Nsanlosa

[Rogue]

Haradesa - Nsanlosa is in crisis. Following the nullified election result where Mkubwa won the first round of presidential elections, protests rocked the nation. These protests have now intensified after the National Police raided Mkbubwa's home last night and arrested the oppossition leader. At least several thousand protestors have now joined the protest site in Haradesa, with thousands more taking to the streets in minor cities and towns. The protests have halted daily life throughout the country, with shops closing and cities jammed. Prime Minister Kereenyaga has so far only released a short statement as if nothing has happened, sparking further outrage amongst a tired population. 

Besides the civil cries, some reports from within a highly weakened military seem to suggest discontent is rising, particularly amongst younger officers and soldiers. The "old guard" is reportedly monitoring "anti state behaviour" within the armed forces, with high ranking general issuing orders to detail party affiliation and monitor social media posts of their soldiers. Pressure is mounting, and the Nsanian people are in the middle of it all.

[Rogue]

Haradesa - Pressure is mounting on the Kereenyaga government as international condemnation and continued protests fuel fears of escalation. After the Kereenyaga government arrested oppossition leader Mbukwa and nullified the recent presidential election, hundreds of thousands took to the streets in protests. The government of Bianji condemned the arrest, calling on Mbukwa's release and for "free and fair" elections. Meanwhile at least 200.000 more people have joined the protests, which have morphed into sit-ins in almost every major city of the country. The protests are now more then just releasing Mbukwa. As one protestor formulated: "We need a fair system of government, capable of solving our problems. I have been struggling to even get one single loaf of bread for my family in the last few days, streets are dirty, cities clogged up and unable to cope with population growth. Ordinary citizens have suffered long enough, we need change." 

Prime Minister Kereenyaga has called a extra-ordinary meeting of cabinet to discuss the ongoing crisis, but has so far taken a hardline stance against the protests. Police has been instructed to use force, with deadly force now being considered. Meanwhile news from the Haradesa Central Prison suggests that Mbukwa is detained under horrible conditions, having been put with the general prison population. HCP is notorious for its sub-human conditions, with prisoners dying on a regular basis due to hunger, dehydration, illness or gang violence. Human rights organizations are worried for Mkubwa's health, as well as the general possibility of escalation in this ongoing crisis. 

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Haradesa - Oppossition leader Bwana Mbukwa was reported dead last night by prison authorities, sparking outrage throughout the country and causing enduring protests to turn violent. His death was reportedly caused by a combination of dehydration and hunger, as well as "non treated illness" likely caused by bad conditions in the Haradesa Central Prison. While information is scarce, one of the prison guards that has since resigned revealed that the death was an accident, with prison guards unable to properly feed and treat Mbukwa due to a prison riot that prevented guards from reaching Mbukwa's cell for days. Upon hearing the news, protestors in Haradesa turned into rioters, starting fires throughout the city, raiding supermarkets and stores and storming several buildings, including a local police station. 

In other parts of the country rioters attacked police, killing at least 3 officers and wounding hundreds more. In Mariazi, one of the largest storage terminals in the country was set ablaze after protestors broke through a army roadblock, resulting in shortages of food and consumer goods throughout the entire Mukina province. Interestingly, as protests grow, a majority of Nsanians protesting have rallied around Crown Prince Ashon II, great grandson of the last Nsanian monarch, who has called for the government to resign and a new constitution to be drawn. Ashon still holds monarchist aspirations, as witnessed by his speeches in the last few days, and his growing number of supporters seem to long for the stability that used to reign under the monarchy decades ago. 

The military, so far disorganized and disunited, is now reportedly breaking down. Senior officials remain loyal to the Kereenyaga government, while the lower echelons of military leadership are starting to move to the protestors camp. Prime Minister Kereenyaga has so far remained steadfast, but is rumoured to now prepare a exit from the country. Some of his ministers have openly called for negotiations and a new constitution, fearing that they and their party might become victim of revolution if they do not listen to the Nsanian people. As the situation escalates, foreigners are leaving the country and daily life has halted. Now, we hold our breath as the nation stands at a crossroad. 

