Rildanor

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5610 ELECTIONS: NOTHING EVER CHANGES? (backtracked) 

May, 5610
@LeRildanorien

In one of Rildanors least interesting elections, the PIN and PN have managed to secure their minority rule of the country for another five years. This is despite the disappointing failure to implement the Corriveau Plan, and according to some experts, there is a possibility that the country may be entering a period of political stagnancy and growing disinterest in politics. The election commissioners have observed that this year's turnout was one of the lowest in recent decades, suggesting a decline in public enthusiasm for the established political system, and a shift in perceptions regarding the novelty of the PIN's radicalism.

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CATASTROPHICAL FAILURE OF OIL RIG IN DURFART SEA

April, 5611
@LeRildanorien

It is with a heavy heart that the Ministry of Economy must confirm that 72 individuals have lost their lives or are still listed as missing in the terrible incident involving Guillaume Corriveau's oil rig. The rig was named after the father of the Corriveau Plan, under which it was constructed. The investigation is still ongoing, and it seems that both structural and material failures may have been the cause of the fall. Other sources suggest that this unfortunate incident is not related to the explosion of the Badaran oil rig several months ago. 
 
According to the most recent reports, the rig has sunk after the collapse of several support beams. Out of 154 people aboard, only 82, slightly more than half, were rescued, with the remaining individuals confirmed dead or still missing. The CEO of the Société nationale d'extraction des ressources (Luth.: National Resource Extraction Company), the company responsible for the construction and maintenance of the platform, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, but has declined to provide any further details.
 
In reaction to the news, the Association du Travail Rildanorien has organised several protests in front of the Ministry of Economy in Tiralle, calling for the resignation of Minister Pinchon and for the cancellation of the Corriveau Plan. However, Governor-General Jean-Luc Lajoie has declared that no changes to the cabinet or the plan will be considered in order to ensure stability. 
 
It remains to be seen whether the nationalist coalition will weather this storm, or if it will finally bring an end to the disappointing years of its rule.

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5615 ELECTIONS: RILDANORIAN POLITICAL SCENE SHATTERS

May, 5615
@LeRildanorien

In an event without precedent, it has been announced that thirteen political parties will have representatives in the Assembly. Rildanor has not witnessed such a level of division in several centuries, with the last election being contested by only five parties. The political scene has now seen a significant increase in diversity, with the addition of three new leftist parties, two right-wing parties, and two liberal newcomers.

The newly elected Governor General, Jean-Louis Bonhomme of the Parti de l'Union Libérale Égalitaire, has announced the formation of a new government, the Grand Front Libéral, a coalition of the established Parti de l'Union Libérale Égalitaire and the Parti du Centre. Parti du Centre) and two new smaller parties, the Parti Libéral-Républicain (Liberal Republican Party) and the Parti du Libéralisme National (National Liberalism Party). In total, the Grand Front Libéral will have 97 deputies out of a total of 180 in the Assembly, 6 more than the 91 needed to form a government.

Although the course is not yet clear, it seems that the Grand Liberal government, as it is popularly known, will lead its own crusade against the failures of the PN-PIN government, represented by the Untethering Policy and the Corriveau Plan. Jean-Louis Bonhomme is a well-known supporter of the Canrillaise Empire and was one of the most vocal opponents of the Corriveau Plan. It is also rumoured that the Grand Liberal administration plans to call a constitutional conference, which would transform the country into a parliamentary republic, with the Canrillaise monarch as head of state and the position of Governor-General replaced by a head of government appointed by the Assembly.

It remains to be seen whether Governor-General Bonhomme will succeed in establishing a new, clean administration, or whether he will fail miserably like the nationalists before him, but there are clearly plenty of parties and movements eager to replace him, and even far-right and far-left extremists looking to exploit the situation.

