Post by The Union of Tinis on Nov 3, 2010 4:00:19 GMT -5
"Hello, I am Tisvoki Xedinuzatal, and we are beginning tonight fresh and early with the first poll closings happening in mere moments in election 2010. Thank you for joining us for continuing coverage all evening right here at NAMOC. In mere moments polls will begin closing in a number of states all across the nation. It is now eight o'clock Tinis time. Polls are closing at this hour in twelve states: Mermisakma, Velskesh, Tasmra, Mountain, Izixs, Glorvanis, Grental, West Prismwind, Forest, Zada, Yillow, and Bugoto. It will be a few minutes before any returns start coming in. So in the mean time, let me introduce our esteemed panel of experts and prognosticators.
"Starting to my left, the lovely raccoon in the nice vest here is Mab Kin'Hulov, host of the Kin'Hulov Show, to her left is Vernias Auvaifalt, host of Tar Ball, and there at the end of the table is Litun Gorgiv, journalist and former anchor of the Evening Public News. And to my right starting with the fellow in purple, we have 'Necmev Fidkaj, host of The World's Troubles with 'Necmev Fidkaj.
"I'd like to begin tonight by asking the question on everyone's mind, who is going to have the best night tonight?"
Vernias, seen as the most even keeled of the group, and a very orange cat of some sort, opted to answer. "Easy, we're going to see the Socialists finally beat down the Unionists. All the polling before today has had the Socialists eating into the Unionists turf all across the country. This might not be enough for them to win more seats, and in fact it might lead to the NPP or even the Nationalists winning some places that they might not otherwise, but I honestly think that they'll do well enough to at least get close to forty percent of the actual votes. Now it will be concentrated in some areas yes, but if they can hold onto those people in two years, they'll be only the third party ever to win the First Speakership."
"Now, in some ways I agree with Verni," said 'Necmev coming in. "But mandates are not made with raw votes in lower chamber elections. Mandates are made with seat totals. Last election, the Neo-Pargalonian Party surprised everyone by actually not just being relevant but beating the Union Party in seats. Even with the fiascos involved Commander Yerzok, it was the conventional wisdom that most of their support would bleed evenly to the other parties, or those folks would vote indi. The Nationalists broke away from the NPP, formerly the Anti-Union Party, for a reason. They thought they were becoming too extreme. But bam, the NPP got the most seats. Not a majority, but enough to be an effective veto in some of the close votes of the last year. There's a reason the national organizing resolution is on the ballot today. It didn't get the two thirds needed to avoid referendum that is required of non-directly economic related bills. The NPP did that.
"Now," he continued after oddly itching behind an antler. "If the Socialists do what Verni is saying, that will mean both the Unionists and Socialists loose out in the bigger game of coalitions. The socialists might win more seats, but they'll cost the UP more seats then they'll collectively gain from the other parties."
"The question I have is do the Unionists or Nationalists have an out here?" asked Verni.
Mab took up this question. "I'd have to say yes. The Nationalists less then the Unionists, but still. The reason the Nationalists did so well in 2006 is because they ran on a positive, some might say, aggressive, message of national security and moderation on pretty much everything else. They've been trying to do that again. They're only guaranteed in a couple seats, but if that message resonates, considering what is happening in the international theater, then you could easily see them sweeping the northern plains, the prefectures, and even first house territory. The Unionists have a different way of holding on. They're votes are highly concentrated in enough seats that it might actually matter if the Socialists do well. They still dominate in Arx, split the seats in New Pargalo, hold most of the fifth house territory, Forest, and they're other old urban fortresses around the country. Then all they have to do is do well in Genius, Altzan, Forr, and a couple of the northern states and they're good on regaining their plurality. Even if they get much less votes then the Socialists nationally."
"We're only about half a minute from the first calls, but I want to give Litun a chance to chime in on expectations," said Tisvoki while pointing towards the wolf at the end of the table.
