The Millennium Archives

“In 1009, two seperate campaigns were fought to decide who would be Equestria's Prime Minister. One was fought in the moonlight, the other was fought in the shadows,” says Moonatik, as he lifts a filing box labelled ‘ELECTIONWATCH 1009’ onto the desk and opens it up.

“For the story of the campaign itself, I'm going to give you what an Equestrian voter likely saw throughout the six week campaign,” he says. “That's going to mostly be what was on the front page of the most widely circulated newspapers.”

“But first!” He raises a hoof. “To get a general idea of what was going on, it might work best to have something more of an outside perspective to introduce you.” He takes a newspaper out of the folder. “So here’s an introduction written by an Aquileian newspaper for Aquileian readers, painstakingly translated word for word from Aquileian into Equestrian. Because who the hell wants to read Aquileian amirite.”

Profile of Equestria’s major political parties, produced by Aquileian newspaper ‘Le Petit Griffon’. (22/03/1009)

Equestrian elections: Who’s who and what’s what?

In six weeks, Equestrians will go to the polls to elect a new parliament and a new government. Most expect the ruling New Equestrian Party to retain power, who have been ruling since the first Equestrian elections under Lunar rule in 1001. However, there is reason to anticipate change as a once disparate opposition consolidates around the Free Democratic Party.

How does it work?

Even before 1001, Equestria has been described as a “Guided Democracy” or a “Managed Democracy”. While a longstanding tradition of local and provincial level democracy exists in Equestria, the national Parliamentary franchise had long been restricted to those who owned property. It wasn’t until the Nightmare Charter of 1001 that universal suffrage was implemented, but greater power was given to unelected officials who hold considerable sway over the political system and day-to-day management of government.

Parliamentary elections use a simple ‘First Past the Post’ system. The country is divided into 400 constituencies which each elect a single MP to the national Parliament. The candidate in each constituency with the most votes wins.

Elections to the Equestrian Parliament are typically held every five years. However, Parliament can vote to dissolve itself and trigger an early election at any time, such was the case in 1004.

The constituency boundaries in Equestria have come under criticism from the opposition, who claim that they are unfairly drawn to favour the NEP. In the 1001 election, the NEP failed to win a majority of votes but secured a huge parliamentary majority.

Traditionally, the party or faction with a majority in Parliament will be invited to form a government. However, the monarch retains the right to appoint any government she wishes.

What’s at stake?

Legally, all parties and all candidates are required to swear an oath of loyalty to Empress Nightmare Moon and the Imperial Government. The elected Equestrian government is solely responsible for the domestic affairs of Equestria. The Imperial government, made up of officials directly appointed by Empress Nightmare Moon or the Imperial Commission, is responsible for foreign policy, military action, and matters of significant importance to the whole Empire.

In other words, the rule of Nightmare Moon is not on the ballot.

What is on the ballot is all the crucial domestic matters of Equestrian governance. Education, taxation, housing, public services, law and order, and pensions.

But amongst the voting public, a vote for the NEP is seen as an endorsement of Nightmare Moon’s rule, while voting for an opposition candidate is viewed as an expression of dissatisfaction, even if no candidate is permitted to run on such a platform.

Who’s running?

Having held a majority in Parliament for as long as the body has existed under Lunar rule, the New Equestria Party is expected to hold onto power. The party was formed for the sake of representing and uniting the Lunarist movement for the 1001 election. In government, the party has demonstrated a paternalistic and statist attitude, with an emphasis on social justice, economic opportunity, and patriotism.

The New Equestria Party is led by Prime Minister Saffron Dusk, a 72-year-old thestral stallion. He had been an icon of Equestrian Lunarism and the thestral rights movement for decades before the Equestrian Civil War, and his supporters present him as a trustworthy and capable leader with a proven record of making Equestria stronger and safer. Others, even some in the Lunarist movement, say he is growing too old for the job.

The Free Democratic Party is largely considered the new face of the Equestrian opposition. Before the Equestrian Civil War the party saw little national success, focusing on democratic reforms to the Equestrian government. It is now the second largest party in Parliament, claiming to speak for the ‘silent majority’ dissatisfied with NEP governance. The party embraces libertarian populism, favouring stronger civil liberties and less state involvement in the economy.

Elected to the position in 1004, FDP leader Trixie Lulamoon is a political firebrand without equal. The 29-year-old unicorn mare was a travelling stage magician before she entered politics, and has carried that showmareship into her new career path. Her public rallies and speeches often feature large displays, live music, and even fireworks. Many have noticed how she is shadowed often in public by her wife, Starlight Glimmer.

The third largest party in parliament is the Working Ponies’ Party. This party has been beset by a series of splits over the last few years, with many members both in leadership and the rank-and-file leaving to form groups such as the Economic Democracy Party and the (criminalised upon formation) Communist Party of Equestria. Regardless, the Working Ponies’ Party remains the largest socialist party in Equestria, with deep links to the trade union movement. However, Equestrian law prohibits the party from officially referring to itself as socialist.

A series of smaller parties have limited representation in Parliament, including the Tribist Alliance, once the party of government for much of post-reformation Equestrian history.

What’s likely to happen?

Since 1001, the NEP has been able to dominate politics on a national level and maintain control of most provincial and city-level governments. In part, this is a result of a positive public attitude towards political Lunarism in recent years. But in a much greater way, it is a direct consequence of the constitutional power structure of Equestria and the Lunar Empire, with the overarching Imperial government being by far the senior partner.

The ultimate choice in appointing a government is Nightmare Moon’s alone to make, and she can immediately dissolve the newly elected Parliament if she so chooses. Additionally, denouncements of the Imperial Government can result in a candidate’s disqualification, or even an elected MP’s suspension.

Current polling and prediction models all suggest that the NEP is on track to another victory. But there are rumblings of change, as Lulamoon has higher net public favorability ratings than Dusk (at least according to reputable pollsters). A lot can change before May 3rd, and the preferences of Equestrian voters as well as the attitude of the media will determine the outcome.

“From the starting gun of the campaign the NEP were the favourite to win because they dominated basically everything,” Moonatik says. “When they actually went out to present themselves to the public and the like, they more or less carried on as normal. The image was just, ‘we’re in charge, we’re doing a good job, let us carry on with what we’re doing’.”

“Take this, technically on the first night of the campaign, but not officially a campaign event at all.”

Front page story of the Nightly Mail tabloid. (24/03/1009)

Saffron Dusk Honours the Heroes of the War Against Sombra

Last night, the 5th anniversary of the end of the War Against Sombra, Equestria’s leaders gathered in Crystal City to honour those who fell.

Prime Minister Saffron Dusk led Equestria in remembering those who gave their lives in the conflict. He was joined by Empress Nightmare Moon, Warmaster Selenite, and several former Prime Ministers and political figures from the Celestial Era.

Prime Minister Saffron Dusk was the first of Equestria's senior politicians to lay a wreath on behalf of the nation. The Prime Minister looked sombre and respectful as he placed the wreath at the base of the war memorial in Crystal City.

He was followed by Empress Nightmare Moon, Warmaster Selenite, and other senior politicians and military leaders. Governor Alesia Sneznaya laid a wreath on behalf of veterans who survived the war. A local MP, Bold Garnet (NEP), laid a wreath on behalf of the Crystal Ponies.

The Prime Minister gave a respectful speech at the service. He said, “The courage and commitment of Equestrian soldiers is unmatched, the world over.”

"I am determined to honour their ultimate sacrifice. The Equestria they fought to protect will carry on, strong and safe. The Crystal Ponies they fought to liberate will live on too, freer and happier than ever before.”

The event was concluded by a march of nearly 10,000 veterans of the war. They were led by representatives of the Equestrian Legion.

“A normie Equestrian would see this and think that the NEP lot were the natural party of government,” Moonatik explains. “No opposition politicians present, either. Almost like they were pretending they didn’t exist!”

“There were, of course, papers a little more sceptical of the NEP and willing to publish stories that didn't paint them in the best light.” He takes a newspaper out of the box. “Here's one that made a big splash at the time.”

Front page story of the Manehattan Times. (02/04/1009)

The dark, disturbing, segregated gatherings of radical New Equestria Party politicians revealed - By News Flash

Involuntary castration, forced birth, political persecution, and other disturbing topics discussed at NEP gathering.

So far, tribe relations have not been an issue of this election.

Insofar as it has, it has been the NEP touting its record of promoting equality and friendship between the five tribes of Equestria. No word of opposition has come from the opposition parties, a cross-party consensus having been formed on tribal equality. Even the Tribist Alliance, in its increasing irrelevance, supports equality amongst the five tribes.

This is the case, at least, in most of Equestria. In the southeast, it’s an entirely different story.

Campaigns for the NEP have taken a noticeably tribal tone in every election, this one included. Leaflets distributed in rural Tzinacatlian communities have often included phrases such as ‘If you are proud to be a thestral, vote NEP’ and ‘NEP: The party of thestral dignity’.

This extends to other campaign material published in the region. Advertisements for the party often exclusively feature thestral NEP politicians. Campaign material features things the party pledges to oppose, such as the frequent image of greedy out-of-town businessponies depicted as unicorns, pegasi, or earth ponies. But public messaging is absent of anything explicitly supremacist, it is all in the eye of the beholder.

