27th June 2563 - Vir Finalizes Dates for Election Voting
The Vir Governmental Authority has confirmed that voting for Vir's governorship and Colonial Assembly seats will take place on the 29th and 30th of June, with an additional voting period set for Wednesday the 3rd of July to allow for out-of-system and full-time weekend employees to cast their votes. No exit poll information will be released until the final votes have been cast, and final results are expected to be announced within another week.
According to a Oculum poll, Lusia Hainirsdottir is expected to comfortably take a seat, though the certainty of her governor position is not hard set. Candidates Sao, Singh and Jorg are trailing not far behind, but will all have to make good showings this weekend if they hope for electoral success. In an unexpected surge among minority species, the Shadow Coalition's Tajaran candidate Kurah Zarshir is leading the polls in certain outlying and orbital communities.
Not sure how to vote, if you can vote, or who to vote for? Check out the official election website at your-choice-vir.virgov.xo.vr
According to a Oculum poll, Lusia Hainirsdottir is expected to comfortably take a seat, though the certainty of her governor position is not hard set. Candidates Sao, Singh and Jorg are trailing not far behind, but will all have to make good showings this weekend if they hope for electoral success. In an unexpected surge among minority species, the Shadow Coalition's Tajaran candidate Kurah Zarshir is leading the polls in certain outlying and orbital communities.
Not sure how to vote, if you can vote, or who to vote for? Check out the official election website at your-choice-vir.virgov.xo.vr
26th May 2563 - SEO Candidate Advocates Murder On Live TV!
Sol Economic Organization candidate Freya Singh has been caught live on camera admitting that she would like to throw an innocent individual out of an airlock for a minor slight. During this afternoon's debate hosted aboard the NLS Southern Cross. Singh is quoted as having said that the event was "the silliest concept for a debate I've encountered yet, and whoever came up with it should get a promotion, and then be fired out of an airlock.", a clear incitement of violence against Oculum Broadcast staff.
Magnus Dugal, 48 works for the Oculum Broadcast corporation and is credited with creating the concept for today's debate, the highest rated for this cycle so far. The father of three, who enjoys hoverboarding in his free time, says that he feels "Threatened" by Singh's comments, and hopes that she will, "at the bare minimum", issue an official apology to the company and himself.
Candidate Freya Singh, a career investment banker, spent much of today's debate advocating for reduced safety regulations and the apparent overturning of the Five Points, raising eyebrows across the system. Singh's office claims that her statements were "a joke", but we do not feel that this is a laughing matter.
In related news, Shadow Coalition candidate Phaedrus remains under a profanity filter "house arrest" for the remainder of the election.
Magnus Dugal, 48 works for the Oculum Broadcast corporation and is credited with creating the concept for today's debate, the highest rated for this cycle so far. The father of three, who enjoys hoverboarding in his free time, says that he feels "Threatened" by Singh's comments, and hopes that she will, "at the bare minimum", issue an official apology to the company and himself.
Candidate Freya Singh, a career investment banker, spent much of today's debate advocating for reduced safety regulations and the apparent overturning of the Five Points, raising eyebrows across the system. Singh's office claims that her statements were "a joke", but we do not feel that this is a laughing matter.
In related news, Shadow Coalition candidate Phaedrus remains under a profanity filter "house arrest" for the remainder of the election.
6th May 2563 - Isak Spar Withdraws from Vir Election
Independent gubernatorial candidate Isak Spar has withdrawn his name from the running following a "Public Relations disaster" aboard an orbital NanoTrasen logistics facility. According to witnesses, Spar acted belligerently towards staff members and engaged in vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon during his scheduled visit to the station, which the candidate had opted to undertake alone due to the temporary illness of his campaign manager.
In a statement just hours after the alleged incident, Isak announced that he would no longer be pursuing Vir Governorship, due to "The unexpected stresses of a political career." before plugging his upcoming album, C*** End Savage Turbo Death A** Destruction. The NanoTrasen corporation has decided not to press charges due to Mr. Spar "Suffering the consequences on a far more significant level than a mere fine." but will not be inviting Spar back for future visitation.
Spar's label, Skull Wreck Music has declined to comment at this time but has agreed to pay damages to the victims on behalf of the self-described "post-pseudo electro-death superstar".
In a statement just hours after the alleged incident, Isak announced that he would no longer be pursuing Vir Governorship, due to "The unexpected stresses of a political career." before plugging his upcoming album, C*** End Savage Turbo Death A** Destruction. The NanoTrasen corporation has decided not to press charges due to Mr. Spar "Suffering the consequences on a far more significant level than a mere fine." but will not be inviting Spar back for future visitation.
