[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Saturday, November 2nd, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6310 | In the News: ANTI-BISHOP PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT

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[/hr]

ANTI-BISHOP PROTESTS IN TOFINO TURN VIOLENT, POLICE FIRE TEAR GAS ON DEMONSTRATORS
Protesters set up barricades and block main roads, break business windows and throw bricks at police
3 Officers, 300 Protesters injured. 80+ Arrested

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



The ongoing "PoverTea" Protests have turned violent for the first time as police fired tear gas into crowds of demonstrators on Saturday night in Tofino. The "PoverTea" Protests began in February and have been ongoing since then. However, large commutative protests have only occurred three times before tonight's events.

Demonstrators in Tofino have set up barricades and parked cars across key roads in the capital. Similar incidents are being reported elsewhere in the country as part of the ongoing anti-government protests aimed at forcing the resignation of President Anya Bishop.

Defying pleas from the country's top politicians, protesters on Saturday sought to put the capital on lockdown by cutting off access to some of the main thoroughfares, including the main north-south highway into the city.

Tear gas was launched into the crowds around 11:30 PM, causing crowds to flee. Protesters who remained in the gas threw bricks and debris at officers. Three officers were injured, along with an estimated 300 protesters. 80 plus people were arrested, according to the Tofino Police Department.

A poster urging motorists to block roads with their cars began making the rounds on social media on Friday, gaining hundreds of thousands of reposts on the original posting, as well as hundreds of thousands of additional postings by other screenshot accounts.

Demonstrators accuse President Anya Bishop of mismanagement, wasting public funds and rampant corruption. Additionally, the lower-class poverty has hit an all-time low rate of pay, and equal wages is a major demand in the protests. "Economic policy, essentially," one protester who requested to remain anonymous said, "is the essence of this fight. That's why it is called PoverTea."

Another protester said the roadblocks were a way for people to build solidarity and pressure the President into acting on their demands.

"There's a kind of community feel here. There's a game of football being played, there are people who spent the night here. There are also debates taking place and a makeshift living room was set up [for this purpose]," she said.

In a rare show of solidarity, Zamastanians from all walks of life and of different religious backgrounds took to the streets on July 17th to demand the resignation of President Bishop, who has an approval rating of around 23%.

President Bishop's pledge to cancel new taxes and the provision of support for low-income families has largely failed to appease demonstrators.

People on the streets said they want an overhaul of the political system and an end to the current administration that has been in office since January of 2019 following the resignation of President Zacharias Castovia. Castovia is running for a non-consecutive term for President as an independent candidate in 2020.

A government source on Monday told the Tofino Times that the "President is still refusing to resign under pressure from the streets and unstable security to avoid plunging the country into chaos".

"First the roads have to be opened. Protesters can continue to demonstrate in major squares. Then the government will take a decision," the source said, without giving any further details.

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED
UPDATE:11:58 PM: MILITARY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN DISPATCHED FROM TOFINO'S ARMED GUARD STATION

Armed military vehicles and armed troops have been dispatched from Tofino's main Guard Station at Pierview District and have been confirmed to be traveling to the scene of the major protest escalations in downtown Tofino, according to the Defense Department. The order was given by President Bishop after confirmation of a civilian fatality. The order is to "reinforce authorities under threat, but to keep the peace and prevent further casualties or fatalities on either side."

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED


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[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6310 | In the News: CONGRESS AND SENATE CONDEMN PRESIDENT BISHOP

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[/hr]

CONGRESSIONAL HALL CONDEMNS PRESIDENT BISHOP 469-30-1 IN WAKE OF VIOLENT PROTESTS
President Bishop Mobilized Military On Saturday Night to Counter Protests
Vote to Condemn Goes to Senate - Possible Vote of No-Confidence May Follow
4 People Were Killed In The Protests

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



Congressional Hall passed a resolution condemning President Anya Bishop, the first time in over 130 years that a sitting President has been condemned by the Legislative Branch of the government. The Congress Chamber voted to condemn President Bishop over her use of military mobilization to counter violent protests on Saturday night that caused widespread destruction in the capital, including the injuries of several officers and hundreds of protesters. An officer was killed by a brick thrown by protesters, and three protesters were killed by police who fired into the crowd in separate incidents - the first time lethal force has been used in Zamastanian protests in over a decade. The protests were in response to conceived poor management of the government by Bishop and her economic policies, both foreign and domestic.

The violence caused outrage across Zamastan as images circled social media of the police counter-protest methods switched to tear gas and rubber bullets.

Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi, was the only member of the Congress Chamber to abstain from voting, though he made it clear that he agreed with the resolution to condemn the President.

"Bishop has severely undermined the safety of the citizens of our nation, who have a right to congregate, disagree, and protest. The fact that she utilized military force on her own people, on my people, on the Zamastanian people, is enough room for judgement and condemnation."

According to Congressional rules, the official condemnation needs to pass with a two-thirds majority in the Senate to be ratified. President William Castovia was condemned in 1878 following a massacre of Parabocan prisoners of war. He was subject then to a vote of non-confidence. He survived the vote, but it is unclear if Bishop will be sent through the same process of a vote of no-confidence.

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED



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[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6310 | In the News: CONGRESS AND SENATE CONDEMN PRESIDENT BISHOP

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[/hr]

CONGRESSIONAL HALL CONDEMNS PRESIDENT BISHOP 469-30-1 IN WAKE OF VIOLENT PROTESTS
President Bishop Mobilized Military On Saturday Night to Counter Protests
Vote to Condemn Goes to Senate - Possible Vote of No-Confidence May Follow
4 People Were Killed In The Protests

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



Congressional Hall passed a resolution condemning President Anya Bishop, the first time in over 130 years that a sitting President has been condemned by the Legislative Branch of the government. The Congress Chamber voted to condemn President Bishop over her use of military mobilization to counter violent protests on Saturday night that caused widespread destruction in the capital, including the injuries of several officers and hundreds of protesters. An officer was killed by a brick thrown by protesters, and three protesters were killed by police who fired into the crowd in separate incidents - the first time lethal force has been used in Zamastanian protests in over a decade. The protests were in response to conceived poor management of the government by Bishop and her economic policies, both foreign and domestic.

The violence caused outrage across Zamastan as images circled social media of the police counter-protest methods switched to tear gas and rubber bullets.

Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi, was the only member of the Congress Chamber to abstain from voting, though he made it clear that he agreed with the resolution to condemn the President.

"Bishop has severely undermined the safety of the citizens of our nation, who have a right to congregate, disagree, and protest. The fact that she utilized military force on her own people, on my people, on the Zamastanian people, is enough room for judgement and condemnation."

According to Congressional rules, the official condemnation needs to pass with a two-thirds majority in the Senate to be ratified. President William Castovia was condemned in 1878 following a massacre of Parabocan prisoners of war. He was subject then to a vote of non-confidence. He survived the vote, but it is unclear if Bishop will be sent through the same process of a vote of no-confidence.

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED



[size=110]See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: CONGRESS AND SENATE CONDEMN PRESIDENT BISHOP

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[/hr]

SENATE CONDEMNS PRESIDENT BISHOP 84-16
CONGRESSIONAL HALL CONDEMNS PRESIDENT BISHOP 469-30-1 IN WAKE OF VIOLENT PROTESTS

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



The Zamastanian Senate has secured the Resolution to condemn President Anya Bishop, meaning that she is now subject to a vote of no-confidence. It is unclear whether or not they would begin a procedure to vote in terms of no-confidence, which would require a half of the Senate to begin and a two-thirds majority upon voting to pass.

Congressional Hall passed a resolution condemning President Anya Bishop, the first time in over 130 years that a sitting President has been condemned by the Legislative Branch of the government. The Congress Chamber voted to condemn President Bishop over her use of military mobilization to counter violent protests on Saturday night that caused widespread destruction in the capital, including the injuries of several officers and hundreds of protesters. An officer was killed by a brick thrown by protesters, and three protesters were killed by police who fired into the crowd in separate incidents - the first time lethal force has been used in Zamastanian protests in over a decade. The protests were in response to conceived poor management of the government by Bishop and her economic policies, both foreign and domestic.

FROM PREVIOUS ARTICLE: [box]The violence caused outrage across Zamastan as images circled social media of the police counter-protest methods switched to tear gas and rubber bullets.

Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi, was the only member of the Congress Chamber to abstain from voting, though he made it clear that he agreed with the resolution to condemn the President.

"Bishop has severely undermined the safety of the citizens of our nation, who have a right to congregate, disagree, and protest. The fact that she utilized military force on her own people, on my people, on the Zamastanian people, is enough room for judgement and condemnation."

According to Congressional rules, the official condemnation needs to pass with a two-thirds majority in the Senate to be ratified. President William Castovia was condemned in 1878 following a massacre of Parabocan prisoners of war. He was subject then to a vote of non-confidence. He survived the vote, but it is unclear if Bishop will be sent through the same process of a vote of no-confidence. [/box]

Speaker Sakzi said in a press meeting following the Senate's vote that he would "support and sign any decision brought forward by members of either the Chamber or the Senate," and that "justice in accordance with our nation's law will be carried out."

