Wadiyan Presidential Election

[Ceausescu]

Following a brutal civil war, ended by a multinational coalition consisting of NETO and Angirisian forces, with air support from Carpathia, as well as local forces such as Silistrian paramilitaries and monarchist troops, a tense and fragile peace has been established. Now, four years later, the time has come for Wadiyah's first-ever elections, which will decide the course of the nation.

THE CANDIDATES:

Bassam Al-Fayeed	Hamad Asmar
Party: Coalition for Progress Brief Description:Bassam Al-Fayeed is the incumbent interim president of Wadiyah, having been nominated to the position by the National Emergency Comittee following the end of the civil war. He is a member of the powerful Al-Fayeed family. Political Agenda: Bassam's agenda is to establish a secular, pro-NETO government in Wadiyah, that fully complies with the terms of the treaty that ended the war. He also supports maintaining the autonomy of the Carpathian-backed region of Silistria, as well as a left-wing, socialist-style government and economy. Controversy: Bassam Al-Fayeed has been criticized for using the recent failed coup attempt as an excuse to arrest political rivals and shut down opposition media. Critics fear that his regime would be a totalitarian one, with zero tolerance for any form of opposition and of police state-style repression.	Party: Conservative Akhadic Party Brief Description: Hamad Asmar is a highly popular ultraconservative cleric, based in eastern Wadiyah. A charismatic leader who has the ear of the religious conservative majority, which makes up almost 65% of the population, he is the most influential religious leader in Wadiyah. Political Agenda: Hamad Asmar's agenda is a conservative one, across all boards. Speaking the wishes of the conservative Akhadic majority, he wants to instate religious law across Wadiyah, dismantle Silistrian autonomy, end the NETO occupation and run a policy of political isolationism and neutrality. Economically, he favors a conservative policy, within the bounds of Akhadic religious law. Controversy: Hamad Asmar, although enjoying the support of the majority of the population, has often been accused of being an Akhadist radical who has secret ties with former Akhadist State members. There are rumors circulating that he has facilitated the incorporation of former Akhadist State cells into the military, thus facilitating the army's radicalization.

This thread will influence the outcome, but only within the limits of not leading to an illogical result (for example, too big a difference in score between the candidates). This being said, this poll will not be the only deciding factor.

[Ceausescu]

WADIYAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS RESULTS:

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Bassam Al-Fayeed (Coalition for Progress): 46.12%
Hamad Asmar (Conservative Akhadic Party): 53.88%

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[Tivona Shneider]

Former elector of the Federal Republic of Eskkya and current leader of the right-wing Alternative Party, Honorine Peltier, has announced that if she is elected Premier in the upcoming election, Eskkya will outright reject the legitimacy of the Asmar government. The former leader spoke of her belief that "a theocracy is ultimately the last thing we need on this planet at the moment". The far-right National Coalition has released a similar statement, refusing to recognise the new government.

The Eskkyan government has no interest in commenting on the matter and has no desire to either strengthen or weaken relations with Wadiyah as a result of the election of Hamad Asmar.