However, southeastern NEP politicians reveal their true feelings in private.

During a private gathering of NEP politicians, staffers, and volunteers, speakers including Starry Glory MP and Marching Midnight MP openly promoted thestral supremacy, religious persecution, and abolishing democracy.

An audio recording of speeches given by featured speakers has been made available to us. According to the pony who provided this recording, who will remain anonymous, the event itself was exclusively attended by thestrals. Non-thestrals were explicitly excluded from the gathering.

When Starry Glory stood up to speak, his main concern was the thestral population in proportion to other tribes.

“A topic of grave importance we find ourselves facing time and time again is our diminished proportion of the population. Thestrals are only a quarter of the ponies in Equestria, at most. And while it has seen growth, it is far too slow. Our proportion of the population increases by a miniscule 0.15% every year. At this rate it won’t be for another century and a half until we eclipse the other tribes and become a majority!”

One focus of attention in his speech was childless thestrals, and his open resentment for them.

“As long as we remain a minority, every thestral mare on this continent has a sacred, biological duty to her kind to bear foals. Every thestral stallion and mare has a duty to raise those foals into honest Lunarists. Yet so many refuse this duty! There are thestral mares who live their whole lives foalless! There are stallions who don’t spend a second of their lives assisting in foal rearing! There are even many in our own government who refuse this duty! How can we expect to be led by thestrals who refuse such a vital duty to their kind?”

When prompted about solutions to this supposed problem, it got dark.

“Perhaps, in the short term, financial incentives for thestrals to start families will be useful. In the medium to long term, we will have to be more ambitious. I propose that it be made mandatory that all thestral mares have at least four foals, and that every thestral mare and stallion partake in the duty of child rearing. As for the other tribes, all featherheads, mudtrackers, and hornheads should be castrated as soon as feasible.”

This proposal was met with applause. He continued by disparaging the loyalty of other tribes.

“The other tribes may follow the Nightmare now, but they lack the history of proven loyalty to the Nightmare that we do. Their so-called loyalty is conditional, transactional. They are not our brethren, and they never will be our brethren. Only in the most optimal circumstances can we use them to our ends, and never can they be trusted. Their line is tainted. The longer they constitute a majority the stronger the threat they pose.”

Another topic in Starry Glory’s speech was integration, and his opposition to it.

“The government of the Dusk Clique has made integration with the other tribes. The absurd notion that thestrals are better off in the company of other races. My brethren, did you fight and bleed for integration?”

A loud “No,” came from those gathered.

“Of course not! Why in Nightmare’s name would we want to share trains, neighbourhoods, schools, even temples with the unfaithful and unproven? Why would we want to fight our wars alongside them? Thestral foals across Equestria are being taught by teachers of other races, and they tout it as a success! It’s not what any of us asked for, it’s not what any of us fought for!”

When Marching Midnight came up to speak, he spoke mostly about his opposition to democracy.

“The very fact that governance in Equestria is beholden in any way to the amorphous and chaotic will of the general population rather than firmly under the Nightmare’s direction is a travesty unto itself. That the unproven are allowed to participate and even become members of government is an insult.”

He described his political movement in militaristic terms, calling it a war for the soul of Equestria.

“We are not playing a game. We are fighting a war for the soul of Equestria. And in war, you do not stop to ask your enemy what they think. You do not give them an equal chance. You do not reveal your positions. You do not allow them the chance to gather strength. Wars are won through the overwhelming application of force.”

Marching Midnight also spoke negatively of the Prime Minister.

“Much of the blame for this appeasement and opportunism lies at the hooves of Saffron Dusk. If his career can be defined by anything, it’s sucking the intransigent soul out of our movement. First he played the radical once he took over the Southeastern Moonspeaker Conclave, dragging good militants into the ranks of that rotten organisation. Then, after Her Highness returned, he artfully maneuvered his way into political prominence and shut out honest Lunarists. The last eight years speak for themselves.”

However, he said he expects Dusk’s resignation to be soon and followed up with what he aims to do afterwards.

“While we can never rest easy, we can take comfort knowing that Dusk is an aging stallion. I don’t know how many years of life are left in him, but there certainly can’t be another year in office left in him. There, we will have a chance not only to bring Lunarism back to its truth, but to rebuild the NEP itself. There are enough good thestrals in the party to bring it under a more honest influence.”

A full transcript of the audio recordings are featured on later pages.

While Starry Glory and Marching Midnight may not command majority support within the NEP, or the Lunarist movement as a whole, it remains worrying that such a tendency exists within the ruling party of Equestria.

These politicians hold the vast majority of Equestrians in utter contempt. And these sentiments were never intended to be shared with the average Equestrian, only in private gatherings of “pure subjects”.

UPDATE (06/04/1009): Following further revelations, Starry Glory, Marching Midnight, and several others have been suspended from the NEP. They will stand in the election as independents.

“Oh my goodness gracious how vicious,” says Moonatik, his tone deadpan.

“This didn't totally trash the NEP's chances. It didn’t really hurt it that much. It gave the centre the excuses they needed to boot out the more unsavoury Lunarists. Plus, most of the media coverage was still pretty-” Moonatik makes a pulling up-and-down gesture with his hoof. “-towards the NEP. Like, the very next night, the front page story in the exact same paper was much more favourable.”

Front page story of the Manehattan Times. (03/04/1009)

Union President to Members: Support Saffron Dusk

Deep Plum, the President of the All-Equestria Federation of Trade Unions, urged union members to give their vote in May 3rd’s election to the New Equestria Party.

In an event last night where Deep Plum stood alongside Prime Minister Saffron Dusk, the union leader said that the NEP had done more for Equestrian labour in eight years than any other party or political organisation had in centuries.

“I’m proud to endorse the New Equestria Party,” she said. “It’s a party that listens to workers, that puts labour at the core of its identity. It’s dedicated to building a better Equestria for all.”

The endorsement was widely expected, as the AEFTU controls 3 of the seats on the New Equestria Party’s Central Executive Committee.

Prior to 1001, a majority of the members in AEFTU affiliated unions were thestrals, and it was largely seen as an alternative for thestral excluded from larger unions. At the time, a majority of unionised Equestrian workers were in unions affiliated with the National Trade Union Congress. Since then, the AEFTU has overtaken the NTUC as the largest labour organisation in Equestria.

“Regardless of tribe, species, creed, or place of birth, if you’re an Equestrian worker the AEFTU and the NEP stand with you,” Deep Plum continued.

As Saffron Dusk accepted the endorsement, Minister for Labour Ruby Solstice and Minister for Transportation Moondancer were in attendance.

“Our movement has always been a movement of the ordinary working Equestrian,” said Saffron Dusk. “We stand against abusive bosses, be they big or small, and for an economy that works for those who work.”

“But chances are, this isn't all you heard. There were other parties competing, of course. And if you heard about any of those parties, you'd have probably heard of the Free Democratic Party. Why?” Moonatik chuckles. “Because they were everywhere.”

“Think like, the sort of campaign Equestria had never seen before. Posters and signs everywhere.” He gestures side to side with his hooves and wings. “Politicians doing two or three rallies a night. Canvassers on every street. Even radio and TV ads!”

“And at the centre of everything was the FDP’s charismatic leader, Trixie Lulamoon!”

Moonatik takes a tape out of the box and loads it into a tape player. “Imagine yourself as an ordinary pony going through the streets of Manehattan, and you hear this from a nearby park or plaza.”

Transcript of a speech given by Trixie Lulamoon in an FDP campaign event in Broncyln, Manehattan (06/04/1009)

(The crowd cheers as Trixie walks onto stage)

What a beautiful audience! It’s grrreat to be here in Manehattan again. And great to be on stage with your smart and prrincipled MP, Coco Pommel!

(The crowd bursts into further cheers)

Right now, Equestria faces the most important election in its history. Now more than ever, we stand at a crossroads. We have the chance to really change the makeup of parliament, and we have a chance to bring real change to Equestria!

Our party has a tradition. No matter the circumstances, no matter the Princess, we stand by the ponies and fight for freedom. But you know the NEP. They have no tradition, except shining the new pair of boots that stamps on your freedom!

When parliament has an NEP majority, it's worse than useless, it's nothing more than a rubber stamp for the party bosses! It’s like a parrot in a cage! Repeating every word its master tells it without a moment of thought!

And so you might have… Certain ponies. Certain ponies, with influence in the NEP, who may have never won an election in their life. Maybe, these ponies decide they don’t like something about Equestria. About honest Equestrian harmony, about our popular traditions. And they may decide that ponies everywhere shouldn’t be allowed to do that anymore!

And so what do you get? When certain ponies have the ear of the NEP? They try to ban public singing! Singing!

(The crowd bursts out into jeers.)

Is there anything more Equestrian than breaking out into song in public? Anything, that could be a more organic expression of friendship and harmony? Not to these paternalistic twerps! They called it a disturbance to public order! If singing is a disturbance, what else? Is dancing disturbing? Are birthday parties going to be banned? Is friendship itself a disturbance to them?