Foley Sakzi is a candidate for President in 2020, though he has notably steered clear of taking specific party sides in Legislative voting moments so as to keep the neutrality of his image. As Speaker, he has mainly abstained from voting, which is a tradition he began when he was elected Speaker in 2012.

"This isn't a momentous day for our nation, no," he said. "It is one where I think all Zamastanians need to pray and be thoughtful. We're going to get through this one way or another. Regardless of what becomes of the current President (Bishop) or any future President, whether that's myself or any of the other highly qualified candidates on the stage, our nation is going to need severe healing."

President Bishop declined to hold a press briefing today, the first time she has not held her weekly address since entering office. She has declined to respond to Congressional subpoenas by a few freshman congressmen and women, though those subpoenas were not approved by committees and were individual requests.

Another candidate for President in 2020, Green Liberal Party Senator Euan Gunn, said that he would stay away from submitting a proposal for a vote of no-confidence, though if one were to be presented, he would vote in favor of it.

"For too long, Bishop has plagued the political discourse with irresponsibility... and this has led to, what I believe to be, the most serious breach of national trust by a President in the history of our nation."

Foreign Response

Bishop's standing overseas has also decayed following the condemnation by Congressional Hall. Lauchenoiria's Prime Minister, Josephine Alvarez, spoke directly with the Zamastanian Ambassador to Lauchenoiria, April Hannity, shortly before the condemnation passed, regarding specifically her disappointment and concerns over the protests. Lauchenoiria “will not sit idly by and watch a government threaten their civilian population with military force”, Alvarez said, while also reportedly hinting that if a repeat of the military use at protests was to occur, that Lauchenoiria would consider sanctions against Zamastan.

Les Couloirs:
[box]Laeral's Minister of Justice, Benjamin Lin, called Bishop's actions "bellicose" in a statement regarding the protests and the use of military force. "Deploying soldiers in the streets against protesters is unprofessional and needlessly aggressive, and will only aggravate the situation," said Lin. "This Ministry urges the Bishop administration to remove soldiers from the streets and open negotiations with protesters. Public protests should be met with law enforcement, not armed soldiers."

Laeral's public is split on the issue of Bishop, who is seen as a centrist politician and has previously been likened to President Liu. However, in the wake of the protests, her opinion has decreased. Socialist leader Tan Xirong and Green leader Alexis Fleury called the actions "misguided and dangerous" in an open letter to Bishop's administration. They called for the Laeralian government to use "any appropriate forms of diplomatic pressure", including an end to sales of riot control equipment to Zamastan, in order to bring soldiers off the streets of Tofino. Currently, 47 members of the Commons and 11 General Assembly Delegates have signed on, mostly from the parliamentary left, including numerous members of the Socialist, Radical Left, Progressive, and New Democratic parties. "It's essential that our government act to address this issue," said Del. Murielle Godin, a New Democrat and signer of the public letter.

Conservative Representative and Education Minister Gwendoline Schneider criticized the letter, called it "hypocritical". "At a time when Xiomera flagrantly assaults protesters and activism is suppressed in nations from Shuell to Shen, there are many more important cases of authoritarian actions to be called out," Schneider said. Schneider also noted that the government response to the "Battle of Cordeliers" riot last year had involved Gendarmerie action.

Zamastanian authorities have yet to respond to either Lin's statement or the National Assembly letter, and the Zamastanian embassy did not return a request for comment. The Bishop administration has defended its actions in quelling the protests in Tofino.[/box]

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED

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[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: PROTESTS ERUPT AGAIN

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[/hr]

'POVERTEA' PROTESTS ERUPT FOR SECOND NIGHT FOLLOWING BISHOP CONDEMNATION
CONGRESSIONAL HALL VOTES 469-30-1 | SENATE VOTES 84-16 TO CONDEMN PRESIDENT BISHOP

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



For the second night in a row, massive crowds of protesters have gathered in Tofino to rally against President Bishop. This, however, comes hours after the Senate voted to condemn President Bishop for her mobilization of military forces to counter the same protesters on Saturday night. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have come out in support of the protesters and have encouraged their gathering, warning the President to stand down from ordering military forces onto the streets.

On Sunday evening, thousands of protesters streamed into the Financial District carrying Zamastanian flags and a flurry of inventive slogans on cardboard, a Tofino Times correspondent said.

"Resign, Bishop," they cried to the rhythm of electronic beats in the heart of the District.

"Down with corruption, we're done with Anya," they chanted, calling for President Bishop step down.

They also called for a general strike on Monday to pressure political leaders to continue with a vote of no-confidence.

"The condemnation today is only the first step," one unnamed protester said to Tofino Times reporters. "we aren't stopping until Bishop is out of the Zian Presidential Mansion one way or another."

Barriers have been erected out of debris and makeshift utilities by the protesters "in anticipation for military retaliation", according to one of the protesters who also requested to be unnamed. "They probably won't come out again tonight, but then again, we never thought they would come out last night either. Here we are, we're in the endgame."

There are worries amidst the protesters of additional violence, but police have announced that they will only intervene if there is a direct threat to the public and will not limit the protests with blockades. The protesters, in turn, have sanctioned off specific portions of the city, primarily in the downtown financial centers and away from Congressional Hall and other government buildings.

Three protesters were killed when police opened fire into the crowd Saturday night. An additional 300 were injured. Several officers were also injured, and one was killed. It is believed the officer's death triggered the shootings.

Sunday night saw smaller crowds than the Saturday night protests. There are reports that President Bishop ordered the military to remain on high alert but to not deploy on domestic ground for the remainder of the day.

Additional protests against Bishop's administration are underway, including in Providence, Emerald, Foreman City, Jade Harbor, and Kelowna.

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED

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[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Monday, November 4th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: SHUELL OLYMPICS

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[/hr]

SHUELL OLYMPICS BEGIN
Amidst Political Turmoil Back Home, Zamastanian Athletes are Preparing to Make Sporting History

Zamastanian Athletes entered the opening ceremonies in the city of Central, commencing the 2019 Shuell Olympics on Sunday night, captivating audiences back home while political turmoil unravels there. Shuell's games are bound to draw much attention from Zamastanian audiences, as many veteran and rookie athletes alike are looking to perform highly in many of the events. A Laeralian prediction poll anticipated the Zamastanian soccer team to achieve bronze in men's and silver in women's.

Samantha Forrester, the rookie Individual Female performing in the 1500m Athletics, is also projected to perform extremely well, as she is one of the fasted recorded athletes in the qualifiers of any of the participating nations.

The Zamastanian Men's Basketball team, widely regarded as one of the best basketball teams in the IDU, is also expected to perform extremely well. Headed by captain and point-guard Lamar Weoden, they consist of the highest ranking members of individual Zamastanian teams.

Both male and female boxers, Jack Massey and Cora Kurry, are projected for gold medals.

And finally, the women's gymnastics team is ranked professionally as one of the best IDU gymnastic teams. They have promising athletes such as Gabriel Vofi and Elizabeth Winse, two members who have won international competitions in previous years. Several promising rookie members are also present on the team.

Coaches for the Zamastan Delegation say that Zamastan's greatest competition in the games will be Laeral, Shuell, and Libertas Omnium Maximus, with additional potential adversaries being Trive, North Cross, Christos, and Eiria. Gardavasque is also a promising opponent in these games, with high ranked athletes across the board.

The participating nations are:
[nation]Comhar[/nation]
[nation]Zamastan[/nation]
[nation]Christos[/nation]
[nation]United New England[/nation]
[nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation]
[nation]Kerlile[/nation]
[nation]Kvask[/nation]
[nation]Laeral[/nation]
[nation]High Fells[/nation]
[nation]Andhra Republic[/nation]
[nation]Serriel[/nation]
[nation]Eiria[/nation]
[nation]Gardavasque[/nation]
[nation]GreatTaquillaIsland[/nation]
[nation]EcclesticalDominion[/nation]
[nation]TheLavenderCountry[/nation]
[nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation]
[nation]Great Shen[/nation]
[nation]Trive 38[/nation]
[nation]North Cross[/nation]
[nation]Shuell[/nation]



See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Monday, November 4th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: SENATE APPROVES DATE FOR VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE

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[/hr]

SAKZI ANNOUNCES SENATE'S APPROVAL FOR VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE DATE
Senate will vote on Saturday, November 9th, with Bishop in Attendance

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi, announced on Monday evening that the Senate had voted on and approved a date for a vote of no-confidence, though the vote wouldn't occur immediately. The approval passed 79-21 and will be officially voted on November 9th - a Saturday. Under rules of no-confidence voting, the party under vote (in this case, President Anya Bishop) has to be present and standing in the Senate Chamber for the procedure of the vote. Because of the extensive flux of the Senators and Congressmen alike who have voted to condemn, and now to go forward with no-confidence voting, it is believed that the President's chances to stay above a vote are slim.

