Elections in Zilatra

The Xeroist Republic of Zilatra has had a strong tradition of democracy throughout its history, with most senior governmental positions being either elected or confirmed by the citizenry. This page lists all national-level elections and confirmation votes in Zilatran history, including a brief overview of the candidates, the campaign process, and the results.
==General Secretary==
====1st General Secretary election====
After the ratification of the Constitution of Zilatra, the interim government led by Yadal Krakhovich held the first General Secretary election in the year 6 VE. 
Krakhovich ran alongside fellow senior transitional official Ahudenya si Dal, campaigning on the necessity of having their experience and geopolitical knowledge in government to steer Zilatra through the chaos of early Abexilas. They were challenged by a strong candidacy from Balic si Adaczi and Hyradian Kiriznia, who argued that a fresh set of leaders was needed over retaining the incumbents. The campaign was focussed on the character and skills of the various candidates, with minimal policy being debated.
Yadal Krakhovich won the election, receiving 23 votes to Balic si Adaczi's 22. This election remains the closest General Secretary election ever in Zilatran history.
====2nd General Secretary election====
The second General Secretary election occurred in the summer of 21 VE, after the success of the National Programme reforms led to rapid industrialization and construction across the nation, as well as the promotion of new political figures. 
Incumbents Yadal Krakhovich and Ahudenya si Dal ran for re-election as General and Deputy Secretary respectively, encouraging citizens to back them as steady hands guiding the nation forward. They also promoted their policies over the previous term, and promised to continue enacting similar policy into the next term. They faced one opposing ticket: that of Construction Commissar Hyradian Kiriznia, who campaigned with Industrial Commissar Abusaja si Baqiya. The challengers vowed to continue the economic growth of past years, but were considered outside contenders against two strong incumbents.
Krakhovich defeated Kiriznia, winning 29 votes in a comfortable majority. However, Kiriznia did manage to connect with a significant portion of the voter base, managing to take 16 votes off two titans of Zilatran politics.
====3rd General Secretary election====
The third General Secretary election took place in the winter of 37 VE, ending an era in Zilatran politics. Both Yadal Krakhovich and Ahudenya si Dal, whose National Programme had led to a demographic and economic boom in Zilatra that had cemented their political influence for decades to come, were forced to step aside due to term limits. This election was highly competitive, with three tickets running, including two having both candidates in the High Committee. 
Military Commissar Kuvala Serebra allied with Premier Diogo Ronango'O to run a reformist ticket, campaigning on an empowered Kelitá, constitutional reform, government transparency, and independence from Sentara. This ticket was notably endorsed by several prominent Kelitá members and the Internal Commissar. The Hyradian Kiriznia/Abusaja si Baqiya ticket (both of whom had retained their previous Commissar roles) returned to contest the election as well, authoring the 'United Workers Plan' including increased cooperation with Sentara, open Commissar applications, and military reform. They received an endorsement from the Sentaran Xeroist faction, causing a minor political controversy over Sentaran involvement in Zilatran elections. The third ticket consisted of Kellä Cabrä Silunè Nikola and Lucca Knolastname, two Gallanian politicians with limited prior involvement in national politics. They argued for the adoption of Nikolist thought in Zilatra, the establishment of greater Gallania, and increased militarisation and autonomy for autonomous prefectures.
The Serebra/Ronango'O ticket won, narrowly avoiding a runoff by winning 59 votes. Hyradian Kiriznia more than doubled his previous showing, winning 34 votes, while long shot candidate Kellä Nikola received 20. Historians consider this election the start of the 'New Road' era of Zilatran politics, a changing of the guard from old titans to newer contenders.
====4th General Secretary election====
The fourth General Secretary election was held in the summer of 51 VE, closing out a turbulent term that saw the Gallanian crisis, the first ever attempted recall of an executive official, and successful reforms to the Citizen's Market. Deputy Secretary Diogo Ronango'O resigned four years prior to the election due to declining health, to be replaced by Industrial Commissar Abusaja si Baqiya as acting Deputy Secretary. This election saw the widest spread of candidates in Zilatran history and was intensely competitive, including the first-ever runoff vote.