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OFFICIAL END OF CORRIVEAU PLAN AND UNTETHERING POLICY

April, 5617
@LeRildanorien

In a public statement, Governor-General Jean-Louis Bonhomme of the Parti de l'Union Libérale Égalitaire (Luth.: Liberal Egalitarian Union Party) has announced that his administration, colloquially known as Grand Liberal Administration, will not It is understood that the Untethering Policy, a plan previously implemented by the former administration, also known as the Corriveau Plan after its originator Guillaume Corriveau, will not be continued under the current circumstances.

The Untethering Policy has been characterised by a distinct approach to international relations, marked by a certain degree of isolation from the Empire of Canrille.The nationalist administration has expressed its position on this course of action, using terminology such as "sinking ship" to describe the Empire, and suggesting that it may no longer be in a position to provide adequate support to Rildanor. Those who support the policy have referred to the Aldurian War (5603-5613) as an example of Canrille's difficulties in maintaining peace between its member states.At the same time, the Corriveau Plan, a major investment project, was proposed by Guillaume Corriveau for the nationalist administration with the objective of supporting Ridanorian economic independence and growth.

However, Governor-General Bonhomme has expressed concerns that both the Untethering Policy and the Corriveau Plan have not yielded the desired results. He believes that, in light of the conclusion of the Aldurian War, Canrille now has a renewed opportunity for growth, and that it is essential for Rildanor to participate in this process. Additionally, Bonhomme has raised concerns about the environmental and humanitarian implications of the Corriveau Plan, highlighting the oil rig failure in 5611 as a worrying example. He has also announced the dissolution of the Société nationale d'extraction des ressources (Luth.: National Resource Extraction Company), and an investigation into possible violations of workers' rights and corruption in its leadership.

While both the Corriveau Plan and Untethering Policy have been internally phased out over the two years of the Grand Liberal Administration, this announcement has finally led to the conclusion of this process.It remains to be seen whether the Bonhomme Cabinet will be able to provide more successful alternatives.

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GRAND LIBERAL ADMINISTRATION COVENES THE CONSTIUTIONAL CONGRESS

May, 5617
@LeRildanorien

In a resolution recently passed by the Assembly, the majority of representatives present at the session have declared their support for the proposal of the Grand Front Libéral (Luth.:Grand Liberal Front), the current governing coalition, to convene the Constitutional Congress to write a new constitution for Rildanor.

This new Congress will be composed of 38 representatives accordingly:

- 6 regional representatives
- 1 per region
- 1 for Tiralle, the capital city
- 32 political representatives
- at least 1 per party
- 1 per each 5 seats the party holds in the assembly

The final composition of the Congress will be as follows:

- Regional - 6
  - Tiralle - 1
  - Montpellier - 1
  - Sirdour - 1
  - Tiralouse - 1
  - Morbanaque - 1
  - Boudigaux - 1

- Political - 32

  - Left - 9
    - Parti Socialiste (Luth.: Socialist Party) - 6
    - Front Rouge-Vert (Luth.: Red-Green Front) - 1
    - Parti Communiste Rildanorien (Luth.: Rildanorian Communist Party)  - 1
    - Parti Canrillaise-Socialiste (Luth.: Canrillaise-Socialist Party) - 1

  - Centre - 18
    - Parti de l'Union Libérale Égalitaire (Luth.: Liberal Egalitarian Union Party) - 9
    - Parti du Centre (Luth.: Centre Party) - 7
    - Parti Libéral-Républicain (Luth.: Liberal-Republican Party) - 1
    - Parti du Libéralisme National (Luth.: Party of National Liberalism) - 1

  - Right - 5
    - Parti Nationaliste (Luth.: Nationalist Party) - 2
    - Parti de l'Indépendance Nationale (Luth.: National Independence Party) - 1
    - Parti National-Conservateur (Luth.: National-Conservative Party) - 1
    - Mouvement d'Unité Nationale (Luth.: Movement of National Unity) - 1

Based on this composition the representatives in the Congress have formed 4 general alliances:

- The Left - PS, FRV, PCR, PCS
- The Centre - PULE, PC, PLR, PLN
- The Right - PN, PIN, PNC, MUN
- The Unaligned - Regional representatives

Based on these several proposals have so far emerged:

1) The Socialist Proposal
  - Supported by: PS-Left, FRV, PCR, PCS (5 Representatives)
  - Form of Government: People's Republic
  - Economic system: Worker-controlled Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Union of Canrille
  - The radical Socialist Proposal is in favour of the establishment of a people's republic, with the President as Head of Government and State, and proposes a transition to a more worker-controlled economy. It also suggests the abolition of the Monarchy, while maintaining the membership of the Union of Canrille. This proposal is primarily supported by far-left parties and the left-wing of the PS.