"Well, my feeling is that yes the Socialists are expected to do well. But they are currently way over hyped. There has been some backlash against First Speaker Lenord, but from what you hear from the various pundits, they're trying to paint the picture of the Socialists actually getting an actual majority. They can not, I repeat, they can not possibly wing 250 or more seats this election. It is mathematically impossible. But the even the predictions of 200 on up are making it seem like they're doing better then they are. So there's this expectations game that…"
"Sorry to interrupt," interjected Tisvoki. "But we are ready to call a few races now."
Amazingly routine motion graphics sling a star across the screen as the results appear.
"NAMOC is now predicting the following, that Quza Ta of the Socalists party will hold onto her seat, the at large seat for Mountain. An'in Inxapi will hold the Reloga seat, as will another Union Partyist from the same state, Reltalix of Izixs' Reach. Both holding their seats strongly. The first win of the night for the NPP comes from Bugoto as Herman Zakalinzawakilk takes North Syndi. Another NPP win, this time in West Yillow with Savaban Huctonomra. And just now a new call, this time in Forest, Lo of the Union Party has won the open seat. But no change in party there. So far, there are a number of races with no results in yet but we'll likely to be able to make calls soon. Remember that most of these that come early are strongly held seats, often being in their respective columns for many elections. The swing districts will take a lot longer to count up the votes for."
The deer, 'Necmev had a chuckle. "Lo winning will of course mean that at the very least the nudist caucus will not have vanished from the chamber. His predecessor was so totally hated by the conservatives who hailed just from the west of there so much, that Merizar Smenks, the leader of the Old Wolves Club, used to vote against bills he liked if the old rep from Forest, Mik Tsounds, supported them."
----
"The time is now 9:30," said the skunk in charge. "Polls have closed now in most states. The exceptions being of course Arx, New Pargalo, Forr, and Shikemes. States at the center or edges of our great nation. We have now called most of the easy races, and are waiting for refined numbers from many more. Let's go to Ist'Noc Istlit for details on what we know so far."
"Thanks Tisvoki," said the fox. "Right now, the Union Party has taken a lead in early results and have fifty five seats. The Socialists are up next with forty five. Neo-Pargalo has thirty six, and the Nationalists are having a weak showing with only three seats secured so far."
"Maybe this is a silly question, but why don't we know more so far?"
"There are two answers to that. First off, Arx and New Pargalo. They both have a lot of seats. Well over seventy all together. Count as well Shikemes and Forr, and that's around eighty seats where voting is still happening. The other answer is that there are a lot of close races. We often view some areas as swing regions between two or three parties. That is still true in fourth house states, Obrias territories, and first house states. The problem is, that in prefectures, the northern plains, even the north east, which is usually solidly between the Nationalists and UPP, is seeing all parties competitive at some level. So there are just going to be too many close seats."
"When do you think we'll know what the balance of power will be like then, if the main problem is counting votes slowly?"
The fox shrugged. "No clue really, but I can say that so far, we'll likely have lots of upsets. Races that were thought lost by the incumbents pulling out near wins, and others where once safe seats go to any one of the other parties. But it is safe to say that the biggest looser tonight is probably the indies. The major parties have really pulled their bases home and so expect only maybe one or two Tail or other fifth party speakers in the next chamber."
"Thank you Ist'Noc, the tod with all the answers."
----
A raccoon wearing nothing but a loin cloth took to the stage amongst an uproar of cheers. He waved to the crowd and smiled. Soon, with a gleeful chitter, he leaned into the mic.
"Thank you Skaro!"
Another wave of sound from the revelers.
"You did it. I didn't do it, you did! It has been an honor being your governor and I'm glad you decided to send me back to the governor's den. Thank you Skaro!"
The speech would go on for a good number of minutes.
"And there you have it," said Verni. "Governor Gerbi Post has won reelection. A race he wasn't expect to win at all. Wow, just wow, look at that crowd."
