Country Contest Union

Country Contest Union

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## Leadership

### **Elections won**

**^1** Not officially elected President in first term, only via presedential line of succession as Vice President
## Presidents

### **Old**

Elayne Harpaz served as the president from the Country Contest Union's creation in 2010 up to 2011. As the Union became international, Harpaz announced that she would step down from her role and "move on to other things." As such, Tyron Ferrer was announced as her successor through the international fame of the Union. Ferrer announced on 31 May 2018 that he would step down from his role as the President of the Union, which was followed by several employees. However, the CCU stated that such moves were "voluntary" and not from "anything behind the scenes." The resignations caused a controversy in the Union followed by financial issues which put all of the Union's projects in hiatus, as the issues were said to be "sorted behind the scenes." Despite these issues, the CCU still announced the creation of a project whilst sorting out these issues. Additionally, the Union was said to be seeking Sponsors for its Events to prevent any future financial hurdles, rumored as the reason for the resignations. Additionally, the Union stated that an announcement on the succeeding President would be made in "coming months", officially putting all of its events on a months-long hiatus. ETV Worldwide also announced on 19 June 2018 that it would drop out of its ownership of the Union, therefore removing a big asset and sponsor. The Union later saw offers from several high-profile companies offering to purchase, sponsor, etc. the Union. The Union stated on Twitter that, "We are in the midst of electing a new President, who will not only be a financial asset but also creative, for the sake of the future of the Union. Offers from third-party Companies will continue to be considered[/accepted] during this time. As of now, the Union will stop using its social media."

As of 31 January 2024, indexes consider the *Country Contest Union* "temporarily dissolved", while the issues are being sorted.

In November 2018, CCU announced that for the first time ever, that it's President would be decided via presidential election, which would now be a regular occurrence every four years, unless a high dissatisfaction level would be obtained via at least 30 officially credible polls, with at least 100 participants in each. Nationals from any of the 59 member countries were to be permitted to enter the race. Harpaz and Ferrer, who each respectively served one and six years, were not to be permitted to enter, as was considered to void the purpose of the election.

Elden Dunham was elected. In 2020, the CCU voted to move its headquarters to England, a move initiated by Dunham, which was successful. As a result, the Tel Aviv headquarter was downgraded into a regional quarter, with the yet-to-be-decided/inclosed England location headquarter becoming the main. Controversy arose as many in the Tel Aviv quarter were laid off, after declining to move to England, as the downgrade meant that less employees were needed. The England headquarter was officially adapted as the main in January 2021.

## Pending members

The regulations of the Union allow entities/broadcasters to submit applications to the Union up to three times per year, should one be rejected.

The CCU announced that the Top Four countries of the Country Contest 10 who were not a regular member of the Union would be upgraded to one so. However, the process was delayed and the CCU later stated that they would become Council Associate Members; the highest possible rank for none-CCU members.

### Liberland

On 6 June 2016, LBTV sent its application for Liberland to join the Country Contest Union. However, the CCU rejected LBTV's application on 27 June stating that, "For Liberland to be able to join the CCU and therefore compete in the Country Contest, it would require an agreement from both Serbia and Croatia allowing Liberland to participate. Otherwise, it is not possible in respect to the Member Countries of the Union." The broadcaster Liberland Television (LBTV) went defunct months later, leaving Liberland with no broadcaster for months.

On May 22, 2017, Liberland's new television broadcaster LTC submitted its application to the CCU with testimonies from several Croatian authorities. On June 12, 2017, the CCU rejected the application saying that "it wasn't valid" and that "the authorization must be from the governments themselves." LTC later announced that they would send representatives in the Fall of 2017 to Serbia and Croatia in hopes of being authorized.

On September 25, 2017, over four months after LTC's first application, the broadcaster sent its second with the approval of both Croatia and Serbia. Over one month later, on October 30, 2017, CCU announced the approval of the LTC's application making Liberland the newest addition to the Union. However, the decision was criticized by many, stating that the only reason for Croatia and Serbia's approval would be for "an exchange in points" between the countries, noting that they did not allow Liberland to become independent.

### Catalonia

On October 27, 2017, the Catalan Republic's broadcaster TVC sent an application to join the CCU. Three days later, on October 30, 2017, the CCU rejected TVC's application stating that "Catalonia cannot become a member without explicit permission from Spain itself."

### Israel

After IBA went defunct, IPBC sent its application to join the CCU on 29 May 2017. The CCU stated on 16 June 2017 that the process of evaluating the application could take up to a year due to some issues, and that as such should be patient.

In November 2018, it was reported that a few issues with the application were being worked on, for a potential application acceptation by the end of the year of 2018. This would allow the country to vote in the CCU presidential election, 2019.

On 7 December 2018, the CCU members voted in favor of IPBC (KAN) receiving full membership status at the CCU.

### Scotland

In 2017, Scotland's STV sent an application to join the Union given the absence of UK in the Country Contest and will to participate as an independent entity. The CCU rejected STV's application one month later, stating that "STV must earn the explicit permission from the British government to join independently." Following the statement, STV stated that they would no longer pursue joining the Union.

