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The election Edition of the URA Tribune has been released please give it a read!
AN EVERLASTING UNION
Taking off from the trail blazed by the URA Harbinger, the Tribune is the official publication of the United Regions Alliance.
Heralding Truthful News, Unifying Views
Most Contested Race Yet Sees Presidentiables Argue for URA Future and Fight against Fascism
Heated Campaign for Alliance Vice Presidency Too Close for Comfort
Head of Recruitment Debate Boils Down to Question of Expansion
Uncontested Head of Roleplay Candidate Aims to Attract More Activity After Elections
The January 2021 Elections of the URA is in full swing as polls open from the 25th to the 31st, and interest in the hotly contested race has raised expectations for record voter turnout. A four-way race between incumbent URA President Suvmia, URA Armed Forces Marshal Allangoria, New Eastern Europe WA Delegate Maricoen, and Conch Kingdom's The pir featured the biggest field of Alliance President candidates since the founding of the alliance in November 2019. Among the paramount issues of the month, the future of the alliance and the treatment of fascism has taken the spotlight in the presidential debates.
While the candidates in general agreed on a number of issues, such as increasing engagement, as well as expansion of membership to include large regions and game created regions (GCRs), there are also points where they differed. Banking on its firsthand experience in the alliance government, Suvmia envisions the URA to be a "formidable force" administered by a proportionally sized government structure with clearly defined roles, a position in contrast with other candidates who proposed reorganization and streamlining. Suvmia further stresses that no new councils were created during its term. In comparison, Allangoria has pledged a 35 percent reduction in government size in hopes of curbing red tape, transforming the councils into ministries in the process. Maricoen has proposed a major overhaul of the current structure with 15 to 20 members dedicated to recruitment alone.
Meanwhile, all candidates have expressed their opposition to fascism and related right-wing extremism, emphasizing the stance of the alliance as a bastion of democracy and the ongoing election as evidence of this fact. Both Maricoen and Suvmia has vouched for the efficacy of background checks to keep extremists out of the alliance, while Allangoria intends for the URA to join Antifa, a military organization in NationStates dedicated to combat fascism. The Pir stresses freedom of speech, but believes fascism must be placed in the sidelines. As context, early in the campaign, former presidential candidate United hindu rashtra strongly called out the "massive intolerance" of the alliance for right-wing ideologies, pointing out how its use of the swastika was misinterpreted as support for Nazism. The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit for "all is well," but has since taken an extreme political meaning despite its religious origins due to Nazi symbolism. United Hindu Rashtra would later exit the alliance even before the debates began.
In related developments, a pre-election survey independently conducted by Vermont and montpelier was released January 15. For President, Maricoen was leading the survey at 37 percent, followed by Suvmia at 33 percent, Allangoria 20 percent, and The Pir 0 (zero) percent. The rest were write-in votes for unofficial candidates. A total of 27 member nations participated in the said survey, with a margin of error of 15 percent.
For Alliance Vice President, a similarly sized field of candidates sets up another hotly contested race. Veteran vice presidential contender The xii legion fulminata of Ridgefield has been an early campaigner in its attempt to shed past controversies. Last minute declarations characterize the pace of the VP election with URA Head of Public Affairs Lanaograd, former Head of Recruitment New reiji, and Trekinstan of The Democratic Commonwealth joining the fray near to the close of candidacy filing. In an unexpected development, the VP race featured unique endorsements which was not largely seen for other positions. Lanaograd in particular has been publicly endorsed by incumbent Vice President Honeydewistania, presidential candidate Maricoen, India WA Delegate Indusse, and Philippines WA Delegate Ariusgrad, among others. Despite the endorsements, however, XII Legion has expressed how its strength and passion can be a game-changer in the race, while both New Reiji and Trekinstan assume the role of the "underdog" in hopes of attracting more votes.