----
"An update now on the major legislation up for a vote today," said Litun. "It's looking like the big one, our national organizing resolution, will pass with large majorities. The ban on, I mean the lifting of the ban on prostitution is failing by a small margin. The airfare expansion act is winning by a tiny margin. And the other biggie, the lifting of the space weapons ban is failing by a similarly tiny margin."
Litun turned back to the other hosts to say, "Now there are a few surprises on some of the minor things that did not pass. The bill to honor speaker Fip'Wan for their three decades of service actually failed. Exit polls suggest that no one knows who Fip'Wan was or what they did. Another surpriser, the so called isolationist scream bill, the bill condemning about five hundred things done in foreign countries, everything from genocides to forming coalitions between conservatives and new democrats, is actually passing. It is not a binding law as far as policy goes, but it is technically the statement of the people of Tinis on these matters."
----
"And before we get to Speaker Waldo, head of the UP/SP coalition, we have an update on our numbers." Tisvoki faded again from view as a graphic of the balance of seats appears. "The current projections are giving the Union Party the edge with ninety four seats, Socialists with ninety one, the NPP has seventy six, and the Nationalists are bringing up the rear with twenty three. Only a little more then half the seats have been decided thus far this election. There are over two hundred either still voting or having their ballots counted."
----
"Following the election are we?"
Obtanis laughed. "You could say that." He turned from the screen and back towards his campaign manager. "We seem to be having a good night."
"That's why you won governor."
----
"The polls in the final states have closed and we have new numbers, now including the early projections out of Arx and company. We now project that the Socialists are in the lead with taking 154 seats. Union is up next at 140, NPP with 87, and the Nationalists holding 32. Funny though, the Nationalists seem less holding their own as they are getting lucky in most of the races they're winning. Anyway, Mab, it looks like a Socialists Union coalition is possible once again. Will it happen?"
"Oddly enough, I'm starting to doubt it will. At least as far as a formal grouping. The Socialists are upping their numbers so far tonight but the Union party is holding fairly flat. They might be able to win in the south central forests, but other than that, they're hard pressed to even hit 150 at this point. So I honestly think the Socialists might be in a position to punish the Union Party for once since our nation's founding. And the Union Party won't have any way to counter. They might even have the leverage to get instant run off voting passed finally."
-----
"Hello again."
"You," mumbled the horse at the back of the cell.
"So far your appeal to the high court has kept you alive. Perhaps its apt that a threat to democracy is being shown that being such is unpopular with the people."
"Leave me. When they kill me I want no further memories of you."
"Fair enough, ta-ta."
-----
"The hour grows late," says Tisvoki. "But the returns just keep on pushing in. So far it looks like the northern half of the country is a blender of results, with surprise wins all over the place. NPP taking left leaning seats, the Socialists taking nationalistic seats, the nationalists actually regaining some of their old strong holds, and the unionists drawing strength around Se Nu. Likely caused by the recent migrations towards the city. And even some spots in the south are looking quite odd. The speaker's seat of Ofanza in the state of Dykon, never held by a Socialist before is now being won by one. As is the Fallout seat in West Prismwind. And the Union Party has pretty much taken over Skaro, probably helped of course by eccentric Governor Post whom has won reelection."
"Before we turn to the governors, an update on the raw numbers. The Socialists, climbing up now to 208 seats in the next Chamber of Speakers. Followed by the Unionists whom are just shy of their old numbers at 148. NPP at 91, and the Nationalists with 35.
"Now for the governors. In addition to Mr. Post, Bestia Macnanis is now projected to win the governor's race in Toson. So far the only Nationalists Party candidate to win a governorship in the races tonight. There are still three others who are not up this year. Also the state of Izixs shall have its youngest governor to date with a win by Luxio, a dragon of the Union Party. Big surprise on the party affiliation there," said Tisvoki very sarcastically. "And finally, the much coveted governorship of Arx is projected to once again fall to the Union Party as Muzzy Axni has ousted Taga Voo of the Socialists. The only governorship to go that direction tonight."
