many of the others.

Governor Beau Hillcoat (RCP) gave some strong answers and also hit back at Senator Beals for one slightly fuzzy answer. However, Dr Laurence Fellowes (VPP) made a major error when asked to clarify how he would continue to fund tax cuts for religions. He seemed confused by the question and unclear on the facts. He then talked in circles for around sixty seconds before the moderator muted his mic and asked him to "please just sum up, what service would you cut or what tax would you raise to fund this?" The Valtinist doctor took a deep breath and then gave a rambling, unintelligible answer. After he finished, his posture slumped as it was clear even to him that he had experienced a very bad night.

Audience figures for the first debate were huge, with around 850 million viewers watching live and another 3.25 billion watching highlights afterwards. Pundits agreed that Vice President Dando (ONX) had won the first debate with her commanding performance and charisma. They also agreed that General Keiko Sanada (IMP) had an excellent night.

2nd Debate

The eight presidential candidates arrived at the Pallas Amphitheater near Dhaka City to take part in the 2nd debate. Connect AC hosted this debate, with news anchors Debbie Lykara and Oscar Malone moderating.

The candidates were asked questions about "democracy" but also about its future, whether the move towards a constitutional monarchy was justified and whether the Republic is "actually an oligarchy." Dr Erica Guerin (KA) exploded out of the traps with sharp, focused and acerbic answers. She said that "the Republic has a rich democratic tradition, that is largely just window dressing. The 1%ers fund major political movements, left and right, to make sure that they stay rich. The Hansa, who are controlled by most of the same people, do the same. The pendulum moves and nothing ever changes. The rich get richer and richer and the poor stay poor." She pushed back effortlessly when General Sanada (IMP) tried to defend constitutional monarchs like Princess Valane and Duchess Moreland.

Senator Watson Beals (HOT) gave a strong defence of both democratic election but also "the benefits of having appointees, who will come with expertise and are freed from having to pander to the masses and can just concentrate on doing the job." The Senator also outlined that "even if we return to an Imperial System one day, the people of our worlds would not accept being denied a voice. There'll always be a place for local and planet-level elections and I believe that a reformed Empire would include an empowered, sacrosanct parliament." Governor Hillcoat (RCP) and Senator Knottman (SDP) both weighed in against the return to an Imperial system. Governor Hillcoat said that "whilst there have been some very good monarchs, there are also a number that are oppressive, corrupt and, of course, unaccountable."

Again, with eight on the stage, it was hard for everyone to stand out. Dr Laurence Fellowes (VPP) kept a low profile after his bruising performance in the 1st debate and Vice President Dando (ONX)' attempted to plot a line where she took neither side and her answers didn't really stand out.

General Keiki Sanada (IMP), who was having a decent night, had a disastrous moment when she lost her temper with Senator Watson Beals. Whilst she was attempting to outline the Imperial Party's plans for a future constitutional monarchy, Senator Beals asked her to "outline exactly when her party came up with this idea." The General tried to brush off the question but the Senator continued to allege that "there whole party is based on an idea they stole from my party." The General lost her temper and launched a short tirade at the General and his party, which saw a few candidates fall into stunned silence, though there was footage of Senator Beals smiling and shaking his head and Governor Hillcoat laughing at her.

As the debate ended, it was clear to most pundits that Senator Beals had dominated the night. Whilst many of his answers were more bombast than detail, he had controlled the debate and also battered a rival too. Dr Erica Guerin of KA had another good night and seems to be improving her profile by the day during the debates. Her clear, concise and sharp answers have been very effective. General Sanada had a poor night though really it was just the one big error. But with most viewers only seeing highlights, this moment may follow her around for the rest of the campaign

3rd Debate

The third debate in the 2620 schedule was held at the campus of Cydonia College on Mars, with a mixture of law students, jurists and members of the public in attendance.

Tru News hosted the debate, with veteran newscaster Wolfgang Howler serving as the moderator. This had drawn some criticism from some of the left leaning party's, due to Wolfgang's well known conservative political views.

The eight candidates seemed to feel that this was the debate that was going to matter as they were more aggressive and far less "collegial" than in the past, with some spicy exchanges between several of them. Senator Beals (HOT) tried, unsuccessfully, to get a rise out of Senator Knottman (SDP) when he accused the SDP, whom he called "SDGurava" of being "soft on crime. It's practically in their manifesto."