Available data may lay credence to XII Legion's claims of a closer race than expected. The pre-election survey independently conducted by Vermont and montpelier has not shown a confident lead for Lanaograd, who is leading the survey at 52 percent. It is followed by XII Legion at 30 percent, New Reiji 8 percent, and Trekinstan 4 percent. The rest were write-in votes for unofficial candidates. A total of 27 member nations participated in the said survey, with a margin of error of 15 percent.
While there have been commonalities among the candidates in the issues, particularly in promoting activity and fostering closer relations between members, differences can also be noted. XII Legion has expressed its support for the creation of a judicial system and the reduction of government size to "give positions meaning." It has also taken up a dissenting opinion on how alliance policy should treat fascism and related right-wing ideologies, emphasizing diversity should mean recognizing that "not all fascists are evil people." In relation to this, XII Legion argues that communists should also be banned if fascists would have the same fate. The rest of the VP candidates have expressed opposition to extremism in general. Meanwhile, Lanaograd stresses its threefold vision, and the principle of maximizing benefits and minimizing compliance if the alliance seeks to create an inclusive and sustainable environment for growth. As for New Reiji and Trekinstan, they harp on their policies to make the URA "friendlier" and "important" to the average member.
Serving as the alliance's foreign relations arm, the Recruitment Council sees a two-way contest between Augustin Alliance Joint Task Force Director Gibraltarica and Fylkirvegr Founder Freedomanica. Their campaigns have boiled down as to who has better policies to improve URA standing relative to the world.
While Gibraltarica has supported the recruitment of large regions to the alliance and a transition phase to support new regions, Freedomanica has taken up an unconventional position of focusing on internal growth of member regions, relegating active recruitment of new members as secondary. Gibraltarica stresses on Freedomanica's pledge by arguing on knowledge of the Recruitment Council mandate. Asked for a forecast on membership by the end of their term, Gibraltarica estimates 30 to 35 regions, while Freedomanica 35 to 40 regions. Although the alliance has seen new entries such as Blackstar, The Freedom Isles, and The DankLeft Commune, it has also endured departures in the past weeks leading up to the election, among them being Lisseum and Krasnaya.
In terms of their proposed recruitment criteria, Gibraltarica summarizes them to four major points: an active community, a proactive government, the existence of a World Assembly (WA) Delegate, and unconnected to unwelcome communities and ideologies. Freedomanica has been more specific, rejecting fascist, anti-WA, and embassy collector regions. Besides having a WA Delegate, it has also placed a floor membership size of 25, and an age floor of six weeks.
In related developments, a pre-election survey independently conducted by Vermont and montpelier was released January 15. For Head of Recruitment, Gibraltarica leads with 48 percent, closely followed by Freedomanica at 44 percent. The rest were write-in votes for unofficial candidates. A total of 27 member nations participated in the said survey, with a margin of error of 15 percent.
The newest of the URA councils, the vice presidential bid of its first elected head Lanaograd has opened the Head of Public Affairs race to two contenders. The Flyin2 of The United Federations has been Lanaograd's rival in the previous Public Affairs election. Vermont and montpelier of The Labyrinth, who declared early its candidacy in hopes of campaigning against Lanaograd, faces off with The Flyin2 instead in this two-way election. Another prospective contender, Peshwas of The Great Experiment, has not formalized its candidacy despite publicly expressing desire to seek the position.
While both have agreed in the competency of the Public Affairs Council they will be taking over and in the commitment to boosting activity, the two candidates differ on policies in bringing about more participation among member nations. Aggressive strategies early in the electoral campaign has received negative feedback from a number of member regions, making the technical details on how to help them participate in and experience better alliance events the highlight of their debates. One event taken as example for argument is the planned URA Global Showcase, scheduled for March 2021. The Flyin2 does not see the necessity for such an event, although it proposes to focus more on URA functions if the showcase does materialize. Meanwhile, Vermont and Montpelier seeks to have all regions on board and model the event as a collection of accomplishments.
In related developments, a pre-election survey independently conducted by Vermont and montpelier was released January 15. For Head of Public Affairs, Vermont and Montpelier leads with 52 percent, followed by The Flyin2 at 33 percent. The rest were write-in votes for unofficial candidates. A total of 27 member nations participated in the said survey, with a margin of error of 15 percent.