----
"First Speaker," said the aid. "You have a phone call. Its, uh, the former First Speaker."
"Hmm," went the fox. He was due on stage in a minute. He took the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi, just wanted to congratulate you on not being totally devastated tonight."
"You're one to talk, your people are looking to loose ground tonight too."
The voice on the other end laughed. "My people? My people are everyone in Tinis silly. Now you were not a total jerk to me in my last term even though you almost were, so I thought I'd give you a heads up on something. I got a lot on my plate right now so I can't really handle it myself. But… Yerzok's backers have not forgotten what you did to foil their plot to have a plant at the head of the government. They're grooming a new ally. I don't know who it is yet, but if they get any where near the office of First Speaker, it would be important that someone other than them won."
"Crazy Izixs, I'm not falling for a paranoia game."
"Heh, you don't have to. I'm the one who is paranoid here. But I can say that if they run their person this election, a friend of mine will hand you evidence identifying their puppet. Then you can check the evidence yourself. Your best buddy is the national auditor and all. Nogitilio there can figure out if its legit or not. And would be required to share any trouble with anyone. Anyway, I want to watch your speech, talk to you later!"
The phone beeped. The fox swished his tail. "Sone of a bitch. I hate that guy."
-----
"So in final count, we expect at the end of this very unpredictable election season, the Socialists have come out on top. Very very close to an out right majority. They now are expected to hold 221 seats in the Chamber of Speakers. The Union Party will come in in second with 151. The NPP with 91. And the Nationalists a distant fourth at 35 still. There are two more seats, one is probably going to the Socialists and the other the Unionists, but its still to close to call how these unique three way ties might end up.
"And that ladies and gentlefurs would seem to be it. We have a few moments before we sign off for tonight, so brief final words from each of the panel. I'll begin by saying that tonight was very good for the Socialists. As you might no doubt guess. But it was good in a very unique way. They won in their traditional areas for the most part but also managed to be the viable option in much of the northern plains. That and they're sweep of prefectures tells me that not only are people protesting the status quo, they're hard left on economical theory and social issues, yet very much going isolationist. That last bit is the most important bit. The internationalism of the Union Party would seem to be dead. Mab?"
"I actually can agree with you to some extent. But where did they make their gains? The people that voted for the Neo-Pargalonians two years ago, sending First Speaker Lenord, well, out of the basement and into the sky suite, were already isolationist types. The problem is that he betrayed them on the issues that they want to see action on. They don't actually want things to move left. They're punishing the NPP."
"So you're saying that maybe like a third of the Socialist vote are actually Neo types?" asked Vernias. "If that so, then expect next election things to move very much back towards the status quo of the last decade. If your guess is wrong, which I have a feeling it is, then expect this to be the signal of a huge shift in how politics work, especially international politics, in Tinis."
'Necmev went next. "We can quibble about policy all day, but it is clear that the Union Party held their own. Sure they switched some seats to the Socialists and come up slightly behind, but so what? They still have a large base. And if the Socialists actually get their act together and get a run off system or preference voting in place, the Union Party will be in a good position to not only keep they're current coalition, but to expand it. What more, the Nationalists would love an instant run off system right now. Watch them team up with the Socialists to pass it. And then watch them both be destroyed by the UP and NPP next election."
"Litun?"
"What can I say? I guess it was right the socialists would do well. But look at where they didn't do well. They still do poorly in the fifth house states, they again lost the Shimandi seat, they might of swept most of Altzan but the Altzan River was held by the Union. They were also not an option in Velskesh, Bugoto, and other very right leaning places. They are still the minority of the delegation from Arx. And looking at the raw vote totals, well, there's been a lot of migration since the new city began. Expect a deal to be worked out for it to have Tinisian electoral districts all over it and aligned to discourage the Socialists from doing well there."
"How many seats do you think Mevo plus will have after the census realignment?" asked Tisvoki.