Spar's label, Skull Wreck Music has declined to comment at this time but has agreed to pay damages to the victims on behalf of the self-described "post-pseudo electro-death superstar".
28th April 2563 - Representative Hainirsdottir Reaffirms Pro-Vey Medical Manifesto
Incumbent Vir Representative Lusia Hainirsdottir has restated her dedication to advanced medical research at a public appearance at a Vey Medical facility in downtown New Reykjavik. Vey Medical has come under some criticism locally in the past year due to its "accelerated" sapient trials, which Representative Hainirsdottir has strongly endorsed in her current term of office.
In her statement to staff at the New Reykjavik facility, Lusia promised that under her governorship, the company would not be reprimanded for the deadly Holburn's Disease outbreak in rural Sif this past June which claimed fifteen lives, and in which Vey-Med's involvement was only confirmed this week - as the outbreak "directly lead" to the development of a new life-saving inoculation which has seen success galaxy-wide.
Hainirsdottir has long advocated for the promotion of scientific achievements that have taken place in, and undertaken by the people of Vir.
5th March 2563 - Savik Slams Local Chat Host
Television sweetheart Sally, host of Chat With Sally has come under harsh criticism from independent Vir gubernatorial candidate Yole Savik after his "humiliating" appearance on the show yesterday morning alongside Sol Economic Organization candidate Calvert Moravec. Savik - who is campaigning for Vir independence from both the SCG and corporate interests - alleges that the show, which has run for 13 years on select networks, is "little more than a propaganda piece for high powered executives." and that his appearance had been part of a "smear campaign" against non-SEO candidates. NanoTrasen, who have openly sponsored Sally since her inception deny these accusations. Jan Bhatt of the NT marketing division stated "Chat With Sally has always been intended as light morning entertainment, and Sally a personality we can all relate to. The fact that Mr. Savik was unable to have a sense of humour about the whole thing and took the show as an opportunity to bloviate about dry politics is not an indictment of Sally, nor the corporation but rather a simple misunderstanding of the purpose of the segment. We had hoped Mr. Savik's appearance would help dismiss any claims of political bias in our programming and hope to host more civil candidates in the future."
Catch Chat With Sally weekly at 5am SST.
Television sweetheart Sally, host of Chat With Sally has come under harsh criticism from independent Vir gubernatorial candidate Yole Savik after his "humiliating" appearance on the show yesterday morning alongside Sol Economic Organization candidate Calvert Moravec. Savik - who is campaigning for Vir independence from both the SCG and corporate interests - alleges that the show, which has run for 13 years on select networks, is "little more than a propaganda piece for high powered executives." and that his appearance had been part of a "smear campaign" against non-SEO candidates. NanoTrasen, who have openly sponsored Sally since her inception deny these accusations. Jan Bhatt of the NT marketing division stated "Chat With Sally has always been intended as light morning entertainment, and Sally a personality we can all relate to. The fact that Mr. Savik was unable to have a sense of humour about the whole thing and took the show as an opportunity to bloviate about dry politics is not an indictment of Sally, nor the corporation but rather a simple misunderstanding of the purpose of the segment. We had hoped Mr. Savik's appearance would help dismiss any claims of political bias in our programming and hope to host more civil candidates in the future."
Catch Chat With Sally weekly at 5am SST.
11th February 2563 - Mason Keldow in Ullran Expanse Close Call
Sol Economic Organization candidate Mason Keldow was rushed to nearby corporate medical facilities after a death-defying encounter with local wildlife in the Ullran Expanse this morning. The candidate had been planning to visit the nearby NanoTrasen mining facilities as part of his much publicized "Wilderness Tour" when he and a local guide were set upon by the notoriously savage Sivian Savik. The animal was killed in the encounter, but not before Mr. Keldow suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be recovered by crew from the NLS Southern Cross, the closest facility on hand.
Following emergency surgery, Keldow was happy to provide news sources with a "Good-natured" interview, in which he highlighted the dangers faced by rural workers on Sif and his plans to tackle them, as well as slamming rival Shadow Coalition candidate Selma Jorg for lacking tangible plans for the future.
Candidate Keldow is reported to have made a miraculous recovery, and is "in good spirits". Aides state that he is unlikely to suffer any long term effects from the injuries, in part thanks for the skilful work of NanoTrasen's Dr. Fuerte.