The elections for Head of Interregional Roleplay will be uncontested for the first time since January 2020 with Adachi being the only official candidate for the position. Promising smooth RP operations, Adachi believes that simplifying and advertising the RP facility of the alliance will be beneficial in driving more members to join as active players.
Feel free to telegram or Discord message the following if you have any questions or comments!
Founder Contact Info: Ellenburg/Free Azell, @Ellenburg#8639
President Contact Info: Suvmia, @Suvmia#1607
Vice President Contact Info: Honeydewistania, @Whatermelons#1111
Authored by Lanaograd and the Public Affairs Council. Banner design by Maricoen. All rights reserved.
Please note that residents of the Philippines who have their World Assembly nations stationed elsewhere are also eligible to vote in the alliance elections, which will close on January 31. We recognize the fact that we have over 15 regions where member nations have also presence other than our own here. This is a testament to the internationalization of our influence under the great administration of our Delegate and President Ariusgrad. Mabuhay!
Let us get out the vote. We are in the running of having one of the highest turnouts yet in the entire URA. Imagine that?
Ariusgrad, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, United Region Alliance, and Seludong
Congratulations to Berlande for being the most pacifist in the Philippines. Despite the existence of our Philippine Defense Force, we officially abhor war as an instrument of policy. We will use our military prowess for defense, liberation, or in conjunction with our allies. This is our ready power for peace, the force in being to sustain prosperity in this part of the world.
News from the electoral front!
Our region the Philippines currently rank 2nd in the URA alliance in terms of voter turnout. The votes keep on coming and are undergoing verification, but for now, congratulations! As your voting representative to the alliance, I would like to express my gratitude and my pride for our unprecedented showing so far. Of course, you can still vote until the 31st. World Assembly membership is a requirement, so if you have not yet registered, you can easily join before voting!
Maraming salamat mga kababayan. Kayang kaya natin. Filipino pride intensifies.
A worthy homage to the longest serving Delegate of the Philippines
Happy 800th day of consecutive service to our beloved Delegate and hardworking President Ariusgrad. And of course, it will be its 9th year since being elected as World Assembly Delegate of the Philippines on January 31, 2012. Imagine that? You have been our Delegate in the past 9 of our 10 years since refounding?
Out of the 70-plus invasion attempts against our region during its lengthy service so far, only 10 have been successful to interrupt Ariusgrad's delegacy, and none of them lasted more than 8 days. If there is a world record in being a raiding victim, I am confident the Philippines will be one of those running for the title. Still, the survival of our founderless yet resilient region is a resounding testament to Ariusgrad's underrated defense principles, including the concept of force in being. That is, a military that is always defending. In one of the largest invasions ever in NationStates history, the now famous 2017 Christmas invasion, there was talk of a liberation proposal for the Philippines, but this did not go beyond the planning stage when it became obvious that the region was capable of flushing the raiders out through avant-garde tactics and in coalition with the world's defenders.
The unity, stability, and progress you have spearheaded as our dedicated leader throughout the years has created a region of great international standing. From an average of 4 delegates a year in the period May 2003 to January 2012, the Philippines has since never experienced the dark ages of worrying about tomorrow in Ariusgrad's regional government. We have also maintained in the past 8 months a population of more than 100 member nations, whereas prior to Ariusgrad's assumption of office, keeping 20 or so members was considered fortunate. We are consistently one of the largest founderless and non-English regions in the NS world.
What is unfortunate is how the NS world in general remains oblivious of our delegate's legacy in for a medium-sized and founderless region such as the Philippines. Only six other delegates have kept the delegacy for 3 years or more in regions with over 100 member nations. But beyond its longevity, Ariusgrad's vision for inclusive and sustainable development in a shared world is commendable on itself. It carried these ideals when it campaigned for WA Secretary General back in 2016, and it still continues to foster them to this day with the updated agenda of solidarity, sustainability, and anticipatory governance. You once related to me how this delegacy has been a dream come true. Are you still dreaming?