Months after STV's lost-interest, BBC Scotland announced that it would go forward with plans to join the Union and stated that it was in talks with the Government. This was no longer necessary as the BBC themselves later split the United Kingdom in several contests in the aftermath of a petition.

### United States

Following ETV's decision to purchase the Union, American broadcaster ETV became a Council Associate Member.

### Montenegro

In August 2018, RTV Atlas sent an application to partake in the CCU. On 12 September 2018, the CCU confirmed following the 2018 General September Meeting that RTV Atlas would become the newest broadcaster to join the Union, following a vote in favor of the broadcaster.

Following RTV Atlas' newfound membership, RTCG stated that "a solution regarding the handling of the Country Contest was necessary, in order to avoid any tensions regarding the main broadcasting and participation for Montenegro in the contest." The CCU responded later, stating, "After many discussions, we've come to an agreement that the best option would be for RTCG and RTV Atlas to take turns as the main broadcaster, starting from the 21st edition. For the 20th edition, an agreement is apparent in the form of a Broadcaster Selection."

## Organised events

The CCU in co-operation with the respective host broadcaster, organises competitions and events in which its Members can participate, if they wish to do so.

In 2018, ETV announced that they would "accept all events from its member broadcasters, to widen the family of [CCU] events." This move not only allowed contests from its active members, but also associate members, which turned the Union into an international TV production company.
These include:

### Country Contest

Main article: Country Contest
See also: List of countries in the Country Contest
The **Country Contest** is an annual international country competition, that was first held in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2015. To date, eight contests of the competition took place with the amount of participants growing each edition. In the 10th edition, the CCU invited associate members making the participating countries amount to 58; the record.

### Country Model Contest

Main article: Country Model Contest
The CCU announced in June 2017 that they were creating a new contest, which will have Europe voting for their favorite participating models. The first edition took place on 9 June 2017, with 12 countries competing. The current contest has a record breaking 20 countries participating.

The CCU announced later that the 5th contest would be open to associate members given their "feedback and interest" in the event. Since the contest is not like the *Country Contest*, the CCU is considering the idea of allowing associate members each edition.

### Retrica Song Contest

Main article: Retrica Song Contest
On 8 July 2017, the CCU announced that a new **Retrica Song Contest** would take place featuring songs from 1900 to 1999 from participating countries. It is the first and only competition to not include the trademark *country* word in it. Additionally, it is the first contest to not be created solely by the CCU; a cooperation between BBC and CCU took place. The CCU later stated that the contest was about to be scrapped, but two countries joined "at the last minute" making the contest have enough participants. Leaked information has revealed that many contests have been scrapped in the past due to lack of countries joining.

Following the second edition, the CCU announced that the contest would be put on hiatus for "other projects."

### Country Games

The CCU announced in 24 May 2017 that a new *Country Games* contest would be made. It would be similar to the format of the World Cup, but for promoting nations. On 9 June 2017, the CCU confirmed that the production had delay until later in the summer. Later that day, CCU stated that due to the lack of interest from broadcasters, the idea would ultimately be put on hold.

The contest was later revived and the first contest started airing in October 2017. In the contests first three weeks of live show, it became the most popular CCU contest, surpassing the Country Contest which had been the most popular since the CCU's inception. Shortly afterwards, the CCU renewed the contest for a second season and stated "We've had many broadcasters worldwide even asking to join our union to participate in the contest. We're very happy for the idea ABC adapted for the contest, and we can assure that there is something even bigger planned for the next edition."

However, the CCU later announced that despite plans of soon reviving the Country Contest, that it would continue its "indefinite postponement" but that the Country Games would "be open to all countries with broadcasters within the CCU; whether associate or regulars."

For the first time ever, the CCU had affect in the results of its contest. This was as the union served as a guest judge for the nation-off (though this would only affect the bottom two of the quarter-final).

On 19 June 2018, the CCU stated that "the contest was not likely to return to screens in 2018."

## Future events

### Interactive TV series

On 15 October 2017, the CCU announced that they had plans to create a scripted television series, unlike all the other unscripted series'. However, unlike other TV series, it would be interactive allowing all of Europe to control the series. The CCU later stated that they were in talks with some member broadcasters about how it could work.

On 23 October 2017, the CCU confirmed that the project had received positive reception among its member countries and that it was in an early development stage.

### Country Cup

On 19 June 2018, the CCU announced while the *2018 World Cup* was ongoing that they would create a *Country Cup* spin-off with cities battling each other out to win and be awarded "financial assistance" for the top cities.

### Musical Country Contest

Following the growth of the Retrica Song Contest, the CCU stated that they were "looking into starting a contest for today's music.

## Spin-offs

### **Untitled RTK spin-off**

On 30 January 2018, the CCU announced that they sold the format of the Country Contest to RTK, who were said to be creating a Country Contest spin-off. RTK later stated that an official announcement would be made once details where finalized, as they were thinking of formats.