Vice President Dando (ONX) seemed to be back to her best, battling accusations that President Canazarro (ONX) had failed to keep the peace in the Republic. She pointed out that "her administration had led an effort against Torment, the Yakuza and against multiple terrorist uprisings. We have kept the peace and we have enforced the law." She also pointed to the strengthening of legal codes within the Onyx administration. She did, however, suggest that "I was not in favour of the use of emergency powers, even if I can respect why they were used."

Rep Joshua Moscone (ISO) also had a very strong debate, surprising a lot of people. Sharp, incisive and unwilling to allow people to make wooly or factually inaccurate points, highlighting his own personal background as a prosecutor on Titan. During one of Dr Fellowes (VPP) answers on why he would "reform legal codes to reduce custodial sentances for non-violent offenders", Rep Moscone skewered the preacher, catching him several contradictions and highlighting his lack of policy knowledge.

Rep Moscone also battered General Keiko Sanada (IMP) when she tried to paint a narrative that "A constitutional monarchy would have stronger laws". Rep Moscone pounced on her statement and asked her to explain exactly how and it was clear that the General did not have a full answer, which was then picked up on by Governor Beau Hillcoat (RCP) who continued the cross examination, leaving the General clearly flustered.

Dr Erica Guerin (KA) also had a good debate. She outlined simple and clear policy thoughts on crime and hammered the point that "a lot of crime, but not all of it, is a symptom of poverty. The 1%s want us to look at criminals with horror and then hit them hard, without thinking about what the cause of the crimes are. We need to address the cause, the disparity in wealth that allows a CEO to earn sixteen million adjusted dollars a year whilst a janitor earns just shy of twenty thousand adjusted dollars per year. Under the laws proposed by KA, we'd put an end to that sort of injustice."

Pundits agreed that Rep Moscone had won the debate, with a powerful performance and also by flying high above his, admittedly, low expectations. Vice President Dando had also returned to form and given strong answers and used her charisma and media instincts effectively. Dr Laurence Fellowes and General Keiko Sanada, whilst not disastorous, had clearly had the worst night. The fourth and final debate was due to take place in three days but most pundits pointed out that the audience numbers have dropped lower and lower and a debate on foriegn policy would likely see the smallest audience yet.

4th Debate

The 4th and final Presidential debate took place last night from the Welliver Hotel on Ganymede. The eight candidates took to the stage and there was a notable coolness between Senator Beals (HOT) and General Sanada (IMP), as well as between Senator Beals and Senator Knottman (SDP). Vice President Dando (ONX) appeared fresh and confident and appeared very much at ease on the stage. Dr Erica Guerin (KA) and the Vice President talked amiably before the debate began and the academic made the Vice President laugh out loud, in a moment that got a lot of replays later on.

The final debate was on foreign policy, an important subject but one that the public were expected to be far less interested in. Vice President Dando, once again, was commanding on stage. Whilst some of her answers were short on detail, her sheer charisma, poise and short, composed answers were effective all night long. She was also effortless at knocking back attacks from Senator Beals, Senator Knottman and Dr Fellowes.

Dr Guerin (KA) also fared well, with precise answers and often going into great detail. She described the best approach for Terran foreign policy to be "Trade, as much trade as we can get. Trade partners don't tend to fight wars."

Rep Joshua Moscone (ISO), who has impressed during the debates, was a house of fire in the 4th debate though. He struck back against Senator Knottman and Dr Fellowes when they described alliances as a "net good". Rep Moscone said that "The CCN alliance had its moments but in the end, we did more to help our so-called allies than they ever did for us. Successive President's just watched as our strength waned and our allies bumbled around." He did, however, praise the alliance with the Gannid Commonwealth, whom he described as "steadfast and reliable friends."

Rep Moscone (ISO) hammered away at Senator Knottman (SDP) when she said she would "pursue an attempt to reopen the Galactic Council." Rep Moscone asked "So does the Senator not think the Tazzyn wieold enough power? You want to open another avenue to make them even stronger?" He closed off the debates by saying that "Terrans are strong united. There's nothing wrong with allies but they need to follow us, not the other way around. There's a window here for the Terrans to wield some significant influence in the quadrant and under my Presidency, we would do this." Senator Knottman and Senator Beals (HOT) had quieter nights, with Senator Knottman strangely subdued but still active.
Dr Laurence Fellowes (VPP) had another debate to forget, clashing often with Rep Moscone. In one exchange, which pundits described as "Dr Fellowes got schooled by Rep Moscone", it was clear that Dr Fellowes had no answer and simply had to look down at his notes as Rep Moscone took over.

As the night ended, it was clear that Rep Joshua Moscone had won the debate. VIce President Dando and Dr Erica Guerin (KA) had also had good nights whilst Dr Laurence Fellowes, whilst far from a disaster, had not had a good night.