A full transcript of the interview follows: https://pastebin.com/FLez9dZQ
Sol Economic Organization candidate Mason Keldow was rushed to nearby corporate medical facilities after a death-defying encounter with local wildlife in the Ullran Expanse this morning. The candidate had been planning to visit the nearby NanoTrasen mining facilities as part of his much publicized "Wilderness Tour" when he and a local guide were set upon by the notoriously savage Sivian Savik. The animal was killed in the encounter, but not before Mr. Keldow suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be recovered by crew from the NLS Southern Cross, the closest facility on hand.
Following emergency surgery, Keldow was happy to provide news sources with a "Good-natured" interview, in which he highlighted the dangers faced by rural workers on Sif and his plans to tackle them, as well as slamming rival Shadow Coalition candidate Selma Jorg for lacking tangible plans for the future.
Candidate Keldow is reported to have made a miraculous recovery, and is "in good spirits". Aides state that he is unlikely to suffer any long term effects from the injuries, in part thanks for the skilful work of NanoTrasen's Dr. Fuerte.
A full transcript of the interview follows: https://pastebin.com/FLez9dZQ
9th February 2563 - SEO Candidate Embarks on Wilderness Tour
In an effort to stir up support for his promotion of natural resource extraction industries, Sol Economic Organization candidate Mason Keldow has embarked on an unorthodox tour of resource-rich sites across central Sif. Keldow has described the tour as an "Old fashioned expedition", invoking images of hardy prospectors of centuries past, and intends to make the journey entirely by ground with only a small party of "Adventurous outdoorspeople" to support his trek.
Critics of the plan have pointed out that the earliest surveys of Sif were largely performed by aerial drones, and the idea of ground-based survey teams is "Frankly anachronistic". Rival Shadow Coalition candidate Selma Jorg - a staunch planetary environmentalist - has described the tour as "Irresponsible and insane".
The candidate intends to visit both unexploited sites and current corporate extraction facilities in order to "Better understand the folks helping dig out Sif's hidden wealth" over the coming two weeks.
In an effort to stir up support for his promotion of natural resource extraction industries, Sol Economic Organization candidate Mason Keldow has embarked on an unorthodox tour of resource-rich sites across central Sif. Keldow has described the tour as an "Old fashioned expedition", invoking images of hardy prospectors of centuries past, and intends to make the journey entirely by ground with only a small party of "Adventurous outdoorspeople" to support his trek.
Critics of the plan have pointed out that the earliest surveys of Sif were largely performed by aerial drones, and the idea of ground-based survey teams is "Frankly anachronistic". Rival Shadow Coalition candidate Selma Jorg - a staunch planetary environmentalist - has described the tour as "Irresponsible and insane".
The candidate intends to visit both unexploited sites and current corporate extraction facilities in order to "Better understand the folks helping dig out Sif's hidden wealth" over the coming two weeks.
7th February 2563 - Vir Gubernatorial Candidate Barred from Breakfast TV
Infamously hot-headed Shadow Coalition candidate Phaedrus has reportedly been blacklisted from future appearances on morning television by several major networks. The ban comes after an advertised chat segment between Phaedrus and hosts of the West Sif Wakeup breakfast programme had to be pulled from broadcast after the candidate "Flew into a expletive-laden mercurial rant" at the expense of rival candidate Mehmet Sao of the Icarus Front. Recordings of the outburst quickly made their way onto social media, sparking outrage from opponents and network executives alike, prompting Occulum Media to issue a rare blacklist from major media outlets, restricting Phaedrus to "appearances on alternative news sources" owned by the company.
Phaedrus, a long-time Vir Mercurial Progress Party member running for a major party for the first time, is said to have taken issue with candidate Sao's "Blatant anti-synthetic" policies, though he did not use the word "policies"
Infamously hot-headed Shadow Coalition candidate Phaedrus has reportedly been blacklisted from future appearances on morning television by several major networks. The ban comes after an advertised chat segment between Phaedrus and hosts of the West Sif Wakeup breakfast programme had to be pulled from broadcast after the candidate "Flew into a expletive-laden mercurial rant" at the expense of rival candidate Mehmet Sao of the Icarus Front. Recordings of the outburst quickly made their way onto social media, sparking outrage from opponents and network executives alike, prompting Occulum Media to issue a rare blacklist from major media outlets, restricting Phaedrus to "appearances on alternative news sources" owned by the company.