Shortly after, RTV Atlas stated that "[it] is interested in providing support to the contest, in any shape or form." Previously, the broadcaster participated in the Original Country Contest (aka Swiss-Czech Protest Members Contest) and Kamu Birliği Festivali.

RTS stated a few days later that "[they] would not participate nor support the contest, as Kosovo is not a recognized country of Serbia."

On 12 June 2018, RTK stated that given their membership in the *Country Contest*, that development of the so-said spin-off would be slowed down. As such, RTK confirmed that it would not debut until 2019. On 5 October 2018, RTK stated that this project was now in doubt, while pending the results of the stance on Kosovo's CCU involvement. However, on 6 October 2018, RTK announced that they would co-produce the series with private Kosovar station RTV21. This move reportedly "saved the series" and ensured for a "quality series". The CCU also commented stating that "considering that RTV21 are not the main producers of the production, but rather a co-producer and sponsor, that it would be allowed."

## New members

### Australia (SBS)

On 18 June 2017, the CCU announced that the victory of Australia in the Model Contest and the successful results in the original toppled with the continued interest in the nation, that the country would be permanently joining the union.

## Marina McMahon

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**Marina McMahon** is a CCU politician affiliated with the Progressive Party. She was first elected as a Senator in 2063, as part of the For the People Alliance led by former President Elden Dunham. Four years later, she challenged the For the People primaries, finishing as the runner-up to initial write-in candidate Chase Hirsch. Having initially place fifth in the first round and narrowly overtake her opponents in the second round to qualify for the run-off, she grew to popularity in the aftermath of her primary loss.

For the People Party Leader Chase Hirsch survived/passed the For the People leadership review in 2071 by 63%, a result of parties across the Union feeling vulnerable with the return to old electoral system. As such, McMahon continued to press down rumors of a run, stating "Chase is doing the best to represent our values. No further comment." Hirsch later agreed alongside the Committee to merge into the Progressive Party, demoting himself to a Faction Leader of the Party. McMahon praised the decision, stating "With this return, we need to be competitive, this will only bring us more success."

Despite being called to run for the Progressive nomination in 2079, McMahon declined to run and stated "At this time, I have no intention to run." However, this was considered to be a result of incumbent President Nikole Mercado's status as "presumptive election winner." On February 17, 2082, McMahon announced her long-awaited campaign for Progressive Party nomination. She won by 54%, but went on to lose to future Freedom President Miquel Kozlowski, who defeated her by his 61% as a result of the infamous McMahon scandal.

McMahon went on to lead the party through its electoral debut, giving the party 16 seats in 2085, a 10-seat decrease from the merged count in 2071. With the Freedom Party agreeing not to run for the Speakership as a result of a deal barring the Progressive Party of contesting the 2087 election. McMahon subsequently announced her candidacy for Speaker of the Union, winning the role with 50.86%, compared to Reform Opponent Ayanna Geary's 43.97%. With Speakers serving 8 year terms, McMahon would not be up to reelection until 2093. In 2089, McMahon increased the Progressive Party to 19 seats, a 3-seat increase. This also marked the Progressive Party's best performance yet, finishing second behind Freedom.

In 2091, McMahon was chosen as Incumbent President Miquel Kozlowski's running mate and Vice President nominee for the 2091 election after Progressive Senator Laura Dunham announced she would opt not to return to the role of VP. In the case of being elected Vice President, an election would be held by the Incumbent Senators to determine her successor. However, McMahon and Kozlowski were defeated and she retained her position as Speaker. McMahon confirmed her intention to stand for reelection as Speaker in the 2093 election forthcoming. She faced opposition.

On March 16, 2093, McMahon was defeated by Senator Devon Raley, by just 4 votes, as a result of 3 defective Communist Bloc Senators, who were removed from caucus after the inauguration of Raley. McMahon's defeat was widely unexpected with pundits having predicted McMahon at a 90% chance of victory.

On March 17, 2095, McMahon was defeated by President Nolan Bedford and Vice President Devon Raley for the presidency. McMahon conceded the election later and stepped down as leader of the party on March 31, 2095, stating her want to "pave the way for another generation."

## Erick Walters

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**Erick Walters** is a CCU politician affiliated with the Just Party, as well as the Reform Party. He became a Senator in 2105, 31 years after creating Just, a record time in waiting.

Walters has contested 4 Reform nomination primaries, all of which were unsuccessful. However, his performance has notably increased after every run, leading some pundits to claim that he is a "Reform leader in waiting." However, others noted that his first contested election, which led to less popular leader Bunting winning, was more open compared to competing with popular leaders Currier and Erwin. As such, pundits suggest that a "pathway to victor does not look nigh, so long [Currier] and [Erwin] block a potential path." After receiving 40% of primary votes, Walters declared his candidacy for the 2111 primary, stating "this time, we are in it to win it."

## Sofía Ruiz

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**Ruiz** is a CCU politician affiliated with the Movement.

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