Audience figures peaked at around 275 million live but apparently there was a large uptake for highlights and many networks showed edited highlights for the rest of the week. Pundits expect that the Isolationist Party will be the main beneficiary of the debates, though whether its enough to save their campaign is another question. Vice President Dando and Dr Guerin also have likely boosted their campaigns going into the last three weeks of the campaign.

The VP Debates

The Vice Presidential debates were to be held on New Berlin during the planning for the 2620 campaign. However, due to complaints from several party's, they were moved to Leander, on the frontier.

The Leander Longclaws stadium was the host to the debates, with Empyreal Entertainment hosting them. Argo McCulloch was the moderator, which raised a few eyebrows as he was principally known for hosting a talk show.

The eight VP candidates lined up on the stage and there were friendly exchanges between Senator James and Rep Debicki but Admiral Fitzhugh gave the cold shoulder to Senator McCoy, as did Randyll Keogh. The debate was a mix of subjects but the economy and law and order ended up the primary focus. The moderator allowed a bit more leeway than usual, which meant that the candidates were often allowed to give more detailed answers.

The two Senators, Keegan James (SDP) and Malvan McCoy (HOT) were in their element here. Both had deep understanding of policy and were quick with their answers. Senator McCoy was razor sharp, especially when picking up on others errors or weak spots. Senator James was far more personable. Senator James was particularly effective on the subject of political corruption, where he accused Onyx and their allies in the "Canazarro government" of being complicit in corporate and political corruption.

Rep Owain Bendis (ONX) had a decent night too. As a GA rep, he was less well known than the senators and this was his chance to build up his profile. Rep Bendis spoke with a great deal of knowledge on the economy and he pointed to the "massive damage that the SDP and KA's plans will do to our economy. They will disadvantage the very people they claim to want to help." Rep Debicki (RCP) also used the debate to showcase a quick wit and a polished media approach. He accused the SDP and Onyx of being "the party's of stagnation"

Rep Debicki said that only an RCP led government would "make the sort of sustainable changes that would make the Republic a better place to live in." After a few initial mis-steps,

Mayor Guy Hockley (KA) started to find his footing and he showed a lot of passion. He was sharply critical of Onyx, HOT and the RCP for "being willing to make the Republic weaker in order to keep the 1% in power".

Randyll Keogh (IMP) had some good moments too. He had a sharp exchange with Senator McCoy who he called "nothing more than a hitman in a business suit". He said that "On St Lawrence, where I am from, when we want to knock someone over, we tend to ask them to face us first. The Senator prefers to hit his enemies in the back." Mr Keogh also spoke at length about the need "for a major reform. We can't go on swapping Presidents and agendas, nothing has a chance to stick, nothing gets to grow. The SDP and Onyx hot potato the presidency and we're getting nowhere."

Admiral Jayden Fitzhugh (ISO) gave a few muddled answers but generally was a non-factor. Several commentators said that she seemed "fatigued" during the debate.

But it was Rep Trov Milroy (VPP) who had the worst night when he made a significant error. When asked about the economy, he appeared to have no idea what the Guardian tax was and when pressed by Senator McCoy, he floundered and looked blank. This moment has been picked up by many media channels. Whilst the two Senators (James & McCoy) probably won the most plaudits, critics have pointed to the low audience figures, with less than 100M at the debates peak, and suggested that the VP debate was a non-factor in the 2620 race.

Allegations of Voter Suppression

In 2614, the Canzarro administration introduced a number of changes to the way voter registration, voting at the polls and online/postal ballots worked.

These were later enhanced again, under the direction of Secretary of the Interior Ivy Valane (ONX).

The GA's Judicial Committee signed off on the changes, with the caveat that they had not had time to read them in full.

Later on, the senate requested the full documents which were handed over. Whilst there were concerns from the senate, no formal action was taken.

As the 2620 campaign reached an end, there were reports of voters being turned away due to "insufficient ID" or "illegal status".

A number of lawsuits were launched under the name "Access Democracy" but every single one was defeated in planetary courts and there was no appeal to the Supreme Court.

The SDP alleged, as did several opposition party's, that there had been an attempt by Onyx to "steal the victory" in 2620.

President 1st Ballot

The 1st Presidential ballot saw the SDP and Onyx finish at the top, much as had been expected for much of the campaign.

The RCP had badly unperformed after their 2nd place finish in 2610. New party's such as HOT, KA and VPP had all performed well, with KA outdoing expectations.