Phaedrus, a long-time Vir Mercurial Progress Party member running for a major party for the first time, is said to have taken issue with candidate Sao's "Blatant anti-synthetic" policies, though he did not use the word "policies"
27th January 2563 - Vani Jee Orbital Tour Cut Short
Icarus Front Representative Candidate Vani Jee has delayed the remainder of her campaign tour of orbital colonies and outposts around the Vir system after an alleged altercation with NanoTrasen security.
Candidate Jee had been visiting the NLS Southern Cross, a NanoTrasen station in Sif orbit to receive a corporate tour and meet with voters, when her concluding question and answer session was interrupted by hecklers, leading to the event being cut short. Jee alleges that footage of the event was seized by NanoTrasen corporate security and has accused the trans-stellar corporation of the intentional intimidation of Icarus Front and Shadow Coalition candidates in what she describes as "a clear display of corruption in favour of company-favourite Calvert Moravec", though she has praised the individual employees of the Cross for their hospitality and thought-provoking questions.
Vani Jee is running on a platform of free access to education, Sivian self-determination, and isolationist foreign policy. She has refused to make any strong statements regarding hot-button issues such as the Five Points.
She intends to resume her scheduled tour after a three day break.
Icarus Front Representative Candidate Vani Jee has delayed the remainder of her campaign tour of orbital colonies and outposts around the Vir system after an alleged altercation with NanoTrasen security.
Candidate Jee had been visiting the NLS Southern Cross, a NanoTrasen station in Sif orbit to receive a corporate tour and meet with voters, when her concluding question and answer session was interrupted by hecklers, leading to the event being cut short. Jee alleges that footage of the event was seized by NanoTrasen corporate security and has accused the trans-stellar corporation of the intentional intimidation of Icarus Front and Shadow Coalition candidates in what she describes as "a clear display of corruption in favour of company-favourite Calvert Moravec", though she has praised the individual employees of the Cross for their hospitality and thought-provoking questions.
Vani Jee is running on a platform of free access to education, Sivian self-determination, and isolationist foreign policy. She has refused to make any strong statements regarding hot-button issues such as the Five Points.
She intends to resume her scheduled tour after a three day break.
25th January 2563 - Moravec Nephew Announces Vir Governor Candidacy
The Sol Economic Organization has announced that Calvert Moravec, nephew of NanoTrasen CEO Albary Moravec will be running under their ticket in the upcoming Vir gubernatorial elections. Calvert has stated that he will run on a pro-business platform, and has chosen Vir to do so due to the "Unique beauty and economic prospects of an interstellar crossroads such as Vir".
Despite being a lifelong resident of Alpha Centauri, Moravec was recently approved for Vir citizenship, making him eligible for local candidacy and has reportedly moved into a luxurious New Reykjavik penthouse. Perhaps best known for his soaring stock market investment success over the previous few years, Calvert's first foray into politics is not wholly unexpected as the Moravec family has long leveraged their wealth in international affairs, though successful election would mark their first sitting member of the Colonial Assembly. Fellow SEO candidate Councillor Hal Wekstrom has expressed his full support for Moravec.
Three candidates will be elected as representatives to the Colonial Assembly later this year, with the most popular also attaining the position of system governor.
The Sol Economic Organization has announced that Calvert Moravec, nephew of NanoTrasen CEO Albary Moravec will be running under their ticket in the upcoming Vir gubernatorial elections. Calvert has stated that he will run on a pro-business platform, and has chosen Vir to do so due to the "Unique beauty and economic prospects of an interstellar crossroads such as Vir".
Despite being a lifelong resident of Alpha Centauri, Moravec was recently approved for Vir citizenship, making him eligible for local candidacy and has reportedly moved into a luxurious New Reykjavik penthouse. Perhaps best known for his soaring stock market investment success over the previous few years, Calvert's first foray into politics is not wholly unexpected as the Moravec family has long leveraged their wealth in international affairs, though successful election would mark their first sitting member of the Colonial Assembly. Fellow SEO candidate Councillor Hal Wekstrom has expressed his full support for Moravec.
Three candidates will be elected as representatives to the Colonial Assembly later this year, with the most popular also attaining the position of system governor.
13th January 2563 - Bjorn Arielsson Issues "Farewell Address"
Veteran politician Bjorn Arielsson made an impromptu address from his Kalmar cabin, beseeching political unity in the face of the Almach Seccession and offering his own perspective on the conflict. "It's republicanism versus autocracy," he said, "and we're not the autocracy."
The speech has been met with approval from many young synthetics and organics alike, with many referring to Arielsson as "Old Man Bjorn" on social media immediately after its conclusions. Others responded less positively, with Arielsson's caustic remarks about political rival and Icarus Front Secretary-General Mackenzie West providing ample room for criticism. "Secretary-General West... might wax poetic about how the Association is a "betrayal of our own humanity", or some... or some crock of shit like that" says Arielsson in the first of three specific insults against the SecGen.
