[Laeral]

LNNS- Laeral's Choice December 2016

(LNNS election theme plays)

Hi, and welcome back to the Laeralian National News Service. For those of you just joining us, I'm your host, Adelaide Meade. Tonight, LNNS is presenting live coverage of the Winter 2016 elections. Here to join us, is University of Parabier political science professor, Felix Lefeuvre. So, Professor- What's so important about tonight's election?

Professor Lefeuvre: Well, tonight, every seat in the Assembly of Commons is up for election. Additionally, we're seeing provincial legislative elections in 3 provinces as well as governorships up for election in 8 provinces. There are also two nationwide referendums, about whether we'll see increased taxes on sugary drinks and about whether we should increase diplomatic ties with the new Brasilitani government.

Adelaide Meade: Very exciting. Tell me, what have we seen from the various political parties as far as preparations for the vote tonight?

Professor Lefeuvre: Well, the Progressives, the Conservatives, and the Socialists are all hoping to gain more seats in the Commons. The Conservatives are hoping to take the majority and install Jacob Penn as Majority Leader, the Progressives are hoping to stop that. The Socialists are hoping to gain some seats. The Moderates are just hoping to hold on, they've had a tough year. We've seen a lot of get-out-the-vote efforts so far, but it's really anyone's election.

Adelaide Meade: Thank you, Professor. Let's turn now to our Election Display, where the first results seem to be coming in now.

(LNNS 'Key Race Alert' Theme plays)

[Laeral]

(Camera pans to host Kyle Leblanc, standing before a large display screen)
Thanks, Adelaide. We seem to be seeing the first results coming in from Eastern Marches, but there's only about 1500 votes there. Let's take a look at the results- as expected, they seem to be leaning Conservative. The True Conservatives put a lot of time and effort into Eastern Marches- we'll see if it pays off. They seem to have about 500 votes in the Commons. Remember, every two million votes for a party makes a seat in the Commons. Also, there's a few results as far as referendums- mostly no on the sugary drinks tax, mostly no on High Fellsian diplomatic ties. Remember, folks, it's still very early yet. On the board over there, we can see the results, which are rounded to the nearest hundred votes.

Conservative Party: 800
True Conservatives: 500
Progressives: 200
All other parties: 0

Referendum 1: Sugary Drinks Tax
Yes: 300
No: 1200

Referendum 2: High Fells Diplomatic Ties
Yes: 200
No: 1200

It is a bit strange, that we're getting results slowly like this. It's more typical for results from a province to come in all at once. Sources say that Eastern Marches will have all of it's results in soon. Additionally, polls are closing in 4 more provinces the votes are now being counted- we'll have those results up as soon as they come in.

[Laeral]

Adelaide Meade: Reports are coming in of a largely peaceful crowd of protestors have gathered in Federal Plaza to protest the controversial Referendum 2, which would loosen trade barriers and establish official diplomatic ties with High Fells if passed. We now go to LNNS reporter Mark Goodman, for more.

Mark Goodman: Thanks, Adelaide. We're seeing about 300 people gathered in Federal Plaza and around Laeral Park. The police are keeping a close eye on them so far, but they seem to be peaceful. Over here is one of the protestors, veteran Nathan Pierce. How are you doing, Mr. Pierce?

Nathan Pierce: I'm doing well, thank you.

Mark Goodman: So why are you here at this protest today?

Nathan Pierce: We're here to express our right to free speech in protesting Referendum 2. We need to show the government that we stand firmly against this referendum.

Mark Goodman: So I understand that you have personal experience with the High Fellsians?

Nathan Pierce: I served in the Army for 6 years, along the western frontier. What I saw there chilled me. Mark my words, those nuts over the border won't stop till we're just another of their puppet states. They may be playin' friendly now, but they're planning something. I can just feel it. We need to stand united against them, and that's what we're here in Federal Plaza to say.

Mark Goodman: Thank you, Mr. Pierce. Back to you, Adelaide.

[Laeral]

Adelaide Meade: Full results are now coming in from Eastern Marches province. Out of roughly 10 million votes, we're seeing around 3.8 million votes for the Conservative Party, about 3.6 million for the True Conservatives, and around 1 million each for the Progressive and Moderate Parties. As for referendums, Eastern Marches seems to have come out strongly against both Referendums. We're pulling up the results on the board, over here. We're also placing the pie chart onto the national map, showing how each province has voted. As always, you can see full results on the LNNS website. Our totals over here are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

Conservative Party: 3.8 mil
True Conservatives: 3.6 mil
Progressives: 1.1 mil
Moderates: 1.0 mil
Socialists: 0.2 mil
Libertarians: 0.1 mil
All other parties: less than 0.1 mil.