Speaker Sakzi said that he hopes the Senate will "vote along their genuine beliefs and personal moralities rather than party lines." This is notable because the Speaker and the President are members of the same party: the Blue Conservative Party. The Speaker has consistently spoken out against the President over the course of her administration, and is even running against her in the Presidential race for 2020. Depending on the outcome of Saturday's vote, the future of both the President's and Speaker's political careers are uncertain.

President Bishop has still not made any public comments following Saturday night's protests. Her team has been actively working to down play the political crisis, but Bishop's rare bout of silence is not helping her case, according to several Senators who voted for the approval today.

Possible outcomes could be that following a potential no-confidence passing and the announcement of Bishop's exit from the Presidency is that the early election will be handed to Sakzi's hands, in which case, he will remain Speaker. Another possibility is that Sakzi will throw himself into the ring of potential candidates for an early election and that he, as the current leader in polls, will be elected and become President. However, his position as Speaker of the Chamber is a unique and powerful one that he may not be keen to give up until September 22nd, 2020.

The Tofino Times will continue to follow this story.

THIS IS AN ONGOING STORY: STAY TUNED

[size=110]See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Monday, November 4th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: Kerlile Prisoner Transfer

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[/hr]

Zamastan Accepts Prisoners From Kerlile
11 Zamastanian Citizens were imprisoned in Kerlile for misdemeanors

Secretary of State Avi Tremblan confirmed that the Zamastanian Government will accept the return of eleven Zamastanian citizens being held in Kerlile for non-violent crimes. The Zamastanian embassy in Kerlile will provide the funding and transportation for all eleven citizens. The Kerlians also released hundreds of other foreign citizens, including Laeralites and Maximusians, as well as Xiomerans and over 60 Lauchenoirians.

"I extend my thanks to President Arnott for releasing the Zamastanian citizens back into our custody," Tremblan said on Monday night. "We appreciate the work that she has put into normalizing relations with our two nations, and this gesture is a great improvement in Kerlian approaches to our citizens. Of course, we do realize the differences in our nation's rules, and encourage any Zamastanians traveling abroad, Kerlile or elsewhere, to respect and follow the laws of the nation you are visiting."

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Monday, November 4th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6312 | In the News: Olympics

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[/hr]

Amanda Bonann Wins First Gold for Zamastan at Shuell Olympics
Bonann Scores 662, Men's Archer Janire Tiull Falls to 9th

In the first round of Olympic Events in Shuell Monday night, Zamastan started on a high note. Amanda Bonann, the Women's Archer for Zamastan, placed first and won gold. Scoring 662, and outpacing silver Zhang Juanjuan (Shen) and bronze Minenhle Flanagan (Kerlile), Bonann landed three direct bulls-eyes in each of the three rounds and placed close enough to the center to secure an six point gap between her and Juanjuan, who scored 656.

Men's archer, Janire Tiull, started strong with a singular bulls-eye, but quickly fell behind with double seven-shots. He placed ninth overall. Shen's She Yi won the gold with a score of 669, followed by Serriel's Efe Doreli for silver with 666 and Shuell's own Vincze Andras for bronze with 658

Zamastan's archer team also performed well, though dropping to sixth place. Gold went to Serrial, silver went to Kerlile, and bronze went to Shen. Shen begins the Olympic Games at the top of the board with one Gold medal, one silver, and one bronze. Serriel has a gold and a silver, Zamastan has a gold, Kerlile has a silver and a bronze, and Shuell has a bronze.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6318 | In the News: Bishop Speaks Publically

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[/hr]

PRESIDENT BISHOP SPEAKS PUBLICLY FOR FIRST TIME FOLLOWING CONDEMNATION AND VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE APPROVAL
Senate Approved Vote of No-Confidence Date for Saturday, November 9th

[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS



President Anya Bishop spoke to a large press pool on the lawn of the Zian Presidential Mansion Tuesday afternoon, her first public appearance since Saturday's protests, the bicameral condemnation, and the Senate's approval of a vote of no-confidence. In her short, five minute address, she apologized for the response to the protest, while incriminating herself moments later and defending the use of force. She spoke out against the Congressional Hall, Speaker Sakzi, and other senators by name. She blamed the media for the negative response to her use of military force, and following the whole statement, she declined to take questions. The address began professionally, but quickly deteriorated into ranting. The Tofino Times was present, and here is the official transcript of what Bishop said:

-Bishop stands at the podium-

"My fellow Zamastanians, I have come here today to tell you the state of our nation and the state of my administration since the events of this weekend. On Saturday, protesters swarmed the streets of the capital, destroyed property, burned fires that blackened the sky, and defaced the image of Zamastan. However violent their actions, I do understand the backlash against me for authorizing the activation of military assets to respond as reinforcements to authorities and stop the chaos. The resulting deaths of police officers and protesters alike is regrettable, and my heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I apologize for what has been deemed as impulsive and reckless by many. While this was a rough, regrettable experience for our city, nation, those directly involved and those who witnessed.

I will, however, defend myself in this course of action. These protesters, these arsonists, threatened the security of thousands of people, injured officers, and left one dead. I saw no other course of action but to quell the violence in a quick way that stopped the violence and brought justice to those who deserved it. The Congress is at fault and severely misled by political interest only. No morality, no thought to the inner workings of the Presidency.

The audacity of Congressional Hall to lead a condemnation vote on me for this incident is ridiculous. Shame on Speaker Sakzi. Honestly. His political pursuits, his Presidential campaign against me, has torn our party in two. The Conservatives used to stand for justice and security and so much else, but Foley has dwindled us down to soft, squabbling individualistic power grabbers. Shame on you, Mister Speaker.

Senator Gunn and his proxies are poisoning the honesty of the party. The liberals lead charges all the time on me, and I think it's shameful that the media, Jade Tribune, Tofino Times, all that trash, will rail against me at any given moment. Liberal propaganda. You never did this to either one of the Castovia's, or to Foley. They're conservatives. Where's their issues.

-A reporter stands to ask a question, President Bishop points him out-

No, sit, I'm not taking questions. I just want to talk. I'm still in charge in this house, and I hope that Foley and Euan quit their rampage of false, provocativeness. Just, rethink, you - God, I was put here to do a job and these people are tired of seeing me change this country. No, no questions.

-President Bishop leaves the podium-

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: New Shen Factory

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[/hr]

Forester Market Industries Opens Zamastan's Largest Foreign Built Factory In Shen
The Automobile Factory is Located in the Industrial Port City of Singse

The Zamastanian automaker opened the largest Zamastanian factory overseas in the Empire of [nation]Great Shen[/nation], saying it intends to assemble new battery-powered cars in the Port City of Singse. The location will get an even larger investment than previously planned and will focus on making a range of self-driving cars.

After a decade of uncertainty for the auto industry in Zamastan, Forester has rushed to build plants in Shen and other cheap-labor accessible nations over the last several years to take advantage of lower labor costs and that country’s extensive network of trade agreements.

Automakers have been concerned that changes to trade accords under the Bishop Administration, such as rules requiring the use of more Zamastanian-made parts, could raise the cost of vehicles produced in Shen plants and hurt the value of the plants they have built.

Franklin Marakby, Forester's vice president for autonomous vehicles and electrification, said Wednesday that the company had completed its plans for the Shen plant and that it now expected the market for self-driving cars for taxis and delivery fleets to grow rapidly after it rolls out its first model in 2021.

“We want to make sure we have the capacity at Singse when we launch,” he said in an interview. “We are very optimistic that we will grow the volume in the autonomous business.”

Forester now plans to invest Z$900 million in the Singse location, up from Z$700 million. The company said the retooling for autonomous vehicles would create 3,850 jobs there, 1,150 more than it previously expected.

Producing electric cars in Shen will enable Forester to take advantage of lower labor costs and improve the “fitness” of that business, Mr. Marakby said.

Electric vehicles tend to be expensive to build and generate thin profit margins or even lose money because batteries remain costly and sales volume low. Auto wages in Shen rarely exceed Z$5 (200 yuan) an hour, compared with about Z$29 an hour in Zamastan.

“If you’re worried about your margins on your E.V., moving production to Shen is not a bad idea,” said Yeroni Ramsey, an automotive analyst at Zimi Institute.

Forester plans to begin assembling a small, battery-powered sport-utility vehicle in the plant in Singse. The vehicle is supposed to go 300 miles before needing to recharge its battery, giving it a greater range than many electric cars now on the market.

Forester plans to follow that model with at least 12 electric vehicles as part of a broader, global strategy. Forester and other automakers expect sales of electric cars to take off in the years ahead as Hespian and Catican countries and others push automakers to cut tailpipe emissions.
See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: New Shen Factory

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Scientists in [nation]Gardavasque[/nation] Introduce New Early-Warning Seismic Detecting System
Partnering With Zamastanian Scientists, New System Is Fastest Introduced in IDU

Following the devastating August 31st Coastal Valley Earthquake, Gardavasque scientists have introduced what is believed to be the most advanced and fast preliminary warning system for earthquakes and tectonic plates. The Gardavasque Government announced the project, resulting from a partnership between the Zamastan government and researchers at the Department of Geological Sciences at Leland University in the Gardavascan city of Innovation, that will be deployed by early December in both Gardavasque and Zamastan.

