Democratic Socialist Assembly

Candidates join Domardost elections despite FC restrictions
25 May 2019

Note: This is a continuation of coverage on the 2019 Domardost elections. This coverage will continue until elections are held on Tuesday, the 4th of June.

Campaigning is in full swing for the 75 seats of the Domardost City Congress and the coveted office of Mayor, which brings with it a seat on the Federal Council. With 10 days to go, the Highlander People's Party (HPP) and Free Highlands (FH) have stepped up organizing against the current Mayor, Lisa Fresno, who is running for re-election with the Ariole Democratic Front (ADF). The HPP candidate for Mayor, Marcus Wendel, has been particularly brazen, gathering rallies around the city despite current restrictions on public gatherings and communications under the Federal Council.

"We will not quiet down, and we will not back down!" Wendel declared in front of thousands of cheering supporters at the Plaza of the Highlands Friday night.

Crusading for "workers' democracy" across Alpyrea, the HPP will almost certainly fail in its stated aims if they win the Mayor's office, considering how much of Alpyrea rests in autocrats' hands. However, a win would be incredibly symbolic, serving as an indicator of public dissent and unrest, and it could perhaps incite further unrest across Alpyrea. Since the National State of Emergency was declared in October, open strikes, demonstrations, and gatherings have been suppressed, and the highly influential Workers' Progressive Socialist Front in particular has been silenced. Victory for the HPP- an event that seems increasingly likely- would rebuke the "Second Nationalization" underway by the FC and send a message that the socialist movement continues to live in spite of nationalist capitalism and corporatism.

Similarly, FH's campaign with Mayoral candidate Alexi Tojama is hitting back against the Council, though on the issue of centralized rule rather than anti-labour and suppression of civil liberties. Seeking a return to the days of an independent Ariole Republic, Free Highlands is appealing to those who see corruption enriching those in power, magnified to a regionwide scale across a Nationalized Basalt Coast. Straddling the lines of left and right, a broad movement against Nationalization and the Federal Council is steadily gaining momentum if polls are accurate, and the FH is catching up to its opponents with it.

Fresno and the ADF are still holding strong, though, with an established and respected reputation for maintaining Domardost's independence in the face of external pressure. Since elected and re-elected in 2015 and 2017, Fresno has implemented labour-friendly policies while guiding Domardost through a regional economic recession. While other cities in the Basalt Coast and the Highlands have struggled, Domardost has actually managed to grow and modernize to a small extent, and currently boasts the Commonwealth's most advanced computer and education systems. However, the ADF is slowly losing its edge as frustration with rule by the Council continues, and as Fresno is a member of that Council, her established status could also be a detriment to her campaign. Supporters often reference her record in the Council, however, most notably her calls for a transition to democratic government with the Federal Constitutional Convention and for a public trial of the detained Dawton Daily journalists. Both of these ended in failure, though, which could further taint her re-election bid.

Last, but apparently not least of all, is the National Liberal Party (NLP), a new organization pushing for further federal ties to integrate the Commonwealth's economy and its national power. With polls indicating strong growth in the past days, the NLP seems to be drawing from the pro-Nationalization segment of the ADF's voting bloc, promising direct federal action instead of the municipal-federal balance that Fresno has fought for. With the current recession straining Domardost, people searching for an alternative to Fresno may find comfort in the NLP; however, its sudden appearance and widespread campaigning have led to speculation that the NLP is merely a front for those in the Federal Council seeking to oust Fresno. The party's positions on free-market capitalism and support for the ongoing "Second Nationalization" by the Council only lend further credence to this, though in the end it will be the voters of Domardost who (hopefully) determine their leaders and their future.

Polls as taken by the Ariole Republican Policy Institute, a non-partisan political research center:
Lisa Fresno (ADF): 37% (-6)
Marcus Wendel (HPP): 29% (0)
Alexi Tojama (FH): 18% (+4)
Varesh Patel-Carter (NLP): 11% (New, +11)
Other/Undecided: 3% (-9)
Poll taken 24 May 2019 with margin of error +/-2%

Alpyrea joins new ICARUS and RIO organizations, seeking greater foreign involvement
24 May 2019

The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced Alpyrea's membership in a new international organization called ICARUS in a statement issued late Friday night. Joining at least 9 other nations, the Commonwealth is apparently pursuing a more active role on the global stage, despite its ongoing economic struggles, internal unrest, and government controversies.

"We must broaden our horizons and explore our options for the sake of harmonious economic and technological growth," the announcement read. "To this end, the Federal Council is proud to announce Alpyrea's entry into ICARUS and the recently established RIO."

ICARUS, or the Intercontinental Common Association for Resources, Unity, and Solidarity, is an effort spearheaded by the Federal Republic of Danera to bring together nations around the world in various fields of advancement, incorporating the previous International Association of Arts and Sciences (IASA) as part of its program. According to its founding statement, ICARUS "... aims to help skyrocket the scientific development of its member-nations, help developing and emerging countries to get a prominent place in global economy, act in solidarity and compassion to enforce and better define civil and sapient rights, and ultimately to strengthen the relation of all nations of the world, not just of its own member-nations."

Among the provisions for ICARUS are internationally-passed legislation, streamlined trade, a truly global IASA, and a voluntary defensive pact. While the Dept. of Foreign Affairs has not yet outlined any specific plans for involvement in ICARUS, the Federal Council's strong recent focus on economic growth and development suggests future attempts to expand Alpyrean trading.

