United for Alvelo 1729 General Election Campaign (Nouvelle Alexandrie)
  (Top) Campaign logo(s) for the 1729 campaign. (Bottom) Poster from the 1729 campaign launch. | |
| Campaign Year | 1729 |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision" |
| Party Name | United for Alvelo (WPP) |
| Party Leader | Party Leader Pablo Alvelo Nieves |
| Campaign Slogan |
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| Campaign Launch Date | 1.IX.1729 AN |
| Headquarters | Potosí, Santander |
| Political Alignment |
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| Seats | 123 seats (Santander and Valencia) |
| Key Surrogates |
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| Amount of Events Held | XXX |
| Regions Visited | |
The United for Alvelo 1729 general election campaign, also known as the "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision" campaign, officially began on 1.IX.1729 AN, when Party Leader Pablo Alvelo Nieves formally announced the start of United for Alvelo's general election campaign at the Rally for a Better Santander event in Potosi, Santander. This is the second general election campaign for the regional political party, having been established in 1722 AN and first participated in the 1723 general election, winning 9 seats. Spearheaded by Pablo Alvelo Nieves, the campaign aims to capture federal, regional, and local offices for the party in Santander and Valencia only.
The campaign is rooted in a blend of left-leaning economic policy, liberal social values, and a strong populist undertone, as encapsulated in its distinct platform. Its headquarters are situated in Potosí, Santander, a locale that significantly resonates with the party's grassroots ethos and the home of its leader, Pablo Alvelo Nieves. As the party fields 123 candidates for every seat Santander and Valencia sends to the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie, it employs a robust network of key surrogates, including notable figures such as Martina Gonzaga and Phillippe Roi, who amplify its message. This article delves into the political alignment, organizational structure, and strategic initiatives that form the bedrock of the United for Alvelo 1729 general election campaign.
Political alignment
| Heading | Text |
|---|---|
| Economic | -0.6 (left-wing) |
| Social | -0.8 (liberal) |
| Geography | 0.0 (neutral) |
| Cultural | 0.9 (populist) |
Background
The 1729 general election campaign for United for Alvelo sees the party as a rising political player in the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie, holding 9 seats but a sizeable influence at the helm of its leader, Pablo Alvelo Nieves. This is the second general election campaign that the UfA contests, after having a successful term in the 7th Cortes Federales. Racking up major accomplishments, such as the passage of the Workforce Expansion and Skill Enhancement Act, 1727, the party was registering high levels of support in Santander. Its performance in the Cortes Federales and the popularity of its leader propelled the party to become sizeable political force rivalling the two national parties, the Federal Humanist Party (FHP) and the Federal Consensus Party (FCP), in recent polling.[1]
During the course of its participation in the 7th Cortes Federales, the UfA carved a lane as a party willing to cooperate with both the Federal Humanist Party (FHP) and the Federal Consensus Party (FCP). At the start of the 7th Cortes Federales, the UfA joined the FCP-led Progressive Alliance, initially proposed by the leader of the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), Gabrielle Fitzgerald.[2] The Progressive Alliance came to be a united Opposition to the FHP minority government, including the FCP, DSP, and the UfA, and 4 independent Deputies.
Unlike its 1723 campaign, UfA was starting its campaign as well-organized political party, with developing significant political support in the Region of Santander. In 1723 AN, the party (which was founded only a year earlier, in 1722 AN) managed to capture a significant 8.7%[3] of the vote in Santander, reflecting nationally at 1.3%[4]. The UfA also captured the mayoralties of the Santanderian capital, Potosí, and of the major city port of Puerto Carrillo. The party had now an entire slate of national, regional, and local candidates to support in their re-elections, needing a higher level of organization and skill. Starting in late 1727 AN, the leadership of the UfA began to organize the party infrastructure in Santander, launching grassroots campaigns, town hall meetings, and policy discussions to engage citizens and local communities. These meetings and events were inspired by the successful and popular 1723 campaign's "Straight Talk Express" tours, using a wide array of local and national party surrogates.
1729 Progress for Santander Foundation Conference
The 1729 Progress for Santander Foundation Conference, unofficially dubbed as the unofficial United for Alvelo Party Conference, was hosted in the city of Ciudad Real. The conference spanned over three days, drawing an unprecedented number of participants, ranging from political figures, academics, community leaders, to everyday citizens interested in the Alveloist movement.
