Bianjie

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Premier Kode to run for a fourth term as the leader of the socialists
In an unprecedented move, Ajigen Kode announces that she will run for another term as SPP leader, breaking the party's informal three-term rule 
11 May 5677 (backdated)



For almost 60 years now, ever since the foundation of the Socialist People's Party, and its subsequent domination of the Bianjian domestic politics, the party formed a set of rules for its leaders, and therefore premiers, which included one major rule: no more than three terms for a sitting leader, and a peaceful transition. Despite it being an informal agreement, all leaders to date have held on to the rule, even though many considered breaking it. Finally, after more than 60 years of the party's existence, the rule was broken, with the incumbent Premier and SPP leader, Ajigen Kode, announcing her candidacy for a fourth five-year term as the head of the governing party.

Kode, 65, has been leading the Socialist People's Party since 5662, following the retirement of the late Abatai Soca. Formerly a mayor of the nation's capital city, Gemun, Kode became the third socialist leader representing the southern parts of the country, solidifying the position within the party. Despite her leading the party through two close elections, both in 5668 and 5673, Kode kept her position, with no viable alternative on the horizon. However, many expected the 5673 election to be Kode's last, as per the rule, and many have been preparing for the new open race of candidates. The fourth term announcement became a shocker for the majority of the party members, with many criticising the move as "authoritarian" and "power-grabbing", demanding Kode to step down, and withdraw from the race. "I think it is a disgrace to the legacy of our party and its former leaders to violate simple democratic agreements", said one of the Yuan caucus MPs anonymously.

For ones, the move became a sign of growing autocratic tendencies amongst the party leadership, especially the Premier's surroundings and close allies; for others, a further demonstration of the ignorance towards the northern provinces of Bianjie, with the leader of the Irudai's provincial chapter of the Socialist People's Party, Yazhu Bulni, saying he will make everything possible to prevent "another southerner" from being elected as the leader, as well as boycott the election altogether if Kode will run. "When I joined SPP, it was a party of all Bianjians, and I hope it still is", Bulni said. According to several members of the party, as well as political experts, Bulni himself is a serious contender for the position if he decides to contest it.

Premier herself sees nothing wrong in her candidacy, saying that she has the "youth and expertise" to keep leading the party as long as the membership views it positively for the SPP, dismissing any claims that it is power-grabbing, adding that "rules are meant to be broken", addressing criticism of her fourth term attempt, which is violating the "three-term rule". Kode says that she is not holding to the position, and she will step aside if the party rejects her re-election in a democratic vote; however, she will not "be pressured" into pulling out of the race.

So far, with less than a month and a half left before the leadership election, four candidates have announced their campaign, with up to 5 more expected to run sooner or later in the upcoming weeks, including the Bulni, who is reportedly still considering all the possible options on the table, while the growing discontent with the Kode leadership, and her re-election announcement prompting many high-level members to push Bulni in the race as soon as possible. It is rather rare to see any opinion polling on the issue of leadership elections; however, a rare internal polling report from the Kode team, leaked to the Nippō by an anonymous member of the Premier's side, shows a grim picture for the incumbent leader, with only 28% of the members wishing to re-elect the Premier. In comparison, 41% express their support for the Bulni. If that's the case in mid-June, Bulni will become the leader.



The Daily Report (日報), also known as Nippō, is a major daily newspaper based in Namušun, Bianjie.
The paper is published in both official languages in the broadsheet format and is also available online in other international languages.