Tanvir Vasumati choses surprise running mate
LA HARROULETTE, Vaashnapoor, Duureanta, Harroule IV - 29/11/121
Tanvir Vasumati, widely considered the front runner in the upcoming elections for the Archon’s chair in the Duurbar, today announced a surprise running mate as his deputy - researcher and activist Dr. Mossaf Rumaita. The two make an unlikely pair but could the choice be an inspired one and broaden Vasumati’s appeal beyond his base?
Tanvir Vasumati built a reputation as chief inspector of the Duureanta Narcotics Task Force for being a tough and aggressive enforcer of strict regulations on refining khuska oil. Although acquitted in YC113, allegations of corruption prevented him from standing in the YC117 elections. He has maintained a strong base of support among conservatives but may lack appeal to younger voters and those who argue that Duureanta’s heavy regulation of its khuska industry prevents it from fulfilling its potential to provide revenue and highly skilled jobs.
Dr. Rumaita has long been an outspoken advocate of deregulation, whose profile has skyrocketed after his ex-wife and daughter were seized by Serpentis kidnappers only to be rescued in dramatic fashion by security contractors working for the Intaki Space Police. The affair has also completely undermined previous accusations of corruption directed at Rumaita based on his liberal views.
It seems that these two very different characters have decided to meet in the middle, in a manner that Idama Adhrit Vaakpati would approve of and may appeal to an electorate tired of polarised policy positions.“While enforcement is one tool, I have come to realise that this is most effective when combined with addressing the causes of crime through creating the opportunities that our young people need and deserve,” comments Vasumati. “I agree,” Rumaita chips in, “but the harrowing experience which my family endured has made me appreciate the dangers which our enforcement agencies work so hard to keep us safe from.”
Vasumati and Rumaita are proposing a balanced khuska policy, with the new refining licences awarded earlier this year being confirmed but no new ones planned until the social impact of the new licencees’ performance can be assessed. On the enforcement side, they are proposing to work much more closely with the Intaki Space Police and its contractors and are even socialising the text of a petition (as set out in full below) to be submitted to the Federal Senate calling for the Intaki Syndicate’s legitimacy to be formally acknowledged by the Federal Government.
The Vasumati-Rumaita campaign appears to have received a financial shot in the arm since the announcement, with canvassing and media activity noticeably more intense. Whether the new war chest and the unconventional ticket can persuade voters remains to be seen but snap polling data suggests this surprise choice of running mate may prove to be shrewd one as well.
[[Art credit: Yumiki Hong]]
DRAFT RESOLUTION:
The following petition has been submitted by Archon Vasumati to the Duurbar of Duurreanta
The Federated Union of Gallente Prime (the Federation) recently attended an international summit hosted by the Society of Conscious Thought (the Summit).
The Summit was also attended by a number of other sovereign and non-sovereign entities.
The Senate of the Federation (the Senate) has convened a committee to conduct hearings into the inclusion of certain organised crime networks among the non-sovereign entities attending the Summit (the Committee).
The Intaki Syndicate was invited to attend the Summit as a sovereign entity.
The Intaki Syndicate is a neighbour and a vital partner in Duureanta’s economy and the continued restoration of its external and internal security.
It is therefore proposed that this Duurbar shall request the Senate’s Committee to include within the scope of its hearings the possibility of submitting a motion to the Senate formally recognising the sovereignty of the Intaki Syndicate, independent of both the Federation and of the criminal organisations subject to the Committee’s inquiry.