Others have criticized the speech's seemingly communist tone, with Arielsson expressing approval for the socialist Free Relan Federation and the anarchist Casini's Reach despite opposing their secessionist ideals. Still others claim that the speech offered "nothing but empty feelings" and that it lacked specific, actionable resolutions on the growing secessionist movement in VirGov. Some have even framed the Address as a form of political maneuvering by the venerable politician, claiming that he voiced unpopular sentiments specifically to hamper the Shadow Coalition's re-election bid after well-publicized disagreements with SC party bosses.
The actions of Arielsson and Vir's proximity to the border have lead to increased focus on the upcoming Gubernatorial election on a nationwide level, with the Icarus Front alone projected to spend upwards of a billion thalers on publicity. Minor party candidates like the former MLM member Luisa Hannirsdottir and the Mercurial Phaedrus already have strong support in the polls, promising a fierce election that could ultimately tip power in the system in any direction. A full excerpt is available here: https://pastebin.com/Znds6XiU
Veteran politician Bjorn Arielsson made an impromptu address from his Kalmar cabin, beseeching political unity in the face of the Almach Seccession and offering his own perspective on the conflict. "It's republicanism versus autocracy," he said, "and we're not the autocracy."
The speech has been met with approval from many young synthetics and organics alike, with many referring to Arielsson as "Old Man Bjorn" on social media immediately after its conclusions. Others responded less positively, with Arielsson's caustic remarks about political rival and Icarus Front Secretary-General Mackenzie West providing ample room for criticism. "Secretary-General West... might wax poetic about how the Association is a "betrayal of our own humanity", or some... or some crock of shit like that" says Arielsson in the first of three specific insults against the SecGen.
Others have criticized the speech's seemingly communist tone, with Arielsson expressing approval for the socialist Free Relan Federation and the anarchist Casini's Reach despite opposing their secessionist ideals. Still others claim that the speech offered "nothing but empty feelings" and that it lacked specific, actionable resolutions on the growing secessionist movement in VirGov. Some have even framed the Address as a form of political maneuvering by the venerable politician, claiming that he voiced unpopular sentiments specifically to hamper the Shadow Coalition's re-election bid after well-publicized disagreements with SC party bosses.
The actions of Arielsson and Vir's proximity to the border have lead to increased focus on the upcoming Gubernatorial election on a nationwide level, with the Icarus Front alone projected to spend upwards of a billion thalers on publicity. Minor party candidates like the former MLM member Luisa Hannirsdottir and the Mercurial Phaedrus already have strong support in the polls, promising a fierce election that could ultimately tip power in the system in any direction. A full excerpt is available here: https://pastebin.com/Znds6XiU
2nd January 2563 - Sif Governor Bjorn Arielsson to Retire
Aging Shadow Coalition governor Bjorn Arielsson has today confirmed rumours that he will not run for re-election in the 2563 cycle. The popular governor has represented the people of Vir in the Colonial Assembly for ten years, and supporters had long hoped that he would run for a third term. Arielsson cites advancing age and a desire to spend more time with his partner of 12 years, noted Positronic entrepreneur View Arielsson. Arielsson's governorship saw increased funding towards Sif's vererable ground-based transportation networks to the benefit of some of New Rekjavik's more remote neighbors, though opponents have criticised subsidies towards artificially heated fungal farms, arguing that the faciliies "benefit a small minority of Skrellian residents to the detriment of already fragile local ecosystems." The Sivian Shadow Coalition has yet to announce who is to take Arielsson's place on this year's ballot.
Aging Shadow Coalition governor Bjorn Arielsson has today confirmed rumours that he will not run for re-election in the 2563 cycle. The popular governor has represented the people of Vir in the Colonial Assembly for ten years, and supporters had long hoped that he would run for a third term. Arielsson cites advancing age and a desire to spend more time with his partner of 12 years, noted Positronic entrepreneur View Arielsson. Arielsson's governorship saw increased funding towards Sif's vererable ground-based transportation networks to the benefit of some of New Rekjavik's more remote neighbors, though opponents have criticised subsidies towards artificially heated fungal farms, arguing that the faciliies "benefit a small minority of Skrellian residents to the detriment of already fragile local ecosystems." The Sivian Shadow Coalition has yet to announce who is to take Arielsson's place on this year's ballot.