Kuvala Serebra decline to run for re-election, leaving the race wide open. Two frontrunners emerged from a diverse pack: incumbent Deputy Secretary Abusaja si Baqiya running with long-time Information Commissar Note Kiriznia, and ZSD Major-General Zaaki si Taqaden running with Mayor of Harjuba Eksar Prym. Abusaja campaigned on unity with Sentara and the Abexilan Socialist Internationale, the formation of the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, and constitutional reforms relating to the executive and term breaks. He received endorsements from a range of prominent figures, including Szal si Ahuden, Toku'aui Ronango'O, Ivan Iuminov, and Sentaran officials. Zaaki ran an energetic campaign with large amounts of propaganda and advertisement, presenting the following policies: developing the COMFA, strengthening the military, growing smaller communes, and reviving the flagging Construction Commissariat. Kellä Nikola and Jacze si Qadali heavily promoted Zaaki's campaign, and he received substantial support from members of the Zilatra Security Department. Miroslav Korol Novotny also ran with Kim Lakarić, presenting a manifesto that included increased industrialization, development of the capital Gaszalasi, a postal service, and integration with the ASI. Three other tickets ran but did not seriously campaign or present any policy: Makka Pakka/Lapo A-Lasajiya, Pitipivo Vojna Aimo/Jacze si Qadali, and Qadi si Gadus/Ivan Iuminov.
Abusaja emerged as the leader in the first round of voting with 39 votes, but was closely followed by Zaaki on 30. 23 voters voted for other candidates, forcing a runoff between Abusaja and Zaaki. 
After the runoff, the Abusaja/Kiriznia ticket emerged as clear victors, gaining 59 votes against Zaaki's 38. This election is considered the most intense in Zilatran history, with massive propaganda output and campaigning from both major candidates.
====5th General Secretary election====
The fifth General Secretary election occurred in the winter of 66 VE, after a mostly stable term that was upended by the recent Worldbuilders' Strike over the confederation between Zilatra and Sentara. Most considered this election a foregone conclusion after Abusaja si Baqiya and Note Kiriznia announced their intention to run for re-election, and it was fairly uncompetitive in the end, with limited campaigning. 
For the entire campaign the incumbent Abusaja/Kiriznia ticket was viewed as the overwhelming favourites, with only Miroslav Korol Novotny (running with Pitipivo Vojna Aimo) mounting any serious resistance. Abusaja campaigned on acquiring more land, raising commissariat budgets, finalising confederation negotiations, and implementing the 'PALS' program to industrialise minor communes. Novotny outlined the following policies for his campaign: empowering the Xeroist Union Party, improving industrial efficiency and development, and finalising confederation talks, among others. Two joke tickets also ran as the result looked a near-certainty: Military Commissar Ingo Al-Solari with ex-Sentaran leader Magerius Al-Solari, and Evita Al-Solari with Amy Serebra.
As expected, Abusaja easily cleared the field in the first round of voting, receiving 56 votes. Novotny and Evita tied on 14 votes while Ingo finished last with 5.
==Kelitá==
====1st Kelitá general election====
The first Kelitá was allotted seven seats under the Constitution, but received only six applicants, causing every candidate to automatically win. Despite this, the election was still held in 0 VE.
Due to the automatic victories, this Kelitá election was fairly inactive and did not see much campaigning or policy proposals. 
Balic si Adaczi swept into Seat I by a wide margin, winning 20 votes, while Szal si Ahuden took Seat II with 13. Kuvala Serebra also achieved 13 votes but was disqualified after being banned from the nation for unrelated reasons. Proba Adh Radha and Rahada si Gadusaja tied on 10 votes, leading to a runoff for Seat III which was won by the former. Talun si Batiku closed out the Kelitá with 9 votes. Due to an administrative oversight Karlos Mevher did not participate in the election, but was awarded Seat VI as any applicant would get in regardless.
