Bianjie

[journey]

Leaders of the Democratic People's Coalition and localist parties announce the national merger talks
7 September 5661



Leaders of four right-of-centre political parties: Bianjie Democratic Action, Party for the People, Innovation Party, which make up the opposition Democratic People's Coalition and Northern Solidarity, a local regionalist party running primarily in Bianjie's northern provinces, have all announced today in a joint press conference held in Niyalma, that the parties they lead have entered a first round of negotiations to unite into a single political formation.

For a couple of years now, numerous discussions have taken place about the potential for a united centre-right party, both privately within the parties and publicly in the national and local media. Many party members, especially those of the BDA, have long complained about the DPC's inability to deliver victories for the right-of-centre, both nationally and locally. Leaders of the opposition coalition have reportedly been distancing themselves from one another and the DPC after the latter's heavy losses in the most recent general election. But this time, holding a surprising joint press conference for the first time since the election, leaders of the BDA, PFP and INP, as well as the NS, affirmed their mutual vision and commitment to forge a "true common front" ahead of the next electoral campaign in two years.

"This is the beginning of something greater than any one party," said Oboi Dolok, leader of Bianjie Democratic Action, the largest of the four forces. "For years, the opposition has been fragmented, even within the Democratic People's Coalition, and that has only helped to prolong the dominance of the purple regime machine. But today, we take a step toward offering Bianjie a genuine and serious alternative, one which is rooted in accountability, respect for our provinces, and responsible fiscal policy. No more reckless populist spending. Realist approach to governance is the way to go!"

The inclusion of Northern Solidarity in the upcoming merger marked the first instance of localist politics represented at the national level in recent history. However, NS, which is a centrist party on its own, has long been cooperating with BDA, PFP, INP and the DPC as a whole in provincial and communal elections ever since its creation in 5632. Party's participation in the announcement was explained by its leader, Kun Zhang, as a "clear commitment to giving a voice to the common folk", while political pundits describe the move as an attempt by the DPC leadership to enter rural voters' base, beyond its traditional urban and business electorate.

According to Ebilun Tegi, leader of the Innovation Party, merger talks will be held regularly over the next couple of months, with a focus on issues such as policy unity, leadership structure, something which has been an issue for many within the DPC. "We do not share 100% of ideas, policies and sentiment on all issues, absolutely. But what we aim for with this is the elevation of what does unite us into a cohesive and truly presentable platform for people to vote for, to show that we are ready to govern, not just be the opposing side", said Tegi.



Gemun Post (ゲムンポスト) is a major (previously local) daily newspaper based in Gemun.
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