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Oportian special general election, 1722

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The Oportian Special General Elections of 1722 were a special general election conducted over two days, from 3.II.1722 AN to 4.II.1722 AN, in Oportia. The election came in the wake of the politically charged 1721 Oportian protests and subsequent impeachment of the entire Federal Cabinet of Oportia in 1721 AN by the Federal Electorate. This landmark event ushered in the first general elections where political parties participated in Oportia's electoral history, reflecting a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.

In addition to selecting a new Federal Representative and Federal Cabinet, the elections also saw the people of Oportia cast their votes in several referendums on national political, economic, and social reforms. The multi-faceted nature of the election represented a comprehensive response to the national crisis and an effort to chart a new direction for the country.

The special general election followed a period of caretaker governance that began on 19.X.1721 AN, with the appointment of a caretaker Federal Representative, Céline Beaumont. Beaumont's interim leadership served to stabilize the nation during a time of upheaval, paving the way for an electoral process that was both transparent and inclusive. The elections were closely monitored by national and international observers from the Micras Treaty Organization, and the results were widely seen as reflecting the will of the Oportian people in their pursuit of democratic ideals and systemic reform. Beaumont won the five-way race with a plurality of the vote, 36%, leading her nearest rival, Henri LaCarte, by 6 points.

Background

Candidates

  • Céline Beaumont (Liberal Progressive Party): The caretaker Federal Representative and former Ambassador to Nouvelle Alexandrie, Beaumont was known for her pro-democracy stance and focus on human rights. Her platform included political reform, strengthening international relations, and implementing a progressive system of taxation to shore up public coffers. In favor of leaving the Xaiville Convention and joining the Raspur Pact instead.
  • Henri LaCarte (Conservative Nationalist Party): A veteran politician, LaCarte represented a return to traditional values, the maintenance of the laissez-faire economic system "with guardrails", and strong national defense. He promised fiscal conservatism, stronger borders, and a robust stance against international interference, especially the Raspur Pact. Strongly in favor of the Xaiville Convention as a non-aligned group. Advocate of a nationalist Oportia First platform.
  • Léa Dubois (Green Earth Party): An environmental activist turned politician, Dubois campaigned on a platform emphasizing sustainability, renewable energy, pollution, and quality of life issues. Her proposals included investment in green technologies, a national health insurance system, and education reforms to integrate environmental awareness.
  • François Delacroix (Worker's Unity Party): Delacroix, a prominent labor leader, focused on workers' rights, income equality, healthcare, and pensioners' rights. His platform was centered on creating a more equitable economy, improving the quality of life, social development, and ensuring social justice.
  • Sophie Marchand (Independent): Running as an independent candidate, Marchand was a charismatic intellectual known for her nuanced positions. Her eclectic platform contained elements of conservatism and Humanism mixed with social liberalism, reflecting a desire to bridge ideological divides.

Campaign

Results

Candidate Party Percentage of Vote Votes Cast
Céline Beaumont Liberal Progressive Party 36% 2,308,364
Henri LaCarte Conservative Nationalist Party 30% 1,923,636
Léa Dubois Green Party 18% 1,154,182
François Delacroix Worker's Unity Party 14% 898,697
Sophie Marchand Independent 2% 128,242

Céline Beaumont won the election with a 6-point lead, securing her position as the Federal Representative of Oportia. The election was seen as a critical step in Oportia's democratic evolution, reflecting a desire for change and reform in the wake of the tumultuous events of 1721.

See also