The event kicked off with a keynote address by Pablo Alvelo Nieves, who reflected on the party's journey since its inception and outlined a vision for a more equitable and sustainable future for Santander and Nouvelle Alexandrie at large. In the days leading up to the conference, rumors sparked among conference attendees and delegates that Pablo Alvelo Nieves would announce that the party would compete in Regions beyond Santander, starting in 1729 with Valencia, the Federal Capital District, and the Wechua Nation. The rumors speculated that the announcement would be made by Alvelo during his keynote speech. Alvelo's speech set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for distributism, social credit systems, and a technologically empowered democracy that resonates with the party's foundational principles - but it failed to mention the expected ambitious expansion of the party's reach. The speech set the tone for the conference, with Alvelo having to issue a statement that the UfA would "remain committed to being the largest political force for good in Santander".
Panel discussions and workshops in the conference covered a wide range of topics, including agrarian reform, technological innovation in governance, environmental sustainability, and the role of direct democracy in enhancing citizen participation. These sessions not only highlighted the UfA's policy achievements and challenges but also fostered a dialogue on the practical application of Alveloism in addressing the nuanced needs of Santander's rapidly growing and diversifying population. A significant focus was placed on the developmental disparities between the urban sprawl around Cardenas and the rural hinterlands of Santander. Experts and community leaders deliberated on strategies to harmonize urban expansion with the preservation of agricultural lands and rural livelihoods, recognizing the critical role of Santander's ports, manufacturing, and ranching sectors in the regional economy.
The conference also served as a rallying point for the Alveloist movement, with the unveiling of UfA's election manifesto for the upcoming general election. The manifesto, enriched by inputs from the conference's discussions, proposed comprehensive reforms aimed at bridging the rural-urban divide, enhancing economic security for all citizens, and ensuring Santander's prominence as a manufacturing and agricultural powerhouse within the Federation.
Campaign formation
On 1.IX.1729 AN, Pablo Alvelo Nieves announced at the Rally for a Better Santander event in Potosi, Santander, the start of the UfA general election campaign with an aspirational opening speech, saying, "Together we can put Santander and Nouvelle Alexandrie back on a course of greatness- with a growing economy, good jobs, and fiscal discipline in Cardenas." By the official start of the general election campaign, the finances of the UfA stood at €200 million[5], making it a formidable political force in Santander.
Platform
The "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision" campaign by United for Alvelo (UfA) presents "The Santander 1729 Vision" platform, a comprehensive and progressive manifesto that encapsulates the essence of Alveloism. This platform aims to address the challenges of today while paving the way for a sustainable and equitable future for all citizens of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Below are the ten main points of the platform, including policies to navigate the current economic uncertainties and potential for a double-dip recession through the lens of Alveloism.
The Santander 1729 Vision
- Economic Resilience and Recovery: Implement a robust economic framework that prioritizes sustainable growth and resilience. Launch a national investment initiative focused on critical sectors like renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure to stimulate the economy and create jobs, while preparing for future challenges.
- National Dividend and Social Credit System: Establish a National Dividend, funded by a national credit system based on the country's productive capacities. This policy will ensure a fair distribution of wealth, providing all citizens with a safety net and reducing income inequality, critical in times of economic downturn.
- Agrarian Reform and Rural Empowerment: Advocate for comprehensive agrarian reform to support small and medium-sized farms and cooperatives. Invest in agricultural technology and sustainable practices to enhance food security and rural economies, strengthening the backbone of Santander's agrarian sector.
- Environmental Sustainability and Conservation: Commit to a green transition with substantial investments in renewable energy and conservation projects. This approach not only addresses pollution but also creates sustainable jobs, contributing to economic recovery and resilience.
- Democratic Renewal and Technological Empowerment: Promote democratic participation and transparency through technological empowerment. Implement e-government and e-voting initiatives to make democracy more accessible and responsive, ensuring every citizen's voice is heard and accounted for.
- Education for the Future: Guarantee universal access to quality education, from early learning to higher education. Focus on curriculum reform to include skills for the new economy, ensuring the next generation is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Create robust special and remedial education programs.
- Healthcare as a Right: Strengthen the healthcare system to provide universal access to quality care. Focus on preventive medicine and public health initiatives to build a healthier society, crucial for economic productivity and social well-being.
- Sustainable Urban and Rural Development: Address the challenges of rapid urbanization around Cardenas and the urban-rural divide. Implement policies for sustainable development and infrastructure improvement, ensuring equitable growth and access to services across Santander.
- Innovation and Industry: Foster a climate of innovation and support the growth of key industries through tax incentives, research grants, and public-private partnerships. Focus on sectors that can drive sustainable economic growth and offer high-quality employment opportunities.