1. VIce President Wren Dando (ONX) - 23%
2. Senator Julianna Knottman (SDP) -22%
3. Senator Watson Beals (HOT) -17%
4. Dr Erica Guerin (KA) - 12%
5. Governor Beauhillcoat (RCP) - 9%
6. Dr Laurence Fellowes (VPP) -9%
7. General Keiko Sanada (IMP) -6%
8. Rep Joshua Moscone (ISO) -2%

President 2nd Ballot

Vice President Dando and Senator Knottman went to the 2nd ballot with Onyx generally leading national polls by 2-3%.

However, the SDP launched a blistering series of attacks, concentrating on allegations of voter suppression and election rigging, which were hotly denied by Onyx.

In the end, the Vice President won the 2620 election with a decent margin of victory, although there was an asterix next to that victory.

• Dando / Bendis (ONX) - 52%
• Knottman / James (SDP) -48%

The next day, Senator Knottman formally conceded the race.

General Assembly

XXXX

1. Onyx - 21%
2. SDP -21%
3. HOT -17%
4. KA -12%
5. RCP -11%
6. VPP -10%
7. IMP -8%
8. ISO -0%

As the Isolationist Party finished below 5%, they did not recieve any seats for the 2620 GA.

Notable Races

St Lawrence Gubernational

St Lawrence's gubernational race saw a close and very expensive contest between Charis Moreland (ALX) and Governor Payden Hickock (IND), the former Gurava nominee for President.

The race drew significant amounts of aid and money from off-world for both candidates and there were significant legal actions taken by both sides.

In the end, Governor Hickcock narrowly won a 2nd term as Governor.

Earth Gubernational

Former Secretary of Intelligence August Solarin (KA) launched a surprise challenge to become Governor of Earth in a race that drew a huge amount of money and attention.

He faced down fellow scion of a great family in Advas Rishi (ONX) and left wing firebrand former Mayor Athens Anna Bezerides (SDP).

In the end, Rishi was able to edge ahead and win the governorship, which was seen y some as the end of the "baked in influence" of House Solarin on Earth.

Campaign Spending

Total spending in the 2620 election was 61 billion adjusted dollars.

President 1st Ballot

1. Onyx - 23%
2. SDP -22%
3. HOT -17%
4. KA -12%
5. VPP -9%
6. RCP -9%
7. IMP -6%
8. ISO -2%

Onyx and the SDP advanced to the 2nd ballot.

President 2nd Ballot

1. Vice President Wren Dando - ONX - 52%
2. Senator Julianna Knottman -SDP - 48%

Vice President Dando was elected President of the Republic

General Assembly

 

1. ONX- 21%
2. SDP -21%
3. HOT -17%
4. KA -12%
5. RCP -11%
6. VPP-10%
7. IMP -8%
8. ISO - 0%

Whilst the Isolationist party finished with 2% of the national vote, this was below the 5% threshold, therefore they did not receive any seats.

 Senate 

• Onyx - 13 Senators (-3)
• Imperial - 11 Senators (New Party)
• Heart of Terra -11 Senators (New Party)
• SDP - 9 Senators (-6 )
• KA -8 Senators (New Party)
• VPP -8 Senators (New Party)
• Independent -8 Senators (+4)
• Isolationist -2 Senators (-8)
• Alexandran -2 Senators (NC)

The Alexandran and Isolationist Senators confirmed that they would caucus with the Imperial Party.

Independent Senator Hyco Tidell confirmed he would caucus with the Imperial Party, though he would remain an independent.

Senate Oversight Chair

The new senate voted to replace Senator Connie Baxter (SDP) as Chair of the Senate Oversight committee. In a close vote, Senator Saadiq al Abdo (IMP) was granted the chairmanship.

Campaign Spending

Official campaign spending reached 61 billion adjusted dollars in 2620.

The New Administration

President-elect Wren Dando was sworn in on 1st of June 2620.

• Vice President - Owain Bendis ONX)
• Attorney General - Sharpur Visantti (ONX)
• Secretary of Defence - Watson Beals (HOT)
• Treasury Secretary -Hypatia Sondeheim (ONX)
• Foreign Secretary - Camilla Navarro (ONX)
• Intelligence Secretary -Hyle Debicki (RCP)
• Interior Secretary -Sloane Kelligan (ONX)
• Education & Skills Secretary - Solomon de Beissis (IND)
• Trade & Transport Secretary - Marius Corvo (HOT)
• Director of RFP - Ferris Duvall-(IND)
• Chief of Staff to the President -Everett Train (ONX