Who doesn’t like singing to yourself in the park? Who can’t appreciate the value of a whole community coming together to sing? Who doesn’t know the joy of breaking out into song when you arrive in a place you’ve never been before? The NEP. They hate fun, they hate friendship, and they hate you!

If the NEP keeps having their way, everything that makes Equestria fun, Equestria interesting, and Equestria Equestrian would be stripped away! We’d become a nation of nothing!

(The jeers intensify.)

But that law was stopped, wasn’t it? It never passed! But while Trixie, Coco here, and all the other MPs in our party did what we could to slow it down, you know who really stopped it?

(The crowd cheers.)

You did! You did!

It was you who went out in the streets to sing your hearts out! Here in Manehattan, in my home of Las Pegasus, and bless the souls of Ponyville! They sang so much in Ponyville, they could hear it in the Imperial Castle! They had to listen! They had no choice but to listen! They scrapped that law, the ponies won, and that is what is so great, and powerful, about friendship!

(More cheers follow.)

But they haven’t been stopped from passing all the other dreadful laws telling you how you get to live your lives! There are now fines, and even sometimes jail sentences, for mistakes as simple as forgetting to flush or wash your hooves in a public toilet. You can be hit with a one-thousand-bit fine for eating on public transport! Ponies have been jailed for wearing smelly clothes in public! I mean, come on!

We know, most ponies know, those sorts of things aren’t nice, or hygienic. But unlike the NEP, the FDP trusts you to make the right choice without some Night Guard peering over your shoulder every moment of every night! The FDP knows that ponies don’t deserve to be fined, or jailed, for being a little gross!

You don’t want to live with these laws, do you?

(A loud “NO” comes from the crowd.)

The NEP can’t pass any laws like that if they don’t control Parliament. So you know what to do, don’t you? Vote them out! Vote them out!

(The crowd chants ‘vote them out’ repeatedly. Eventually, the chants die down.)

You know, we’re in South Bronclyn right now. Represented by, of course, the lovely Coco Pommel!

(The crowd cheers.)

But all over the city, you’ve got a whole bunch of much smaller constituencies, and they’re all ‘represented’ by freedom-hating bureaucracy-lovers from the NEP!

I know, I know how it can seem. They've rigged the system so hard that change seems impossible. I've seen them do it. My own constituency has twice as many ponies as all the NEP constituencies around it!

So I know how many ponies feel. They don’t see the point in voting, because the NEP are going to win anyway. Right?

No. No! (Lulamoon bangs her lectern) That's where they want you! They want you to check out! Staying home on voting night, that's surrender!

We have the hard won right to vote, a right that the NEP wishes they could steal away from us if they got the chance. And you know what? We aren't going to let them! We're going to use it! We're going to use that right to show the NEP what we think of them! To show them how much Equestrians hate them! We’re going to use it to show them how much ponies want them out! We’re going to use it to win real change!

(The crowd cheers.)

Yeah, Trixie hears you! Trixie hears all of you loud and clear! Can the NEP hear you?

(The cheers get louder.)

Make them hear you!

(The cheers continue.)

And I know that Saffron Duck can hear us. We’ve tried, oh tried so many times, to reach out to the NEP so the two of us could have a debate. But I suppose he doesn’t want to come out of the castle. Whether that's the Imperial Castle or the retirement castle, I don't know yet.

(The crowd laughs.)

Put your record to the test. Put your ap-ti-tude to the test! Name a time, name a stage, Trixie will be there!

(The crowd erupts into another bout of cheers.)

“A very, very, very, VERY common recurring theme in Trixie’s campaign was ‘debate me’. She thought that if she could share an even stage with Saffron Dusk she’d be seen as the most legitimate competitor to his party. It’d boost her chances even if she did poorly.”

“And eventually, as the FDP’s numbers improved, the NEP agreed to hold a debate.”

Story in ‘The Moon’ tabloid. (13/04/1009)

Saffron Dusk and Trixie Lulamoon agree to televised debate

Spokesponies for the NEP and FDP have confirmed that the leaders of their two parties, Prime Minister Saffron Dusk and Trixie Lulamoon respectively, will face off in a televised debate in a few nights.

This debate will be the first of its kind in Equestrian history. Televised debates are the norm in many countries such as Macawia and Jezeragrad.

In recent weeks Trixie Lulamoon has repeatedly challenged Saffron Dusk to a public debate, televised or otherwise. She has repeatedly referred to the Prime Minister as "Saffron Duck" for "ducking" from her criticisms.

The debate will be televised at 8:00pm on the 17th of April on IBC One. IBC Radio Four will also broadcast the audio of the debate live at the same time.

Front page story in ‘The Moon’ tabloid. (18/04/1009)

Did you miss it?: Last night’s debate, summarised

Last night, Saffron Dusk of the NEP and Trixie Lulamoon of the FDP went head to head in a televised debate, broadcast across Equestria.

The contrast was clear to all viewers. Prime Minister Saffron Dusk presented the image of a competent statespony with a clear plan for the future, while Trixie Lulamoon had only senseless slogans and populist platitudes.

Highlights

The first topic of the debate was the state of the Equestrian economy. Saffron Dusk was asked to defend his record on the economy.

Saffron Dusk gave a clear and coherent answer, explaining how he has presided over an economy where living standards have only risen.

“(The) economy (is) great. (Over the) last few years, much has been done. We beat (...) poverty. (The) point of (an) economy is, is raising living standards. We did (that).”

Trixie Lulamoon was then grilled on her lack of experience managing an economy, or any large-scale financial endeavour. Her answer betrayed her experience, summarised as she “knows ponies” who “know what to do”.

A later topic was public order. Saffron Dusk went into detail regarding the achievements his government had made assuring public safety, public hygiene, and public order.

“We’ve done (a) good (job). (No) more monsters. (...) Monsters are gone.”

He specifically brought up the many efforts made by the government to end the spread of disease in the rural southeast, which had been prevalent prior to 1001. He went into further detail, describing how Equestrian cities are cleaner than ever before while even rural towns and villages and seeing the benefits of this approach.

Meanwhile, Lulamoon ran back to the “nation of nothing” campaign slogan that fell flat on the debate audience.

The question of aptitude was brought up regarding Trixie Lulamoon, who has never held a position in government.

Immediately Lulamoon stooped to personal attacks against Saffron Dusk. “Come on, he looks like a corpse,” she said. “He doesn’t even know what night it is.” Literally nobody laughed or found it remotely amusing. She then blustered her way through a non-response boasting about her own competence.

Clearly unphased by Lulamoon’s insult, Saffron Dusk reiterated that he had the confidence of his party, the confidence of the Empress, and the confidence of the people.

“Ponies (...) are gonna know (that I am fit and healthy).”

Aftermath

A snap poll was conducted for radio listeners who tuned into the debate, finding that a majority believed that Prime Minister Saffron Dusk performed better. Many didn’t even notice he had a cold.

Sources within the NEP report that the performance has boosted confidence within their campaign. Now that their positive case has been made to the Equestrian public, contrasted with the negative rhetoric of the alternative, party campaigners are sure that they retain the trust of the voters.

“I don’t know how good you are at reading subtext but you can probably tell that it wasn’t the best night for the NEP,” Moonatik says. “Spin doctors did what they could, but, eh, ponies couldn’t ignore the evidence of their eyes and ears. The NEP and its supporters knew that from then on they couldn’t carry on as normal. They’d need to go on the offensive.”

“So what's all that-” Moonatik reaches into the filing box “-look like?

A moment later he drops a stack of newspapers onto the desk, making a solid thud.

“Well.”

Front page story in ‘The Moon’ tabloid. (19/04/1009)

YOU CAN’T TRUST TRIXIE LULAMOON

THE MOON SAYS: Equestria can't risk a Prime Minister whose only experience is lying and showboating.

Since coming to lead the FDP in 1004, Trixie Lulamoon has turned the party into her own personal vehicle to stardom. She had no background in community organising, activism, or politics at all. She was a stage magician, and a particularly unsuccessful one by all accounts.

Trixie Lulamoon couldn’t even run a one-pony travelling roadshow. She can’t run a government.

She joined the FDP in 1001 because she saw a chance at fame, using highly inflammatory rhetoric including sowing doubt regarding Equestria’s electoral process to dishonestly smear Equestria’s first thestral Prime Minister as a cheater.

She now attracts crowds her magician act never could’ve achieved by inciting hate and division in our country.

Under her leadership the FDP has been transformed from a party of starry-eyed liberals into a hive of corruption, Lulamoon’s personal vehicle to fame and fortune.

Over the last nine years, more positive progress has been made in tackling issues of racism, poverty, economic disparity, and public disorder than ever before in Equestria’s history. These gains have been tangible, and ponies have felt them.

Trixie Lulamoon denies these accomplishments, making up lies at every opportunity to smear the record of Equestria’s first thestral-led government.

Trixie Lulamoon has no experience in government. Her career in parliament has been limited to shallow grandstanding and sloganeering. She has never written a bill that has become law, or written a motion that has passed parliament. She has never even sponsored a successful amendment.

She has spent more time meeting with the corrupting influence of large capitalists than she ever has with her constituents in Paradise Valley. She cares not for her constituents beyond their use to her.

