Republic Now!, an anti-monarchy political party founded only in 2021 has won the most seats in the snap election held this month in Zongongia. The election, which was held following escalating anti-government riots, was held only one year after the previous election, in which major parties lost seats but decided to form a grand coalition. Now, none of the established parties top the leaderboard – and Zongongia’s future government is very much uncertain.
With 450 seats, the Zongongian government needs 266 to form a majority. Following these results, any coalition would need a minimum of four parties to gain control. Republic Now! has already ruled out working with any of the three establishment parties (Economic Focus, Social Labour and Centre Liberal). It is therefore likely that either they will form a 5+ party coalition, or yet another set of elections will need to be held – with no guarantee of a result that enables a government to be formed.
The satirical “horse rights” National Equine Party lost their single seat, with voters desiring to make their voice heard in a more serious manner. Even the NEP themselves urged voters to “actually pay attention” to this election, following the unrest over the past year. Neither far-right party has managed to regain a foothold after losing their seats in 2023, but religious-rights Rocks of Balance has maintained their two seats gained last year.
Support for the monarchy is clearly at an all-time-low, with both King Osvald and Crown Prince Kristofer consistently in the news for scandal after scandal. The royals have been accused of attempting to both kidnap, and murder, Natasha Robinson and/or her baby; with Zongongian intelligence agents being captured by Eirian forces. This has led to a diplomatic incident with Eiria, which Zongongians at home and abroad have placed squarely at the feet of the royals, and their “enabling” Prime Minister, Ivan Kristensen.
Coalition talks have already begun after numerous delays to the count, including breaks for religious observance, structural damage to counting locations by the recent storm, and seven recounts being requested for a single constituency. If no coalition can be formed within a month, then fresh elections will need to be held.
