Canberra News Agency

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

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20 DEC 825

1 Credit

Shining a Light in the Darkness

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Election Results Are In!

By Jamie Olsen

CANBERRA STAR CITY - The results of the historic first elections for the Octavarium Senate are in and the official results have been released.

Coming in first with 64% of the vote is Natio Octavarium United (NO-U). They will receive ten of the Senate's 16 seats, granting them an absolute majority and the right to form a Government. NO-U leader John Riley will receive the Consul's chair and will appoint a new Cabinet in the coming days. His leadership during the crisis after the loss of the previous Government was the key deciding factor for many voters. The NO-U platform promising closer ties and increased commerce with the Crayter Republic, the continued expansion of Octavarium territory and population, and continued resistance against Gallic expansion into the Taus resonated with others.

Taking second place is the Octavarium Independence Party (OIP) with 33% of the vote. They will receive five seats in the Senate and will lead the Loyal Opposition. The party's platform of independence from the Crayter Republic and sovereignty over the entire Tau-44 system, restricted immigration from the major Houses, and neutrality in the conflicts in the Tau Region, including the Gallic War, found fertile ground among a vocal minority of the Natio's population, but failed to expand beyond that base.

In last place is the Orange Dream Party with 3% of the vote. The fringe party ran on a platform of full integration with the Maltese Nation, and failed to find much support with the electorate. Nonetheless, they will receive one seat in the Senate, granting them a platform where they hope to sway others to their side in future elections.