Trixie Lulamoon lacks the public support to ever win a majority. But if the NEP are denied a majority, Lulamoon will cobble together a coalition of chaos where the racist parties of old Equestria and the radical socialists of the WPP call the shots.

For the sake of our country, make sure you give your vote to the New Equestria Party on May 3rd.

Equestria faces a simple and unescapable choice: Stability and strong government with the New Equestria Party, or chaos with Trixie Lulamoon.

(The article continues for 5 more pages in much the same regard.)

“Now imagine that, but you see it every night, in every paper shop, on most of the papers, for two entire weeks.” Moonatik blows out a breath. “That’s going to have an effect on any campaign.”

“Not to say it was all negative to the FDP,” he admits. “But you can understand how it could get somewhat lost in the noise, right?”

“Though, while most of the negative coverage was just character assassination bullshit, there were, indeed, legitimate criticisms to be made of Trixe Lulamoon.” Moonatik’s eyebrows shoot up. “I know, I struggle to believe it too.”

Front page story in ‘The Moon’ tabloid. (23/04/1009)

REVEALED: CORRUPTION IN THE FDP

An investigation into the link between FDP policy and its funding sources was published earlier this week, revealing that the party has almost been entirely bankrolled by huge influxes of cash from wealthy donors with corrupting interests.

The investigation was carried out by independent journalist News Flash, who shared her findings with THE MOON newspaper amongst others.

Before 1001, the FDP had trouble paying its bills as it refused to take large donations from corrupting influences. This was until the party changed strategy under the leadership of Trixie Lulamoon, who initiated an ‘Open Door’ policy to wealthy private donors. Since then, the party’s revenues have increased massively as private corporations and multimillionaires give generously to the party.

The influx of money precedes a change in the FDP’s policies, changes that would benefit the donors directly if implemented.

For instance: The FDP was once a party that supported a Land Value Tax, the sort of which the NEP implemented to great success.

Former leader of the FDP’s youth wing Bray Monkey advocated for the tax in 998, calling it “the best idea that will never happen”.

It did happen, thanks to the NEP.

But in 1005, the FDP accepted a ฿300,000‎ donation from Stained Glass, a Celestial-era noble who still owns huge swathes of land across Equestria. His properties include a 39,000 hectare countryside estate in Coltfoalnia and 20,000 hectares of forest in Fairflanks. Under the Land Value Tax, Stained Glass has to pay heavy taxes on this land he refuses to use efficiently.

According to official FDP press releases, Stained Glass met with party leaders (including Lulamoon) the night after the donation where matters of policy were discussed. The specifics were not disclosed.

The very next week following the donation, FDP MP Blue Wave called the land value tax “a punishment for individual success and a tax on homeowners” in Parliament and called for its abolition.

His words were echoed by party leader Trixie Lulamoon, who refers to the tax as the “homeowners’ tax” in public addresses. The party’s official platform advocates abolishing the tax and replacing it with a single non-progressive flat income tax rate for all. This will likely raise taxes on the lowest earners and lower taxes on the wealthy, especially landlords.

In another case, the party’s 1004 election manifesto promised that an FDP government would maintain the vast majority of the NEP’s workers’ rights reforms, saying that strong workers’ rights matched with the party’s principles of a fair society for all.

However, in 1005 the party received a ฿500,000 donation to party finances from the Confederation of Equestrian Enterprise. The CEE is one of Equestria’s largest capitalist lobby groups, representing 150,000 businesses across the nation.

Since the donation, the Chair of the CEE, Black Cyclops, has been advising the FDP on its policy platform. Party politicians have called to undo “overbearing anti-business” workers’ rights laws and industry regulations, including the intention to make the national minimum wage a voluntary opt-in for businesses. This would effectively abolish the minimum wage.

In a more egregious example, the party’s deputy leader Gladmane has been the frequent recipient of a series of gifts and freebies from private industry, including free luxury seats to National Buckball League games. Many of the freebies are from Gladmane’s hometown team of the Las Pegasus Raiders, and are valued in the tens of thousands of bits. He has held several policy events with the owners of the Las Pegasus Raiders, the very ponies giving him free tickets.

Following the gifts, Gladmane has made it his mission to bulldoze regulations around sports clubs that exist to keep sports free from the overbearing influence of big business. Everything from public advertisement campaigns to attempted motions in parliament. Many have called Gladmane’s efforts a push to “corporatize” sports.

This, and many other cases like it, demonstrate that Trixie Lulamoon’s leadership has transformed a party of once principled liberals into the primary representative of the most opportunistic capitalists in the nation, on top of being a vehicle for personal self-aggrandisement.

Already, Minister of the Interior Umbra Shade has stated that the FDP (amongst other parties) are being examined as “potentially criminal organisations” by the Equestrian Bureau for Investigation, both for their corruption and their speech.

(The article continues for 12 more pages in much the same regard.)

“This kept going, and it did have an adverse effect on the FDP’s numbers, but not the effect that they hoped it’d have.” Moonatik adjusts his glasses, looking straight through you. “That meant they had to bring out the nuclear option.”

“And you wanna know what the nuclear option was!?” Moonatik excitedly laughs. He then adopts a deadpan expression.

“I’m asking. I was seriously debating whether I wanted to include this or not. No I don’t care if it’s ‘going too far in a few places’ it’s my fucking AU.”

Front page story in ‘The Moon’ tabloid. (27/04/1009)

TRIXIE LULAMOON: SECRET PORN STAR?

THE MOON newspaper has come to possess a series of lewd photographs of FDP leader Trixie Lulamoon.

In general, the images appear to be professionally shot. Rather than being private photos, they appear to be in studios and in many cases on purpose built sets.

Uncensored copies of these photographs are featured on the following pages.

In one photo, Lulamoon is on a set designed to look like a stage at an FDP rally and wearing her recognisable blue suit. She is standing at a campaign podium, flashing her genitals to where an audience would be.

Another one of these photos features Lulamoon’s erect penis in front of a graph alleging rising favorability numbers for Lulamoon and the FDP. The intent behind the image appears to suggest her penis is rising with her poll numbers.

A particularly egregious image shows what appears to be a rear-view of Lulamoon, erect genitals on display, speaking before an audience at an FDP rally. A shroud of magic envelops her penis, suggesting she is being stimulated. The podium conceals the lewd elements to the audience. It is not known whether the audience was edited in.

The purpose of these photographs is unclear. Does she sell them? Are they for her private use? Is she a narcissist, aroused by her own image? The professional appearance of the images would suggest a significant financial investment to their creation.

We reached out to Trixie Lulamoon’s team for comment. She gave a single word response: “Jealous?”

We now dedicate the rest of tonight’s issue to an 60-page essay written by our editor-in-chief about how Lulamoon is singlehoofedly dismantling all moral standards and corrupting the youth in all facets of society and is at the root of all our problems. Yes we’re even going to diss her in the sports section AND on Page 3. ESPECIALLY PAGE 3.

“As you can imagine,” Moonatik chuckles, “this did more harm to the tabloid than it did to Trixie.”

“Ignoring the fact that this was illegal even under the laws made by the party that this tabloid supported.” He taps on the newspaper cover to punctuate. “It was mostly just viewed as poor taste.”

“Weirdly enough, nobody knew where the photos actually came from. The Moon tabloid just said they got them in the mail. A police investigation was launched into uncovering who leaked the photo, but it turned out that the Moon’s story added up. They just got their hooves on them, somehow.”

“One theory that did the rounds at the time is that Trixie sent the photos herself.” Moonatik chuckles. “Yeah, I’m serious. Ponies called it ‘four-dimensional smearing’, smear your opponent by tricking them into smearing you in a distasteful way.” He shrugs. “That or Trixie just wanted everyone to see her balls, I dunno.”

“Regardless, the campaign had to continue.” Moonatik loads a fresh tape into the tape player.

Abridged transcript of Radio Nox Canterlot’s interview with Trixie Lulamoon. (29/04/1009)

Light Narrative: Good evening, good evening, and welcome everypony to Radio Nox Canterlot! In your houses, in your stables, in your caves, in your workplaces, and in your towers! Tonight we’re having an exclusive interview with the leader of the Free Democratic Party, Trixie Lulamoon.

Trixie Lulamoon: Delighted to be here, Light.

LN: I see you’ve brought your wife into the studio, too.

T: …

Starlight Glimmer: … Oh! Don’t mind me! Eheh…

T: … She’s just here for my personal benefit. Don’t mind her.

LN: Ooookay then. Let’s jump straight into it. A major theme of your campaign has been freedom. It’s right there in your party’s name.

T: That it is.

LN: In your manifesto you’ve pledged a full abolition of all restrictions on a pony’s ability to speak freely, aside from direct threats of violence and speech that incites chaos. Could you elaborate on that?

T: The exemptions are direct and actionable threats, like saying you’re going to hurt somepony. Inciting chaos is like shouting “bomb” in a crowded theatre.

LN: What about hate speech?

T: What about hate speech?

LN: Currently public speech that incites hatred against ponies for personal characteristics is illegal. Are you saying you’d legalise it?

T: Yes, I would.