Referendum 1: Sugary Drinks Tax
Yes: 3.6 mil
No: 6.5 mil

Referendum 2: High Fells Diplomatic Ties
Yes: 4.3 mil
No: 5.8 mil

The True Conservatives have been working hard to increase turnout in this province, and it seems to have worked. The Conservatives seem to have been hoping for better turnout this time around, but they seem to have lost voters while the True Conservatives have gained some. The question to ask is: Is this the True Conservatives' election they've been waiting for?

[Laeral]

Adelaide Meade: We have full results coming in from the provinces of Arquien, Bethune, and New Choiseul! Turnout is high in all three provinces, two of which lean conservative, with Bethune leaning liberal. LNNS is calling Bethune for the Progressives, Arquien for the Conservatives, and New Choisel for the Conservatives! Kyle, what do you have to say on this?

Kyle Leblanc: Well, Adelaide, we have three provinces to watch that just came in. Arquien is definitely a battleground, where the vote is almost evenly split between the Moderates and the Conservatives. Bethune is a large province where the Progressives are hoping to maximize turnout, and New Choisel is hotly contended between the True Conservatives and the Conservatives. Let's take a look at the results, shall we?

In Arquien, we're seeing a turnout of around 6.3 million voters, roughly equivalent to what we saw during the summer election. The Conservatives seem to have taken a slight lead- only a few thousand votes. As you can see on the board, the Progressives also picked up around a million votes.

Arquien Results:
Conservatives: 2.4 million
Moderates: 2.4 million
Progressives: 1.0 million
Socialists: 0.4 million
True Conservatives: 0.1 million

Sugary Drinks Tax:
Yes: 3.4 million
No: 2.9 million

High Fells:
Yes: 3.6 million
No: 2.7 million

Kyle Leblanc: The Moderates won the most votes in Arquien in the Summer election, but it seems that the campaigning the Conservatives put in has paid off. Although it does seem that they've only seized a few more votes here. Arquien is also a good province for both referendums, as well. Meanwhile, Bethune is the first large province to have the results in. With 17.7 million votes this election, it's a big prize to be won. As you can see on the board below, Bethune has gone heavily for the Progressives, with the Socialists grabbing 2.6 million votes as well. The Conservatives and Moderates have picked up some, as well.

Bethune Results:
Progressives: 11.3 million
Socialists: 2.6 million
Conservatives: 1.6 million
Moderates: 0.7 million
Green Party: 0.7 million
Unionists: 0.4 million
True Conservatives: 0.2 million
Federalist Party: 0.1 million
Communist Party: 0.1 million

Sugary Drinks Tax:
Yes: 10.1 million
No: 7.6 million

High Fells:
Yes: 11.1 million
No: 6.6 million

Kyle Leblanc: New Choisel has gone heavily right-wing- both the Conservatives and True Conservatives have racked up lots of votes there. Together, they've gotten about 75% of New Choisel's 9.1 million votes, as you can see on the board. The True Conservatives were hoping to pull off a win- but they've come up short. On the other hand, the National Populist party, which enjoys considerable support in New Choisel, has taken about 200,000 votes.

New Choisel Results:
Conservatives: 3.4 million
True Conservatives: 3.4 million
Progressives: 0.9 million
Moderates: 0.7 million
Socialists: 0.4 million
National Populists: 0.2 million
Unionists: 0.1 million

Sugary Drinks Tax:
Yes: 2.6 million
No: 6.5 million

High Fells:
Yes: 2.7 million
No: 6.4 million

[Laeral]

(LNNS election theme plays)
Adelaide Meade: Up here on the board we are now bringing up the total results so far. Remember, it's still very early yet. It appears that the Progressives have leapt to an early lead, while the Socialists are in an extremely disappointing 5th place. The True Conservatives are doing well, however, as are the Moderates. It it interesting to note, though, that the National Populists,Federalists, Libertarians, and Communists have never had a seat in the national Assembly of Commons, though- only the provincial Legislatures. It'll be interesting to see if any of them can grab a seat.