2) The Left-Liberal Proposal
  - Supported by: PS-Centre, PS-Right, PULE-Left (7 Representatives)
  - Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic
  - Economic system: Worker-controlled Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Empire of Canrille
  - The Left-Liberal Proposal, while more moderate than the Socialist Proposal, still calls for Rildanor to become a parliamentary republic. It proposes the election of a President as Head of State, the selection of a Prime Minister by the Assembly to be Head of Government, and the appointment of a Viceroy as Representative of the Crown by the Empire of Canrille. Like the Socialist Proposal, it also supports a more worker-controlled economy. This proposal enjoys the support of the majority of the PS and the leftist parts of the PULE.

3) The Centrist Proposal
  - Supported by: PULE-Centre, PC-Centre, PC-Left (8 representatives)
  - Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic
  - Economic system: Regulated Market Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Empire of Canrille
  - The Centrist proposal, on the other hand, supports a similar administrative structure to the Left-Liberal Proposal. However, it opposes greater worker engagement in the economy and instead supports a regulated market economy. This proposal is supported by the centrists of the PULE, as well as the centre and left of the PC.

4) The Republican Proposal
  - Supported by: PULE-Right, PC-Right, PRN, PLN (7 Representatives)
  - Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic
  - Economic system: Free Market Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Union of Canrille
  - The Republican Proposal, supported by the right-wing of the GFL, calls for the proclamation of a parliamentary republic and the abolition of the monarchy. It is also in favour of an unregulated free market economy in Rildanor.

5) The Nationalist Proposal
  - Supported by: PN, PIN,PNC, MUN, Tiralle (6 Representatives)
  - Form of Government: Presidential Republic
  - Economic system: Free Market Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Total withdrawal
  - The Nationalist Proposal, supported by the right-wing parties in Congress and the representative of the capital city, Tiralle, proposes a complete withdrawal from all Canrillaise institutions, a declaration of independence, an abolition of the monarchy and a declaration of a presidential republic, with a market that is unregulated in every sense.

6) The Federal Proposal
  - Supported by: Montpellier, Sirdour, Tiralouse, Morbanaque, Boudigaux (5 Representatives)
  - Form of Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic
  - Economic system: Regulated Market Economy
  - Relations with Canrille: Empire of Canrille
  - The Federal Proposal, a collaborative effort by regional representatives, outlines a path for Rildanor to transform into a federal republic, granting significant autonomy to regional entities. The proposal envisions a regulated market economy and a similar administrative structure to that of the Left-Liberal and Centrist Proposals.

While the proposals have yet to gain a clear majority, the Centrist Proposal, which is supported by large parts of PULE and PC, is currently enjoying the most popularity. If the PULE and PC leadership manage to convince their parties and coalition partners to back the Centrist Proposal, gaining 18 representatives compared to the current 8, it seems unlikely that they would gain the two-thirds majority of 26 needed. One potential way to gain the votes needed is to try to win over all members of the GFL, as well as all regional representatives and leftist moderates, to support the proposal. This could be achieved through a spirit of compromise and concessions, be it in the constitution or in government policy.

The duration of the Congress remains uncertain, but it's plausible that it could last for a significant period, possibly months or even years. However, if the GFL were to lose the 5620 election in three years, it's foreseeable that the entire project might ultimately not come to fruition.