LN: Really? Do you really want bigots to have a licence to run around spreading hatred against thestrals like me?

T: Of course not! But that’s not the government’s job to enforce, it’s the job of communities to decide what they find unacceptable. Personally, I would never associate with a bigot, and that’s alone to keep them from spreading hatred in my company. I predict that if all laws restricting free speech were abolished, we’d see no discernable rise in bigoted speech. It’s become socially unacceptable.

LN: You wouldn’t suggest that the government’s campaign against hate speech has led to the social unacceptability of hate speech?

T: Psh. Even if I granted that, you and I both know that the laws restricting speech go well beyond hate speech.

LN: Elaborate on that.

T: Light. Say something bad about Empress Nightmare Moon.

LN: Hmph. You know I have my criticisms of the government-

T: Not the government, The Empress. The big mare. Who sits on a throne.

LN: I don’t really have anything bad to say.

T: Make something up. Anything.

LN: Well, you know that’s against broadcasting guidelines.

T: And that’s my point. If you’re speaking in public, you have to silence yourself if you believe something outside what the government says is acceptable. AND FOR THE RECORD TRIXIE IS NOTHING BUT LOYAL TO THE GREAT AND RIGHTFUL EMPRESS OF EQUESTRIA AND I HAVE NOTHING BUT KIND WORDS FOR HER.

LN: Please don’t yell into the microphone, Trixie.

T: OH. Aha, my apologies … Either way, it’s about the prrrinciple that the government should not control or limit speech.

LN: And that includes hate speech?

T: Yes! Trixie does not shake from her principles!

LN: Okay, let’s move on.

…

LN: Let’s go back to the question around freedom.

T: Oh, gladly.

LN: Your goals to exent freedom, as laid out in your manifesto, go beyond the political space. They include the economic space, too. What do you mean?

T: Generally, it means being free to earn what you can and to keep what you earn.

LN: And you mean to do this by limiting regulation and restricting workers’ rights, including abolishing the minimum wage?

T: We’re not abolishing the minimum wage, you know better than that.

LN: Yes, but you are making it voluntary as to whether a business can opt in. You might say that would give the business owner more options, but many would argue, including myself, that expanding freedom for the business owner means limiting freedom for the individual employee.

T: The point of these policies is to ensure that more ponies can start businesses of their own by tearing down all the institutional barriers!

LN: Okay, but even if you doubled the number of ponies who own business, the vast majority of working ponies would still be regular employees. That still means that most Equestrians would be less free at work.

T: They will be free to seek whatever opportunities they wish, unconstrained by burdensome government regulation.

LN: And what would this look like for unions?

T: Unions are freely participating economic actors too, aren’t they? We’d do nothing to limit their activities. In fact, there are more limits on the freedom for unions to act now than there would be under Trixie’s government.

LN: But also in your manifesto you pledge to change employment relations so all workers work “at the will” of the employer. So without an express contract, agreement or policy that says otherwise, an employee may be hired or fired for almost any reason, or heck, no reason at all. Such as attempting to unionize a workplace.

T: Light. We want employers, job creators, to be free to pick who they associate with. Nobody wants to be stuck with employees that aren’t doing the work they’re paid to do.

LN: And nobody wants to work for a company that might abuse them.

T: Well, you see, under our plans workers will be free to seek new opportunities, shift career paths, and find roles that suit them better without government obligations.

LN: So they’re free to lose their job quicker?

T: No, not like that! It’s… The key issue, you see, is the government is stepping on the personal freedoms of businessponies and working ponies-

LN: I don’t think that’s how most workers see it. But let's move on, I have other questions about the economy.

…

LN: Now, Trixie, I’m sure you’ve seen what was recently published in The Moon.

T: (laugh) That I have.

LN: I and many others have called on The Moon to apologise, admit wrongdoing, and retract. But you don’t seem bothered.

T: Why would I be? I learned nothing new from this.

LN: You’re not bothered that private photos have been leaked?

T: I knew they’d stoop to this at some point! Ever since I got into this fight, they’ve been smearing me, harassing me, intimidating me, all to try and get me to stop. They’re even willing to break their own laws to smear me. They’ve done this before and they’ll do it again.

LN: Is that so?

T: Every time I pick up the phone I hear a click on the other end. They’ve been spying on me and my wife for years.

LN: And that doesn’t scare you?

T: Light. Before the year 1000, you worked day in and day out to spread word about the plight of thestrals across Equestria. You were harassed, you were degraded, you were called a radical. Did this ever give you pause?

LN: Pft. Hell no.

T: Exactly! Because you knew you were doing something right! This? This doesn’t give Trixie pause. If they’re this afraid of Trixie, if they’re this desperate to keep her out of office, then Trixie knows she’s doing something right!

LN: …Final question. Why do you refer to yourself in the third person?

T: (laugh) Because Trixie likes to do it! Ponies like it when Trixie does it!

LN: I certainly find it amusing. Well, I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got time for, Trixie. Thanks for coming on.

T: Anytime, Light!

LN: Tomorrow night, I’ll be speaking to the Prime Minister, Saffron Dusk. We're starting off the musical section of tonight's show with a song chosen by Trixie herself. Vylet Lulamoon's newest single, "Couldn’t Care Less"… Hold on, are you two related?

“Thing is, Saffron Dusk…” Moonatik shrugs with his hooves and wings. “...didn’t show up!”

“So instead of Saffron Dusk, they sent out a much younger, and hopefully much more presentable politician to represent the NEP.” A pause for emphasis. “A largely unknown technocrat named Moondancer.”

Abridged transcript of Radio Nox Canterlot’s interview with Trixie Lulamoon. (29/04/1009)

Light Narrative: Good evening everypony to Radio Nox Canterlot. Tonight, I am here with the Minister for Transportation, Moondancer.

Moondancer: Thank you for having me, Mister Narrative.

LN: Just Light is fine. Now, Miss Dancer?

M: Moondancer.

LN: Miss Moondancer. The question on the tip of my tongue, and I’m certain every listener’s tongue, is: Where in the heck is my scheduled and advertised guest, Saffron Dusk?

M: The Prime Minister wishes he could be here to express his apologies personally both to you and your listeners, but a matter of significant national importance requires his full and immediate attention to ensure the welfare of Equestria. The details are confidential for the sake of our collective safety and I know that both you and his listeners will understand.

LN: Okay, erm, that was a whole lot. Should this worry us?

MN: No. The matter is being taken care of.

LN: Alright then. To continue from that point, there’s been a whole lot said about Saffron Dusk’s age in this campaign, a lot of voters dont think he’s the same stallion he once was. Can you give us some assurance that he’s capable of running the country for another five years?

M: Knowing him professionally I can attest to his health. He is covering well from his cold and is more than capable of serving five more years. The Prime Minister takes regular health checkups at the Imperial Castle’s hospital complex. Just last week he went for a checkup with his doctor, Dr. Solemn Vow, who reported with confidence that Prime Minister Saffron Dusk remains a healthy, vigourous, 72-year-old stallion, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Prime Minister of Equestria.

LN: What were the doctor’s exact words?

M: Those were the doctor’s exact words.

LN: And you committed them to memory?

M: Yes.

LN: Okay, moving on.

…

LN: One criticism levied at the NEP by the FDP has been the overbearing nature of your public health restrictions.

M: Our public health efforts have been tremendously effective at improving the general health of Equestrians. The basis of our measures has been in taking effective practices that have been utilised in predominantly thestral communities for decades and implementing them nationwide. For an example of their effectiveness, take the seasonal flu. Since 1004 flu positivity rates have decreased by 43%, with high-risk areas experiencing reductions of up to 58%. Hospital admissions related to preventable conditions have declined by 37%, directly correlating with an 18% decrease in overall healthcare expenditures per capita. Work nights lost to illness have fallen by 34% in the same period. 92% of the population are fully vaccinated against the most common diseases, resulting in a 65% decrease in disease prevalence and a 74% reduction in associated mortality rates. Compliance with hygiene guidelines has also contributed to a 51% reduction in seasonal flu cases and a 62% reduction in respiratory-related hospital visits.

LN: Uh, alright. That’s a lot of numbers.

M: In 999 exactly 161,471,244 work days were lost due to sickness. In 1008 that number was 98,122,343. These are all publicly available numbers published by the Ministry of Health.

LN: Wow.

M: Since the beginning of the Public Transit Cleanliness initiative to keep public spaces clean in 1004 we’ve seen tremendous progress. When the programme launched only 42% of buses and trains met our standards for hygiene and cleanliness. As of the last assessment conducted in February of this year, that number was 92%. Keep in mind that the standard has been raised since 1004.

LN: Okay okay, but the point of asking about all this wasn’t whether the policies were working or not. It’s about whether they sacrifice too much individual freedom for the sake of an ever increasing standard.

M: Equestrians understand the importance of these measures and they support them. A poll conducted by the University of Cloudsdale for the Canterlot Post found that a majority of respondents support measures intended to keep public spaces clean and limit the spread of disease. Similar results have been reported by a number of different researchers.

LN: So your response is just… People agree with you?

M: Yes. The data demonstrates the effectiveness of the policies and that the public supports them.

