Kalistani Major History

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DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE MASSIVE VICTORY AND SET OUT TO FORM THE CABINET.
Kaliburg/San Marteen, April 4387


Results of Tuesday's General Elections in Kalistan.

KALIBURG/SAN MARTEEN - The general elections in the United Republic of Kalistan are over, Kalistani people elected 750 new legislators and a new President. The elections caused a great joy within the ranks of the Democratic Party, as the freshly founded popular move, established just 1.5 years ago managed to secure a majority of seats in the 750-seat Chamber of Deputies winning 54.01% of all votes, which gave Democrats a safe majority of 394 seats, the Liberal Party won 25.86% and 200 seats and the National Conservative Party won 20.10% of all votes and 156 seats. it seems like the Kalistan Democratic Party has managed to break through the duopoly of the LURK and NCP. Critics say that it is mainly the liberal and progressive values the party represent and that the movement has managed to present a series of comprehensive bills to the Chamber of Deputies which were supported by thousands of people and the legislators unilaterally, without even debating the civic proposals turned them down. According to political analysts affiliated with the Kalistan Today, the lack of a proper debate and firm opposition of LURK and NCP cause a dramatic drop in their popular support with the support for KADEM rising. A week before the elections polls gave the Decmorats around 33%.


Distribution of seats in the Chamber of Deputies after 4387 elections.

Another surprise during the recent elections was the victory of the Democratic candidate Frederick Arbor in the presidential election. In the polls prior to the elections, Arbor was given little chance of passing to the second term and in both scenarios (one against Zhou, and one against Ramford) Arbor was given around 5 percent less than his competitors. But the election for the highest office left everyone speechless and officials of the Democratic Party excited, as Frederick Arbor won the race for the Presidential office in the first round with 53.23% of votes (Zhou (LURK) - 25.74%, Ramford (NCP) - 21.02%). It all seems like for the upcoming three years the Kalistani politics will see a splendid cooperation between KADEM-run President's office, and KADEM-run cabinet. It is almost certain that the KADEM government will now set to implement all those reforms presented prior to the elections to fulfill its electoral promises. One of the first decision of the new government will be to drastically cut the income and sales tax alongside significant cuts made to the government's expenditures. The proposal presented by KADEM proposed cutting the government's budget from the level of 2.7 trillion to 1.7 trillion combined with drastic cuts in the income tax system (the highest tax bracket lowered to 40%).

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DEMOCRATS ENJOY HIGH SUPPORT IN POLLS AS FURTHER REFORMS PASS TRHOUGH THE CHAMBER
Kaliburg/San Marteen, July 4391


Geraldine Reynolds.

KALIBURG/SAN MARTEEN - Despite minor drops in support for Kalistan Democratic Party, it seems as the Democrats are most likely to recover and once again enjoy support at rates higher than 50% in recent polls conducted by Kalistan Today. According to the same polling research President Arbor, who has just announced that he will not be seeking second re-election, and recommended Geraldine Reynolds as a suitable person for the next candidate from KADEM, enjoys high support with 64% supporting his actions, and 19% opposing, and the rest undecided. Joanne Prudnicki, chief analyst of Kalistan Today points out that the recovery of KADEM in recent polls is the result of further reforms implemented by the Democrats, which are supported by the public majority. Prudnicki point out one more important factor - KADEM was the first party in decades to propose tax cuts, and with the scale of the cuts proposed by the Democrats, the party easily gained public support, and according to Prudnicki the effect of the tax reform proposed and implemented by the Democrats will be visible for at least couple of years. Aaron Posner, the chief economist of the Kalistan Today, said that the economic reforms proposed by the KADEM had a positive effect on the economy, especially in the investments sector, with more than 100 major foreign-based investments made during the first 10 months after the reforms. Posner says that the Valruzian companies like Bonning, Reaglair and BFS quickly became the largest net foreign-based investors in Kalistan, with Bonning commencing the works on their first factory in Kalistan. According to Bonning's management, the company wants to launch additional manufacturing line for all its SUVs. With such major investment, it is estimated that more than 1.400 jobs will be created over the period of the next 48 months.