Over 4,000 people died in the 8.3 magnitude quake in August, over 60 of whom were Gardavasque citizens. Much of the death toll is believed to have been preventable due to lack of tremor-proof buildings, specifically in the city of Kelowna, which was the hardest hit city in the Coastal Valley.

Gardavasque, though sitting across the Agrimai Ocean from Zamastan, sits on the opposite end of what scientists believe is a large, circular turning tectonic plate.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Joint-Naval Exercises

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[nation]Democratic Republic of Eiria[/nation] Joins Zamastan in Naval Warfare Drills
First Joint-Exercises Between Former 1991 Bjeorg Crisis Rivals

Eiria and Zamastan held a series of joint-naval-exercises in the Agrimai Ocean on Wednesday in the first allied drills between two former adversaries. Nearly 30 years after the end of the 1991 Bjeorg Conflict, in which the Eirian and Zamastanian navies faced each other in multiple brutal confrontations - which saw over ten ships sunk and hundreds of sailors killed - the two nations met off the Zamastan coast for a three-day joint naval exercise, code-named Operation Achilles.

This year’s drill is reportedly split into two parts, with the sea part of the exercise conducted from November 6 to 7, while the shore component is set to take place from November 8.

On the sea side, the drill involves a submarine, two-guided missile destroyers, three-guided missile frigates, and a submarine rescue ship. Zamastan has dispatched elements of its 2nd Fleet to the exercise including a frigate, a guided missile cruiser, a large landing ship, an maritime search-and-rescue support vessel, and a diesel-electric attack submarine.

“Today, in accordance with the voyage plan, a 2nd Fleet detachment led by the flagship cruiser Pircio has arrived in the center of Horseshoe Bay to participate in the Operation Achilles 2019 Zamastanian-Eirian bilateral naval exercise,” the Zamastanian Department of Defense (ZDoD) said in a statement.

"I am pleased to help facilitate the joint Exercise between the Eirian and Zamastanian Navies," said Chief Admiral Maria Circé of the Eirian Navy. "The history between our Navies hasn't always been civil, but I am glad we can look past the mistakes of yesterday in the name of the future."

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Olympics

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ZAMASTAN TAKES OLYMPICS LEAD | Ginian Wins Gold, Forrester and Ressuil Win Silver in Shuell Games
Second Round Track Session Ends With High Marks For Zamastan

Zamastan took in 3 medals to add to their total count on Wednesday night to take the lead in the Shuell Olympics with a gold and two silvers. Zamastan holds a narrow lead with a total of two gold medals. Percy Ginian, the Zamastanian 1500m Men runner completed the track with a hair longer of a second's finish at 3:35.10, narrowly beating Gardavasque's Miles Long. The two silver medals went to Rand Ressuil with a close second in the 100m Men's, and to Samantha Forrester for the 1500m Women's. Forrester was projected by many experts to win because of her high performance internationally prior to the Olympics, but she lost her footing near the end of the race, costing her first place and two seconds.

[box]The second event of the Olympics draws to a close. The results are in.

For 100m Men's, Laeral's Sung Fenghe wins first place, with a time of 10.08. Zamastan's Rand Ressuil came in just after, in a close second place. High Fell's Hong Seung-Hoon took bronze, with a final time of 10.11.

For 100m Women's, Shanda Lear of Gardavasque won the gold medal, with their time of 10.05. The Matriarchy of Kerlile must be pleased to know that they came in second, with their Mere Baker having a time of 10.15. Paula Meneses of New Lusitania came in third with a time of 10.17. Shuellians were disappointed to see their Alwine Westheimer come in dead last, with a time of 10.36.

For 800m Men's, New Lusitania's Tomas Esposende crossed the finish line first, with a time of 1:44.69. John Cromwell of LOM fame wins silver with a time of 1:45.27. Shuell's ATH-725 wins bronze with his final time of 1:45.38, and will be given a medal for Exceptional Service to the State, along with a pardoning. The first Shuellian prisoner to compete in the Olympics, "ATH-725" was given a long sentence after attempting to claim asylum in the nation of Lauchenoiria.

For 800m Women's, Maximusian athlete Jordan Anders wins the gold, with her final time of 1:44.38. Teresa Casamigos from the Great Tequila Island came in second, with her time of 1:46.45. Laeral's Espoir Coulon came in third, her time being 1:46.85.

For the 1500 meter dash, Zamastanian athlete wins gold, with his final time being 3:35.10. Gardavasque's Miles A. Long came in third with a time of 3:36.39, and Shuellian's own Klaus Albrecht won bronze with his time of 3:37.42.

For 1500m Women's, Shuellian athlete Vera Leupold won Shuell's first gold medal of the 2019 Olympics, crossing the finish line at 3:33.85. Zamastan's Samantha Forrester won silver with her time of 3:35.16, and North Cross athlete Synnove Norregaard wins the bronze medal with her time of 3:36.13.[/box]

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Thursday, November 7th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Vote Of No-Confidence

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As Vote Of No-Confidence Looms, Bishop's Team is On The Defensive
Understanding the Process

Speaker of the Chamber Foley Sakzi Gives Open Remarks to Senate Investigators on Thursday Morning

Zamastan's political turmoil continues as Saturday's vote to decide whether President Anya Bishop stays in office or will be removed is only two days away. If the Senate votes to keep her in office, the remainder of her administration is sure to be a rocky one. If the Senate votes to remove her (by a two-thirds majority), she will be the first President in Zamastanian history to be kicked out of office. With the confusion arising, one can't be blamed for losing exactly what this whole procedure is about. The Tofino Times breaks down the essentials that you need to know before Saturday's vote.

Why is Bishop Facing the Vote?
President Bishop ordered military troops to intervene in protests on Saturday, November 2nd, which resulted in the deaths of three protesters and a police officer. While this specifically is not illegal, unconstitutional, or out of a President's ability, the results and impulsiveness of the President's decision prompted both houses of Congressional Hall to condemn Bishop. The Congress Chamber voted 469-30-1, while the Senate voted 84-16. This led to the announcement of the Vote of No-Confidence being approved by the Senate in another sweep vote of 79-21.

The Bishop Administration has long been blamed for economic downturn in Zamastan as well as a significant loss of standing on the global stage. The vote of no-confidence is significant because both houses of the Congressional Hall are controlled by the Blue Conservative Party, which is President Bishop's party. The overwhelming support of the vote in Congress shows a severe downturn in the party's attitude towards their most powerful visual member.

Who are the Key Players?
President Anya Bishop
- The President is the subject of the vote. If the vote passes the Senate, she will be the first President ever to be removed from office.

Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi
- Speaker Sakzi is the Presiding Officer of Congressional Hall, and as such is presiding over the vote. He is also the second most influential member of the Blue Conservatives, and is running for President in 2020, splitting party lines between Bishop and himself. He notably abstained from the Congress Chamber vote, a move which some indicate may be his way of steering out of the impending fallout following the vote.

Senator Euan Gunn
- Euan Gunn, a Green Liberal senator from the Northern Isle and another Presidential candidate. He is the individual who announced the Vote of No-Confidence to the floor following the condemnation. He was sited by President Bishop in an explosive press conference as "poisoning the honesty of the party" along with "his proxies".

Speaker Foley has not shared his thinking on the final timeline with his colleagues, though he has discussed the proceedings multiple times since the vote, and Liberal sources say the timing is still fluid and could continue to evolve.

Liberals also withdrew a subpoena of a former Zian Presidential Mansion official to ensure their proceedings were not delayed by a court battle. Senator Euan Gunn also decided Thursday not to subpoena someone who could have been a star witness -- former domestic security adviser Brett Marriane, who privately raised concerns about the protester scandal at the heart of the Vote of No-Confidence. Gunn's decision came after the former Bishop aide's counsel warned they would sue over any subpoena.

"We have no interest in allowing the administration to play rope-a-dope with us in the courts for months," a Congressional Intelligence Committee official said of the decision not to subpoena Marriane.

After two days of private depositions, the final phase of the proceedings will end on Saturday with whatever the Senate votes on.

Gunn has announced that three witnesses would testify on Saturday before the vote, and lawmakers from both sides expect at least one more day of public hearings the day before, Friday the 8th.

If Bishop is removed, at that point, the Senatorial Judiciary Committee would take the lead on the Emergency Special Election push — potentially in the two weeks following. Senate sources expect that committee to have a public hearing, possibly in that first week, before it votes on articles of Emergency Election. That vote could occur in committee in the last week of November, the sources said.
See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Thursday, November 7th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Governor of Pahl Target of Assassination Attempt

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GOVERNOR OF PAHL WAS TARGET OF ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Leak Shows Vehicle was Rigged With Explosive Device Next to Governor's Residence Early Thursday

The Governor of Pahl survived what is being called an assassination attempt in Alanis, an unnamed government source leaked early today. Following the leak, the Governor's office confirmed that there was in fact a direct threat, but Governor Weronika Preece is safe and in good spirits.

