Elarian federal election debates, November 2022

The 2022 Elarian federal election debates between Hunter Kieran and Wyatt Harold, two major candidates in the November 2022 Chancellery elections of Ela'r'oech, as well as Shawn West and Noah Robinson, two other major candidates, were sponsored by the Carolusian Front and Ela'r'oech News Source. There were no initially planned scheduled debates. The first debate took place on 16 November, 2022. The second and third debates was scheduled took place on 17 November, 2022. The final, fourth debate took place on 18 November 2022 between multiple candidates via indirect comment on topics. It was not fully recorded.

November 16th Debate

The debate on 16 November 2022 was regarding the economy exclusively between Shawn West and Noah Robinson were held around 1:26 PM Elarian Standard Time.

The moderator of the debate was Charles I, Emperor of Ela'r'oech.

Shawn West

West stated that the state of the economy following the 2022 Bayou recession was undesired. Additionally, he explained his plans to help solve the recession by artificially inflating the employment rates of the nation, specifically for the Elarian company ACBIC.

Noah Robinson

Robinson stated that while the state of the economy was a major issue, his plan did not involve finances directly. Instead, he explained that his solution to the recession involved restricting - pausing - all financial transactions in the nation and instead replacing it with a bartering system until the prices of goods and services naturally rise, then switching back to a financial system.

First November 17th Debate

The debate on 17 November 2022 involved the recession directly, the military, foreign diplomacy, Alaria, Zeprana, and final notes.

The moderator of the debate was again Charles.

Hunter Kieran

Regarding the recession, Kieran stated that his solution would be to surplus the governments budget and finances with a cryptocurrency which could naturally rise in value over time.

Regarding foreign diplomacy, Kieran stated that it was good, though could be better. He also stated he was indifferent regarding the state of activity in LENS-ETU.

Regarding Zeprana, Kieran stated that Ela'r'oech should attempt to restore relations, though with persistent questioning to figure out the reason Terry McKeen III and his administration have become increasingly more right-wing, and use force - an example given was DDOSing - if needed.

Regarding Alaria, Kieran stated there was no issue with the territory.

Regarding the military, Kieran stated he would prefer it to be big. His example was a 1:2 ratio of Citizen:Soldier. He also stated he wanted Ela'r'oech to seriously consider attempting to use nuclear capabilities and infer about becoming a national superpower.

His final notes included a note to Zeprana and Terry McKeen, stating his wishes for Zeprana to properly industrialize, as well as a wish for education reform.

Wyatt Harold

Regarding the recession, Harold stated that he wished that the Dimae's value could go up naturally with no direct action needed.

In regards to foreign diplomacy, his exact words were "...pull a German [in the] 1940s," with no other responses.

Regarding Zeprana, Harold stated that the Empire should seek to allow Zeprana and Zepranans into the Empire as a territory - though what classification was not specified - if they are held in a higher regard later on.

Regarding the military, Harold simply stated it should be made better with no other responses.

He had no final notes.

Second November 17th Debate

A second debate on 17 November 2022 involved the topic of recession, the economy, military force, foreign relations, and Pontunia. This debate would follow a different standard than the rest, with candidates able to rebut and continuously debate about a specific topic together in real time. This would allow for multiple topics to be discussed more thoroughly.

The moderator of this debate was the Emperor yet again.

On topic of economy and recession

Wyatt Harold

Harold opened the debate with his stance, stating his stance was firmly to introduce more jobs into the nation and provide more stimulus checks for the average citizen.

Shawn West

West's firm stance included opening more businesses and giving them oversight into the GDP of the nation and also suggested that the nation and the national treasury should mint the Dimae more effeciently.

On the topic of foreign relations and Pontunia

Wyatt Harold

Harold' firm stance was that there should be no war with Pontunia under any circumstances and the Empire should attempt to engage in peaceful relations with the nation, while also not attempting to annex it in any way such as with the United Kingdom of the Great Bayou.

