New Republic: Resignations and Elections

Veritas News Inc. -- Lorell, Hapes Cluster

On Day 230 of this galactic year, Chief of State Kara DuMonte Webb and High Ambassador Biffis Maximus, both leading figures of the New Republic (NR), resigned. With Chief of Military Operations Wedge Achilles being on a previous planned leave, rumors quickly began to fly, the galaxy quickly began to ask questions. Has the New Republic been destabilized? Will they recover? Who will lead the New Republic now? Is this yet another indication that the Galactic Alliance is failing? The official reason for the resignations is serious fatigue. Rumor has it that issues with the way NR has been run could have contributed to the decisions, and that they could no longer handle the strain of leadership.

Looking at the record of term lengths for previous Chiefs of State, it is clear that the last few years have seen an increasingly high turnover. The first six Chiefs (Years 8-13) were all able to serve their full term, with the popular Taka Aioka serving two successive terms. Year 14 saw Cheda Quche serving only 40 days before his capture and execution at the hands of the Galactic Empire. Azzi Blackgate was chosen to finish out that term, but was not re-elected, as Lukastar Narvaka won and served for roughly 142 days, before his term was taken over by Kara DuMonte. The following elections saw Ms. Dumonte as the landslide winner, with her taking office on Year 15 Day 3.

Despite their sudden lack of leadership, NR citizens seem optimistic. A confidential high-ranking source explained to Veritas that there is no chaos or disappointment within NR during this time of transition, Everything is going as planned, as they put it. They acknowledge that the obligations upon the CoS are so high, many aren't even expected to make it to the end of the one-year term, as recent statistics would indicate. Despite it being the popular belief of outsiders and enemies, they deny any internal fighting or lack of progress within NR. As the source indicated, six potential candidates were quick to step up to fill in the gap at a special election, which is more than the usual two or three at election time.

Yet another confidential source attempted to shed light on the reasons that prompted these sudden resignations, describing it as a sickness that has spread deeper into the New Republic in recent years. In particular, they pointed to the Senate and the Advisory Council, who they said spend more time bickering about proposals than getting anything done. As a result, the top leaders of the Advisory Council and the Chief of State don't trust those below them, do not train future leaders nor delegate their many duties, and become overworked and resign. That is what makes this Chief of State election so important, they added, because there are a few who actually want to change the system and make it better for all those who serve.

The election will take place around Day 240, and citizens in NR, its nationalized corporations, and private sector affiliates will be eligible to vote for up to 7 days. Once polling stations are closed, the new Chief of State will be announced and take over Ms. DuMonte's term, which will last until the end of the year. Should candidates get less than 50 per cent of the vote, a re-run vote of another 7 days will occur.

The candidates are as follows:

1. Popara Anjiliac Diresto, also known as Popara the Hutt, is the current Speaker of the Senate. He is the CEO of Ubrikkian Industries, and has placed himself in direct opposition to the main proposals put forward by fellow candidate Tengri Lethas.

2. Tengri Lethas, a Geonosian and CEO of Merr-Sonn Technologies. Tengri intends to dissolve the Senate and rebrand the NR as the Rebel Alliance anew if he is elected.

3. Orion Chran, a Human and High General of the New Republic Army. He ran for a previous election, in which he placed third.

4. Josh Jericho, a Thyferran Naval Lieutenant Commander, and former Chief of Naval Operations. He also served as a Senator in the Senate's 6th, 7th, and 8th sessions.

5. Edmond Zaccone, an Ortolan Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Republic Navy, previous CEO of Kerdos Company, Instructor in the NR Academy, and former Senator. He placed second in the last election. His campaign focuses on incentives for continued economic growth and citizen benefits, encouraging pride in being part of the New Republic.

6. Ro Ru Wok, a Wookiee, is a late entry into the elections. He is the High Admiral of the Republic Navy, and Acting CoS until the election's conclusion.

Unfortunately, we were unable to get comments from every candidate on their campaigns, but we have seen three general ideas emerge: dissolve the Senate and return to the old government seen during the days of the Rebel Alliance prior to the Republic's formation, streamline the government to make things more efficient and move faster, and to keep the current system as it is. Currently debates and question and answer sessions are ongoing, and the coming weeks will almost certainly see whether the New Republic stays as it is, or changes, whether for better or for worse.