National Democratic Party (Francisville)

National Democratic Party
Leader	Robert Withers
Founded	16 May 2009
Dissolved	4 June 2010
Headquarters	Francisville
Membership (2010)	2
Ideology	Christian democracy, Civic nationalism, Constitutional monarchy
Political position	Centre-right
Chamber of Deputies (2009)	1 / 4
Chamber of Deputies (2010)	0 / 4
Local Government	1 / 6

The National Democratic Party was a political party in the Democratic Duchy of Francisville which existed from 2009 until 2010. The party was formed to contest the first general election to the Chamber of Deputies in May 2009. It was led by Robert Withers who served its only national elected official during the first session of the Chamber. The party contested the 2010 election yet failed to gain any seats. It was subsequently dissolved in June 2010.

History

Francisville was founded on 28 November 2008 but she did not see a functioning legislature during first five months of her existence. Following the recommendations of a Second Constitutional Assembly (sometimes referred to as the April Convention) organised by the Grand Duke, the Fourth Constitution was adopted on 15 May 2009. The structure of the legislature was a key point in the conduct of this convention. On 11 April 2009, a referendum was held in order to establish the voting system to be used by the reformed Chamber of Deputies, resulting in the selection of the single transferable vote. The Duchy's first election was held between 28 May and 3 June 2009, following which Jeremy Abrahams of the National Liberal Party was elected as the inaugural First Minister of Francisville. Robert Withers was subsequently appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Defense. The second assembly of the Chamber of Deputies was elected on 28 May to 3 June 2010. Withers failed to retain his seat and the party was subsequently dissolved by June 2010.

Platform

The party was situated on the centre-right of the political spectrum with policies broadly conforming to the principles of christian democracy. The NPD stood in favour of constitutional monarchy, a balanced state, and the rule of law. Its platform in the 2009 election emphasised the promotion of family life, community spirit, and law and order. As Cabinet Secretary for Defense, its leader Robert Withers argued for increased support for the Ducal Defence Force and endorsed the establishment of a national education system.

Representation

2009

Main article: 2009 Francisville general election

The first assembly of the Chamber of Deputies was elected on 28 May to 3 June 2009. Party leader Robert Withers was elected to the Chamber as one of four deputies.

	Party	Deputies
	Francillian National Democratic	1
	Francillian National Liberal	1
	Independent	2
Total		4

2010

Main article: 2010 Francisville general election

The second assembly of the Chamber of Deputies was elected on 28 May to 3 June 2010. All deputies were elected as independents. Party leader Robert Withers stood as the only NPD candidate during the election. After failing to retain his seat, he announced the dissolution of the party in June 2010.

	Party	Deputies
	Independent	4
Total		4