Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Kalistani Socialists take another step toward a Single Party StateAs ineffectual opposition vanishes, Socialists move to shrink Assembly and double terms
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 8, 4443


President of the Republic Reina-Rodriguez comments on Premier's decision to reduce seats and double terms

Today, Socialists in Kalistan broke with a centuries long support for the Normal Constitutional order in Kalistan by extending their efforts to ensure Socialist dominance in the Legislature in perpetuity.  Critics see this as yet another move toward the establishment of a single Party state under Socialist Party rule.  But compared to the outcry following the ephemeral parties act, this new move, attached as a rider to an early election bill which cuts the Assembly to 200 seats and lengthens legislative terms to 6 terms met with nearly no protests or demonstrations.  Said Henry Griffin, of Vrassa City, "Well, if there was a Right wing Party in Kalistan worth anything, I might be tempted to vote for it, but as it is, there is none, and any that pop up always try to take it far to far to the Right, so I won't be voting for anyone.  Not like it makes much difference, I suppose."

For her Part, the President was ambivalent on the measure.  "Its not really my place to critique how the Legislative leaders are running things when they are socialists.  If this is the way they want to do it, so be it.  I supported strong measures against ephemeral Parties in Kalistan, and so if I see this as an extension of my work when I was the Premier, I suppose it is not too onerous."

Rightist opposition to the act was mute.  "In the Assembly Rightists hold no seats, but the different factions of the Socialist Party seem alright by the Matter," said Abe Hashimoto, Premier of the Republic. "We have a lot to worry about like getting the Kalistani economy back on track, and don't have time to run elections where one Party only ever earns seats, or I should say, one Party who shows up to vote.  It is a real waste of time to have show elections between one Party and nominal opponents who simply want to Camp their way through the Legislative process.  So, we'll deal with them as we can, and then once we have the election and then look to formalize the matter after the early elections."

The act is expected to pass easily next August.