According to the first presidential opinion poll including Geraldine Reynolds, who is not yet KADEM's official candidate, but with the recommendation from Arbor she is most likely to win the nomination, Reynolds wins in the first round with all included candidates (within the range of 39 to 44% of votes). Reynolds is a well-known politician in Suldanor, she served two terms as the Provincial Attorney, and two terms as the Mayor of Temmon/Los Fuertes between 4383 and 4390. She is a strong supporter of President Arbor and is expected to follow his policies. She strongly advocates for the accession of Kalistan to the Alboro Agreement and further integration of Kalistan with its Seleyan partners, mainly in the SU.

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Special coverage of the Indralan Imperial World Tour of 4395 from the Nationalist Bulletin, a staunchly monarchist and nationalist newspaper in Indrala.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Fengmian steals the show in Ananto, Kalistan
20-22 August 4395




Luxon, Island of Ananto, Kalistan: On the first stop of the Imperial World Tour, all attention has been centred on 14-year-old Princess Fengmian (granddaughter of the Tianshun Emperor). A princess who has largely been hidden behind the walls of the Heavenly City, international and domestic media clamoured at the opportunity to photograph her as she was greeted by locals upon arrival in Luxon.

The Princess was the first member of the Imperial Household to disembark from the ship, being greeted by three young girls with flowers; members of the local Indralan diaspora. In a display of egalitarianism and populism growingly observable among the younger generations of the Imperial Household, Princess Fengmian held the girls hands as she walked off the dock escorted by servants and guards.

Prince Jianlong met local leaders, including the Mayor of Luxon whilst his brother, Prince Jianhao, visited a local Indralan martial arts studio. The Princes' were not received by federal politicians and leaders, a detail which was underplayed by the Chief Secretary of the Imperial Household Agency Li Yan:

"Our time in Ananto was very brief, and the administration of Kalistan has many, many, many issues to deal with," said Li, "logistically, it was difficult to coordinate a meeting."

Ananto plays an important role in Indrala-Kalistan relations. In 3983, Indrala invaded the island in what has been known as the Ananto War. The war was part of a number of international conflicts which comprised the Great Terran War. During the war, Indrala completely levelled the Kalistani capital (Kaliburg) as well as much of the island from naval artillery fire. After the Indralan invasion was unable to continue following the Battle of Mt. Schmee, an armistice was signed on 1 January 4018, ending the war.

On the 21st, the travelling party departed north by horseback, arriving in Eveari in the early morning of the 22nd. From Eveari, the Princes' and their travelling party boarded the Imperial Fleet, en route to New Endralon/Kizenia.

Author: Gao Zheng

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Socialists Reopen Party Headquarters
Kaliburg to serve as home to restored SPoK HQ
Kaliburg, Ananto District
April 2, 4405


Socialist Party Leaders march down Republican Avenue toward the ancient SPoK HQ

Long dormant, the ancient headquarters of the Socialist Party of Kalistan was reopened today.  The long dormant Socialists announced a return to Kalistani Politics last January ahead of the Recent elections, and promptly established a foothold in the National Assembly.  The Party ran on the platform of restoration of traditional Kalistani institutions, as well as a restoration of the Society of Brethrenism in Kalistan. SPoK's orientation toward the tenants of Ethical Socialism was reaffirmed in the election as well, as the SP elected a slate of candidates and did incredibly well in all elections, including acquiring the plurality in Odufaray.  The results appeared to even take the SP by surprise, as they have yet to name a candidate for the District's Governor. SP Leaders have promised to name a Governor for the District within a couple months, after internal leadership elections are held.