The source told The Tofino Times that the security authorities found a car bomb near the residence of Governor Weronika Preece in the capital of Alanis.

Although no one has claimed responsibility, two people have thus far been arrested in connection with the bomb plot. Federal authorities are keeping the investigation relatively quiet, but have acknowledged the arrests and the existence of the plot.

"What we are able to say publically at this time is that there was indeed a plot against Governor Preece," said ZIS Investigator Charles Hanfrenk, "but the threat to the Governor is completely quelled as of this morning. We have two suspects in custody in relation to the threat."

"At 6:02 AM, an unidentified caller tipped our field office about a suspicious vehicle outside the Governor's residence here in Alanis, and upon investigation, the vehicle was discovered to contain an explosive device. A bomb disposal and destruction team disarmed the device and relocated the ordinance, and the Governor was secured. He is safe and in good spirits."

Pahl has a history of political violence not seen anywhere else in Zamastan, much of it stemming from Catholic-Protestant historical rivalries. This is the latest in a series of dangerous encounters with assassination plots for high profile Pahlan politicians, though it is the first time a Governor has been targeted in over a decade. In 2008, a would-be assassin fired two shots at Governor Timothy Johnsobell in his motorcade as he left the Administrative District's legislature building. He was uninjured, and the attempted assassin was arrested, tried, and sentenced to twenty years in prison.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Saturday, November 9th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE

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[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS
PRESIDENT BISHOP IS OUT
IN THE SENATE'S CLOSE 68-30-2 VOTE, PRESIDENT BISHOP HAS BEEN EXPELLED FROM OFFICE UNDER THE RULES OF NO-CONFIDENCE

President Bishop is out.

The Senate voted with a narrow two thirds majority, supported by the abstentions of two senators, to pass a no-confidence condemnation onto President Anya Bishop, cutting her term short nearly 10 months before the 2020 Election. The President will have one day to leave the Zian Presidential Mansion. In the mean time, the Congressional Hall voted to operate as an interim executive branch for the remainder of the time in which the country will be without a head of state. Tomorrow, the Senate will vote for when an emergency election will take place.

President Bishop's critics will jump on the opportunity to possibly seize the Presidency in any special election that is announced, but in the current 2020 polling, Speaker of the Chamber Foley Sakzi is still leading, followed by GLP Leader Cain Blackwater, Senator Euan Gunn (who announced the vote of no-confidence), and Libertarian Shuana Lultquist. Former President Zacharias Castovia is also running as an independent.

Bishop will likely retire to private life, as the vote of no-confidence halts her from ever seeking public office for the next 6 years. However, because of her outward digression towards the vote, it is believed that she will be an active campaigner for people of similar political minds. She was present, as required by No-Confidence rules, during the handing down of the vote. Her final statements before the vote were as follows:

"Dear constituents, I have served as the President for 10 months, and in this time, I believe I have done no intentional wrong. Whatever your decision, I will fight to defend my opinions and views, as they are correct and, though perhaps not pure, they are right. You need to consider a world where my administration is reversed, where my leadership is gone, and where you fling our nation into political crisis. Do not expel me. You will have to answer to the country."

Her warning was obviously self-destructive. All of those who voted for her to be expelled from office were nearly equal across party lines, with 29 Conservatives and 34 Liberals voting for her to leave. Those who voted to keep her in office were also conservatives, but her fate was sealed.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 10th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: POST-BISHOP PROTESTS

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[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS
TOFINO POLICE OFFICER SHOOTS PROTESTER WITH LIVE ROUNDS IN EARLY AFTERNOON CLASHES
In Wake Of Bishop's Expel, Protesters Have Demanded A Trial To Prosecute Her

A 21-year-old protester was shot with a live round by a police officer in Tofino early Sunday afternoon, as traffic stalled and clashes broke out across the city.

A traffic officer shot the protester in the torso and fired two more live rounds at the intersection of Seer Ave. and Grimes St., in eastern Donaldson District, according to a police source.

The police source did not provide any more details about the shooting or why the officer fired his gun.

In a video clip of the incident shared online, the officer can be seen grappling with a protester. A second protester, dressed in black and wearing a face mask, approaches the scuffle, and the officer raises his gun.

The second protester appears to try and wave or slap the gun away, and the officer shoots him at close range, to screams from the surrounding crowd of protesters and passersby.

Several more protesters then grapple with the officer, and two more live rounds are fired off-camera.

The injured protester is undergoing operation at a hospital and remains in a critical condition, according to the Tofino Health and Hospital Authority.

Police officers have since cordoned off the area where the protester was shot, and have fired tear gas to disperse protesters.

Protesters called for a general strike on Sunday across the city, and caused traffic disruptions at several locations throughout Sunday afternoon. Police said demonstrators set barricades and blocked roads in Donaldson, Kingston, and the Downtown districts.

Several subway lines were experiencing minor to severe delays, with some routes partially suspended "due to an escalation of the situation in station," according to the Tofino subway operator.

In a statement, police said they were continuing to clear barricades and disperse the protesters.

Anti-government protests, which began in March in opposition to a now-expelled President Bishop, have dragged on for months. Protesters have five major demands during the course of the protests, the first being Bishop's resignation or removal from office. Now that she is gone following a bilateral condemnation and the passing of a vote of no-confidence, they are calling for her prosecution. They are also calling an independent inquiry into alleged corruption into her administration and wider democratic reforms .

The protests have sent retail and tourism numbers plunging in the downtown area of Tofino since last weekend's protests turned violent and led to the vote of no-confidence. Demonstrations have also steadily escalated in violence, with increasing public hostility toward the city government and police force.

Police first used lethal force in July by firing a live shot and injuring a protester. Last Saturday's protests, however, saw the deaths of three protesters and a police officer after military forces were called in to assist security forces. That move led to Bishop's expulsion from office.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Monday, November 11th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: UNE TRADE DEAL

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[nation]United New England[/nation] Signs New Oil Import and Military Protection Treaty With Zamastan
The Deal Extends Oil Imports to the South Catica Nation and Provides Zamastanian Military Protection Measures

United New England signed a new treaty with Zamastan for a ten-year oil/military exchange program which would see the South Catica nation purchasing oil from Zamastan in exchange for military protection under request. United New England is set to import Z$3.54 billion worth in 6.4 million cubic meters of Zamastanian oil in 2020, which will be refunded through a new defense treaty which states that Zamastan will provide an overarching military protection standing upon requests from UNE leadership. The deal doesn't guarantee that Zamastan is the exclusive military protectorate of UNE; the nation also shares protection status with Vangaziland. However, the new deal would also set forth plans to establish a leased Zamastanian military base in UNE.

United New England has no standing army, rather, they have an established militia force that can act as their main defensive group in the event of an aggressive threat. They're mainly utilized in the wake of terrorist attacks or natural disasters. This publicly-funded paramilitary branch of law enforcement is called the Minutemen. Though UNE has not seen armed conflict recently, they have been interested to seek wider protectionist measures, especially in the wake of wide-scale escalations of tensions throughout the IDU, such as the Second Lauchenoiria Civil War, the Vulkarian Crises, and the current rampant buildup of Zamastanian, Xiomeran, and Shen militaries.

UNE's oil imports from Zamastan have been rising steadily for the past five years, according to Statistics Zamastan trade data reviewed by The Tofino Times News, and this new deal is sure to continue and solidify the trend in the coming years. Zamastan, for its part, is also interested in increasing industrial imports and luxury imports from UNE, which would help diversify the economy which has not seen much in the way of raw United New England goods.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Monday, November 11th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: UNE TRADE DEAL

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SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOTS RELEASED
Here are the People Who Made the Ballots For The November 17th, 2019 Election

In the wake of President Anya Bishop's departure from office under the Vote of No-Confidence, Senate has approved a Special Election to be held on Sunday, November 17th, 2019. While anyone is capable to run in these elections, there are only eight spots on official ballots that the Senate and House have bilaterally agreed upon (voters can write in candidates of their choice if their names do not appear on the ballot). They include candidates who polled consistently in nine un-politicized ranking survey's, as well as their current standings in the September 22nd, 2020 election cycle. These are the candidates who made the ballots.

Foley Sakzi (Speaker of the Chamber, BCP) - Blue Conservative Party
-Speaker Sakzi shook the political landscape in June when he announced his candidacy against President Bishop in the 2020 Election cycle. His candidacy, as well as his position in the Blue Conservative Party, caused a major division in the Conservative realm, as he began openly criticizing Bishop for her policies. Upon her condemnation and subsequent removal from office, he remained on the side lines to the best of his ability as the leading member of Congressional Hall, abstaining from the Congress Chamber's vote and speaking in terms of political unification after her removal in testimonial settings.