Balic si Adaczi ran unopposed in the premiership election.
====2nd Kelitá general election====
The second Kelitá election had five applicants for the seven available seats, again causing automatic victories for every candidate. An election was held in the summer of 14 VE to determine seat rankings.
Due to the automatic victories, this Kelitá election was fairly inactive and did not see much campaigning or policy proposals. 
Szal si Ahuden took Seat I in a landslide victory, receiving 21 votes. Rahada si Gadusaja and Talun si Batiku were both re-elected, taking Seats II and III respectively. Incumbent Industrial Commissar Abusaja si Baqiya won Seat IV, while Iyul si Unus rounded out the legislature in Seat V.
Talun si Batiku defeated Rahada si Gadusaja in the premiership election, achieving unanimous support from representatives (including Rahada himself). Representatives had previously encouraged Szal si Ahuden to run but she declined, citing an inability to focus on the role at the time.
====3rd Kelitá general election====
After two dull elections with more candidates than free seats, and similarly inactive legislative terms, the third election was significantly more competitive. Nine candidates vied for six seats in one of the most competitive national elections up to that point, held in 23 VE.
Diogo Ronango'O made his Zilatran political debut with an energetic campaign, promising to review past legislation, organise and structure the Kelitá, and empower the Kelitá in executive decision-making. Incumbent Seat I Szal si Ahuden also outlined a set of policies including promoting government transparency, checking the power of the executive, and advocating against unification with Sentara. Political newcomer Dal si Batikuya railed against perceived government neglect of certain regions (including his own Sziszarka), and campaigned as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, recently appointed Information Commissar Note Kiriznia, incumbent Premier Talun si Batiku, and Industrial Commissar Abusaja si Baqiya all ran campaigns focussing on their personal credentials and legislative philosophies. Other candidates ran limited campaigns without particular policy statements.
Ronango'O, Kiriznia, and Szal all tied for first with 18 votes each, being assigned their seats in alphabetical order. Abusaja si Baqiya and Kellä Cabrä Silunè Nikola were close behind, tying for fourth with 16 votes apiece, while Proba Adh Radha won the sixth and final seat with 10 votes. Incumbent Premier Talun si Batiku failed to win re-election by one vote, while Dal si Batikuya and Nikitia Skorpion finished further behind. 
Diogo Ronango'O and Szal si Ahuden declared their candidacies for Premier almost immediately, leading to a competitive campaign between the two. Diogo Ronango'O managed to secure four votes out of the six available, while Szal only got one, and one candidate abstained. Ronango'O would later appoint Szal to be his Vice-Premier after establishing the position.
======Seat VI by-election======
The resignation of Proba Adh Radha in 27 VE prompted a snap by-election for Seat VI, which was contested by five candidates. Toku'aui Ronango'O and Kuvala Serebra were clear frontrunners during the campaign, offering voters similar messages on Sentaran relations and the National Programme. Szalya si Ada, Kajedan, and Leon Kerexon all ran smaller campaigns but failed to gain enough momentum to challenge the the two frontrunners. 
Ronango'O and Serebra tied on 34 votes, but the seat was awarded to the former after the latter chose to drop out of the race. The other three candidates finished far behind, with Szalya receiving 13 votes, Kerexon receiving 11, and Kajedan receiving 9.
====4th Kelitá general election====
After the most active term in Kelitá history to that point, one which included sweeping structural reforms and transparency laws, the Kelitá was recast as a respected body in Zilatran politics. This, combined with the recent population boom, led to the 4th Kelitá election becoming the largest election ever in Zilatran history by number of candidates. However, the population boom also led to the availability of more seats - the election saw 25 candidates contest 13 seats in the autumn of 34 VE.