As the Headquarters were reopened in Kaliburg, a massive crowd gathered outside.  One of the leaders of the impromptu demonstration, Franklin Bennots-Matthews  acquired a megaphone and addressed the crowd, though only a fraction heard it.  In Bennots' brief remarks, he declared that the SPoK wishes to work with other Parties and slowly move Kalistan back to a more traditional position, where the institutions of Kalistan's government are respected and utilized.  "The changes that have occurred over the past 300 years, while a natural evolution, have perhaps overlooked a lot of what has made Kalistan of our ancestors great.  We would like to work with The Democrats, Liberals and Communists to reintegrate many of these institutions into Kalistani life, alongside the changes which have occurred to restore the vibrancy and dynamism of Kalistani Society.  We hope that President Reynolds will give us an opportunity to do so."


Massive Crowd gathers outside of Socialist Party of Kalistan's HQ in Kaliburg and hears from interim Party Leaders.

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Dianne Carrangus elected as Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan
Promises to support Grand Coalition
Kaliburg, Ananto District
May 1, 4405


Dianne Carrangus, Leader of Odufaray Ethical Socialist Coalition, is new Speaker of SPoK

The Socialist Party of Kalistan has elected Dianne Carrangus, leader of the Odufaray Ethical Socialist Coalition, which has recently formed the core of the reestablished into the Socialist Party of Kalistan, as the new Speaker of the Socialist Party.  Carrangus, who is a 33 year old community activist from Eshar, was selected on the first ballot, and represents the predominance of Odufar delegates at the recent provisional Convention.  The Speaker of the Party is generally seen as a stepping stone to National Office, though Carrangus said that her priorities are in Party building, coalition building and the restoration of Kalistan to a position of regional importance, both economically and culturally.

Carrangus is a descendant of one of Kalistan's long term political dynasties, and has selected Anantan Brethrenist Henry Bennots-Diallo as her deputy.  The Party will put together a shadow government before the passage of the Government bill in five months.

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Ana Barajas named first Governor of Odufaray in Decades
Socialist Party revives District Government Act unilaterally
Eshar, Odufaray District
June 28, 4405


Local singer and social justice activist Ana Barajas is named District Governor of Odufaray

Apparently, the Socialist Party of Kalistan has found a number of dusty tomes stored in the libraries of its recently unshuttered Party Headquarters.  Among the documents are a set of old laws which are still technically on the books.  One such law, the District Government Act (http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill.p...lid=476907), which has long fallen into disuse in the Republic, permitted the Party who won a plurality in a given district to name a Local Governor for the District.

So therefore, the Socialist Party has named Ana Barajas as Governor of the District of Odufaray.  Barajas, 34, is a local socialist organizer, activist and singer. She is widely known throughout the District for her songs about social justice and liberty.  All of her music is bent on advancing the cause of Socialism.  On her recent record, "Socialismo Para Todo (SPT)" she proclaimed that the nation has longed for a return to Socialism, and that Moderate Parties offer few solutions to the problems that plague the World.

Barajas has actually moved ahead of the Party in calling for the readoption of the ODEN Cartel, and has promised to begin to rebuild the consortium in the District with or without the National Government.  It seems that her note hit the Socialist Party's national Committee (interim) at just the right note.  Kalistan is ready for Barajas, and Barajas appears to be ready for Odufaray.

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Updates on the Society of Brethren in Kalistan
Return of the SP heralds resurgence of interest in Society
Kaliburg, Ananto District
October 12, 4405


Brethren meet in one of the dozens of reorganized Monthly Meetings across the Republic

The Brethrenist Faith has a long history of association with the Socialist Party in Kalistan.  Though not officially tied, the impetus for the spread and near ubiquity of Brethrenism in Kalistan was due largely to promotion by the Socialist Party in Kalistan.  Several of the SP's Leaders, including Presidents and Premiers, came from the Faith.  But when the Socialist Party went defunct over 200 years ago, and folded into a more general leftist coalition led by the Labour Party, the Society of Brethren did not fade away.  Instead, it continued to plug along, remaining the default faith of Kalistan's religious population.  Brethrenism was so ubiquitous in Kalistan that few stories were written about the faith:  To be a religious Kalistani was almost assuredly to be a member of the Brethren Society.