His provided domestic views are largely centered around middle and lower class economics, and he has stated that he hopes to provide systems of free enterprising that doesn't infringe on the rights of the everyday citizen, while also maintaining a faithful and open government system. He has advocated for a strong military, sanctions against Xiomera and Kerlile (though he strongly criticized President Bishop's handling of the July-August Trade War), and an increase in trade with nations who don't have strong current connections with Zamastan, as well as Catican nations such as Trive and United New England. He has advocated for gun reform and was one of the leading voices in the August legislation that banned semi-automatic rifles in Zamastan, though he has stated that he believes in the right for citizens to have conceal and carry permits for hand guns.

Before his tenure in politics, Sakzi was a corporal in the Zamastanian Armed Forces, seeing action during the Second War in Vulkaria. He was shot in the chest by enemy combatants during the Battle of Amstelveen and critically injured, but recovered and rewarded several medals honoring his bravery and sacrifice during the fighting.

Cain Blackwater (Former Speaker of the Chamber, GLP Leader, CEO of Blackwater Energy) - Green Liberal Party
-Cain Blackwater has been in politics for the majority of his adult life. He is a Zamastanian energy tycoon and politician who serves as the leader of the Green Liberal Party. He served for six years as the Speaker of the Chamber before being voted out in the 1994 election and being replaced by Shauna Lultquist when the Libertarian Party took the majority in Congressional Hall. During his time as speaker, he was a representative from Zian's 58th District. He remains active in politics to this day, and uses his influence as a major politician and billionaire to his party's advantage, funding many events and campaigns. He made his fortune from his acquired energy company, the Blackwater Energy Industries, which applies green, clean energy such as windmills, solar, and hydro electric sources. He has been a candidate for President multiple times over his career, running in 1992, 1998, and 2014 against Cassious Castovia, 2018 against Zacharias Castovia, and in the emergency election of 2019 against incumbent president Anya Bishop.

Shauna Lultquist (Former Speaker of the Chamber) - Libertarian Party of Zamah St'an
-Shauna Lultquist is a politician, humanitarian, and activist who served as the youngest ever Speaker of the Chamber as a member of the Libertarian Party. She was also the first black Speaker elected. Lultquist was elected at the age of 23 in 1994, beating Cain Blackwater and serving for one term before losing her seat to Randolph Forrester. Following her tenure, she established a non-profit organization: the Free Water for IDU Initiative, which provided fresh water utilities to nations and regions struggling to recover from natural disasters or conflicts. She also joined political and civil rights activists groups working towards increased women's rights around Zamastan. On July 17th, 2019, she announced her candidacy for president in the 2020 Zamastan Presidential Election, making her the first ever black woman to run for the Presidency.

Euan Gunn (Senator) - Green Liberal Party
-A Church of Zian pastor and Zamastanian senator, Euan Gunn is representing the Northern Isle's 19th District. He is a member of the Green Liberal Party. He is known for his roles in extending voting rights and pressing gun-control legislation, which has put him at the forefront of the GLP's political spectrum. Considered by most political experts to be, as The Tofino Times once described him, "a classic liberal in the tradition of Cassious Castovias", Gunn once said that he wanted to create a "Melting-Pot Coalition" of various minority groups. Though heavily pro-LGBT, same-sex marriage, pro-gun control, and pro-cutting defense spending, Gunn is more conservative on his views of abortion, thanks in part to his religious heritage.

While most aspiring presidential candidates traditionally wait until February of election year to announce their intent to run, Gunn announced his candidacy on April 3rd, 2019, making him the first politician to enter the 2020 Zamastanian Presidential Election cycle. He was also the member of the Senate who introduced the Vote of No-Confidence upon Anya Bishop.

Zacharias Castovia (Former President, Founder and CEO of ZSuites Incorporated, Son of Cassious Castovia (President from 1982-2015)) - Independent
-Zacharias Castovia is a Zamastanian politician and businessman, who served as the 12th President of Zamastan, assuming power after the unexpected death of his father, Cassious Castovia in 2016 until his resignation on January 23rd, 2019. Before becoming President, Zacharias Castovia was the founder and CEO of ZSuites Incorporated, a multi-billion dollar real-estate company. As President, he was seen as a divisive figure on the world stage, acting as one of the prominent leaders in the founding of the United Crown Alliance and ultimately joining the International Democratic Union. His presidency was defined by a unprecedented rise of economic prowess, numerous polarizing military conflicts such as the Gladysynthia Crisis, and legislative actions that have had unique impact on everyday life in Zamastan. He was also the youngest President elected in Zamastanian history, as well as one of the youngest heads of state in the IDU.

Castovia resigned the Presidency on January 23rd, 2019 following a scandal in which he was found not guilty, though he lost significant staff members during the course of the investigation. He was succeeded by Anya Bishop in a special election.

Yerran Mann (PPZ Leader, Former Speaker of the Chamber) - Progressive Party
-Yerran Mann is the leader of the Progressive Party. He served for six years as the Speaker of the Chamber before being voted out in the 2012 election and being replaced by Foley Sakzi when the Blue Conservatives took the majority in Congressional Hall for the first time since 2000. He has an anti-war stance, advocating for Zamastan's military to be restricted from engaging in war zones outside the nation, famously demanding an end to the wars in Vulkaria and opposition to all preemptive wars, strikes, or other offensive or interventionist military actions, such as the Gladysynthia Crisis. Mann is very supportive of LGBT rights and members of the party were involved in the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Economically, Mann also calls for converting the minimum wage to a living wage and having it tied to inflation rates, having the economy focus on small and local businesses, empowerment of worker cooperatives and publicly owned companies as democratic alternatives to multi-national corporations and to decentralize the economy, for the strengthening of state law to protect the right to unionize, for implementing a progressive income tax and repealing the tax exemption and residential education property tax, and for all trade to be subject to international standards on human rights. Mann is also critical of privatization.

Leanne Dale (Senator) - Green Liberal Party
-Leanne Dale is a Senator of the Green Liberal Party. She has been outspoken on sexual assault in the military and sexual harassment, having criticized Senator Cormac Hammer (a fellow liberal) for sexual misconduct. She supports paid family leave, a federal jobs guarantee, and the abolition and replacement of the Customs Enforcement Agency (CEA). She is the chairwoman of the "STOCK Committee", which overseas insider trading and lobbying within the Congress and Senate.

WHO WINS AND HOW?

Because there are eight people on the ballot, votes are expected to be close across the board. The Senate has laid out rules to curb the potential for a close vote and an indecisive winner. If a candidate gets 50% of the vote or more, they automatically win. However, anything less than that, and the votes will take the top four contenders into a run-off election two days following the first vote. This will be the one that determines the next President of Zamastan.

In official polling, Speaker Sakzi has led at around 31%. Blackwater follows at 23%, while Lultquist and Gunn are tied at just about a rounded 20% each. Castovia has roughly 5%, leaving the remaining two candidates with less than 1% each.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: President Quinn Werner Hospitalized

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[/hr]

FORMER PRESIDENT QUINN WERNER HOSPITALIZED FOLLOWING BRAIN PROCEDURE
The 77-year old is recovering in an Emerald hospital following a procedure to relieve brain pressure.

Former Zamastanian President Quinn Werner, 77, is recovering in an Emerald hospital following a procedure to relieve brain pressure.

The pressure comes from bleeding caused by recent falls, the Werner Foundation said in a statement.

The procedure was completed without complications at the Pillio University Hospital on Tuesday morning local time.

Mr Werner "will remain in the hospital as long as advisable for further observation," the statement said.

An earlier statement by the Werner Foundation said the former president was "resting comfortably" and his wife, Hera, was with him.

Mr Werner is the country's oldest living leader.

The Green Liberal was the 8th President of Zamastan, taking office in the 1976 election after Elene Abotsford. Before the presidency, he was a professional hockey player and later became a congressman and the head of the Committee on National Youth Development. Werner’s first act as President was to revamp the education system of Zamastan, allowing for public school programs that were more inclusive to originally less opportunistic families. He also created a national food service program that distributed government mandated foods to poorer income families that proved incapable to sustain for themselves. These public service projects shaped the inclusive and modern day civil prosperity ratings of Zamastan, which measure the livability factors of each aspect of the nation. Experts widely agree that these programs greatly improved life for Zamastan citizens as a whole. Due to the increase of food distribution and education reforms, the generations of Zamastanians became more healthy and intelligent as a whole.

Werner advocated immensely against illegal substance usage and smoking. He and his wife, Hera Maria Werner, broadcast weekly television prompts from the Presidential Mansion to encourage young people and older generations alike to drop bad and unhealthy habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Werner was originally a proponent of legalized marijuana usage, but amongst his promotion to the Committee on National Youth Development, he understood the possibilities of weed being used as a gateway drug and famously advised kids to “Stay away from bad stuff”. Hera Werner took a platform against bullying in schools, and often visited the nation’s institutions and met one-on-one with teachers and students. She is to this day one of the most renowned First Ladies of Zamastan.