"It has ten now I think. Maybe twenty at least. Maybe more. That city is going up quick. And there's a lot of Tinisians there trying to get permeant living standard boosts by heading that way. I'm damn sure why Central Mevo went Union this time."
"Alright, so this is it for tonights election coverage with team NAMOC here. But coverage will continue with Moolion Harkozy after a short break. Good night and best luck."
"Starting to my left, the lovely raccoon in the nice vest here is Mab Kin'Hulov, host of the Kin'Hulov Show, to her left is Vernias Auvaifalt, host of Tar Ball, and there at the end of the table is Litun Gorgiv, journalist and former anchor of the Evening Public News. And to my right starting with the fellow in purple, we have 'Necmev Fidkaj, host of The World's Troubles with 'Necmev Fidkaj.
"I'd like to begin tonight by asking the question on everyone's mind, who is going to have the best night tonight?"
Vernias, seen as the most even keeled of the group, and a very orange cat of some sort, opted to answer. "Easy, we're going to see the Socialists finally beat down the Unionists. All the polling before today has had the Socialists eating into the Unionists turf all across the country. This might not be enough for them to win more seats, and in fact it might lead to the NPP or even the Nationalists winning some places that they might not otherwise, but I honestly think that they'll do well enough to at least get close to forty percent of the actual votes. Now it will be concentrated in some areas yes, but if they can hold onto those people in two years, they'll be only the third party ever to win the First Speakership."
"Now, in some ways I agree with Verni," said 'Necmev coming in. "But mandates are not made with raw votes in lower chamber elections. Mandates are made with seat totals. Last election, the Neo-Pargalonian Party surprised everyone by actually not just being relevant but beating the Union Party in seats. Even with the fiascos involved Commander Yerzok, it was the conventional wisdom that most of their support would bleed evenly to the other parties, or those folks would vote indi. The Nationalists broke away from the NPP, formerly the Anti-Union Party, for a reason. They thought they were becoming too extreme. But bam, the NPP got the most seats. Not a majority, but enough to be an effective veto in some of the close votes of the last year. There's a reason the national organizing resolution is on the ballot today. It didn't get the two thirds needed to avoid referendum that is required of non-directly economic related bills. The NPP did that.
"Now," he continued after oddly itching behind an antler. "If the Socialists do what Verni is saying, that will mean both the Unionists and Socialists loose out in the bigger game of coalitions. The socialists might win more seats, but they'll cost the UP more seats then they'll collectively gain from the other parties."
"The question I have is do the Unionists or Nationalists have an out here?" asked Verni.
Mab took up this question. "I'd have to say yes. The Nationalists less then the Unionists, but still. The reason the Nationalists did so well in 2006 is because they ran on a positive, some might say, aggressive, message of national security and moderation on pretty much everything else. They've been trying to do that again. They're only guaranteed in a couple seats, but if that message resonates, considering what is happening in the international theater, then you could easily see them sweeping the northern plains, the prefectures, and even first house territory. The Unionists have a different way of holding on. They're votes are highly concentrated in enough seats that it might actually matter if the Socialists do well. They still dominate in Arx, split the seats in New Pargalo, hold most of the fifth house territory, Forest, and they're other old urban fortresses around the country. Then all they have to do is do well in Genius, Altzan, Forr, and a couple of the northern states and they're good on regaining their plurality. Even if they get much less votes then the Socialists nationally."
"We're only about half a minute from the first calls, but I want to give Litun a chance to chime in on expectations," said Tisvoki while pointing towards the wolf at the end of the table.
"Well, my feeling is that yes the Socialists are expected to do well. But they are currently way over hyped. There has been some backlash against First Speaker Lenord, but from what you hear from the various pundits, they're trying to paint the picture of the Socialists actually getting an actual majority. They can not, I repeat, they can not possibly wing 250 or more seats this election. It is mathematically impossible. But the even the predictions of 200 on up are making it seem like they're doing better then they are. So there's this expectations game that…"
"Sorry to interrupt," interjected Tisvoki. "But we are ready to call a few races now."