This election campaign was dominated by the emergence of the SKIQ alliance of candidates, a broadly reformist group that endorsed each other and advocated for policies such as increased pay in commissariats, Zilatran independence from Sentara, rights to strike, and communal authority. This group initially consisted of Szal si Ahuden, Kabli Ronango'O, Art Inkman, and Qiluya si Szenyanszcza, before Qiluya was disqualified from the election for hate speech - after which the alliance reformed into SKITS, adding Toku'aui Ronango'O and Szalya si Ada. Due to the competition and the number of candidates, nearly all applicants ran some form of campaign to get their name into the ears of the public, especially Ebrim K. Nadušja, Miroslav Korol Novotny, Pitipivo Vojna Aimo, and Alexejev Maksim. Candidates backed a wide range of positions, leading to an extremely diverse campaign season.
Five out of the top six Kelitá seats were members of the SKITS alliance, with Szal si Ahuden setting a record for the most votes for a Kelitá candidate: 51. Ebrim K. Nadušja also had a strong showing, claiming seat III after receiving 38 votes. This election also saw the political debut of several politicians who later achieved high office, including Partisan Chair Alexejev Maksim, Construction Commissar Ivan Iuminov, Culture Commissar Bali Zheng, and Vice-Premier Ste Prym.
Incumbent Vice-Premier Szal si Ahuden comfortably saw off a challenge for the premiership by Miroslav Korol Novotny, receiving unanimous support from the Kelitá. She appointed Toku'aui Ronango'O as her Vice-Premier
======Seat VI by-election======
Seat VI holder Szalya si Ada resigned from the Kelitá in 42 VE, causing a by-election for the seat which was contested by four candidates. Pitipivo Vojna Aimo ran a humour-based campaign, spreading his name recognition mostly by memes. Ex-Premier Talun si Batiku ran on strengthening the Kelitá, premier term limits, and increasing wages in commissariats, while Kim Lakarić and Szal si Kabaqi ran limited campaigns.
Lakarić won the open seat, edging out Talun by a single vote. Aimo and Szal were not far behind, finishing with 15 and 18 votes respectively.
====5th Kelitá general election====
This election came after another active, influential Kelitá term. 19 applicants ran to contest 14 seats on 46 VE, reflecting the continued activity of the Kelitá and the growing respect for the body in Zilatran politics.
Most candidates chose to focus their campaigns on personality and ideology over specific policy promises, though there were several major themes shared by several candidates. Military reform was the largest topic on the agenda, being particularly pushed by Johannes and Miroslav Korol Novotny and supported by most others - though this was criticised as being unnecessary by other officials. Improvements to the economy, particularly by expanding the Citizen's Market and futher industrialising communes. Other campaign issues brought up by fewer candidates included the creation of the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, retrying the referendum on Premier term limits, wage reform, and Zilatran independence.
Most candidates running for re-election succeeded, though several Kelitá debutants were successful as well: Johannes, Vulapo Tavolan, and Leon Kerexon in particular. Toku'aui Ronango'O took Seat I after receiving 44 votes, while the threshold for election was 14 votes.
Incumbent Vice-Premier Toku'aui Ronango'O ran with Ste Prym for the premiership, becoming the frontrunning ticket. They defeated a strong challenge from Ivan Iuminov and Mia Zikovika, while Leon Kerexon failed to receive a vote besides his own.
======Seat XIII by-election======
Kim Lakarić was recalled shortly after the election over hate speech directed at another citizen, opening a vacancy in the Kelitá. The resulting by-election had six candidates battling over one free seat. Telja Kolrie was always the frontrunner in this election, carrying over momentum from her narrow miss in the general election. Miroslav Korol Novotny, Vota Uin, and Iyul si Unus also attempted to win the seat after failing to be voted in during the general, but none could gain enough popularity to seriously challenge Kolrie. Hisoka Mitobe also launched an campaign after missing the deadline for the general election, but fell to the same fate.