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VICTORIA BASSOT FOUNDS INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM ORGANISATION

April, 5618
@LeRildanorien

Famous actress and philanthropist, Victoria Bassot, known for her role in the upcoming Yeudi film Le Cafard, for example, has in a recent public press conference announced the creation of Histoires Sans Frontières (Luth.: Stories Without Borders), a non-profit non-governmental organisation, aimed at providing journalistic coverage across the world, especially in war-torn areas and areas affected by disasters, and at giving voices to people and stories affected by these wars and disasters.

According to Bassot, the organisation was inspired by a variety of events across the world, mainly the Beiteynu-Xsampa War and the Atomic Bombing of Metz-Leonid in the 5600s, as well as the Aldurian War, and the recent war in Artania and North Seleya. Per her words, HSF aims to give voices to all people affected by war, disaster, but also authoritarianism and anarchy. As indicated by Bassot, HSF is already hard at work establishing networks and missions across the entire world.

The structure and mission of the new organisation have been outlined in documents freely provided to the press and public by Bassot. At the helm of the organisation is going to be the Global Operations Director, whose task is to lead the entire organisation. Under the Global Operations Director there will be several Regional Operations Directors, one for each continent. The lowest clearly defined level is the Local Operations Director. Mirroring the Operational Directors, there will be Executive Councils, at Global, Regional, and Local levels. These EOs will elect ODs every 5 years, and be the main governing bodies in their areas.

The first Global Director is going to be world-famous Kundrati-Rildanorian investigative journalist Anne Markéta Delannoy. Delannoy will appoint the first Regional ODs, who will in return appoint Local ODs. After the 5-year mandate of the first ODs ends, they will be elected by EOs. Each Local EO has the right to decide requirements for membership, however, Regional ODs and Global ODs will be elected from members of Local and Regional EOs respectively.

We can only wait and observe if this new organisation can achieve its mission, but we at the Le Rildanorien personally wish this new project the best of luck in the years to come.

[Elena1012]

Social Liberal Coalition collapses; Snap Elections scheduled for later this year.
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June 19th, 5656
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The governing "Social Liberal Coalition", which has been governing for quite some time now has ultimately met it's end. Despite the cordial relationship between the Republican Party of Rildanor (PRR) and the Workers and Independents Labour Party (POIT), it seems that cordial relations have dissolved as the two party's came into major disagreements over union policies. While the two party's did have disagreements in the past, this seems to have been the final issue to break the coalition. As such, with the coalition dissolved, the current government can no longer maintain itself, and snap elections have been organized for later this year.

With the PRR campaigning on not rocking the boat, and bushing forward a social liberal vision for Rildanor, Norbert Jacquemin has looked to continue the status quo, with a special focus on pension reform, healthcare reform and expanding the trade volume with other Seleyan states. Their former friends in POIT have been led by moderate social democrat, Godeliève Dimont. Dimont has campaigned hard on social democratic policies, such as welfare expansions, strengthening labour unions, and enacting a 10% increase to wealthy taxes.

On the other side of the aisle lay Rally for Democracy (RPD), the prominent conservative party within Rildanor. Being led by Yves Popelin. Popeline has broken from ROD norms of paternalistic conservatism and offered a rather bold vision of embracing the free market, calling to deregulate the market, restore morality to Rildanor, and slash taxes across the board. A strongly pro market approach, it remains to be seen if Popelin's vision for conservatism can thrive in an election.

But, there lay two more parties competing in the elections. While they aren't expected to gain much attraction, they are expected to gain at least a few seats. 2 to 6 at minimum. To the left, lay the Communist Party for the Canrillaise Proletariat (PCPC) being led by Rose Beaubois. Beaubois has campaigned on expectedly, a communist campaign. Complete restructuring of the state, wealth redistribution and anti-capitalism. Pundits don't expect much gains besides the usual minimum seats. On the other end of the spectrum lay the ultraconservative Movement for National Reconciliation (MRN) being led by Grégoire Subercaseaux. The MRN has looked to appeal to nationalists, populists who feel left behind and those who feel that the status quo with conservatism isn't ideal. Like the PCPC, the MRN isn't expected to make major gains beyond the usual.

