The race has begun!

[Election Central] October 1

In the start of what may prove to be a decisive election, Election Commissioner Belschaft officially called the October 2018 Cabinet Elections into being, with the nominations period immediately beginning.

In an unprecedented move, the Election Commissioner announced that contrary to past elections, private ballots would not be counted. The surprising development was met with opposition by Cabinet Ministers. Prime Minister Farengeto lodged an official protest with the Electoral Commission.

‘The secret ballot has long been a critical component in defending the ability for one to vote freely,’ the Prime Minister argued, ‘and in the often divisive politics of the South Pacific this decision undermines the integrity of our elections and the democratic freedoms of our region.’

The complaint received support by the Minister of Regional Affairs, Island of Unity, who noted that ‘people should ought to have the right to cast a ballot in private and without the pressure of public knowledge.’

The Election Commissioner noted that present legislation does not mandate a private ballot. However, he was amenable to their concerns and later revised his announcement to make allowance for such ballots.

The nominations period closes on the 7th of October at 00:00 (23:00 UTC).