President Werner was elected to two terms but lost in the closest ever election in Zamastanian history in 1980 to Aiden Avery. President Avery passed away in January.

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
[color=#800040]Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Yerran Mann: Don't Listen to Polls

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[/hr]

Yerran Mann to Voters: ‘Polls Don’t Matter’

Progressive presidential hopeful Former Speaker Yerran Mann urged voters on Wednesday evening to support the candidate they like most in the race for the Presidency and to dismiss polling numbers.

“Front-runners have never gone on to be the nominee,” Mann claimed.

Even though a recent Emerald Times and Viun College poll out on Wednesday shows Mann with only two percent support among likely voters, the former Speaker of the Chamber remains confident in his efforts to defeat the others running in the special election.

“I’m going to pancake the rest of them,” Mann told the small crowd.

Yerran Mann spoke about wanting to higher up his progressive diversity messaged. "I played Arinals football and we were never aiming to get close, we were aiming to win,” Mann remarked of his low polling numbers. “I play to win, and we’re here because I believe as things shift and change, we’re going to continue to grow in popularity and support.”

Since he announced his candidacy for president a couple days ago, Mann has witnessed a steady decline in support from voters in several polls.

A poll from VoGovern shows Mann trailing several presidential hopefuls in regards to support from black and female voters. Those who outrank Mann in the poll include Speaker of the Chamber Foley Sakzi, Former Speaker Cain Blackwater, Sen. Euan Gunn, Zacharias Castovia and Shauna Lultquist.

Despite his inability to connect with black voters, Mann claimed last week that he is the “only person” in the race for president who can “turn out the vote and win in a heavily black electorate.”

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Saturday, November 16th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: ELECTION RESULTS

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[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS
FOLEY SAKZI ELECTED PRESIDENT IN OVERWHELMING VICTORY

Foley Sakzi, the Speaker of the Chamber, the five term senator from the Northern Isle's 4th District, has won the Special Election and is now the 14th President-elect of Zamastan. He will be sworn in tomorrow at Congressional Hall, and Chamber Conservatives will have to nominate a new Speaker in his wake.

Sakzi was widely expected to win the Presidency, with his nearest competitor, GLP Leader Cain Blackwater, coming second in every poll up to the election. But, with 62% of the popular vote, Sakzi blew all competition out of the water. In his unprecedented margin of victory, he promised that his win would ensure that bi-partisanship would continue, just as it famously had during his tenure as Speaker.

"This is not my victory. This is a victory for the security of our democracy. I will never favor one individual policy over the interests of Zamastanians. I will continue to work with both sides, showing what is possible when we take our disagreements and arguments and construct a healthy narrative that produces results. I want to re-establish the honor and pride that Zamastanians have, and the International Democratic Union will see once again the greatness that our nation has. We will restore our influence and our trust, our broken relations, and create a more prosperous nation than what we've experienced in the past 10 months. This, friends, is the beginning of a new stage."

"This is what positive politics can do. This is what a positive, hopeful, a hopeful vision, and a platform and a team together can make happen. Zamastanians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change."

Sakzi held out an olive branch to his defeated rivals after a vicious and divisive campaign. “As I’ve said many times over the course of this campaign, liberals are not our enemies, they’re our neighbors,” he said. And in an implicit rebuke to his most outspoken rival Euan Gunn – who had attempted to exploit a row over Muslim women’s right to cover their face in 2012 as Senator – he said: “We know in our bones that Zamastan was built by people from all corners of the world, who worship every faith, who belong to every culture, who speak every language.”

[box]Here are the Official Percentage Counts for the SPECIAL ELECTION

[list=][*]Foley Sakzi: 62%[/list]
[list=][*]Cain Blackwater: 24%[/list]
[list=][*]Zacharias Castovia: 6.1%[/list]
[list=][*]Shauna Lultquist: 3.2%[/list]
[list=][*]Euan Gunn: 2.9%[/list]

• Yerran Mann: 1%

• Leanne Dale: 0.8%

[/box]

The election was seen in part as referendum on the leadership of former-President Bishop and her neo-conservative economics and hawkish foreign policy. Opinion polls before the vote had pointed to a hung election, but in the event the election resulted in a resounding defeat for the Liberal candidates.

With a wide margin of 62%, Cain Blackwater came in second with 24% of the vote. In response to Sakzi's victory, he congratulated his opponent while speaking to a crowd of despondent supporters, while also promising to continue working with Sakzi in Congressional Hall. However, he also promised to continue campaigning for the September 22nd Election, which will not be postponed with tonight's special election.

"I have to congratulate Speaker Sakzi on his victory. The choice of the nation is clear, and while you all know I do not always agree with him, I tremendously respect Foley for his commitment to the Zamastanian people. I believe that regardless of politics, we are in good hands. I will continue to work with my friend, and with his Presidency and Administration, I believe that our congress can work some fundamental changes that improve our great nation."

He focused on thanking his supporters at the end of the speech. "We put it all on the line, we gave everything we have to give, and we have no regrets whatsoever,” he said, adding: “The disappointment you feel is my responsibility and mine alone. I will commit to the continuation of my Presidential campaign for the 2020 cycle. Mister President-elect, I'll see you soon," Blackwater said, with a wink and smile to the cameras and laughter from the audience.

Senator Euan Gunn, who failed to get more than 3% of the vote and fell to a fifth place, was less enthusiastic in his concession speech.

"Foley Sakzi, while I congratulate him, is teetering on a dangerous precipice. With Bishop's exit, a flush of disparity is left in the executive office. Obviously, I had hoped I could fill that emptiness, but the people have spoken. Good luck, Mister President-elect. Your success is our country's success."

Former President Zacharias Castovia, the third place grabber, also congratulated President-elect Sakzi from his campaign headquarters, also promising to continue his campaign for the 2020 cycle.

"Foley, congratulations. Your leadership during my time as President is a shining example of humility and honestly and graciousness. I wish you the best of luck, and I will be here to provide any help or advice you need, although I know you're more than capable. Despite our differences, you are a genuine man and a true politician. Your motivations for improving the lives of our fellow Zamastanians is noble. I commend you for your leadership and your character, and I wish you luck."

"As to the continuation of my campaign, I will not be stepping off the trail. It is my goal to be back for 2020. We'll see how the next few months go."

Former Speaker Shauna Lultquist, who got fourth in the final counting, spoke to her supporters as well.

"Foley is an honorable man. While tonight’s result is certainly not the one we had hoped for, the people are never wrong.”

Yerran Mann, the Progressive Party candidate, declined to make a public statement.

[box]Who Is Foley Sakzi

Foley, a native of Providence, Northern Isle, graduated from Tofino University in 1992. He spent five years working for Conservatives in Tofino and returned to the Northern Isle in 1997 to work at his family's construction company. Before his further tenure in politics as a Senator, Sakzi was a corporal in the Zamastanian Armed Forces, seeing action during the Second War in Vulkaria. He was shot in the chest by enemy combatants during the Battle of Amstelveen and critically injured, but recovered and rewarded several medals honoring his bravery and sacrifice during the fighting.

Sakzi was elected to Senate to represent the Northern Isle's 4th congressional district in 2008, replacing an incumbent conservative who was in Senate. Sakzi would represent the district from then until today's election, even as Speaker of the Chamber. He chaired the House Budget Committee from 2009 to 2012 and briefly chaired the House Ways and Means Committee in 2012 prior to being elected Speaker of the Chamber in September 2012 following Yerran Mann's retirement.

Speaker of the Chamber Sakzi shook the political landscape in June when he announced his candidacy against President Bishop in the 2020 Election cycle. His candidacy, as well as his position in the Blue Conservative Party, caused a major division in the Conservative realm, as he began openly criticizing Bishop for her policies. Upon her condemnation and subsequent removal from office, he remained on the side lines to the best of his ability as the leading member of Congressional Hall, abstaining from the Congress Chamber's vote and speaking in terms of political unification after her removal in testimonial settings.

His provided domestic views are largely centered around middle and lower class economics, and he has stated that he hopes to provide systems of free enterprising that doesn't infringe on the rights of the everyday citizen, while also maintaining a faithful and open government system. He has advocated for a strong military, sanctions against Xiomera and Kerlile (though he strongly criticized President Bishop's handling of the July-August Trade War), and an increase in trade with nations who don't have strong current connections with Zamastan, as well as Catican nations such as Trive and United New England. He has advocated for gun reform and was one of the leading voices in the August legislation that banned semi-automatic rifles in Zamastan, though he has stated that he believes in the right for citizens to have conceal and carry permits for hand guns.

[/box]

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Sunday, November 17th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Zamastan's Choice

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[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS
The INAUGURATION of FOLEY SAKZI
The 14th President of Zamastan

Foley Sakzi has been inaugurated as the 14th President of Zamastan in a ceremony in the Rotunda of Congressional Hall. Administering the oath was Larious Maxwell, the Leader of the Conservative Party and widely thought to be their choice for the new Speaker of the Chamber in Sakzi's wake. Sakzi took the oath of office with his hand on a copy of President Avi Taures' bible, which was used in four of his inaugural swearing in ceremonies (1846, 48, 50, and 54). His wife, Hannah Sakzi, held the bible for her husband. After the oath, Sakzi spoke to the audience gathered outside the Congressional Hall steps in the balmy sun.