Ultimately, it's anticipated to be a three way race, albeit with a depressed left wing vote. Whatever the case of who wins, the end of this coalition doesn't inspire confidence for the future, but it doesn't inspire despair either. Whoever wins will certainly have alot on their plate in the coming years.

[Elena1012]

Yves Popelin elected by narrow margins; Despite the margins, Pipeline makes vast promises.
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September 11th, 5656
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The recent 5656 snap elections have concluded with controversy amongst the public. Yves Pipeline, a self proclaimed "Free-Market Conservative" has been elected in a rather nail bitingly close margin. How close you may ask? 587 votes. Despite how close this is, it hasn't stopped Popelin from treating it as a mandate to govern. But because of how close the results were, Popelin has been forced to negotiate a coalition. And it seems the liberals have turned to the right. Almost immediately after losing, Norbert Jacquemin was dumped by the party, and prominent classical liberal, and firm anti-socialist, Guy Lafaille was elected to lead the party. As such, the Republican Party of Rildanor and Rally for Democracy have formed a conservative liberal coalition, as Popelin will get his agenda, and Lafaille will keep the left out of governing, citing that the CPCP rising in even a few more seats than expected is more than enough concern, and that the spectre of unchecked, radical socialism could very much threaten national unity.

For Popelin himself, he has looked to keep his campaign promises. One such promise has been a tax cut across the board, and pushing the narrative that the government is the problem, not free enterprise. Claiming that current tax rates punish success, he has pledged to reform and cut taxes to ensure prosperity and entrepreneurship is unshackled. Alongside this, one campaign promise was economic deregulation, and bringing about "trickle-down economics" to Rildanor, arguing that only by deregulation and privatization can all of Rildanor benefit and thrive. Whether it be reforming healthcare and welfare to be more efficient, adding choices to education, or making infrastructure competitive for prosperity, it's certain to be controversial amongst the left. And finally, restoring morality. Popelin has promised to enact a "true blue conservative" agenda, looking to prioritize the culture of Rildanor, family values, and bring morality back into a moral-less nation.

On the left, there's less celebrations. Despite some within the left of POIT claiming the margins were too close and demanding a recount, the centre of POIT was quick to concede the election and not mount a fight. This has expectedly demoralized the left, and especially harmed the left wing of POIT as the PCPC looks more appealing by the day, especially with their rather surprising over performance. While they didn't break the 10 seat barrier, they do sit at 8 seats. A strong increase compared to their usual 5. And speaking of fringes, on the other side, the MRN only secured a mere 4 seats. Not much, but as far as minor parties go, it's an achievement worth noting. As the left prepares the alarm bells of potential austerity and neoliberalism, the right is celebrating the victory, despite how close it is. Controversially enough, the fact that it was so close, 587 votes has seen conspiracy theorists explode, with the PCPC espousing their usual Metzist rhetoric about elections, and the MRN claiming concerns over rural delays and such. While the average citizen of Rildanor can't deny that the election was close, many so have their own theories or just comments about how close the election was. Whatever the case, the Popelin Government certainly has an agenda ahead of them. Whether it's a walk in the park or a headache is yet to be seen.

[Elena1012]

Prosperity and Responsibility Act passes; Welfare cuts, deregulations, and tax cuts.
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March 4th, 5657
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The Prosperity and Responsibility Act quickly passed the National Assembly, much to the horrour of the left and celebration of the right. The PRA has several consequences, so lets not beat around the bush. The PRA was signed into law by Popelin, and championed as a bill that would secure future prosperity, enact financial reform and remove "unnecessary regulations" from the economy. 

So, for starters, tax cuts. Popelin campaigned on, arguing that the government is taking away too much from hard workers. As such, the PRA has cut taxes across the board. For the wealthy, a 15% tax cut, for the middle class, 5% and the working class, 1%. Popelin and Rally Democrats have framed this as promoting fairness and rewarding those who work hard in society. Alongside this, inheritance laws have been repealed a bit, and corporate taxes have been slashed. The goal of these tax cuts is to provide fairness for all and alleviate "unnecessary" burdens on all of Rildanoriens.