Totals so far:

Assembly of Commons:
Progressives: 14.3 million
Conservatives: 11.2 million
True Conservatives: 7.3 million
Moderates: 4.8 million
Socialists: 3.7 million
Green Party: 0.8 million
Unionists: 0.6 million
National Populists: 0.2 million
Federalists: 0.1 million
Libertarians: 0.1 million
Communists: 0.1 million

Sugary Drinks Tax:
Yes: 19.7 million
No: 23.5 million

High Fells:
Yes: 21.7 million
No: 21.5 million

Adelaide Meade: Referendum 1 seems to be in trouble, while Referendum 2 is in a close race- only a 200,000 vote difference between them. In about half an hour, we'll be receiving votes from 18 provinces and a territory- it's the biggest group of provinces to submit votes at a time. Those provinces are very liberal, as well as Socialist heartland. We'll see if the Socialists can make up their ground, if the Progressives can keep their lead, and which- if any- of the referendums can pass. Besides, my home province of Enara is voting- I want to see how that goes.

(Camera pans back to display board)

[Laeral]

Adelaide Meade: We now go to Progressive Campaign Headquarters, in Laeralsford, where we've arranged an interview with the Speaker of the General Assembly, Delegate Anna Zhou. Reporter Renee Lemaire is on the scene. Over to you, Renee.

Renee Lemaire: Thanks, Adelaide. I'm here at Progressive HQ with Anna Zhou, the current Speaker of the General Assembly and a major figure in the Progressive Party. So, Delegate Zhou- what do you feel is at stake tonight?

Del. Anna Zhou: Well, Renee, tonight is clearly an important night for politics in Laeral. We in the Progressive Party are hoping to retain control of the Commons, I'm pretty sure John Stephens, my opposite number over at Conservative Headquarters, wants the same thing. Additionally, how this elections goes could- actually will- determine control of the Commons, and by extension, Laeral's agenda as a whole.

Renee Lemaire: So what's on your agenda if the Progressives win the Commons?

Del. Anna Zhou: Well, the issue at the forefront of our minds right now is of course the current situation with High Fells. We in the Progressives of course want to avoid conflict with High Fells, but we also want to support national defense- all without infringing on civil liberties. We also want to improve paid maternity leave and support our national railroad system.

Renee Lemaire: I see. What do you think will happen in the election tonight?

Del. Anna Zhou: Well, I know that the Progressives as a whole as well as my counterparts over in the Commons have been working hard in order to get results tonight, but nothing's certain. I'm cautiously hopeful, but only a few provinces are in so far.

Renee Lemaire: Well, that's all the time we've got tonight, Delegate- thank you for the interview.

Del. Anna Zhou: Thank you for having me.

[Laeral]

Adelaide Meade: We are just receiving full vote totals from the provinces of Etrange, West Bethune, Brissac, Cenefort, Choisel, Aumont, Laeralsford, Erdilon, Silver Shore, Meridoc, Enara, Loiraine, Sarene, Southron, Lienne, Carellon, Osfrid, Chatillon, and St. George Island! This is another 203.7 million votes, a staggering amount. The Socialiosts appear to have taken the lead, here in their heartland, and we're seeing:
Socialists: 52.1 million
Progressives: 50.7 million
Conservatives: 34.9 million
True Conservatives: 9.0 million
Moderates: 8.2 million
Green: 8.0 million
Unionists: 6.9 million
Communists: 5.1 million
Royalists: 2.8 million
Federalists: 2.7 million
National Populists: 2.1 million
Monarchists: 0.9 million
Libertarians: 0.3 million

This brings our full totals to:

Assembly of Commons:
Progressives: 65.0 million
Socialists: 55.8 million
Conservatives: 46.2 million
True Conservatives: 16.3 million
Green Party: 8.8 million
Unionists: 7.5 million
Communists: 5.2 million
Moderates: 4.8 million
Royalists: 2.8 million
Federalists: 2.8 million
National Populists: 2.3 million
Monarchists: 0.9 million
Libertarians: 0.4 million

Sugary Drinks Tax:
Yes: 129.7 million
No: 117.2 million

High Fells:
Yes: 174.1 million
No: 173.9 million

[Laeral]

(LNNS election theme plays)

Adelaide Meade: We are now receiving what should be the final vote dumps of the night- from the provinces of Therese, Noailles, Harcourt, Boriss, Artois, Parabier, Osul, Beaumont, Atherton, Three Towers, Port Llayne, and Illiteas, as well as the territories of Coleen Reaches and our sector of Democracity. This means some of the largest provinces in Laeral, as well as some of the most rural. Without further ado, the final nationwide results of the Winter 2016 elections:

We have a total voter turnout at 304.9 million, meaning that every 1.13 million votes gives a party representation in the 270-member Assembly of Commons. In first place, the party holding the majority will be:
the Progressives! With 76.8 million votes, the Progressives hold 68 seats, and the majority in the Assembly of Commons!