[Rogue]

Haradesa - Prime Minister Kereenyaga has fled Nsanlosa after his Council of Ministers turned against him following clear signals that the military was about to join protestors in demanding his resignation. Kereenyaga has fled the country, but it is unclear where he has fled to. The Prime Minister had been in office for 8 years, trying to run for president earlier last year to circumvent term limits. With him gone, the GPC government immediately send a open letter to protestors, inviting them to the Maroon Palace in order to discuss an end to the ongoing political crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Mwinyi has indicated that the government seeks a "durable, peacefull transition" to a more democratic government. Protestors are represented by the Nsanian Movement for Democracy (Nsani Vuguvugu la Demokrasia) which has accepted the governments invitation and has send a delegation to discuss terms. 

From the little information coming from both sides, it seems the GPC its main goals are to preserve its own legality, as well as prevent a return to monarchism. Meanwhile the protest movement is diverse, with a variety of different ideological groups needing representation. Generally, political commentators seem to think that a semi-presidential system with a relatively strong President could be an answer, accomodating the calls for a return of a strong head of state, while also dividing state power in such a way that a balance of power is created. The monarchist wing of the protest movement however is calling for the return of the Kingdom, longing for the period of relative stability it used to bring. Both sides have agreed to negotiate till the end of the year, hoping to achieve meaningfull progress towards a substainable government, all without a violent overthrow. Protestors have agreed to end their sit-ins in all towns except the capital, seeking to keep its strong foothold in the city as a pressure mechanism to move negotiations forward. 

The military meanwhile has issued a statement accepting the peacefull negotiation process, expressing their desire for a solution as well. Kereenyaga meanwhile is likely to become a figutive, as the interim government has started the process of putting a bounty on his head for "crimes against the state" and "state sponsored terrorism." Whether the country Kereenyaha ends up in will extradite remains to be seen.

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Haradesa - Political expert Yahya Azizi thinks that a "Nsanian Federation" is the most likely outcome of ongoing negotiations between protestors and the GPC government. Azizi came to this conclusion during a political forum in Haradesa, the first of such forums that was allowed to take place in nearly two decades. As part of ongoing negotiations the interim government relaxed several restrictions on civil liberties, with the restriction on political meetings being one of the first to be lifted. During the forum, the question on what direction Nsanlosa is likely to go into was openly discussed. Professor Azizi noted the Federation to be one of the most prominent ideas that seems to be discussed during the negotiations. 

It is clear to me, from the information we are receiving, that all parties are looking for the creation of a system in which diversity is celebrated and differences respected. All remember to well the conflict that was paired with previous changed in government. Both the GPC government and the NVD seem to be understanding of this fact. Current ideas that have floated around is the Nsanian Federation concept, in which a semi-presidential, federal system is adopted. Respect for tribal allegiances is at the center of this, as well as autonomy for other local communities. Combined with a strong yet balanced executive on the federal level, i think such a government is not only the likely outcome, but preffered outcome of negotiations.

Most agreed with Prof. Azizi, with only a few present at the forum believing that either a unitary state or a confederal state would be the (preffered) outcome. So far, no details on the negotiations have been released, with both the protestors, represented by the NVD, and the interim government making gestures towards one another in order to improve and expand negotiations. 

[Rogue]

Mabanbari - The Nsani Vuguvugu la Demokrasia (NVD) and interim government of the GPC have signed the Mabanbari Accord, which adopts a new constitution for the country and schedules elections to be held in three months time. The new constitution keeps the system of tribal confederations in place, as well as maintaining the territorial integrity of the provinces. It does however grant provinces much more autonomy, properly implementing a federal system of government. A "Tribal Confederation" is largely allowed identical powers to that of a regular province except for justice related matters which still fall under provincial jurisdiction. Tribal confederations are not represented on the federal level either, while provinces are. 

On the federal level, the President becomes more influential in the executive branch, being elected every 4 years by a two-round popular vote election. Parliament is to be divided between the "Chumba"(literally chamber in Swahili) and the Federal Senate. The Chumba, under the accord, receives 150 seats elected on a national ballot by proportional vote. The Senate consists of 75 seats, all elected in single-member constituencies throughout the country. Under the accord the Chumba will be the clear primary chamber, receiving the power to approve or dismiss a government and approve or reject the budget. The senate plays a role in passing legislation that has already passed the Chumba, while also being responsible for approving or rejecting constitutional ammendments. 