Telja Kolrie comfortably won the by-election, receiving 26 votes. Novotny was not too far behind with 20 votes, while the other candidates received significantly less.
====6th Kelitá general election====
Interest in the Kelitá had began to wane by the time of the 6th general election, with new Kelitá candidacies being outpaced by general population growth. After the highest ever census turnout the Kelitá was allotted 16 seats, and only 17 candidates contested them in the spring of 56 VE.
Due to the lack of competition this campaign season was relative low-intensity, though many candidates still published policy positions. Ex-Premier Szal si Ahuden returned to Kelitá politics, running a joint campaign with former SKITS ally Art Inkman, with the duo focussing on reviewing the legislative corpus, enforcing the law, and reforming the Kelitá's organisation system. Alisa Nikitina and Miroslav Korol Novotny heavily pushed a national plan for urban planning, as well as worker cooperatives alongside Hisoka Mitobe. Iyul si Unus campaigned on local autonomy, culture, and protecting Zilatran heritage, while engineer Vulapo Tavolan ran on economic reforms and industrialisation. Jelezko si Dalqudak ran a personality-based campaign focussing on his previous work in construction, while also advocating closer cooperation with Sentara. Other candidates did minimal campaigning, hoping to get in on name recognition alone. Notably, Potatis Havardr ran an Independent campaign unaffiliated with the Xeroist Union Party, advocating for Zilatran independence.
Szal reclaimed Seat I with 34 votes, closely followed by Lënja Maksim-Mikhaylova who received 30. Hajaduyuga si Kagusya was the only candidate that failed to be elected, receiving 5 votes - one less than Seats XV and XVI. Independent Potatis Havardr became the first non-XUP Kelitá representative, taking the final seat after achieving six votes.
The premiership election was fairly competitive, with Szal si Ahuden defeating Leon Kerexon 11 votes to 5. Szal ran with Art Inkman, campaigning on overseeing legislative reform, enforcing laws, holding officials accountable, and reviewing past legislation. Kerexon ran on regular Kelitá meetings, spreading news of proposals faster to receive more feedback, and reworking the pay scheme in the Commissariat of Information. This contest saw some long debates between the two candidates over various campaign issues.
====7th Kelitá general election====
In a bid to rectify the problem of too few candidates leading to uncompetitive elections, the 6th Kelitá successfully passed a referendum changing the citizen/seat ratio from seven to nine. This reduced the number of available seats at the 7th general election from 16 to 12 despite no large changes in population, with 16 candidates running. The election was held in the summer of 67 VE.
With the election shaping up to be competitive, the campaign season was much more energetic than the last general - though still not close to the heights of the 4th Kelitá election. Art Inkman took the lead in another joint campaign with Szal si Ahuden, with largely the same principles and policy as the last election. Alexander Orlov ran a successful campaign focussing on aiding smaller communes, promoting Xeroism, and holding mayors accountable, sentiments echoed by Jacze si Qadali. One of the primary political debates of the campaign was that of the legalisation of gambling, first pushed by Luca Kuznecov and then backed by Szal si Ahuden. Supporters painted it as a harmless, fun activity, while detractors - led by Miroslav Korol Novotny - decried it as against Xeroist morality. Newly-independent Pitipivo Vojna Aimo promised a statute of limitations, expanding the cooperative system, and industrialising smaller communes, while Sentaran Guildmaster Mun Federson made his Zilatran political debut by running on transparency, Kelitá activity, and shortening Kelitá terms. Independent Potatis Havardr vied to remain in the legislature by promoting his past record in the 6th Kelitá.
Seat I was retained by Szal si Ahuden, who received 33 votes. New politician Alexander Orlov surprised analysts by taking Seat II despite a small campaign and no prior experience, with some arguing it indicated the emergence of the Transarian voting bloc as a political force. Potatis Havardr failed to win re-election, while Telja Kolrie also could not manage to return to the legislature. 