Amazingly routine motion graphics sling a star across the screen as the results appear.
"NAMOC is now predicting the following, that Quza Ta of the Socalists party will hold onto her seat, the at large seat for Mountain. An'in Inxapi will hold the Reloga seat, as will another Union Partyist from the same state, Reltalix of Izixs' Reach. Both holding their seats strongly. The first win of the night for the NPP comes from Bugoto as Herman Zakalinzawakilk takes North Syndi. Another NPP win, this time in West Yillow with Savaban Huctonomra. And just now a new call, this time in Forest, Lo of the Union Party has won the open seat. But no change in party there. So far, there are a number of races with no results in yet but we'll likely to be able to make calls soon. Remember that most of these that come early are strongly held seats, often being in their respective columns for many elections. The swing districts will take a lot longer to count up the votes for."
The deer, 'Necmev had a chuckle. "Lo winning will of course mean that at the very least the nudist caucus will not have vanished from the chamber. His predecessor was so totally hated by the conservatives who hailed just from the west of there so much, that Merizar Smenks, the leader of the Old Wolves Club, used to vote against bills he liked if the old rep from Forest, Mik Tsounds, supported them."
----
"The time is now 9:30," said the skunk in charge. "Polls have closed now in most states. The exceptions being of course Arx, New Pargalo, Forr, and Shikemes. States at the center or edges of our great nation. We have now called most of the easy races, and are waiting for refined numbers from many more. Let's go to Ist'Noc Istlit for details on what we know so far."
"Thanks Tisvoki," said the fox. "Right now, the Union Party has taken a lead in early results and have fifty five seats. The Socialists are up next with forty five. Neo-Pargalo has thirty six, and the Nationalists are having a weak showing with only three seats secured so far."
"Maybe this is a silly question, but why don't we know more so far?"
"There are two answers to that. First off, Arx and New Pargalo. They both have a lot of seats. Well over seventy all together. Count as well Shikemes and Forr, and that's around eighty seats where voting is still happening. The other answer is that there are a lot of close races. We often view some areas as swing regions between two or three parties. That is still true in fourth house states, Obrias territories, and first house states. The problem is, that in prefectures, the northern plains, even the north east, which is usually solidly between the Nationalists and UPP, is seeing all parties competitive at some level. So there are just going to be too many close seats."
"When do you think we'll know what the balance of power will be like then, if the main problem is counting votes slowly?"
The fox shrugged. "No clue really, but I can say that so far, we'll likely have lots of upsets. Races that were thought lost by the incumbents pulling out near wins, and others where once safe seats go to any one of the other parties. But it is safe to say that the biggest looser tonight is probably the indies. The major parties have really pulled their bases home and so expect only maybe one or two Tail or other fifth party speakers in the next chamber."
"Thank you Ist'Noc, the tod with all the answers."
----
A raccoon wearing nothing but a loin cloth took to the stage amongst an uproar of cheers. He waved to the crowd and smiled. Soon, with a gleeful chitter, he leaned into the mic.
"Thank you Skaro!"
Another wave of sound from the revelers.
"You did it. I didn't do it, you did! It has been an honor being your governor and I'm glad you decided to send me back to the governor's den. Thank you Skaro!"
The speech would go on for a good number of minutes.
"And there you have it," said Verni. "Governor Gerbi Post has won reelection. A race he wasn't expect to win at all. Wow, just wow, look at that crowd."
----
"An update now on the major legislation up for a vote today," said Litun. "It's looking like the big one, our national organizing resolution, will pass with large majorities. The ban on, I mean the lifting of the ban on prostitution is failing by a small margin. The airfare expansion act is winning by a tiny margin. And the other biggie, the lifting of the space weapons ban is failing by a similarly tiny margin."