- Social Justice and Inclusivity: Advocate for policies that ensure social justice and inclusivity, addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Implement reforms to ensure equal opportunities for all, building a more cohesive and equitable society.
Organization
The United for Alvelo (UfA) 1729 general election campaign, titled "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision," commenced with a substantial fund of €200 million[6]. The campaign, directed by Laura Espinoza from Ciudad Real, Santander, was meticulously organized to extend its reach across Santander and, unexpectedly, Valencia. This strategic decision, announced by Party Leader Pablo Alvelo Nieves, marked UfA's ambitious expansion outside its traditional stronghold for the first time, aiming to contest all 32 seats in Valencia in addition to Santander's 91 seats.
This expansion was met with scrutiny and criticism, particularly from the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) and its leader, Gabrielle Fitzgerald, who challenged the UfA's sudden announcement and questioned the intent behind its sizable financial reserves. The campaign's structure featured a detailed division of roles among key officials, focusing on various operational aspects. Eduardo Villanueva, as Campaign Finance Director, and Isabela Cordero, the Campaign Organizational Director, were critical in navigating the financial and logistical complexities this expansion entailed. Communication strategies, led by Miguel Torres, had to be agile and inclusive, ensuring cohesive messaging across two diverse regions.
The UfA faced organizational challenges, including adapting to the dynamic political landscape of Nouvelle Alexandrie and engaging a geographically scattered electorate. Efforts to mobilize voters through digital platforms sometimes fell short in less technologically accessible demographics. Additionally, maintaining a unified campaign message amidst diverse viewpoints within its coalition posed its challenges. Transparency and proactive management of potential controversies were overseen by Galicia de la Vega, emphasizing the campaign's commitment to accountability.
In organizing the campaign across Santander and Valencia, Laura Espinoza implemented a hierarchical yet flexible structure that facilitated rapid decision-making and adaptability to local contexts. In each region, regional campaign directors were appointed, with Eduardo Moreno leading in Valencia and Sofia Marquez Nieves continuing her pivotal role in Santander. These directors coordinated with local campaign offices, each managed by local campaign managers who were responsible for tailoring the UfA's message to resonate with the regional electorate's unique concerns and aspirations. Beneath these managers, a network of precinct coordinators and volunteers was established, ensuring a grassroots approach to voter engagement. This network was particularly dense in urban areas in Santander and Valencia, where neighborhood precinct volunteer coordinators played a crucial role in door-to-door canvassing and local event organization. Despite the logistical and strategic challenges of managing such a sprawling campaign, this organizational strategy enabled UfA to maintain a consistent message while also adapting to the nuanced political landscapes of both regions.
Campaign officials
| Name | Title | Home Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pablo Alvelo Nieves | Party Leader | Potosí, Santander |
| Sofia Marquez Nieves | Director of Education Policy | Potosí, Santander |
| Alonso Nieves | Youth Engagement Coordinator | Rosselló, Santander |
| Carmen Nieves | Digital Campaign Manager | Coimbra, Santander |
| Martina Gonzaga | Environmental Policy Lead | Santiago, Santander |
| Phillippe Roi | Defense Policy Advisor | Castellón, Santander |
| Ignacio Yupanqui | Chief Economic Strategist | Bassumorto, Santander |
| Galicia de la Vega | Transparency and Accountability Officer | Wechuahuasi, Santander |
| Laura Espinoza | Campaign Manager | Ciudad Real, Santander |
| Eduardo Villanueva | Campaign Finance Director | Alpamayo, Santander |
| Isabela Cordero | Campaign Organizational Director | Coimbra, Santander |
| Miguel Torres | Campaign Communications Director | Puerto Carrillo, Santander |
| Ana María Sánchez | Campaign Coalitions Director | Acevedo, Santander |
| Jorge Rivera | Campaign Technology Director | Estoril, Santander |
Campaign finance
| Date of Report | Online Fundraising | Mailers | Individual Donations | Other Fundraising | Average Donation Amount | Total Fundraised |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.VIII.1729 AN[7] | €80 million | €30 million | €60 million | €30 million | €50 | €200 million |
General Election Campaign
Key campaign themes
The 1729 general election campaign of United for Alvelo (UfA) under the banner "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision" is marked by a platform that seeks to navigate Nouvelle Alexandrie through current and future challenges with a focus on sustainability, equity, and innovation. Central to the campaign's themes are economic resilience and recovery, aiming to address the fragile economic recovery of the country after the Recession of 1726. Some economists contended that the recovery was fragile enough to become a double-dip recession in 1729 AN.[8] Of further concern was the ongoing New Alexandrian property sector crisis, which threatened to set off a massive financial meltdown. In order to address those concerns, the campaign maintained a clear emphasis on sustainable growth across key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure. This approach was designed not only to stimulate the economy and create jobs, but also to prepare the nation for future challenges and withstand or prevent potential recessions.
