Mariko never found much time to travel back to the city she was born at, raised at and lived until she had left for Liberty, exploring the world for a few years before finally settling down as a part of the Hogosha Association.
One of the odd reasons why she appeared back at Sakurajima City were the elections of 827 A.S., unlike last time, she was no longer driven by sheer logic but also sympathizing feelings to the great picture the organization she joined several years ago, the Hogosha.
While strange rumors reached her ears about this man, she was hopeful in regards of the change he could bring... the ability to gain influence and flee the crumbling power structures of the Association, just to join the Alliance in a high, influential position. She feared this idea was naive but it was too late to change her mind. She was already in the cabin! So she settled on voting for the Majima Party, hoping for the best for herself to come out of this decision.
Meanwhile on Planet New Tokyo, Government District.
For Sanae, the election period was just taking a one time detour to the voting cabins, work had to continue just as usual, despite everyone anticipating the election results. She settled on handling this task in the early morning hours, when even the usual crowded Government buildings were relatively empty. To her luck, she didn't have it far, as the nearest voting cabin was established within the Health Ministry's lowest level for the exclusive usage of all Ministry workers.
Clearly everyone knew which party she would vote for, just minutes later the expectations were met as she returned to her office, leaving her vote for the Honshū Unity Party behind.
The former Minister in charge of Post-Imperial reconciliation, Noboru Higuchi, celebrated by the media as one of the 'heroes' who re-united Kusari, was on his way to give his vote too. Despite his work having been so successful, the reunification brought him no other Minister seat, nor did he gain much appreciation after the first months. Only the party he had joined briefly before they announced their entry into the Republic's first elections, stood at his side and kept him on the payroll as an advisor to the higher echelons of the party. Naturally, he would vote for the party he trusts, the party who enabled him the chance to re-unite Kusari.
With a proud look, he marked the Honshū Unity Party, hoping to watch the Party fortify their position.
