Proto-populism

**Proto-populism** is a populist political ideology based on proto-governance. The ideology has recently garnered traction among voters which especially became evident following the 2021 Ninzard League vice executorial election. There is evidence that links the sudden rise of proto-populism with a strong growing discontent towards the reactionary radical legionist policies implemented throughout Nightwork, which had hindered the activity and health of the community atmosphere. Currently, the helm figures of proto-populism are Vice Executor Snowby and Governor Rony. More traditional and hardline Legionists have displayed concern over the rise of proto-populism. Many have argued that the entire ideology of proto-populism is a "contradictory ideology," as establishing a freedom-based platform required the use of authority and control, a key component of what defines "populism."

## Origins of proto-populism

The first signs of traction of the proto-populist movement arguably began during the May 2021 Nightwork gubernatorial election season, where Alaric, an anarcho-revampist, had become the Original Party's nominee to challenge Governor Synjex in the election. Due to concerns with radical policy implementations, many voters, including moderates, were deeply concerned about Alaric's candidacy. As a result, Alaric ensured voters that he would not implement radical anarcho-revampist policies and rather, move towards the center in issues regarding activity management. Alaric, hence, adopted much of his campaign views of proto-governance. This attracted proto-governists, who saw an opportunity to push forward their strategies.

However, many had become shocked with Alaric's style of campaigning, which had been deeply anti-establishment populist. People had began to wonder whether he really cared about the outcome of the election or if he was just toying around for his own pleasure. Nonetheless, while many there were many who were concerned, there became many who became adament supporters. A group of voters had felt completely isolated following Xorbit's nomination in the January 2021 Nightwork gubernatorial election. They felt that Xorbit or Synjex were essentially the exact same candidate and following on this path would eventually ruin Nightwork. There were growing sentiments on whether to start a new party or not. However, Alaric's nomination had secured much of these voters, who became even stronger supporters after Alaric began espousing populist rhetoric.

Immediately, Alaric surged in the polls and became a genuine threat to Synjex. In the end, the election ended with Alaric losing to Synjex by a single vote, which was nonetheless, a major upset result which almost ended the Synjex Administration. While the campaign had ended in a loss, the proto-populist movement became energized and fueled.

## Rise of proto-populism

Proto-populism, however, really began to rise during the August 2021 Nightwork and Ninzardia gubernatorial election season. Although the new Nightwork Original Party nominee, Cubi, was a populist, he was not a proto-populist which truly aligned with the voters. Nonetheless, he was still seen as a strong contender against Synjex. However, what had really fueled the movement was the establishment of the Poo Party, which gubernatorial candidate Rony had created partly as a joke in run in the upcoming election. This hyped up many proto-populist voters, and they turned out to give Rony his electoral victory in the election.

Following the establishment of the Rony Administration, the proto-populist movement had pretty much established its mark and influence in the political realm of upcoming future elections. Anti-populist legionists truly began to see the movement as a threat and tried to hinder its growth. However, with more and more dissatisfied and disillusioned Synjex voters, the legionist movement appeared to notice that they would lose upcoming election if they did not change their course of action. As a result, they started supporting and promoting less radical, but not as populist candidates. This happened during the 2021 vice executorial election, where these voters had strongly support incumbent Vice Executor Xcyzia in hopes that she would help defend against the new proto-populist movement. However, she had been knocked out by Snowby, who had become the helm of the movement. Also, it became practically confirmed that the radical politics of the Preservation Party were now unelectable as Crystallize was only barely able to secure over 20% of the vote, which was a drastically underperformance, especially in comparison to previous elections featuring Preservation Party candidates.

## Vice Executor Snowby

Snowby, along with Rony, are the two helms of the proto-populist movement which is concentrated within the Poo Party. Today, it is arguably the strongest, most influential electoral movement that will decide elections to come.

## Criticism

Proto-populism has been criticized as a "contradictory ideology," as establishing a freedom-based platform required the use of authority and control, a key component of what defines "populism." Some have suggested that proto-populists did not exist altogether.

The May Panic served as a hit to the movement, as efforts to what the movement tried to advance: "expansions with freedoms" proved disastrous as the entire BobaBase district had to be taken down due to Discord's official intervention.