The role of Prime Minister, held by former PM Kereenyaga, will remain a large role. He or she will be appointed by parliament, together with a council of ministers, and lead day to day affairs as head of government. The President regains his role as overseer however, being able to dissolve the Chumba, fire ministers, appoint judges, appoint diplomatic officers and veto legislation. This way, the President serves as a extra check on government power. The reintroduction of the monarchy has with this move been prevented. 

The ruling General People's Congress is also allowed to remain legal, participating in the election taking place in three months. As per the agreement, elections will take place on all levels of government in order to "refresh" the system. The NVD, so far merely a group to unite the protest movement, has announced that it will also participate in the upcoming election, describing its desire for "a broad, catch-all, liberal people's movement that can move this country forward." 

No other parties have so far moved for registration. Protests have dissapated, as protestors celebrate an end to the political crisis in Nsanlosa. Whether this new system will prove resilient remains to be seen.

[Rogue]

Haradesa - The Nsanian Movement for Democracy has won the general elections, capturing both a plurality of seats in the Chumba, a majority in the Senate and winning the presidency. The party, merely a societal movement a few months ago, managed to capture nearly 52 seats in the Chumba, while winning 41 seats in the senate. The party won the presidency in the first round, with its candidate Jamal Elea winning with 61% of the vote. The long ruling GPC, allowed to run in the first truly democratic election in decades, lost greatly. With just 12 seats in the Chumba and 4 in the senate, the party has become a mere shadow of its former self. 

Second came the new "New Democracy", a conservative party led by Henny Kirschenbaum, a member of the "Wüstenbewohner" minority in Buweba. The Wüstenbewohners are a sizeable minority in Buweba, being direct descendants of Hulstrian colonizers from the period of colonization. Kirschenbaum is only the second Wüstenbewohner to be elected into national politics. His New Democracy has championed itself as a party for the conservative rural population of the country, promising a return to conservative politics after decades of socialist GPC rule. The party won 41 seats in the Chumba, becoming the main oppossition party. In third place comes the Chama cha Watu cha Demokrasia ya Hosia (Volksdemokratische Hosianische-Partei) or VHP on a hosian democratic platform, winning 21 seats in the Chumba. 

Several other smaller parties have also won representation. NVD leader Tuliza Adia, the first women to be elected to parliament in years, has announced that she seeks to form a government with the VHP and the minor "Wanaliberali wa Bure" or Free Liberals to form a center to center-right coalition government. Together, the three parties would have 80 seats in the Chumba, granting them a governing majority. Adia is likely to serve as Prime Minister, having nothing to fear from President-elect Jamal Elea who will likely support her new coalition government's agenda. All parties have already called this a "new era" for Nsanlosa, and a peacefull transition of power away from the interim government is highly expected. While some irregularities persisted throughout the voting proces, all agree that the only way is forward, with many challenges ahead for the now reborn nation of Nsanlosa. 

Chumba election results of 5633:
NVD - 52 seats
Neue Demokraten - 41 seats
Volksdemokratische Hosianische-Partei - 21 seats
GPC - 12 seats
Mbele ya Maendeleo - 10 seats
Kwa Taifa! - 7 seats
Wanaliberali wa Bure - 7 seats

Senate election results of 5633:
NVD - 41 seats
Neue Demokraten - 24 seats
Volksdemokratische Hosianische-Partei - 6 seats
GPC - 4 seats

Presidential election results of 5633 (first round):
Jamal Elea (NVD) - 61%
Abasi Badru (GPC) - 31%
Simba Kito (Ind.) - 8%

[Rogue]

Haradesa - At the Maroon Palace, newly elected Prime Minister Adia stepped onto its balcony with her new cabinet, shining in the face of countless camera's documenting the first new coalition government of the federation. But beneath that smile, there is undoudebtly a sense of worry. Before her is a nation in ruins, with deep divisions in almost every aspect of daily life. The economy is destroyed, with GDP having fallen to its lowest point in centuries. Unemployment is skyhigh, at nearly 38%, as especially the young are hit hard. Inflation has caused the cost of everyday goods to be nearly unpayable for the average citizen, and cities have exploded in size without much oversight. 