As your longtime friend here and IRL, let me take this time to ask you this: When will you even retire? It will take 14 more years for you to beat Mikeswill's record, you know?
Anyway, believe me when I tell you it is already a feat for us to do so much in the past 4 years Philippines has been founderless. Despite all the opposition and the geopolitical pressures, even the malicious impersonations and smear campaigns, Ariusgrad has persevered and flourished. If that is not great enough for the world, I know not what else will?
I am aware of how much you despised my proposal to immortalize your name in our regional history. That is just how humble you are in your affairs. But just this once, indulge me on this one, will you? Your road to your 10th anniversary begins soon, and I for one will be here to serve with you. I will not forget how Ariusgrad's inspired leadership has helped mold me into the leader I am today, and its continuous support for me as the region's representative to the URA alliance is only one of those instances of its mentorship. Ariusgrad is in the habit of creating leaders that will create leaders. My hope is that everyone in the region, who has overwhelmingly given our delegate a 100 percent approval rate recently, also recognizes this national treasure of a Filipino. It is rare for someone to work so much for a themed online community such as ours. Maraming salamat at padayon Ariusgrad! Puspos ka pang pagpalain ng Panginoon sa lakad ng iyong buhay!
Your Regional Affairs Minister
Lanao
Ariusgrad, Republic of Bukidnon, Secular state of the philippines, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, and 6 othersIndusse, Emperio maharlika, The Luzvimindan Islands, Scalizagasti, Seludong, and Manilenyos
Congrats to Ariusgrad on the great feat, and to the Secular State of the Philippines for fittingly being the most secular nation in the region!
Ariusgrad, Secular state of the philippines, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, Emperio maharlika, and 1 otherSeludong
Reposted from the URA Discord Server:
It took a while to register in my senses that I actually won the hotly contested VP race, reminiscent of the July 2020 election when the Vice President got the "last but not the least" treatment, being exhilarating as it is. I thank my opponents for running inspiring and constructive campaigns all throughout. We have once again proven that URA is an alliance and an arsenal of democracy. I also thank the voters who have significantly showed a record turnout, the highest in alliance history. As we embark on the journey of inclusive and sustainable growth, we can hope that more voters would emerge in the years to come. Important is how we learn and become better together everyday. And I am honored that you think I should be part of this arduous task of moving forward.
As a candidate emerging from one of the smaller member regions, first as Public Affairs Head, and now Vice President, I am greatly appreciative of the support we have displayed for small- and medium-sized regions. As I have shared with you my threefold vision for the alliance, I will press on to be a proponent of all these pledges. Let us keep in mind the interagency nature of our operations, and closely cooperate in all we do for the well-being of our member nations. Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala! Sana makamit ko ang inyong inaasahan sa aking bagong tungkulin sa alyansa.
Ariusgrad, Ecnav Enitsuj, Republic of Bukidnon, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, and 4 othersEmperio maharlika, Seludong, Manilenyos, and Fort ilocandia
The vote breakdown is in!
I would like to thank the Philippines for solidly voting for me as Vice President for the United Regions Alliance, giving Lanaograd 100 percent of their precious vote. Thanks also to Ariusgrad for the significant endorsement. Had I not received all your votes of confidence, the VP election might have been way closer than it already was. We are fast becoming a solid voting bloc, and each one of you helped in the process.
And after verification of all ballots, the Philippines is 4th in 30 regions of the alliance in terms of voter turnout. We may have not kept the 2nd place overall, but I am still proud that our regional government's efforts to get out the vote have bore fruit. May we have an even greater turnout in the months to come. Please join the World Assembly and take part in our higher calling in the international stage. Mabuhay!
Ariusgrad, Republic of Bukidnon, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, Emperio maharlika, and 3 othersSeludong, Manilenyos, and Fort ilocandia
Magandang gabi po sa inyo lahat
Ariusgrad, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, Seludong, Manilenyos, and 1 otherFort ilocandia
Maligayang bati sa iyong tagumpay, Lanaograd. Ang iyong kagalingan ay kahusayan rin ng ating rehiyon na Philippines. Maraming salamat rin sa ating mga kababayan na nagkaisa para sa pambato natin sa nakaraang halalan. Mabuhay kayo!
