2032 Merlovichan Presidential Election

2032 Merlovichan Presidential Election

Overview

The 2032 Merlovichan Presidential Election will be formally held on the 22nd May 2032. The two main candidates are incumbent President Bruno Schulz, representing the Unity Party, and Opposition Leader Anthony McGowan, representing the One Nation / Country Coalition.

This election is predicted to be far too close to call, with public opinions largely split on the current administration. President Schulz is both loved and loathed by many Merlovichans, with some holding the opinion he has radically transformed the nation for the better, making allies on the world stage and creating a name for Merlovich. Others argue he has alienated his voter base, and has made an unforgivable mistake with the war in Sicilianzo.

The opposition are predicted to run a campaign of being 'small targets'. Avoiding media scrutiny to the best of their ability, and deflecting blame onto the current administration via talking points and campaigns. Opposition Leader Anthony McGowan is not immensely popular, nor a well known figure, though many see him as a preferable alternative to Schulz.

The Coalition will be running a campaign largely based on economics and patriotism. The coalition has delivered on it's economic promises at the last election, and has undeniably transformed Merlovich on the world stage, despite this however, internal party pressures, and an imminent cost of living crisis at home may stand to derail their campaign.

Current polling has the two candidates practically inseperable

The Parties

UNITY PARTY:

The Unity Party is the incumbent government of Merlovich, elected in an unexpected narrow victory in 2028 on an election campaign focusing on non-isolationist policies and cost of living. The flagship policies of the Unity Party going into the 2032 election are as follows

‣ Increased defence spending
‣ Tax cuts for young Merlovichans
‣ Stronger international ties, both militarily and economically
‣ The continuation of involvement in the coalition war in Sicilianzo

ONE NATION:

The One Nation Party is the current opposition party, in a coalition with the Merlovichan Country Party. The coalition's flagship policies are as follows

‣ An international policy of interventionism
‣ Domestic manufacturing
‣ Tax breaks for large companies willing to set up in Merlovich
‣ The establishment of an International Economic Organization

Merlovichan Greens:

The Merlovichan Greens are currently a minor party in Merlovichan politics, part of an unofficial coalition that holds the Unity Party in power, despite this, there have been significant disagreements between the two parties in the recent weeks that has speculation growing about a split, which would derail the government. The Merlovichan Greens flagship policies are as follows:

‣ Greater action on climate change
‣ Increased foreign aid spending
‣ A de-escalation of the war in Sicilianzo, and an increase to efforts of humanitarian support for civilians.
‣ Increased welfare and healthcare spending

Merlovichan Country Party:

The Merlovichan Country Party are another minor party in Merlovichan politics, in coalition with the One Nation party, sharing opposition. The two parties are in comfortable unity, and have not seen the disagreements visible within the governments coalition. The Country Parties flagship policies are as follows.

‣ Increased subsidized spending for mining companies
‣ Further spending on regional Merlovich
‣ Continuation of the war in Sicilianzo
‣ Significantly increased defence spending

Socialist Front:

The Socialist Front are a small socialist coalition of parties, who generally reside on the crossbench in Parliament. They are allied with the Unity Party and Greens in the Senate however. The Socialist Front advocate for a leftward swing in political alignment in Merlovich, their flagship policies are as follows.

‣ Withdrawal from Sicilianzo
‣ Reorganization of the electoral system
‣ Greater powers to unions and workers
‣ A 5% minimum wage increase
‣ Faster action on climate change

Polling

Initial polling will be released every day until election day.

MAY 18 POLL:

2PP (Two Party Preferred)

‣ Unity Party - 51%
‣ ONCP - 49%

Preferred President:

‣ Bruno Schulz - 50%
‣ Anthony McGowan - 50%

Would you vote for a minor party?

‣ Yes - 15%
‣ No - 29%
‣ Maybe - 56%

The May 18 Poll predicts a likely hung parliament, leaning towards a Unity victory.

MAY 19 POLL:

2PP (Two Party Preferred)

‣ Unity Party - 48%
‣ ONCP - 52%

The May 19 Poll predicts a likely hung parliament, leaning towards an ONCP victory.

MAY 20 POLL:

2PP (Two Party Preferred)

‣ Unity Party - 49%
‣ ONCP - 51%

The May 20 Poll predicts a likely hung parliament, leaning towards an ONCP victory.

MAY 21 POLL:

2PP (Two Party Preferred)

‣ Unity Party - 48%
‣ ONCP - 52%

The May 21 Poll predicts a likely hung parliament, leaning towards an ONCP victory.

Current Parliament

Unity Party: 68 Seats

One Nation Party: 76 Seats
Country Party: 11 Seats

Merlovichan Greens: 6 Seats
Socialist Front: 3 Seats
Centre Alliance: 1 Seat