As the first in our series entitled "Analysis", we will be exploring each of the WM Elections and what made them unique.
March 2022 Election
This was the first election in TOO's history and took place just days after the successful merge between TOO and the UFN took place.
Two candidates stood for election- FRS and Scottshire. Both candidates announced they were standing on 23rd March 2022.
Scottshire, from TOO, was the first ever nation to join TOO and announced candidacy on 23rd March 2022, with a statement:
"I would like to run for the Position of Worshipful master. I believe I should be elected as I have always cared for TOO and I've shown my dedication by being the first to join TOO. So please, vote Scottshire for Worshipful master!"
FRS announced candidacy with a manifesto detailing the direction the region would go in under an FRS government. Promises in the manifesto included:
Expanding the region
Promoting regional participation
As the date of the election drew close, many in the region were surprised that Scottshire had released little indication as to what they would do in power. The result of this was an FRS landslide.
Analysis suggests that the race could have been much closer if Scottshire had released policies, as nations originally from TOO would have voted for them. The final result was:
FRS | ​5 votes | 71% |
Scottshire | 2 votes | 29% |
However, looking back, the result would have been much closer if Scottshire had released policies for several key reasons. Firstly, Scottshire voted for FRS. Had Scottshire not have done this, and instead voted for themselves, then the vote would have been 57% to 43%- already a much closer margin than before.
Secondly, as aforementioned, lack of policies impacted the Scottshire vote. Had Scottshire got the support of one nation more from TOO, there would have been a Scottshire victory.
FRS therefore secured the highest vote percentage in any election, due to a combination of factors including weak opposition, support from the UFN nations, and clear experience.
This election was by far the most decisive in regional history, and shaped the region indefinitely. FRS went on to serve a full first term, before standing in the next election.
June 2022 Election
The second election in TOOs history was the one with the highest turnout. With 13 votes cast in total, it was almost double the size of the previous elections turnout.
FRS announced their candidacy for re-election, while on 23rd May, Meercovo announced its candidacy. With FRS being incumbent and very respected, Meercovo was the underdog having not even served in the cabinet before. However, Meercovo announced Bruholl as running mate, as Brunholl had experience in the cabinet under FRS.
The campaign was undoubtedly the most hard-fought, with both candidates squabbling for votes. Initially, as the polls opened, things appeared close. At one point, both candidates were neck and neck on 4 votes each, but as the final day of voting came into view, Meercovo somehow managed to pull ahead.
With just a few hours left, and Meercovo ahead in the polls, other nations decided to vote for Meercovo simply because of a sudden burst in momentum. Soon, the gap between the candidates grew from 1 vote, to 2, then to 3.
In a shock turnaround, the underdog unseated incumbent and highly popular FRS, who was tipped by many to win by a big margin. Meercovo's promise of a 'new direction' and 'new ideas' resinated with the voters. The final results were:
FRS | 4 votes | 31% |
Meercovo | 8 votes | 62% |
Abstain | 1 vote | 7.5% |
Notably, FRS' vote share dropped 40% on the previous election, however FRS went on to be elected WA Delegate and Opposition leader just a month later.
August 2022 Election
The August 2022 Election was undoubtedly the most polarising election, with three candidates standing, and for the first time ever FRS not standing in an election, 3 new political faces were battling it out to be WM.
Meercovo announced that they were standing down after a successful first term, and encouraged Deputy Master Brunholl to stand. Meanwhile, newcomer Patec stood on an experienced platform, while Maricoen stood with the support of Zanjact.
Initially, it was expected that Brunholl would win, and win big, however early signs indicated otherwise. Maricoen pulled in an early lead of 3 votes, which lasted for 2 days before the Maricoen vote collapsed, with only Zanjact remaining.
Meanwhile, newcomer Patec launched a strong campaign against Brunholl, with dispatches outlining Patec's varied experience and key credentials for the role.
Therefore, as the race continued, things got closer and closer than was first anticipated. The voters were split between three opposing candidates with new ideas, and the lack of familiarity undoubtedly had some influence.
The turnout was down on the previous election, by 5 votes, yet still managed to pull in greater turnout then the first election.
ONN and TMH projected that Brunholl would win a day before the polls ended. Eventually, Brunholl managed to pull through the strong challenge from Patec to win the election:
Patec | 3 votes | 38% |
Brunholl | 4 votes | 50% |
Maricoen | 1 vote | 12% |