Shawn West

West agreed with Harold, however he also added that the Empire should seek trade relations with the nation, letting the nation join the Elarian Trade Union after the 2022 Bayou recession and the Dimae has increased in value.

Wyatt Harold

Harold then made a rebuttal to West's statement, adding that they initially should let Pontunia continue to settle as a trade ally then allow them to join ETU, rather than immediately after the recession is over.

On the topic of the military and nuclear capabilities

This topic was specifically chosen due to Hunter Kieran's comments during the first debate on that same day.

Wyatt Harold

Harold stated that he believed it was unwise to hold nuclear capabilities as it could damage foreign relations, whereas he would prefer to have good and peaceful relations with as many micronations as possible.

Shawn West

West stated that he believed nuclear power should be invested in and researched. He also stated that he believed it should be used for peaceful use. He firmly made his stance of no weaponization of nuclear capabilities in the debate's final moments.

Final notes

Neither candidate got the option for final notes as they ran out of time.

Responses to the debates

Many candidates chose not to involve themselves in debating, such as Caiden Warren. Others, such as Perdomo, were not permitted to engage - as he was yet to be a candidate.

Andrew Perdomo

Perdomo released a statement titled "Andrew Perdomo Campaign Statement I" which outlined his agenda and plans regarding issues discussed during debates, released after he declared his candidacy for President.

From the Desk of Andrew Perdomo

Citizens and Electors of Elaroech, Alaria, et cetera: Never before in the history of the Bayou Sector of Louisiana has economic catastrophe descended upon the masses, never before has economics ground to a halt. My friends, winter is upon us, and the winter does not look bright. I have served under His Imperial Majesty, Charles I, in numerous advisory positions. I consider him a friend of mine, and although we have our disagreements, we nonetheless return to one another. I wish to serve him once more. I humbly announce on this cold November day my candidacy for the Presidency of Elaroech. I wish to repair our economy, to raise an olive branch to the world, and to be a light to the world. In order to stabilize the economic conditions of the Bayou, I propose that a state run central bank be established, to be formed by the merger of state banks and bankrupt institutions. It should have the authority to issue bonds to raise money for national projects and welfare. It should also be given a reserve to invest in Stock Exchanges, foreign and domestic. The Elarian Government should get more involved in economic affairs, and to incentivise business. As for foreign policy, I intend to respect the sovereignty of both Pontunia and Zeprana. Pontunia in particular has rechartered its Royal Bank, and I choose to use their methods of controlling recession, such as issuing bonds and shares. On the other hand, we should not restore relations with Zeprana. We shall respect their sovereignty, but nothing more. The military should be downsized, to offset government expenditure on economic stimulus, and to not invest in an Elarian nuclear program. I envision the Armed Forces as a citizen’s militia. Our days of military conquest should be behind us. This doesn’t mean that we cannot expand territorially; we can claim more land in the name of Ela’r’oech, and sell that land to Elarian settlers. This is another way to raise money for the nation to reinvigorate the economy. My platform of economic development, peaceful diplomacy, and homesteading will heal the nation that we so love.

God Bless,

Andrew Perdomo

— Andrew Perdomo, Andrew Perdomo Campaign Statement I

Results

ENS would poll local Elarians and Alarians in Alaria and the provinces they were located in.

November 16th Post-Debate Polling

Anthony Ramirez would write that voters were "calmed by the sentiment that both candidates are seeking a peaceful solution, though confused by their methods," in a 17 November 2022 article regarding the opinions of voters post-debate.

Post-November 17th Polling

The Emperor asked multiple Elarians - mostly those from the Doyle territory - their opinions on who they stood with according to each topic post the first three debates. These polls were done independently, not in contract or upon stipulation of any Elarian company.

Results of 11/17/2022 Polling

Total Polled: 8	Economy	Relations	Armed Forces	Other	Total Score
Wyatt Harold	3	2	4	3	12
Shawn West	4	4	3	3	14
Hunter Kieran	1	2	1	2	6
Noah Robinson	0	Noah Robinson is yet to speak about these issues.			0
Caiden Warren	Caiden Warren did not participate in any debates.				0