LN: …Okay then. What about specific policies, such as jail time for eating on public transport?

M: That is not the official policy of the government, it is just that several judges have seen fit to sentence repeat offenders to jail time when fines and corporal punishment repeatedly fails to deter them. Available data suggests that ponies broadly find the act repulsive. Cases of eating on public transport have fallen dramatically over the course of the Public Transit Cleanliness initiative. The fall in cases comes as a result of our efforts. Simply all ponies will need to do to avoid the ire of the law is to behave in public, and the public knows this.

LN: Any polls on that?

M: A poll conducted by researchers at Gallop found that a majority of the representative sample surveyed said they would be repulsed or made uncomfortable if seated next to someone who was eating.

LN: No no, not on what people think of the act, what people think of the ban.

M: A poll on the support for this policy has yet to be conducted.

LN: So you don’t actually know?

M: The public response and overall polling allows us to make inferences regarding specific actions.

…

LN: I think that’s just about all we have time for. Anything else you’d like to say?

M: Elaborate.

LN: About yourself?

M: Why do you ask?

LN: I feel like all you’ve done is just repeat numbers rather than tell me anything about who Moondancer is.

M: I am a public servant and I am speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Saffron Dusk. That’s what matters.

LN: Okay, well. I do want to get to know you. Do you have any favourite books?

M: I’ve been reading Leyline Dynamics and Mana Geometrics by Quasar Spark and An Introduction to Oneriomancy by Runeward over the last few weeks. Most of my time has been focused on ministerial work and election campaigning.

LN: I meant more like, fiction. Novels.

M: No, no favourite novels.

LN: Okay, any phobias you have? Or had as a foal?

M: Not that I can recall.

LN: Hm. You mentioned oneriomancy. What did you dream about last night?

M: I don’t really dream. I just go to bed at 11 and wake up at 6.

LN: Oookay then! I think that’s all the time we have. Back to music. Saffron Dusk asked to play Queen’s “March of the Black Queen”, so that’s what we’re putting on.

“Hold on-” Moonatik takes the tape out. “Don’t know where copyright sharks could be lurking, gotta put that away.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“Don’t ‘that’s not how copyright ID works’ me,” Moonatik crosses his legs. “My paranoid ramblings are very well justified, you’ll find.”

“Anyway, we’re getting to the end of the campaign.” He loads another tape into the player. “Here’s a little snippet of election day itself, for your listening pleasure. Okay yeah I know it’s reading just try to immerse yourself.”

Transcript of an IBC Radio broadcast interviewing voters on election night. (03/05/1009)

Presenter: Election night has come. I’m in front of a polling station in the Crystal City where enthusiasm seems to be higher than ever. In all my years of covering elections both before and after 1001, I’ve never seen anything like it. Ponies are queued up and down the street at this polling place, and for good reason. This is one of the most competitive constituencies in the country, considered a must-win for the FDP if it wishes to deny the NEP a majority. We’re going to the ponies in the queue now. You there! How are you voting?

Voter 1: FDP! We’re all FDP here, aren’t we!

(Voters in line begin to cheer)

Voter 2: My whole family’s voting FDP!

Presenter: For those listening, that was a good few voters cheering for the FDP there.

Voter 1: What?

Voter 2: More than a good few!

Presenter: Okay, why are you voting FDP?

Voter 3: We want the NEP out!

Presenter: Are you particularly enthusiastic about any of the FDP’s policies?

Voter 1: I like Trixie!

Presenter: Alright, but what about her policy agenda?

Unknown voter: Her agenda says “fuck Nightmare Moon”!

(Voters in line cheer)

Presenter: Woah, woah! Probably not best to have uh- profanity on the air! Here, there’s a pony over there. Excuse me! Hi, we’re with IBC Radio, have you voted tonight?

Bystander 1: This is live?

Presenter: Yes.

Bystander 1: Perfect.

Presenter: Hey, that’s our mic!

Bystander 1: This goes out to the lunatics, the traitors, the defilers, and all the feckless cowards who sat by and did nothing. You’ve fucked this place. Equestria has been killed and a grotesque facade of what it once was is being built on its corpse. The day, that’s right, the DAY of reckoning will come. The sun will rise again and holy fire will cleanse the earth of your degenerate-

Presenter: Gimme the micro- Okay, enough of that!

Bystander 1: Hey, I wasn’t-

Presenter: Let’s uh, let’s make our way to the front of the line. Maybe we’ll meet somepony normal. Just as many ponies are leaving the polling station as there are entering. Here, here, let’s go to that mare coming out. Excuse me!

Voter 4: Hm?

Presenter: Hello ma’am, did you just vote?

Voter 4: Yeah, I did.

Presenter: Who for?

Voter 4: New Equestria Party.

Presenter: Why’s that?

Voter 4: They’ve done a good job, I think.

Presenter: In what way?

Voter 4: This is for radio, right? Okay, you can’t see me but I’m a crystal pony, so, they’ve done a lot for me. I owe my very life and autonomy to Nightmare Moon, and the NEP.

Presenter: There’s someone else here too. You, how’d you vote?

Voter 5: Same as her, NEP. Honestly, I was probably going to sit this one out. I voted in the last one, NEP.

Presenter: What do you like about the NEP?

Voter 5: Again, I’m a crystal pony, everyone I knew was voting NEP, so I did too.

Presenter: You said you were gonna sit this one out, why’d you change your mind?

Voter 5: It’s Trixie. She’s a bald faced liar and an idiot. She’s got an ego the size of Mount Everhoof. Can’t have her trashing everything.

Voter 4: Plus, just look around. Ponies from other parts of Equestria are coming to live here and they’re all voting FDP. Half the people who live in this neighbourhood are from other parts of the country.

Presenter: So Trixie motivated you to vote against her?

Voter 5: Yeah, more or less.

Presenter: Okay, nice to talk. Someone else is coming out. Excuse me, who did you just vote for?

Voter 6: Trixie’s party, mate.

Presenter: You mean the FDP? Why’d you support them?

Voter 6: It’s Trixie. Something about her appeals to me.

Presenter: So Trixie motivated you to vote for her? What about her appeals to you?

Voter 6: So, you know what was published in The Moon a couple weeks ago?

Presenter: Woah! That’s enough of that! Let’s talk to someone else … Here’s someone. Hello sir, how are you? What’s your name?

Bystander 2: I am Chudpone.

Presenter: Okay Chudpone, who did you vote for?

Bystander 2: Nobody.

Presenter: You didn’t vote?

Bystander 2: No.

Presenter: Why not? This election could fundamentally shake up Equestrian politics-

Bystander 2: It won’t.

Presenter: But, polls show-

Bystander 2: Nothing EVER happens.

“Oh, Chudpone. If only we listened to you.”

“But election night! The tension! The waiting!” Moonatik leans close. “And what happened??”

“The NEP wins!!” Moonatik flails his legs in the air. “Oh my god, who could’ve seen this coming!”

The Moon tabloid newspaper report on the 1009 parliamentary election results (04/05/1009)

The New Equestria Party has achieved its third victory in a row in Frinight’s election, the largest election conducted in Equestrian history. The NEP won with 62.73% of the votes and 239 of the 400 parliamentary seats.

While reduced, the NEP has maintained its majority and Saffron Dusk will remain Prime Minister.

“This result shows that the Equestrian public still trusts the NEP to carry out the task of governance,” said Saffron Dusk. “But it's clear that there are those who have their issues with us, and it’s our duty as the party of all Equestrian’s to listen and deliver.”

Saffron Dusk also congratulated his rivals in the FDP on the gains they made, saying he looks forward to facing them in Parliament. “You put up a worthy fight,” he added.

So far, FDP leader Trixie Lulamoon has signaled no intent to resign despite losing the election. At a party event following the election she conceded the overall result, nestled within a broader speech celebrating her party’s gains.

Turnout saw another increase over the previous election, with over thirty-one million ponies turning out to vote.

A series of notable independents have won seats, including independent incumbents and newcomers.

Standing as independents, Starry Glory and Marching Midnight narrowly retained their seats. Both were ejected from the NEP following a scandal in April.

Overall, no party has launched a formal challenge against the results, and all have accepted the outcome as fair and legitimate.

The final figures were provided by the Central Election Commission, and are included below:

• New Equestria Party, 239 seats - 13,883,072 (44.31%)
• Free Democratic Party, 125 seats - 12,911,789 (41.21%)
• Working Ponies Party, 19 seats - 2,804,186 (8.95%)
• Equestrian Values Coalition, 10 seats - 1,256,400 (4.01%)
• Independent/Other, 7 seats - 476,241 (1.52%)

All in all, Equestria looks forward to another five years of stable governance, under the leadership of Prime Minister Saffron Dusk.

“But that can’t be it, you think,” says Moonatik. “All that, and we’re just back to who we were with before?”

“Yeah you’re right lol.”

The Moon tabloid report on the resignation of Saffron Dusk. (17/09/1009)

Saffron Dusk to Resign as Prime Minister

Just 4 months after a historic third election win, Prime Minister Saffron Dusk has announced his resignation. After 8 years as Prime Minister and the MP for West Ayacacthli, and nearly 9 as leader of the NEP, he is retiring.