But the Socialist Party has been reconstituted now, and seeks to rebuild its old relationship with the Faith that it once promoted and expanded.  As the Socialist Party is being reorganized, we will run a series of articles concerning how the Faith has evolved in Kalistan over the past 500 years, and how it continues to evolve into a worldwide movement.

We decided to begin by visiting a Monthly Meeting in Ananto.  The Clerk of the Meeting, Friend Joanna Riggs, was an unassuming woman in her mid-50s.  Riggs has spent her life teaching primary school at Kaliburg's PS 052.  Her specialty is in Math.

KR:  Friend Riggs, You have been the Clerk of this meeting for how long now?
Riggs:  Oh, probably 4 years now.  I'll be termed out in a couple years, but like a lot of Meetings, it was sort of my turn, if you follow.
KR:  Are you a Birthright member?
Riggs:  Sure.  I don't think there are many who would call themselves convinced anymore.  I suppose if some young people leave it behind then come back, you know, they would be called "Convinced,"  but, no, I've been a member all my life.
KR:  Given your proclivity for math, how do you square the logical world of that discipline with the sometimes chaotic or incoherent aspects of the mystical part of the Brethren Faith?
Riggs:  I would say, there is no contradiction.  There are a lot of things that Math and science can't really explain.  We could say that the Inner Light is the product of our social upbringing, and all the lessons we were and are daily taught, and if you think of it like this, you're merely remembering what you are supposed to do in a situation, much like remembering how to solve a math problem.  It doesn't make sense and then it does.  Just like that.  I don't find any difference really, in remembering how to solve some logical problem and remembering how to solve a moral one.  At the end of the day it is the same.
KR:  Has the Faith changed in your lifetime?
Riggs:  Oh, perhaps, in some ways some people got lazy.  They observe the word but not the spirit.  It is hard to live a simple life, for instance, when you are surrounded by such abundance as we see in Kalistan.  I think the separation of the state and the Faith before I was born kind of made adherence lax, and it also made us lazy in paying attention to what our government was doing.  I hope the restoration of the Socialists will reinvigorate the civic spirit of the Brethren.  Though, I would like to make it clear, not all of us are socialists anymore.  I myself, for example, voted for the Dems, though I could have voted for the SP.  They need to show what they are going to do before some of us change our affiliation.
KR:  Thank you for your time.
Riggs:  Absolutely.

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GanJam planned in Eshar Odufaray, Kalistan, Spring 4406
ODEN reorganizes in Odufaray under SP auspices
Kaliburg, Ananto District
December 18, 4405



Governor Barajas announces lineup for 4406 Ganjam

Governor of Odufaray District, United Republic of Kalistan, and Socialist Party member Ana Barajas has announced that, in coordination with Odufaray ODEN and the Socialist Party of Kalistan, this year's GanJam will be held at Eshar, in Odufaray, April 17-21, 4406.  Barajas' office confirmed that the show will be closed by Suldanor dub supergroup Ras I and I and I, who are booked for a double set on April 20th. 


Dub all-stars Ras I and I and I are confirmed headliners for the 4406 Ganjam

In addition, there will be the traditional "L Night" on April 19, headlined by alternative electronica band Bonkers.  Bonkers will feature vocals from Callie Malta, who has recently collaborated with Bonkers on a full cover of the seminal psychedelic rock album Lieutenant Salt.