In a close second, the Conservative Party! With 73.2 million votes, the Conservatives continue to be the second-largest party, holding 64 seats.

In a close third, the Socialist Party! They've made big gains this year, with 68.9 million votes, giving them 61 Representatives.

At a distant fourth, the True Conservatives hold 18 Representatives, with 20.3 million votes.

In fifth, the Moderates, with 19.2 million votes, gain 17 seats.

In sixth, the Unionists, with 13.5 million votes, have 12 Representatives.

The Green Party has seventh place, with 10.2 million votes and 9 Representatives.

In eighth place, the Communist Party, with 7.9 million votes and 7 Representatives.

In ninth, we have the National Populist Party, with 4.6 million votes and 4 Representatives- a big leap for a party without a single seat 6 months ago.

The Royalists hold tenth, with 3 Representatives and 3.4 million votes.

The new Federalist Party has 3 Representatives also, with nearly the same number of votes.

The Monarchists have 2 Representatives and 2.3 million votes.

Meanwhile, the Libertarians and Independents have 1 Representative each.

[Laeral]

February 6th, 2017
Adelaide Meade: There was another round of protests today as crowds of demonstrators gathered outside the Legislature building to protest the swearing-in of the Assembly of Nobles. This institution has grown increasingly unpopular in recent years, as protestors say that it the body is elitist and has outgrown it's usefulness to Laeral. Shortly afterward, counter-protestors from the Royalist Party quickly arrived on the scene, and the protest threatened to turn violent. The Laeralsford Police Department quickly arrived on the scene, and only minor injuries were reported.

[Laeral]

February 8th, 2017
Today, the office of the Prime Minister released an official statement defending Nicholas Brennan's actions in ordering a controversial Security Council vote that would condemn the region 'Elite Region of Global Command'. Brennan's stated reason for the vote in favor of the resolution was that it "supports our allies in regions threatened by this fascist region". While this vote enjoys general support among Laeralites, some question whether it is the World Assembly's place to condemn regions, especially those as small and seemingly unimportant as Elite Region of Global Command. Delegate Jack Dalton of the True Conservative party has issued a statement against Prime Minister Brennan's action, calling it 'reckless' and 'irresponsible'.

[Laeral]

February 8th, 2017
The Legrange Grizzlies defeated the Passage Falcons in last night's soccer game, 3 to 2. The Grizzlies will advance into the demifinals of the Laeral Cup.

In other news, Riverwalk Computing is replacing current CEO Matthew Emers with former R and D director Jasper Anglin, following last quarter's dismal earnings and falling stock prices. Anglin is expected to focus on innovation within Riverwalk's operating platform, Riverwalk 6, as well as releasing a new line of laptops.

[Laeral]

February 9th, 2017
The city council of St. Clair, Aumont, has approved a 76.8 million mark expansion to the city's port. This measure is intended to enlarge the port, build new docks, and dredge the harbor, allowing more and larger container ships to visit and support Aumont's multimillion mark international trade. Critics of the move say that it will be an undue strain upon local taxpayers, who will be required to pay a 4% additional sales tax over the next six months. Concerns of damage to bay ecology have largely been alleviated following a comprehensive environmental assessment.

[Laeral]

April 24th, 2017-

Following the release of results from France's 1st Round presidential elections, Prime Minister Brennan has officially declared to all candidates that "the continuation of democracy in France, a nation with such old and enduring ties to Laeral, is laudable." He went on to say "we urge that both Monsieur Macron and Madame Le Pen remember France's ties to Laeral" during the campaign. He declined to endorse a candidate, although it is speculated that Brennan supports centrist Emmanuel Macron due to the similarity of their political views, as well as Brennan's March meeting with Monsieur Macron.

[Laeral]

Laeralian Navy Launches New Class of Frigate
by Alex Palvi
There was a brief ceremony at the North Station Naval Shipyard in Troyes, Cenefort today as Minister of War Nancy Buchanan and Minister of the Navy Ardashir Javed gathered to celebrate the completion of the LNS Valiant, first frigate of the new Peacemaker-class of frigates. The Peacemaker-class, announced in 2013, has been repeatedly delayed by budget constraints as well as design issues. The Valiant, modeled after the French La Fayette-class frigates, is designed for long-term operations in duties such as escorting convoys and humanitarian missions. It is also designed to operate in hostile areas with little support.