The premiership race was the most diverse in Zilatran history, with four candidates running, though the Art Inkman/Szal si Ahuden ticket were clear frontrunners throughout the campaign. Inkman avoided a runoff by winning eight of the twelve available votes, with M.K. Novotny coming second with two votes. Evita Al-Solari and Leon Kerexon both only received a single vote.
==Partisan Chair==
==== 1st Partisan Chair election ====
The inaugural Partisan Chair election was held during the spring of 0 VE, shortly after the ratification of the Zilatran Constitution.
Three candidates ran in the election: Qadi si Gadus, Kras Mazov, and Kuvala Serebra. All three candidates did not conduct large campaigns, instead relying on name recognition to win them votes. 
Qadi overwhelmingly won, winning 18 votes to Kuvala's 7. Kras Mazov failed to win a single vote.
==== 2nd Partisan Chair election ====
After a fairly active term for the party - one that saw a controversial Sentara working group and the creation of a Party Line to name a few - the leadership position was up for election again in 28 VE.
Incumbent Qadi si Gadus launched a re-election campaign focussing on his track record, detailing his achievements within the party over the past terms. He faced a strong challenge from former Information Commissar Piéter Venkesel Jr, while Alexejev Maksim also ran as a long-shot candidate.
Venkesel upset Qadi to win the election, winning 22 votes to Qadi's 16. Maksim failed to outcompete the two strong candidates in the eyes of the party, coming a distant third with four votes.
==== 3rd Partisan Chair election ====
Piéter Venkesel Jr's term was relatively inactive for the party, and most candidates in the election of 42 VE wanted to revive it. The incumbent declined to run for re-election, leaving the race fully open for any contenders to have a shot.
Nearly everyone considered the race over after Ovonia Ronango'O threw her hat in the ring - sheer name recognition and association with the Ronango'O political dynasty seemed destined to carry her over the line. Nevertheless, several minor candidates tried to offer up resistance, though none could achieve any real momentum.
Ovonia Ronango'O won a landslide victory, winning 40 votes. Rotfront and Boof Eater received four each, while Pitipivo Vojna Aimo and Jacze si Qadali could only manage three each. 
==== 4th Partisan Chair election ====
After another inactive term, the party's membership was frustrated with the political branch's seeming lack of power in comparison to the executive or legislative. Ovonia Ronango'O chose not to run for re-election in 56 VE.
Two evenly matched candidates contested this election: Vlädihrb Skamovic and Miroslav Korol Novotny. Both campaigned on revitalising the party after decades of inactivity, bringing it on par with the other branches of government. 
In the end, Skamovic defeated Novotny 25 votes to 19 in a close election, taking control of the party. 
==== 5th Partisan Chair election ====
Vlädihrb Skamovic's term failed to revive the party, with even basic party functions such as the census going undone. Skamovic suddenly resigned in 67 VE and left the nation, citing boredom with politics, forcing a snap election to be held in the spring of 68 VE.
The longest-serving Partisan Chair in Zilatran history Qadi si Gadus returned to partisan politics, campaigning to "bring the party back" by reviewing the party line, hold mor events, and reform the party's structure to reduce dependence on the activity whims of the Partisan Chair. Wanja Invanovič also ran, with his reputation as a fiercely orthodox Xeroist ideologue gathering him enough momentum to scare Qadi. Miroslav Korol Novotny was the third candidate, but he could not beat out the two heavyweights of partisan politics.
In the closest election results in party history, Qadi took the lead with 17 votes, edging out Invanovič by one vote. Novotny managed to secure six votes, finishing third. After the vote, Qadi withdrew from contention and handed power to Invanovič - which was accepted by the High Judge under the impression the Partisan Chair election required a runoff.
However, after complaints that the withdrawal of Qadi si Gadus did not follow proper electoral procedure (as party elections do not need a runoff), a second election was held as if Qadi had won then resigned from his post - the legally correct interpretation. Wanja Invanovič and Miroslav Korol Novotny contested this vote, but the former won comfortably with 31 votes.