He returned to his political roots in the southeast to announce the resignation, speaking at a gathering of Southeastern Moonspeaker Conclave members in Ayacachtli.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to lead this country, this party, and this movement,” he said. “Under the graceful rule of our Empress, we have the highest living standards in the world. We command the mightiest military known to history. We have uplifted millions from poverty. We mended multiple thousand-year-long injustices, not least of which the plight of the thestrals. We protected our nation from threats both within and without. Equestria has never been greater than it is tonight.”

“While it has been my intention to serve another term in office, I gotta tell you the truth. I’m getting a little old for this,” he said. “It’s time for a new generation of proud, young patriots to take up the mantle of leadership.”

The Prime Minister is an expecting great-grandfather too, which he mentioned in his speech. He added that he’d like to spend time with the youngest members of his large family.

He finished his speech by thanking the Equestrian public for their support and trust.

An audience member, a member of Dusk’s congregation from his time as a Moonspeaker, asked Saffron Dusk as to what his plans are post-premiership. The Prime Minister responded, “Lay on a beach somewhere with my grandfoals, probably!” to the amusement of those gathered.

Warmaster Selenite paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister. “Equestria’s first thestral Prime Minister was exactly the steady, capable, principled hoof that Equestria’s civilian government needed,” she said. “He oversaw the emancipation and integration of not one, but two pony tribes into the Equestrian nation. While the military won the wars, he won the following peace.”

Empress Nightmare Moon said of the Prime Minister, “It was a pleasure to have someone so devoted and so loyal at the helm of my government. I wish him well in his retirement.”

Saffron Dusk has so far not endorsed a potential successor, saying he will spend his final weeks helping to form a consensus amongst party members regarding who should take over leadership.

Several names have been floated as possible replacements. The party centre is speaking fondly of Minister of Transportation Moondancer. Leftist figures in the party have laid praise at the prospect of either Minister of Health and Social Care Nectarine or Minister of Labour Ruby Solstice. Party Hardliners have voiced support for Minister of the Interior Umbra Shade.

Ultimately, the mandate for governance is the hooves of the NEP, and it will be up to the Central Executive Committee to decide on a new leader. The final decision of the appointment for Prime Minister rests with Empress Nightmare Moon, who is expected to pick whoever leads the NEP.

Prospective candidates are expected to not publicly campaign, as the NEP intends to maintain its status as a unified party.

The Central Executive Committee is composed of twenty-four members, ten of whom are elected by party members with the remaining fourteen representing interests from all across society, including labour, faith, veterans, and others.

Equestria awaits their decision with bated breath.

“This begun the second campaign of 1009, the one fought in the shadows.” Moonatik rubs his hooves together. “Naturally, not a lot was seen by the regular pony just reading the news, so you sort of just had to read between the lines of what little information was put out there. Good luck!”

Manehattan Times report on Moondancer’s successes in government. (19/09/1009)

The Trans-Tzinacatlian Rail Network Officially Completed!

After several years of work, the Trans-Tzinacatlian Rail Network has achieved full completion, with regular services expected to begin within the week. The remotest regions of the south-eastern jungle province are now fully connected to the rest of Equestria.

While Equestria’s extensive rail network has received international renown for connecting everything from the largest urban centres to the smallest rural settlements, Tzinacatlia has long been deprived of the connectivity that other regions of Equestria had received.

The new network will carry both passengers and freight to, from, and across the region, greatly increasing the economic opportunity for the ponies of the region.

The project began in 1003 and has proceeded well within budget and ahead of schedule. Much effort was made to seek the consent and agreement of native tribes, who broadly understood the benefits that a rail network would bring. Many have thanked Minister of Transportation Moondancer for guiding the project to a successful completion.

The centrepiece of the project is the Ayacacthli Central Terminal, which opened tonight in a ceremony attended by Empress Nightmare Moon, outgoing Prime Minister Saffron Dusk, and Minister of Transporation Moondancer. The Terminal will have regular services connecting all regions of Tzinacatlia while having lines connecting to all of Equestria’s major cities.

In a speech, Prime Minister Saffron Dusk laid much praise at Moondancer for the speedy completion of the project. Following from Dusk, Moondancer made clear her gratitude for the hard-working ponies who constructed the network and for the patient cooperation of locals in the years-long process.

While Empress Nightmare Moon did not speak at the event, she cut the ribbon opening Ayacacthli Central Terminal with a sharp blast of magic from her horn.

Many in attendance noted the Empress’s attire. Rather than her armour, she wore a business suit. Those present interpreted the dress as a sign of respect towards the organisers of the project itself: Sensible, competent, and professional ponies dedicated to a progressive and orderly society.

The Moon tabloid report on Nightmare Moon’s attitude to Umbra Shade. (20/09/1009)

Empress Nightmare Moon Makes Surprise Appearance at NEP Rally!

During a scheduled speech by Minister of the Interior Umbra Shade, Nightmare Moon literally came out of the sky and onto the stage, to the elation of the audience.

Immediately, Umbra Shade ended his scheduled speech and ceded centre stage to the Empress.

Fully kitted out in her iconic silver armour, the Empress launched into a passionate speech regarding the strength of her soldiers, the achievements of her Empire, and laid heavy praise upon Umbra Shade.

“Before you stands a stallion of indomitable commitment to a strong and secure Empire!” declared the Empress. “Terrorists everywhere tremble at the mere mention of his name!”

The cheers of the audience were so loud, that the Empress’s voice may have been the only sound in Equestria capable of rising above them.

“To all those amongst you who are grateful to live without fear of terror or violence, you have Umbra Shade to thank!” she continued.

Prior to the Empress’s arrival, Umbra Shade was speaking about how Equestrian security could be strengthened in the face of evolving terrorist threats. He said that Equestria could learn from Chiropterra and spoke fondly of the “Nova Severyanian model”, referring to the security policies of the Chiropterran region.

During the election campaign earlier this year he said that other political parties in Equestria including the Free Democratic Party, the Working Ponies’ Party, and the Economic Democracy Party were being examined as “potentially criminal organisations”. He outright stated that Equestria would be better off without most if not all opposition parties.

The event occurred in the context of the succession question around outgoing Prime Minister Saffron Dusk. Umbra Shade has been floated as a potential successor. It is yet to be known whether Empress Nightmare Moon’s appearance should be interpreted as an endorsement of Umbra Shade. Ultimately, the appointment of a Prime Minister is her decision.

Manehattan Times report on NEP leftists backing Moondancer. (22/09/1009)

Nectarine and Ruby Solstice Favour Moondancer for Prime Minister

Nights of speculation regarding the position of left-wing New Equestria Party politicians has come to an end tonight, as Minister of Health and Social Care Nectarine and Minister of Labour Ruby Solstice have released a statement saying Minister for Transportation Moondancer would make an excellent Prime Minister.

In a statement to the media signed by both ministers, they praised Moondancer’s successes in government and of her commitment to their priorities.

“She’s pursued a cooperative relationship with railworkers, be they train drivers, station staff, maintenance workers, or construction personnel,” said part of the statement. “She’s repeatedly proven to be an ally of the Equestrian worker.”

A later point of the statement praised her commitment to strengthening public health and hygiene measures, policies which were spearheaded by Health Minister Nectarine.

While the pair stopped short of explicitly endorsing her for the post of Prime Minister, it was heavily implied that the Minister for Transportation is their favoured candidate. Nothing was said about any of the other candidates in the race.

Many expected either Nectarine or Ruby Solstice to make a bid for the role themselves, but that speculation was put to rest tonight.

The announcement follows the party’s Central Executive Committee unanimously adopting a resolution titled “No Place For Marksism”, affirming the party’s staunch opposition to radical socialist and communist politics. The party’s disciplinary body has been granted expanded guidelines to root out Marksist and Marksist-adjacent tendencies within the party.

The two politicians also recently introduced a bill to parliament expanding protections and rights for workers. The expansion includes a requirement for employers to pay employees 1.5x their standard rate for any hours worked over 40 hours per week. The party has affirmed that it backs the bill, and it is expected to pass parliament.

Manehattan Times report on rallying support around Umbra Shade. (23/09/1009)

Moonspeaker Maximus “Admires” Umbra Shade

Lunar Hail, the Moonspeaker Maximus of the Lunar Empire, last night made favourable statements towards Minister of the Interior Umbra Shade during a public sermon.

“His dedication to his faith is exceptional. Above and beyond perhaps all members of the Equestrian government,” she said in her sermon during a portion dedicated to exceptional followers of the faith. “He embodies all the values a good Lunarist should.”

She did not explicitly endorse Umbra Shade over other potential successors, but did say she expected a government under him to be successful. “A government of Umbra Shade would be a government of faith.”

The Moonspeaker Maximus has had a history with Umbra Shade. Before Umbra Shade was appointed to government, he spent several months per year in Chiropterra studying Lunarist theology under the auspices of the Moonspeaker Maximus. Many times in public speeches and in parliament he has favoured a distinctly Chiropterran interpretation of Lunarist theology. He has frequently supported teaching this interpretation in schools and mandating public officials and employees to follow it.