Haradesa has been encircled by makeshift slums, largely thanks to intense growth. The city now houses nearly 14 million people, 3 million more then 20 years ago. While the problems are the largest in Haradesa, other cities throughout the country suffer the same fate. Public services are weak, if present at all, and a large amount of civilians is now dependent on aid organizations for their everyday needs. Crime is another problem, with both local and federal authorities understaffed and unable to cope with the gangs roaming major cities. 

While the issues are less pressing in rural communities, they too suffer. Continued drought has caused many in Buweba to flee the province, in search of water elsewhere. In Kagba, provincial authorities have been unable to maintain water shipments to rural communities in the north, causing at least a dozen communities to suffer deaths, even of children, as they are unable to withstand the heat and lack of drinkable water. 

It is clear that the new liberal government of Prime Minister Adia has a nearly insurmountable challenge ahead, a challenge she is likely to face with fear as well. 

[Rogue]

Haradesa - The centrist coalition of Prime Minister Adia has proposed a sweeping constitutional change that would abolish her own position and establish a presidential system of government. The change comes just one year after a previous constitution, agreed upon by the NVD and the previous interim government, took effect. According to Adia, parliament has "pushed back" against the agenda of the coalition government, which has caused a lack of progress on key issues. Public trust in government remains low, and many are already starting to doubt the new system. By introducing a stronger executive, she and her partners hope to bring faster and steadier change to Nsanlosa. 

The reforms would introduce a electoral treshold of 5% for the Chumba, abolish the premiership, transfer the PM's powers to the presidency and establish more powers of appointment for the presidency. Presidential power on dissolving parliament would in turn be limited, with the president allowed to dissolve parliament but automatically triggering a presidential election if he does. The president would also be limited to serving two terms, a limit currently not imposed on the position. 

The need for a parliamentary majority will remain, as government ministers may still be removed by a majority vote. But with the president's powers expanded, the hope is that change can be brought faster. Prime Minister Adia has already promised that once implemented, the current president, Jamal Elea, will be dissolving parliament and triggering new elections. The NVD and its current partners have tied themselves together, forming a electoral coalition called the "Future of Change" coalition to compete in the next election. Adia has promised that once elected, the FoC will enact sweeping social changes, but only if granted "the legitimacy to rule." 

The ammendements will be put to a referendum vote, as the coalition sees no way for the changes to be enacted through parliament. If at least 65% of voters approve of the ammendements, they become law. The vote is scheduled to be held in three months time.

[Rogue]

Haradesa - Leader of the liberal Nsanian Movement for Democracy, Antonin Salehe, has been elected President of the Federation with 81 votes of the 150 members of the Chumba voting in favor of him and his cabinet. Salehe, born to a Wüstenbewohner father and a Nsanian mother, had been leader of the NVD since last year. Following the collapse of the federal government parliament decided to band together, passing several constitutional reivisions meant to prevent sudden collapses of government. Under the new system, parliamentary elections are held every 5 years after which the newly elected parliament votes a new government, including president, into power. The prime ministership was abolished, instead merged into the presidency. Once appointed, the president may only be impeached by a 2/3rd majority, cabinet ministers may be dismissed by a simple majority. This way, parliament hopes, the government is less prone to instability. 

Following the election the NVD managed to regain its position as the largest party, winning over 52 seats in the Chumba. The hosian democratic Volksdemokratische Hosianische-Partei won nearly 28 seats, its best result to date, while the Free Liberals captured just one seat but was retained as a coalition partner due to the historic ties between the NVD and WwB. This was also the last election to use proportional representation, with a previous ammendment stipulating that a FPTP system should be introduced next election. 

The coalition is a center-right one, with both NVD and WwB being liberal parties while the VHP is considered more socially conservative. Seeking to fullfill their campaign promise (the three promised to form a government together if possible) they will primarily focus on economic recovery and will seek to take steps to solve the many crisis plaguing the nation. Despite a population in the tens of millions the country has been plagued by corruption, poor infrastructure, poverty and decay for decades now. Many wonder, can a democratic government truly turn the tide for this improverished nation?