[center][h2]DEMOCRACY: Election of 1993, Week 5 (Part 2)[/h2][/center][hr][hr]														
[center][h1]The First National Debate[/h1][/center]

While each candidate answered the question posed to them, the live feed at the bottom of the screen reflected--in real time--the approval or disapproval of those answers. The candidates would have no idea how well they did until hours after the debate how ended. When the final question was asked and answered, they broke for a commercial giving time for each candidate to collect themselves and take a sip of water. When the show returned, the moderator began:

"[i]Following the end of a civil war that left thousands dead and even more without power, clean water and homes, many ask: What is the future of this nation? This question, posed to each of the candidates in turn is pivotal to the first democratic election in nearly two decades.[/i]" He turned to the candidates and read from the card in his hand. "[i][b]Candidates[/b], under your presidency, which [b]two[/b] issues would be the [u]most[/u] important for your administration to tackle in your term and how would you address them?[/i]"

[hider=Issues]
1. [b]National Militias[/b]: In the wake of the Samgolan Civil War, these national militia's are running free across the provinces of Makumbe, Ziwa and Soussiam. While many believe they are an affront to law and order,
 they provide a service that local, often corrupt law enforcement won't do, protecting their own and doting out justice.
2. [b]Rebuilding the Military[/b]: The Samgolan Civil War broke out because of a fractured and corrupt military.
 To ensure our independence, we must start the Samgolan start anew with a strong and loyal fighting force.
3. [b]Protection of Natural Resources[/b]: Our land is abundant with resources that should not be exploited by foreign industry or powers.
4. Execution of the Leaders of the National Front: Those who were responsible for the Samgolan Civil War must be held accountable and punished to the full extent of Samgolan law.
5. [b]Government Transparency[/b]: The government should be open and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
6. [b]Urbanization & Industrialization[/b]: It is important to remain competitive in the development of our major city centers.
7. [b]Lower Taxes[/b]: We should lower taxes so that workers can keep more of what they earn.
8. [b]Fight Corruption[/b]: It is important to maintain integrity within our political system.
9. [b]Traditional Relations[/b]: We believe that same-sex relations weaken the state and the Mahardi, the traditional Samgolan family.
10. [b]Free Market[/b]: We believe that allowing the free market offers our citizen the best choices in what they purchase.
11. [b]Regulation of Air Travel[/b]: Given the poor safety record of the private airline Samgola Air, perhaps it is time for the government to step in to ensure the safety of our citizens traveling domestically and abroad.[/hider]