"L Night" will be headlined by Bonkers with Callie Malta, and promises to be a bonkers affair

Tickets for the four night festival will go on sale January 2, 4406, and all are invited to Kalistan for the Festival.  The crowd is anticipated to be upwards of 150,000 this year, which is not record setting for the festival, but an ambitious attendance goal for Odufaray promoters.  The Ganjam has not been promoted outside of Kalistan for a number of years, and Barajas has vowed to remedy this matter.  In addition, the ODEN tent will provide complimentary chemicals for all concert goers:  Oden expects to distribute more than 1,000 bales of Anantanese Marijuana over the four day festival, as well as several pounds of other legal chemicals.  ODEN is providing the complimentary recreational drugs to ensure safety and quality for all concert goers, though attendees are also invited to bring their own.

In addition, Governor Barajas added that this Ganjam would be a first of its kind:  Local acts from around the world are invited to play Ganjam's main stage on the first night of the festival.  The Governor has set up a selection committee to review applicants.  All applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 4406 for full consideration.  The application must include a full length, well produced demo CD or DVD, state the style of music to be played, and the group must be able to perform a set length of no more than 45 minutes, but no less than 30.  Additionally, all bands must provide their own road crew, though engineers will be provided by the concert.

The Governor ended her announcement by saying "I'm not sure that this Ganjam will be the best ever, but it will certainly be one of the most memorable.  For people who are not there, I mean."

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Kalistan Returns to Socialist Rule
Ancient Party claims Majority; Carrangus to be named Premier of the Republic
Kaliburg, Ananto District
June 1, 4406


Dianne Carrangus to become the next Premier as SP claims Majority in the Assembly

Speaker of the Socialist Party Dianne Carrangus will be the next Premier of the Republic, as the Socialist Party of Kalistan claims an outright majority in the recent special elections following the decline of the Communists and the Kalistani Democrats.  In just their second election, the SP restored its position in the Leadership.  Expecting an outright win in the special elections, the SP endorsed Liberal Claira Nibhanupudi, who won with 99% of the vote.  The Party's shrewd endorsement allows the SP to rise to the Premiership and maintain its historical commitment to Separation of Powers at the top of the Government.

Carrangus campaigned on departure from the Selayan Union and the Nowagard Accord which places a false equivalence on communism and fascism.  She has also promised to restore ODEN in Kalistan, as well as reauthorizing the National Service Program, the National Food Bank program, the various National Cartels in Petroleum and Steel, and the Party Militia Bill.  "Kalistan has strayed significantly from the Dual System, and we aim to bring it back.  We will do so in a slate of bills introduced when this Government bill passes."


Socialists capture 4 of 5 District Governments in recent election, turning an orange nation Red

Socialists also claimed easy majorities in 4 of 5 Districts, and therefore, has named the following people Governors:
Ana Barajas retains her seat in Odufaray
Robert Olaf Bennots-Svenson is named Governor of Neveras
Thomas Kornbluh is named Governor of Suldanor
and Ginger Boulounge, descendant of a Lourenaise General Secretary and member of the Society of Brethren, is named Governor of the District of Ananto.

Boulounge has already taken steps with Kornbluh and Barajas to reopen the National Headquarters of ODEN.

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Ganjam "Highest success ever!"
Four Day Festival goes off without a hitch
Eshar, Odufaray District
May 7, 4406

This year's annual music and recreational drug festival, the Ganjam, was a spectacular success, by all metrics.  The four day music festival, which is one of the staples of Kalistan's cultural scene, was attended by 220,000 concert goers, or about 50% more than was anticipated.  The additional attendees came for the last two days of the festival when entrance is free to the general admission section, and the best bands play.  But tickets were sold out within two days of them going on sale, so the concert remains a money making operation for investors.


Governor Barajas opens this year's Ganjam to a crowd of over 100,000, record attendance for the first day

This year, the concert kicked off with a message from Festival Organizer and Governor of Odufaray, Ana Barajas, who welcomed fans and quickly pointed people to the ODEN tent.  After Barajas left the stage, the music kicked off.  This year, the first day's music was given over to international acts.  Crowd goers were treated to reggae, ska, bananti, hiphop,  and alternative rock from more 15 countries, including Kizenia, Beluzia and Zardugal.  The opening night was headlined by Bananti sensation Mughal Ravshanti, who actually blew out one of the stacks with his deep bass and sonic riddims.