Furthermore, the PRA reforms the welfare system, looking to provide targeted support and remove bloated bureaucracy. Several benefits such as unemployment, child benefit and housing subsidies have been reverted to means tested programs, and work contribution clauses have been added. While the Rally Democrats tried to push for full work contributions, a compromise was made with the Republicans to ensure that housing subsidies and disability benefits are exempt from work contributions. For healthcare, the system has been unchanged as a compromise, but auxiliary services will be privatized, should they fail to meet efficiency standards. For education, Popelin campaigned on expanding parent choices in education and has looked to provide. Despite the already controversial nature of this omnibus bill, education is also effected by it. Voucher programs will be created, parents reserve the right to have their child not attend classes the parent disagrees with, and funding will be handled on a basis of practicality and efficiency.

Opposition to this bill has been loud and proud from the left with POIT and the CPCP finding themselves allies and jointly protesting the PRA's passage. With the CPCP calling it class warfare, POIT calling it a betrayal of the nations people, and even Republicans calling it too far, the bill has certainly been controversial. Yet we mentioned that the right was celebrating. All right wing parties, except for one have celebrated the passage of the bill. The MRN has not joined the Left in protesting but has opposed the bill equally for their own reasons, believing that the PRA is selling Rildanor out, neglecting the needs of the people and giving power to the elites. While the immediate effects aren't likely, public support for the PRA remains shaky at best and bad at worst. While it's possible public opinion can change, the PRA is certainly selling narratives that the Popelin Government doesn't want.

[Elena1012]

Protests emerge against the PR Act; Popelin approval ratings plummet as Anti-Socialist Coalition looks to hold the government together.
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November 10th, 5657
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The Prosperity And Responsibility Act has been controversial in every regard. And the public, has been quite upset. As such, POIT has looked to capitalize on the move and has begun organizing protests across the countries, looking to express the discontent and disapproval of the Popelin Government and the PRA. Unsurprisingly, the CPCP and the MRN have also joined, organizing their own protests (however select sections of the Communist Party have cooperated with more radical elements in POIT). As such, protests have been springing up across the country. So let's cover them.

But first, the Popelin Government. As it stands, Popelin's approval ratings have taken a hard hit. Not enough to kill the government, but certainly enough to do damage to political capital. As such, the Popelin Government has looked to double down, with a new budget proposal being drafted, which would expand privatization austerity measures, and strong labour market deregulations. The most controversial has been raising the retirement age, weakening union protections in "essential services" and clamping down on collective bargaining.

As for the protests, let's first go over the ones not aligned with any political parties. The National Teachers Union of Rildanor (Syndicat des enseignants de Naruonam de Rildanor) has begun protesting the budget cuts to schooling, rural closures and vouchers. Various transport unions across the country have also joined, upset over the possibility of privatization of postal services and rail services. Healthcare unions have also gone on protest, floating the idea around of a general strike.

For protests that are more politically aligned, POIT has organized the "Bread Line Marches", calling for the overturning of the PRA, support for the public, and of course, Bread and Roses. After the PRA passed, the POIT has looked to take a strong social democratic or even a democratic socialist approach, looking to rally the working class and getting ready for the 5660 elections. The CPCP has of course, waged a full verbal war with capitalism, arguing that the Popelin Government is doing everything it can to strangle the proletariat of Rildanor, and has framed it as the cruelty of capitalism. Surprisingly enough, the MRN has organized their own protests, rejecting socialism, but claiming that the government has abandoned the nation for cosmopolitan interests. MRN has focused strongly on rural towns hit hard by the PRA.

While the protests have seen some violence, the big question is, will a general strike occur? As both the CPCP, POIT and MRN begin doing what they can to help struggling individuals out, it's clear that if Popelin doesn't reverse course or find a major policy point to get a win, the 5660 elections will be a slaughter for the Republicans and Rally Democrats. Concerns have been raised over the rising CPCP and MRN however, as while they remain small now, they could very much grow significantly in the next elections. Only time will tell, but the nation is looking to make it's voice heard.