The statements come in the context of the succession question around Saffron Dusk. Many expected the NEP’s Central Executive Committee to have come to a decision by now, but the process has gone on. Currently, the only two names seriously in the running are Moondancer and Umbra Shade.

Umbra Shade has been appearing in public alongside Empress Nightmare Moon herself quite frequently as of late. Other important officials within faith and veterans organisations have appeared with him as well, possibly signalling support for his Prime Ministerial bid.

According to sources close to the Minister, Umbra Shade was recently offered a position within the Imperial Ministry for International Affairs but turned it down. Allegedly, he is squarely focused on internal Equestrian politics.

Earlier this week, a bill was presented to Parliament by an NEP MP which would limit foreign interference in Equestrian politics if passed. However, as the bill targets “influences beyond the legal borders of Equestria”, many have warned it risks limiting political cooperation between nations of the Empire such as Chiropterra and New Mareland. So far, it has not passed.

“By this point, everyone expected that a new PM would’ve been chosen, but with all the politicking going on it was taking longer than expected,” Moonatik says. “Many were worrying that if it went on for too much longer, the NEP’s divisions would explode and rip the ruling party to shreds.”

“Just so it’s abundantly clear, Nightmare Moon herself took a very strong liking to Umbra Shade and it is ultimately her choice as to who gets the top job. So, it’s got to be Umbra Shade, right?”

“WELL.”

The Moon tabloid report on the murder of Umbra Shade (29/09/1009)

MINISTER MURDERED - MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR UMBRA SHADE KILLED BY SOLARIST TERRORIST

Shock and grief has gripped Equestria as Umbra Shade, Minister of the Interior, has been found dead by State Security Directorate investigators. A preliminary autopsy suggests that Shade had been dead for at least 72 hours upon discovery of the body.

Umbra Shade was 37 years old, and was praised across the country for his work as a minister. He is the first Equestrian sitting government minister to be killed in office in over a hundred years.

Three nights ago Umbra Shade went missing, having last been seen in his personal residence in western Severyana, prompting a nationwide ponyhunt. Many assumed he was simply taking an unannounced vacation, as he has been known to do.

However, late last night, his body was discovered by SSD investigators accompanied by Night Guard personnel. He was found buried in a shallow grave next to a campsite on the edge of a forest in eastern Crystalia. Stab wounds consistent with those left by hoof blades were found all over his body.

The campsite was occupied by a thestral mare named Wintergleam. Upon discovery of the body, she confessed to the crimes of breaking into Umbra Shade’s home, then kidnapping, murdering, and burying him. She was arrested and is currently being held in SSD custody.

All available evidence demonstrates that the murderer was motivated by radical Solarist beliefs.

As Umbra Shade’s death occurred over 72 hours ago, it is all but impossible that he can be revived using all magical means known to creaturekind. All experts on the topic of healing and resurrection magic believe that the window for such has tragically expired.

Already, a funeral for Umbra Shade is being planned. Moonspeaker Maximus Lunar Hail is expected to lead the proceedings.

Many anticipated that the minister had ambitions of becoming Equestria’s next Prime Minister in the wake of Saffron Dusk’s resignation.

It is likely that a new permanent Minister of the Interior will be selected within the night.

THE MOON editorial team personally sends its condolences to Umbra Shade’s husband and four foals, and we all hope that swift justice will be enacted on the murderer.

Profile of a Killer

SSD officials have released various personal details regarding the killer, Wintergleam.

The 26-year-old thestral mare resided in the Crystal City and has worked as an archeologist in the southeast. Officials report that she refuses to be referred to as a “thestral”, insisting she be referred to by the less-used term “sarosian”.

Available information suggests these beliefs developed upon coming into contact with radical Solarist propaganda in the southeast.

Currently, no evidence suggesting she had any accomplices to the crime has been uncovered. The working theory is that she acted alone.

On election night earlier this year, she hijacked a street interview radio broadcast to threaten listeners about an incoming “day of reckoning”.

According to what details have been released, she believes herself to be a lone soldier fighting for a “Solar Empire”. The “Solar Empire” is a fantastical concept imagined by many Celestial terrorist groups, viewing Celestia as a divine force of fiery vengeance.

Upon arrest, she was dressed in a custom designed military-style uniform for this “Solar Empire”. Officials noted that the camp by which the body was buried had a pseudo-military layout, flying a hoof sewn flag representing the same imagined state.

A diary was found in her home revealing the extent of her radicalisation, where she wrote at length about her desire for revenge against Lunarists everywhere. More on her fantasy about being a “Solarist sarosian soldier” is mentioned throughout the diary.

Friends and associates of the killer are likely to be questioned by SSD officials regarding their knowledge of her crime. So far, only shock and horror has been reported from those close to her.

It is expected that the punishment for the killer’s crime will be indefinite petrification, in line with the sentences passed down upon other murderous terrorists.

Investigators hard at work

Responsibility for the investigation has been taken out of the hooves of local police, Equestrian Bureau for Investigation, and Night Guard officials and placed solely under the jurisdiction of the State Security Directorate. This is due to the politically sensitive nature of the crime.

A spokespony from the State Security Directorate issued a statement to the press about the crime. “We will be the first to admit that this represents an unacceptable failure of Equestria’s national security services. Already an investigation is being done into how this could’ve happened in the first place.”

“If there is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy, it is to be wary of extremism from all directions,” they added.

The statement also cautioned against conspiracy theorizing or rumour mongering regarding the crime and asking the public to heed the word of the investigators.

“Our very best investigators have worked tirelessly to solve this horrific crime,” the spokespony said. “We have a suspect, a motive, and a confession. Justice will be served. The last thing Equestria needs in this sensitive time is the spread of misinformation or conspiracy theories.”

“OH WELL.” Moonatik stares directly at you as he exclaims the two words.

“I mean, seriously, what a disaster for the national security state, right?” Moonatik wiggles his eyebrows. “Makes you wonder how it could’ve happened in the first place, hm?”

“Needless to say, the list of candidates was narrowed down to one.”

Manehattan Times report on the appointment of Moondancer as Prime Minister (02/10/1009)

Equestria’s New Prime Minister, Moondancer

Moondancer has been appointed leader of the New Equestria Party and will become Prime Minister tonight.

Elected with the unanimous support of the party’s Central Executive Committee, Moondancer now leads the New Equestria Party and will receive the Empress’s blessing to form a government. She is widely expected to secure the confidence of Parliament.

She comes into the role following the resignation of Prime Minister Saffron Dusk, who stepped aside for personal reasons regarding his age.

Her rapid ascent to the premiership is the culmination of her years in public service. The 27-year-old Canterlonian was recognised for her talent from a young age, educated at Canterlot’s School For Gifted Unicorns and quickly being recruited into administrative roles within the Ministry of Transportation in 1001.

Such was her talent in the eyes of her peers, she was rapidly promoted through the Ministry until being appointed Minister of Transportation in 1005 without holding a seat in Parliament. She became an MP in a 1006 by-election, replacing the retiring NEP MP for Unicorn Peaks.

As Minister of Transportation she oversaw a wide reaching expansion of Equestria’s rail network, most notably in the southeast, and placed a special emphasis on improving the cleanliness and hygiene of public transport

The attitude amongst NEP politicians has been warm. “She has my confidence and the confidence of the country,” said outgoing Prime Minister Saffron Dusk. “I couldn’t think of anypony better.”

Impromptu street interviews regarding her appointment were conducted by IBC Radio. One interviewee, a self-described ‘Lulamoonatic’, said, “A boring bureaucrat for a boring agenda. A nation of nothing gets a face of nothing. What else did you expect from the Nothing Equestria Party?”

Amongst NEP supporters and members, the feeling was more positive. “I’m happy with her,” said an NEP supporter. “It’s a young new face for the party. And yeah, she’s a lot like Dusk on policy, but I voted for Dusk’s policies. On that front, no change is welcome change.”

However, the mood in the country more broadly was summarised by a resident of Crystal City referring to himself as Chudpone. “See? What did I say? Nothing. Ever. Happens.”

In a brief statement to the media Moondancer thanked the CEC and committed to getting to work as Prime Minister. “I thank the Central Executive Committee for placing their trust in me. There's a lot of work to be done, and I need to get started.”

Aside from Moondancer herself, a wide-reaching cabinet reshuffle is not anticipated. In most political matters, Moondancer has been aligned with Saffron Dusk and his government’s policies.

While many anticipated a wide-reaching shakeup of government both during the election and as a result of Dusk’s resignation, this has not materialised. The message more broadly is stability and consistency.

Later tonight, Prime Minister Saffron Dusk will formally deliver his resignation to Empress Nightmare Moon and Moondancer will be appointed in his place.

“And that’s that! How, over the course of a few months in 1009, the NEP held onto power and experienced its own internal shakeup,” Moonatik dusts his hooves off. “The biggest change, no change. If anything, it just showed the lengths that the Lunarist centre and the like were willing to go to just to keep onto power.”

“However, that Moondancer hasn’t been tested herself at the ballot box, and Equestria’s gonna have another election at some point. There’s also the anti-NEP vote consolidating behind Trixie and her party, so, something a little more substantive may be just around the corner.”