Mughal Ravshanti, Bananti superstar, before blowing out a 36 inch woofer with his dope bass

Day Two of the festival included the extremely popular Legacy showcase, that allows older fans to experience the festival by listening to music that they enjoy as well.  Headlining Legacy Night was Bill Wilson, who brought his outlaw sensibility to the stage.  Wilson sang several of his hits, but treated the crowd to some new material as well.  As expected, Wilson regularly served as his own smoke machine, and it was calculated that he smoked about a quarter pound of marijuana during his set.  But, as expected, Wilson's performance did not disappoint.

Beginning at 7:30 am, on April 19, dosage of the crowd began as L Night kicked off.  More than 75,000 doses of LSD were passed out with breakfast and within an hour, the psychedelic portion of the festival began.  The day's standouts included fusion act Bwah Krew, The Chimpos, Brittany Ananto and the Facetious Five, and Orange Green Implosion.  During each set, aerosol LSD was sprayed over the crowd, and by the time Bonkers with Callie Malta took the stage at 10:30 pm, the crowd was composed of nearly 125,000 stark raving lunatics.  The Party lasted late into the nights, and few who attended really remember it ending.  The Bonkers set was, as one can imagine, bonkers.  There were inflatable disco balls, strange videos playing on monitors which could only be described as either ship wrecks or some sort of industrial films for building bridges, a forty piece ensemble cast of dancers all dressed up as characters from classic Anantanese stage and screen, naked men and women running pell mell through the crowd splashing glowing paint on the crowd, and an impromptu beach party complete with imported sand dunes.  It seemed incredibly incoherent, unless you were there, and then it made perfect sense.  And the music itself was great, but at a Bonkers show, the sonic layering and soaring operatic themes set to blistering guitars, wild synthesizers and seven/nine timing is only half the show.


Bonkers singer Wayne Country joined vocalist Callie Malta to create a sonic experience that most were too fried to fully appreciate

The Final Day of the Festival began early with MC's SaShan Jones and M-Boogie kicking the day of headliners off at 7 am.  M-Boogie sang a rendition of the old Kalistani National Anthem, in support of the Socialist Party's political efforts to return the song to its proper place in the Nation, and then SaShan and M-Boogie traded riffs during their 45 minute, non-stop set.

The day continued as the show burst into an explosive set by hardcore punk legends Sick of Them All who brought a touch of leftist anarchy and moshing to the crowd.    Sick of Them All was seen as the real reveille of the day and as they left the stage at 11 am, the crowd was pumped.  Throughout the afternoon, alternative superstars Sonic Arboretum blasted jams, followed by roots reggae superstars Earth Rawka, rock band The Saltacious Leopards, and the band sitting at the top of Kalistan's R&B charts Firestarter.


Sick of Them All Blasts people awake with a blistering moshfest

The show ended with 2 45-minute sets from Kalistani Reggae legends Ras I and I and I, who performed much of their new music throughout their first set, and then, during their extended second set, performed "Tower of Iron" in its entirety, live on stage.  "Tower of Iron" is viewed by their fans to be the greatest album released by the band in their 25 year long career, and is held by most critics as a seminal record in the history of Kalistani reggae, noted for its complex arrangements, 3d engineering techniques, and accompanying album artwork.  The "Tower of Iron" set will go down in Ganjam history as one of the greatest sets ever performed, and the crowd that was present when music history was made was well over 225,000 attendees. Ras I and I and I solidified their Reggae god status this year.


Ras I and I and I, festival Headliners, close the festival with a complete performance of their seminal album "Tower of Iron"

The 4406 Ganjam is now in the books, and promoters are already drawing a line up up for next years festival that is aimed at topping this one.  But this Ganjam, already declared the "Highest success ever" will be difficult to outshine.