As the second part in our series entitled "Analysis", we will be exploring polls that have shaped the region.
May 2022- Regional Currency Initial Poll
One of the most controversial ideas proposed in the region was the idea of a regional currency, proposed by Niater. While it received widespread support by many significant and powerful nations, smaller nations opposed it, wishing to preserve their independence.
Up until this point, no poll had ever resulted in less than 70% of the region voting in favour of it. However, this poll proved controversial, with a narrow victory indicating the region was split.
In a particularly high turnout, only 5o% of the voters approved the idea of a Regional Currency, with 50% either abstaining or disapproving of the idea. In particular, Oranjehaven was the only nation who explained their reasoning for voting against the proposal:
"Although we understand that sharing a currency with the other nations of TOO would help improve Oranjehaven's relations with the other nations, we, the people of Oranjehaven are against this proposal. This is because we value our national currency, the crown, and we believe that using this shared currency will negatively impact the Oranjehavenian economy and will make us more dependent on other nations."
This poll was significant, because up until recently, it was one of the most divisive polls ever. However, in the follow up poll, support increased to 76%, with only Oranjehaven voting against.
July 2022- 1st Flag Referendum
The flag debate had been going on in the region for a few days before WM Meercovo called the referendum. 8 proposals were submitted, meaning this poll had the most options ever.
Furthermore, Meercovo decided to open up the poll to non-TOO nations, in order to gauge wider opinion. This led to the highest turnout of any poll, 17 votes cast in total.
The results were split, with no proposal receiving greater than 40%, although FRS' 1st design did have a healthy margin over the other proposals, meaning it progressed to the run-off round with the current flag.
While FRS' flag was later defeated, and the flag debate ended, it was an important time in the region because every nation was excited to see the proposals and what the flag could become.
Notably, had Meercovo not made the poll open to all nations, proposal E would have progressed alongside proposal A.
August 2022- WMD Law
This poll was undeniably the most polarising and divisive in regional history. High turnout marked combined with strong opinions meant that this was the closest poll ever in regional history. Had one nation have changed its mind, the outcome would have been flipped upside down.
This poll also marked the first time in history that the government was defeated, and it was the smallest margin in any poll.
The proposal was strongly defended by the government, and many nations mis-understood the bill. It came under fierce scrutiny by Opposition Leader FRS who later wrote on why it was so scrutinised in an ONN Article.
But despite the opposition, support for the bill remained high. A small government rebellion in the form of Zanjact voting against the proposal meant that victory was taken. Had Zanjact voted the other way, it would have been a narrow victory.
This vote was a turning point in regional politics, as it showed that it was possible for the government to be defeated.