A cornerstone of the UfA's platform is the introduction of a National Dividend and Social Credit System, aimed at redistributing wealth more equitably among the citizens of Nouvelle Alexandrie. This initiative, funded by a national credit system reflective of the country's real productive capacities, promises to reduce income inequality and provide a safety net for all, particularly in times of economic downturn. Alongside, the campaign underscores the importance of agrarian reform and rural empowerment, aiming to revitalize Santander's agricultural sector through sustainable practices and technological investments, aiming to enhance food security and rural economies.
The UfA's vision extends to environmental sustainability, democratic renewal through technological empowerment, and the advancement of social justice and inclusivity. The campaign commits to a green transition, advocating for substantial investments in renewable energy and conservation projects to tackle environmental degradation. Moreover, it champions the enhancement of democratic participation via e-government and e-voting initiatives, ensuring that governance is accessible and responsive. Education, healthcare, urban and rural development, innovation, and industry are also pivotal themes, with policies designed to ensure universal access to quality services, foster innovation, and support the growth of key industries.
Campaign surrogates
United for Alvelo utilized a cadre of key surrogates, each selected for their specific expertise, societal influence, and ideological congruence with the party's values and the prevailing Alveloist ideology in the party:
- Sofia Marquez Nieves: Esteemed as both an educator and community activist, Sofia Marquez Nieves transcended her role as the candidate's spouse to become a pivotal advocate for UfA's educational and social policies. Through educational forums and discussions, she articulated the party's vision for reform, connecting deeply with educators and families.
- Alonso and Carmen Nieves: Targeting the younger electorate, Alonso and Carmen Nieves, the candidate's children, leveraged their community engagement and social media prowess to promote UfA's innovative policies. Their modern campaigning methods, including digital platforms, resonated with and mobilized younger voters.
- Martina Gonzaga: An environmental activist with a strong community presence, Martina Gonzaga bolstered UfA's environmental platform. Her leadership in sustainability rallies and educational sessions underscored the party's commitment to addressing climate change and environmental issues, key concerns for Santander's populace.
- Phillippe Roi: The military expertise of retired General Phillippe Roi lent credibility to UfA's defense policy, advocating for efficiency and accountability in defense spending. His dialogues on national defense appealed to a broad spectrum of voters, including conservatives and veterans.
- Ignacio Yupanqui: As a respected economist and political scientist, Ignacio Yupanqui played a vital role in communicating and shaping UfA's economic stances and policy proposals.
- Galicia de la Vega: Esteemed journalist Galicia de la Vega functioned as a critical observer of the campaign, ensuring transparency and accountability through rigorous examination of UfA's financial practices. Her commitment to journalistic integrity reinforced the party's dedication to openness.
Advertisements and graphics
Logo of United for Alvelo.
Poster used at the UfA 1729 general election campaign launch.
Poster promoting the UfA 1729 general election campaign launch event, the Rally for a Better Santander.
Poster promoting the UfA's economic planks in the 1729 general election.
Poster promoting the UfA's education policies in the 1729 general election.
Notable Moments and Events
| Event Name | Location | Description | Key Participants | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rally for a Better Santander | Potosí, Santander | Official launch event of the UfA 1729 general election campaign, featuring speeches, policy discussions, and a public declaration of the "Forward Together: The Santander 1729 Vision" platform. | Pablo Alvelo Nieves, Sofia Marquez Nieves, all key surrogates, local UfA candidates | 1.IX.1729 AN |
| Education for All Town Hall | Ciudad Real, Santander | A town hall meeting focusing on UfA's education policies, including universal access to quality education and teacher support initiatives. | Sofia Marquez Nieves, educators, parents | 3.IX.1729 AN |
| Green Futures Environmental Rally | Santiago, Santander | Public rally to discuss and promote UfA's environmental policies, emphasizing renewable energy investment and conservation efforts. | Martina Gonzaga, environmental activists | 5.IX.1729 AN |
| Campaign Press Conference | Wechuahuasi, Santander | At a press conference, Pablo Alvelo Nieves responds to inquiries about the campaign's finances, suddenly announcing the expansion of UfA's electoral competition to include Valencia in addition to Santander. It will now field 123 candidates for both Regions. | Pablo Alvelo Nieves, journalists | 8.IX.1729 AN |