May your service as United Regions Alliance Vice President be a memorable and a commendable one. Now the student has surpassed the mentor, for you are now the second highest officer in an alliance of more than 30 regions. Yes, my nine years of service may be good, but I am surely glad to have raised leaders such as you to emerge from our humble region. I may be your delegate and president today, but you and the rest of the regional officers are also leaders on your own merits. My hope is that the brand of leadership we inspire in the Philippines will be more recognized in the NS world, for no leader is without followership, and throughout the years, even as I have seen members come and go, we have stayed to become stronger and better together. Yes, Lanao, it will take me many more years to beat the overall record in NS, but why not? Challenge accepted, if our fellow members would still want me to continue serving in this capacity. And I would like to reiterate Lanao's appeal to join the World Assembly. This will help not only your individual progress, but also our regional standing.
Maraming salamat. Hindi ko naman gaanong ramdam na nakalipas na pala ang siyam na taon. Parang kahapon lang na delegado pa rin natin sina Sky Cyclone, Guiuan, at Rochester-Marner. Pero ayun nga, dahil sa pagharang ng mga raider at sa kawalan din natin ng founder, hindi naging tuloy-tuloy ang opisyal na paglilingkod. Bagaman gayon, narito na tayo. Maligayang ika-sampung taon din para sa Pilipinas dito sa NS! Parang kasingtanda ko na pala ang rehiyon nating mahal.
Ecnav Enitsuj Emperio maharlika Kalayaan and sabah confederacy Knowing that it is our tenth anniversary, maybe we should come up with a recruitment drive to raise activity and membership in the Philippines. Are you up to the task? I'm definitely open for ideas from everyone, so long as it does not jeopardize our regional security. Right Secular state of the philippines?
Lanaograd, Secular state of the philippines, Kalayaan and sabah confederacy, Emperio maharlika, and 2 othersManilenyos, and Fort ilocandia
Binary star
by: SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Uru
{lyrics}
An adorable star
We can see from afar
But a truth it belies
All who enters her dies
Hear the beating of wings
As the pendulum swings
And we can believe it's ever gonna end
You know blood is thicker than water
But you just want everyone to get along
For the candles in the darkness
Burning up the sorrow
There's no end to sadness
We didn't learn
For the broken hearted people
Diamonds now surround us
So out of our mind
Leave the past behind
We're a binary heart
Tear each other apart
Growing from the same stem
They were us, we were them
On a course to collide
Is it strength not to hide?
Let the politics decide you're not a friend
You know blood is thicker than water
But you just want everyone to get along
For the candles in the darkness
Burning up the sorrow
There's no end to sadness
We didn't learn
For the broken hearted people
Diamonds now surround us
So out of our mind
Leave the past behind
Binary
A centrifugal force
Pushing us far away
That's our eternity
Binary
We can't escape the force
Crushing us
Gravity is our eternity
For the candles in the darkness
Burning up the sorrow
There's no end to sadness
We didn't learn
For the broken hearted people
Diamonds now surround us
So out of our mind
Leave the past behind
For the candles in the darkness
Burning up the sorrow
There's no end to sadness
We didn't learn
For the broken hearted people
Diamonds now surround us
So out of our mind
Leave the past behind
Binary
A centrifugal force
Pushing us far away
That's our eternity
Binary
We can't escape the force
Crushing us
Gravity is our eternity
.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EhAX68uF6NU
.
Maligayang bati sa iyo, Lanaograd! Ang iyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong rehiyon! Makakatulong ang iyong pagkahalal bilang pangalawang pangulo ng URA sa pagpapataas ng ating impluwensiya sa pandaigdigang entablado! Mabuhay ka, Lanaograd! Mabuhay ang rehiyong Philippines!
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