[box]"The oath that I have taken is the same oath that was taken by Tomias Hapson and by every President under the Constitution. But I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by Zamastanians. This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts. Therefore, I feel it is my first duty to make an unprecedented compact with my countrymen. Not an inaugural address, not a fireside chat, not a campaign speech--just a little straight talk among friends. And I intend it to be the first of many.

I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your traditional senses, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman--my dear wife--as I begin this very difficult job. I have sought this enormous responsibility, and I will not shirk it. Those who nominated and confirmed me as President were of both parties, elected by all the people and acting under the Constitution in their name. It is only fitting then that I should pledge to them and to you that I will be the President of all the people.

Avi Taures, who's bible I have been sworn in on, said the people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. And down the years, Marvin Gaviria renewed this Zamastanian article of faith asking, "Is there any better way or equal hope in the world?" Even though this is early leading into an election cycle, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs. We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together.

To the peoples and the governments of all friendly nations, and I hope that could encompass the whole world, I pledge an uninterrupted and sincere search for peace. Zamastan will remain strong and united, but its strength will remain dedicated to the safety and sanity of the entire family of man, as well as to our own precious freedom and democracy.

I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad. In all my public and private acts as your President, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end.

My fellow Zamastanians, our long national heartbreak is over. Our Constitution works, our politics work; our great Imperial Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. The men and women who built this nation and reside here and work here are our champions. Our soldiers and our police and our firemen and our selfless volunteers are our heroes. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.

As we bind up the internal wounds of Bishop's control, more painful and more poisonous than those of foreign wars, let us restore the golden rule to our political process, and let brotherly love purge our hearts of suspicion and of hate. In the beginning, I asked you to pray for me. Before closing, I ask again your prayers, for Anya Bishop and her unborn child. May our former President find peace for herself. May God bless and comfort her wonderful partner and her unborn child. I can only guess at those burdens, although I have witnessed at close hand the tragedies that befell three Presidents in the past four years and their lesser trials as well.

With all the strength and all the good sense I have gained from life, with all the confidence my family, my friends, and my dedicated staff impart to me, and with the good will of countless Zamastanians I have encountered in recent visits from my campaign trail, I now solemnly reaffirm my promise I made to you when I became Speaker in 2012: to uphold the Constitution, to do what is right as God gives me to see the right, and to do the very best I can for Zamastan. God helping me, I will not let you down.

Thank you.[/box]

POST-INAUGURATION TRADITIONS AND LUNCHEON

Following the inauguration and subsequent speech, President Sakzi attended a meeting of Senators from both Conservative and Liberal parties. With First Lady Hannah Sakzi at his side, President Foley Sakzi signed his first presidential orders in the President's Room at Congressional Hall, and then signed the guest book for the traditional luncheon. The first order signed by Sakzi was a proclamation declaring his Inauguration Day a "National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation", in which he called "upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century". Next, Sakzi signed orders to officially present the nominations for his new Administration and several sub‑administration officials to the Congress Chamber for its approval.

The Sakzis joined several congressional guests for the inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall at Congressional Hall. Guests included top Tofino lawmakers as well as former Presidents Zacharias Castovia and Aiden Avery, who was released from Emerald General Hospital yesterday following a brain procedure.

INAUGURAL PARADE

The inaugural parade route ran along Zian Avenue, N.W. from the Congressional Hall, ending at the south face of the Zian President Mansion. During most of the parade, President Sakzi and First Lady Hannah Sakzi traveled in the new armored limousine because of potential security threats. The President and First Lady twice exited their limousine, walking on Zian Avenue for portions of the parade. There were four instances of areas of the parade that were cordoned off from damage caused by extensive protests weeks earlier following Bishop's actions against protesters that led to her removal.

The parade lasted more than two hours during the afternoon and early evening following the inaugural ceremony. Parade participants included 15,000 people, 240 horses, an army band, dozens of marching bands, the Zian Military Institute corps of cadets, and two drum and bugle corps: The Cadets and the Mustangs. Sakzi invited the marching band from Folken Briar School, his high school in Providence, to perform in the parade along with the marching unit of its Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

Zamastan Space Agency astronaut Dan J. Walheim marched in the parade carrying a Zamastanian flag and wearing a prototype of ZSA's next generation spacesuit. Astronaut Warren L. Bernhardt drove a prototype lunar rover in the parade. In addition to Astronauts Walheim and Bernhardt, the crew of the first manned Zamastanian vehicle into space - the Zian Falcon 2F and the OrcaNear-2 manned module - astronauts Casey Giverston and Jesse Imm also marched in the parade.
See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes

[Zamastan]

Co-written via input from [nation]Xiomera[/nation]

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[/hr]Zamastan | World - IDU | Politics | Economy | Opinion

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[/hr]
The Tofino Times
Click Here to Visit The Tofino Times Website
Monday, November 18th, 2019

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[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 6320 | In the News: Naval Standoff

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[color=#FF0000]BREAKING NEWS
XIOMERAN WARSHIPS INTERCEPT ZAMASTANIAN 2nd FLEET
TENSE STANDOFF CONTINUES AS XIOMERAN VESSELS FOLLOW ZAMASTANIANS, FOLLOWING DRAMATIC MANEUVERS

Xiomeran warships intercepted and began following the Zamastanian 2nd Fleet on Monday afternoon after demanding the fleet leave the waters claimed by the east Catican island nation. While on their bi-annual round-Catica patrol, the Zamastanian fleet reportedly strayed roughly two kilometers into Xiomeran waters. While international standards allow a five kilometer leeway for shipping and commercial vessels, warships are prohibited from entering foreign waters in peacetime.

The 2nd Fleet was sailing south of Manauia Island, the second largest island in the Xiomeran island chain. The territory has been the site of much controversy in the past several months due to Xiomeran buildup and development on the island. Zamastanian military officials have spoken against the rampant development, specifically on the island's south side where there is a fear from senior commanders that missile systems are being installed. These, according to officials, present a threat to commercial shipping and trade routes in this part of the ocean. The Southern Catican Sea Route sees heavy commercial traffic in this specific corner, as many ships disembark from Xiomeran ports and begin the voage around the southern edge of the continent - the fastest way to reach other Catican nations, such as Shen, United New England, and Trive.

The 2nd Fleet, composing of the aircraft carrier ZMS Upham, as well as four missile cruisers and six frigates, was warned over an open broadcasting radio by Xiomeran naval command to leave the waters. According to sources in the Zamastanian Navy, the fleet was not immediately aware of their mistake and continued sailing forward. Within fifteen minutes of the radio calls, which were repeated multiple times, two Xiomeran fighter jets were spotted buzzing the fleet, although far enough away to classify as a fly-by. Roughly an hour later, two Xiomeran destroyers, two cruisers, two frigates, as well as a contingency of fighter planes intercepted the fleet and performed what Zamastanian officials call "dangerous, life-threatening maneuvers."

The two fleets engaged in "spine-maneuvers", where the ships began circle rotations around each other. There were reportedly four circles performed by each fleet, and during the period of roughly forty minutes in which this occurred, two Zamastanian planes debarked from the ZMS Upham to provide warning fly-maneuvers. Satellites picked up the Xiomeran planes circling from high-altitude range, and they were deemed to be modern multi-role fighters (estimated to have been constructed or designed within the past ten years, making them very new for military standards) with the capability of both attacking and defending.

At some point following the circle maneuvers, the 2nd Fleet straightened their course and began to leave Xiomeran waters on orders from higher-up navy officials, who had been monitoring the situation since the first spotting of the fighter jets. The Xiomeran fleet began pursuing the Zamastanians, and as of the publishing of this article, the Xiomerans have not backed away despite multiple warnings by the Zamastanian fleet to do so.

No exchange of fire has been reported.

President Foley Sakzi gave a statement briefly to reporters in the Zian Presidential Mansion:

[box]"Today's developments from the Xiomeran coast are alarming, and as of now, no violence has been committed by either side. I acknowledge that the Zamastanian fleet did enter Xiomeran water, though the distance in which they traveled was relatively brief and did not warrant this escalation by the Xiomerans. The Zamastanian fleet has reversed course and is traveling onward, and we are closely monitoring the opposing naval forces. However, I do want to use this time as a warning to the Xiomeran military and Empress Yauhmi: back away from our fleet and allow them to continue their trip uninterrupted. Any rebuke to this action will be met with subsequent force and military action. Don't be tough, be careful. The actions of the Xiomeran government and their navy is dangerous and threatening to the security and peace of East Catica, and Zamastan will not stand to watch this danger continue to grow."[/box]

See full article here: https://zkcastor.wixsite.com/thetofinotimes