Litun turned back to the other hosts to say, "Now there are a few surprises on some of the minor things that did not pass. The bill to honor speaker Fip'Wan for their three decades of service actually failed. Exit polls suggest that no one knows who Fip'Wan was or what they did. Another surpriser, the so called isolationist scream bill, the bill condemning about five hundred things done in foreign countries, everything from genocides to forming coalitions between conservatives and new democrats, is actually passing. It is not a binding law as far as policy goes, but it is technically the statement of the people of Tinis on these matters."
----
"And before we get to Speaker Waldo, head of the UP/SP coalition, we have an update on our numbers." Tisvoki faded again from view as a graphic of the balance of seats appears. "The current projections are giving the Union Party the edge with ninety four seats, Socialists with ninety one, the NPP has seventy six, and the Nationalists are bringing up the rear with twenty three. Only a little more then half the seats have been decided thus far this election. There are over two hundred either still voting or having their ballots counted."
----
"Following the election are we?"
Obtanis laughed. "You could say that." He turned from the screen and back towards his campaign manager. "We seem to be having a good night."
"That's why you won governor."
----
"The polls in the final states have closed and we have new numbers, now including the early projections out of Arx and company. We now project that the Socialists are in the lead with taking 154 seats. Union is up next at 140, NPP with 87, and the Nationalists holding 32. Funny though, the Nationalists seem less holding their own as they are getting lucky in most of the races they're winning. Anyway, Mab, it looks like a Socialists Union coalition is possible once again. Will it happen?"
"Oddly enough, I'm starting to doubt it will. At least as far as a formal grouping. The Socialists are upping their numbers so far tonight but the Union party is holding fairly flat. They might be able to win in the south central forests, but other than that, they're hard pressed to even hit 150 at this point. So I honestly think the Socialists might be in a position to punish the Union Party for once since our nation's founding. And the Union Party won't have any way to counter. They might even have the leverage to get instant run off voting passed finally."
-----
"Hello again."
"You," mumbled the horse at the back of the cell.
"So far your appeal to the high court has kept you alive. Perhaps its apt that a threat to democracy is being shown that being such is unpopular with the people."
"Leave me. When they kill me I want no further memories of you."
"Fair enough, ta-ta."
-----
"The hour grows late," says Tisvoki. "But the returns just keep on pushing in. So far it looks like the northern half of the country is a blender of results, with surprise wins all over the place. NPP taking left leaning seats, the Socialists taking nationalistic seats, the nationalists actually regaining some of their old strong holds, and the unionists drawing strength around Se Nu. Likely caused by the recent migrations towards the city. And even some spots in the south are looking quite odd. The speaker's seat of Ofanza in the state of Dykon, never held by a Socialist before is now being won by one. As is the Fallout seat in West Prismwind. And the Union Party has pretty much taken over Skaro, probably helped of course by eccentric Governor Post whom has won reelection."
"Before we turn to the governors, an update on the raw numbers. The Socialists, climbing up now to 208 seats in the next Chamber of Speakers. Followed by the Unionists whom are just shy of their old numbers at 148. NPP at 91, and the Nationalists with 35.
"Now for the governors. In addition to Mr. Post, Bestia Macnanis is now projected to win the governor's race in Toson. So far the only Nationalists Party candidate to win a governorship in the races tonight. There are still three others who are not up this year. Also the state of Izixs shall have its youngest governor to date with a win by Luxio, a dragon of the Union Party. Big surprise on the party affiliation there," said Tisvoki very sarcastically. "And finally, the much coveted governorship of Arx is projected to once again fall to the Union Party as Muzzy Axni has ousted Taga Voo of the Socialists. The only governorship to go that direction tonight."
----
"First Speaker," said the aid. "You have a phone call. Its, uh, the former First Speaker."
"Hmm," went the fox. He was due on stage in a minute. He took the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi, just wanted to congratulate you on not being totally devastated tonight."
"You're one to talk, your people are looking to loose ground tonight too."
