2011 Election Begins

The Franklin Times -

The nation's fourth General Assembly elections are now underway. Prime Minister Wilson was able to hold his fragile governing coalition together for a year after weathering serious political tests. Throughout the past year, Wilson has been able to institute fundamental reforms in the areas of budget, education, and social security. His government was able to institute the first balance budget in over five years, increase the power of the central government in the area of assuring education equality, and reform social security benefits. However, these reforms came at a cost. Throughout these votes Wilson was attacked from the left and right and suffered substantial losses during the votes from his own coalition partners and party members.

Due to the constitutional mandates requiring a General Assembly election within one year after the last, King Guy has dissolved the current government and called for new elections. Most of the present political parties (as is Franklin tradition) have disbanded. The National Election Commission must now certify the applications of new parties.

Early indications point to the most competitive election ever, with up to nine parties running. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Prime Minister Wilson has not indicated his political future. Rumors are spreading that he may end the tradition of one year terms and attempt to reconstitute his Franklin Alliance Party and defend his Prime Ministership at the polls. This would be an unprecedented development in the Franklin States and would add to the uncertainty of this election cycle.