RIO, or the Romaxian International Organization, is a continental organization participating in ICARUS, standing for member-nations located in and around Romaxia including the Balkvla Islands, New Andureo, Slotheria, and Venovica. ICARUS itself is intended to be a multi-level, multilateral organization, connecting member-nations themselves part of unions such as RIO that organize their own activities, including trade. Whether there will be a new boost in economic ties around western Romaxia remains to be seen, however, given Alpyrea's past and staunch nationalism and capitalism. Regardless, continued moves towards globalism and an economic opening of Alpyrea are to be expected as the Federal Council further establishes its legitimacy and global role.

Domardost to hold June elections amid National State of Emergency: Special Report
23 May 2019

Despite military garrisons, national curfews, and an ongoing National State of Emergency, Alpyrea will soon witness its first post-Nationalization elections. In a rare public speech, Domardost Mayor Lisa Fresno announced that the 2019 elections for the republic-turned-municipality would "continue as planned".

"In the midst of new crises for our new systems, our proud old republican tradition will go on," Fresno said at Liberty Square in Domardost's Historical District Monday afternoon.

The Republic of Ariole was incorporated into the Commonwealth as one of its largest municipalities in April 2018, large enough to be broken into three- Domardost, the old Republic's capital; Bel Arios, the primary port city of the Western Highlands region; and Dunmouth, where the Ariole River meets the Juventine Sea. Unlike the other small states that also Nationalized, Domardost was not and still is not a monarchy or personal dictatorship, with democratic elections held every two years. This year's election will see the office of Mayor- and its attached office of member of the Federal Council- as well as all 75 seats of the City Congress up for grabs. The Federal Council seat is of significant importance this election; Fresno is a unique figure in a body leading Alpyrea by executive decree, as one of just three elected mayors in the 26-seat Council, and the outcome of the election will serve as a strong indicator of the public's opinion of both her policies and those of the current government as the NSoE continues.

"Together, as a unified nation, Alpyrea will emerge triumphant with the power of our Domardost and all her sister cities," Fresno declared in her address. "We will overcome our current obstacles and forge a new future- over fire and foes!"

Fresno, de facto leader of the Ariole Democratic Front (ADF), will have to overcome opponents from the left-wing Highlander People's Party (HPP) and the "Free Highlands" (FH) coalition, which supports the Sovereign City movement in its push for a return to self-rule. Though the two groups have yet to publicly put forwards candidates for Mayor, Fresno's re-election bid will face a new challenge from a new, rapidly growing party, the National Liberal Party (NLP). Contrasting from the ADF's support for the current system of shared municipal-federal powers, the HPP's broad platform for workers' democracy, and the FH's strong push for independence altogether, the NLP has declared a pro-federal position. They have already campaigned heavily through posters and leaflets, supporting stronger national ties and a free-market economy to promote economic and job growth, benefiting Alpyrea as a whole. Strongly suspected as being a front for the Federal Council and more conservative elements, it may struggle to find traction in a particularly anti-federal city, especially with Highlander or Ariole separatist sentiments added on top of existing Sovereign City popularity.

Elections will be held on Tuesday, the 4th of June, giving candidates just over two weeks' time to campaign in the midst of Alpyrea's current crises. Though restrictions on the press, communication platforms, and gatherings remain in place, Domardost may be the one hope for open democracy and popular expression in the Commonwealth for the foreseeable future.

Updates on the election, as well as information on the parties and mayoral candidates, will be posted as events develop. Though information remains limited and restricted, the state-run Federal Register seems to be reporting the democratic process relatively accurately, and news will be sourced from there as needed.

Fourth container ship disappears in Ratateague Sea; no comment from Alpyrean government, corporations
17 April 2019

A fourth container ship has apparently disappeared in the waters between northern Romaxia and the southern coast of Iskar, according to several relatives of sailors who reached out to this publication earlier this week.

The Veronica was sailing from Port Sakiba's International Seaport to Lerencia, SLD on the Sea of Jotunland in central Frimunira, departing on 08 April, but the ship never arrived at an intermediate stop at Saufhavre to pick up more goods. Based on claims from the families of sailors onboard this ship and three before it- the Oryol, the Fortuna, and the Edith May- these ships seem to have simply "vanished".

"It's just been absolute silence," said Aliya Das, mother of Shahil Das who was last seen in Saufhavre on the Oryol on 23 March. "We haven't heard a word since."

All four ships were carrying assorted goods between the Basalt Coast and ports like Lerencia or the Capital, and all four went missing in the western Ratateague Sea just a few days into their journeys. There was never any announcement made of their disappearances, with no word from the government nor the companies who either produced or carried the goods onboard. These potentially related cases only came to light with the efforts of crew members' dedicated families and "a hefty bit of luck", according to organizer Marion Romario.

"We found each other with our own stories, our own tragedies, and from them we've tried to figure out what exactly happened out there," Romario said in an interview on Monday.

A network of families managed to connect across borders and seas, as relatives or others close to those missing reached out to one another, even in a repressive Alpyrea that has restricted online communications. Romario herself managed to orchestrate several meet-ups and online groups, all with the aim of collecting information for investigation as well as public release through channels such as this publication. Romario's long-term partner was onboard the Oryol, the first ship to go missing, and since then she has devoted herself to finding answers for the dozens of families waiting for answers as well.

"So far we've narrowed down an area from publicly accessible data from buoys and stuff, but there's only so much we can really do," Romario shared. "What's saddening to me is that despite how we've all found each other in uncertainty and grief, there are still dozens who were onboard those ships without family, who were on their own in this world and trying to find a way out.

"The fact that we've still managed to find each other with such hope and determination is comforting, all things considered."

"I might never hear from my Shahil again," Das said while staring out the interview room's window, "but if we can at least get some answers, we might at least find some peace."

Updates will be posted as more information comes in.