The voice on the other end laughed. "My people? My people are everyone in Tinis silly. Now you were not a total jerk to me in my last term even though you almost were, so I thought I'd give you a heads up on something. I got a lot on my plate right now so I can't really handle it myself. But… Yerzok's backers have not forgotten what you did to foil their plot to have a plant at the head of the government. They're grooming a new ally. I don't know who it is yet, but if they get any where near the office of First Speaker, it would be important that someone other than them won."
"Crazy Izixs, I'm not falling for a paranoia game."
"Heh, you don't have to. I'm the one who is paranoid here. But I can say that if they run their person this election, a friend of mine will hand you evidence identifying their puppet. Then you can check the evidence yourself. Your best buddy is the national auditor and all. Nogitilio there can figure out if its legit or not. And would be required to share any trouble with anyone. Anyway, I want to watch your speech, talk to you later!"
The phone beeped. The fox swished his tail. "Sone of a bitch. I hate that guy."
-----
"So in final count, we expect at the end of this very unpredictable election season, the Socialists have come out on top. Very very close to an out right majority. They now are expected to hold 221 seats in the Chamber of Speakers. The Union Party will come in in second with 151. The NPP with 91. And the Nationalists a distant fourth at 35 still. There are two more seats, one is probably going to the Socialists and the other the Unionists, but its still to close to call how these unique three way ties might end up.
"And that ladies and gentlefurs would seem to be it. We have a few moments before we sign off for tonight, so brief final words from each of the panel. I'll begin by saying that tonight was very good for the Socialists. As you might no doubt guess. But it was good in a very unique way. They won in their traditional areas for the most part but also managed to be the viable option in much of the northern plains. That and they're sweep of prefectures tells me that not only are people protesting the status quo, they're hard left on economical theory and social issues, yet very much going isolationist. That last bit is the most important bit. The internationalism of the Union Party would seem to be dead. Mab?"
"I actually can agree with you to some extent. But where did they make their gains? The people that voted for the Neo-Pargalonians two years ago, sending First Speaker Lenord, well, out of the basement and into the sky suite, were already isolationist types. The problem is that he betrayed them on the issues that they want to see action on. They don't actually want things to move left. They're punishing the NPP."
"So you're saying that maybe like a third of the Socialist vote are actually Neo types?" asked Vernias. "If that so, then expect next election things to move very much back towards the status quo of the last decade. If your guess is wrong, which I have a feeling it is, then expect this to be the signal of a huge shift in how politics work, especially international politics, in Tinis."
'Necmev went next. "We can quibble about policy all day, but it is clear that the Union Party held their own. Sure they switched some seats to the Socialists and come up slightly behind, but so what? They still have a large base. And if the Socialists actually get their act together and get a run off system or preference voting in place, the Union Party will be in a good position to not only keep they're current coalition, but to expand it. What more, the Nationalists would love an instant run off system right now. Watch them team up with the Socialists to pass it. And then watch them both be destroyed by the UP and NPP next election."
"Litun?"
"What can I say? I guess it was right the socialists would do well. But look at where they didn't do well. They still do poorly in the fifth house states, they again lost the Shimandi seat, they might of swept most of Altzan but the Altzan River was held by the Union. They were also not an option in Velskesh, Bugoto, and other very right leaning places. They are still the minority of the delegation from Arx. And looking at the raw vote totals, well, there's been a lot of migration since the new city began. Expect a deal to be worked out for it to have Tinisian electoral districts all over it and aligned to discourage the Socialists from doing well there."
"How many seats do you think Mevo plus will have after the census realignment?" asked Tisvoki.
"It has ten now I think. Maybe twenty at least. Maybe more. That city is going up quick. And there's a lot of Tinisians there trying to get permeant living standard boosts by heading that way. I'm damn sure why Central Mevo went Union this time."
"Alright, so this is it for tonights election coverage with team NAMOC here. But coverage will continue with Moolion Harkozy after a short break. Good night and best luck."