In an angry and fiery speech to the media, flanked by a group of her supporters, the former Empress Yauhmi denied having an affair and issued a stern warning to "those who would slander me." The former Empress finally addressed rumors floating on social media, alleging that an unnamed man had an affair with her while she was married to the Emperor Topilpopoca. "I would never betray my oath to my husband. I loved him, and he loved me. I demand that this so-called man who accuses me of such betrayal make himself known. Face me openly and lay such a charge, instead of assassinating my character from the shadows the same way that a lunatic assassinated the man that I loved," Yauhmi declared. "I warn those who would insult my marriage and my honor by spreading such lies that I will defend myself, and my family, with every possible resource at my disposal," she added. Her son, Texōccoatl, also addressed the rumors at the press conference. "My mother would never betray my father, or me, in such a way as these rumors allege. I am furious at these attempts to slander her good name, and if I find out who is behind them, I will personally demand a duel to defend my family's honor," Texōccoatl declared. He also echoed his mother's call for the still-unknown person making the claim of an affair to "stop hiding behind the media like a coward and accept the payment I will justly deliver for these insults." At the press conference, the former Empress and her son were also flanked by multiple high-ranking supporters, including several prominent Xiomeran women who all denounced the rumors and called them "an assault on the honor of Xiomeran women." Yauhmi's three remaining rivals for the Obsidian Throne have addressed the rumors differently. Tepilcayotl, her chief rival, has declined to seize on the rumors. "I know the former Empress well, having served her husband for many years. While there are legitimate reasons to believe she should not be the next ruler of Xiomera, her honor or her fidelity are not among them. Only a fool would believe otherwise," the Security Secretary told reporters. Cozamalotl, the Secretary for Scientific Development and Advancement and a long-shot reformist bidding for the Throne, also declined to use the rumors to score points against Yauhmi. "There are real and serious issues facing Xiomera, and scandal and slander are not among them," he said, adding that the rumors "are a ridiculous and inane distraction in this pivotal election. Do the poor dying on our streets, or political prisoners in the Cauhloc, give a damn who any of us sleep with?" However, Xocolcōza, another long-shot candidate favored by the business community, said that the rumors, "if true, completely disqualify Yauhmi as a potential leader." He went on to add that the rumors "should be thoroughly investigated" and that "such a character flaw as infidelity makes her a dangerous choice, one that could be coerced or subverted by foreign powers or people with malevolent designs." The statement by Xocolcōza brought an angry rejoinder from Tehuatl, Yauhmi's campaign manager. "Xocolcōza is hardly one to question one's morals or fitness to rule," Tehuatl said, reminding reporters that Xocolcōza had been implicated a year ago in rumors concerning drug-fueled parties he allegedly threw for the Xiomeran tech elite. "Perhaps his actions behind closed doors should be what concern us," she added. Cozamalotl receives two more endorsementsDespite his bid apparently flagging, Cozamalotl has received several significant endorsements recently. Secretary for International Affairs Huitzilhuani, Secretary of Trade Tlanextia, and Secretary of Tribal Relations Iccauhyotli endorsed their Cabinet colleague in a joint press conference today. They join Secretary of the Environment Etalpalli, who had previously endorsed Cozamalotl. While four Cabinet members have endorsed Cozamalotl, Secretary of Justice Cuicanan and Secretary of Defense Xochiqui have publicly endorsed Tepilcayotl. Three other Cabinet members have endorsed Yauhmi - Secretary of the Civil Service Ixtonal, Secretary of Education Etalmac and Secretary of Health Cozamaquetzal. In other endorsement-related news, Yauhmi thanked Lauchenoirian Feminist Party leader Katherine Wright for her recent endorsement. "I am glad to see that other women around the IDU are realizing that another strong female leader would be a good thing, and I am pleased to accept their endorsement," the former Empress said, adding that she also hopes to improve relations with Lauchenoiria and "build a network of female leaders who can perhaps approach international affairs in a different way from male leaders." Polls shifting wildly, social media having an impactOver the past week, the polls have been shifting wildly as to who Xiomerans prefer to be the next ruler:
According to pollsters, Yauhmi's support took a sharp dip after the initial rumors of an affair. However, her strong recent defense of herself in the press, along with support received from other prominent Xiomeran women and from her son, has helped push her back into a tie with Security Secretary Tepilcayotl among Xiomeran citizens polled. Another interesting factor pollsters have noted is the slow but steady rise of support for Cozamalotl, the reformist candidate. While his support still appears to be well below what he would need to pull off an upset, his message of transformative change appears to be slowly gaining adherents. The candidacy of Xocolcōza continues to struggle, as many Xiomerans, even in our hyper-competitive society, appear to be disinterested in his campaign to run Xiomera as a business. Some political analysts believe that Xocolcōza may drop out of the running if one of the top-tier candidates can convince him to do so and endorse them instead. Political analysts have also noted that social media seems to be playing a larger than normal role in the opinions of citizens, with many taking to various social media platforms such as Happytime Online to discuss the candidates and argue for or against them. Analysts believe that the unusually large role of social media may be due to the unusual nature of this Great Selection, which is being televised and streamed online to the general public for the first time. While the polls of average citizens are interesting, it is important to remember that the final decision will be made by the voters of the Great Selection - and they do not typically tell anyone else how they're planning to vote.
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In a military operation coordinated between the Secretariat of Security and the Secretariat of Defense, a combined military and police force regained control of the city of Tunsaca today and subdued a terrorist operation there. The operation was led by a deployment of Jaguar Warriors and Eagle Warriors, who liberated the Administrative Building in Tunsaca from terrorists and rescued the twenty-eight Imperial Police officers being held hostage there. Fifteen terrorists were eliminated and another twelve captured. No hostages were harmed, and none of the special forces soldiers deployed in the operation were injured, a spokesperson for the Secretariat of Defense confirmed. The twelve detained terrorists, all native Teyatia, have been transferred to the custody of the Secretariat of Security and will be transferred to Tlālacuetztla for trial. In a related story, an attempt to incite a riot in the Manauia Island capital of Tezaltli was broken up by Imperial security forces. A group protesting the Imperial security operations in Tunsaca, and the detention of the Teyatia leader Tlihuātemā, attempted to storm the Imperial Administrative Center in Tezaltli before being repelled by Imperial soldiers assigned to guard the center. Fifteen protesters were arrested after refusing orders to disperse and attempting to force their way into the building. Travel checkpoints have now been instituted throughout Manauia Island in addition to the curfew already in place. In response to the attack earlier today on an Imperial Police garrison on Manauia Island, the Secretariat of Security has ordered a curfew on the island from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am until further notice. The Imperial government has also ordered an emergency deployment of 500 additional Imperial Army soldiers to the island to prevent further unrest. The Imperial government also confirmed that two Imperial Special Forces units, one of Jaguar Warriors and another of Eagle Warriors, are being deployed to the area around Tunsaca, the Teyatia village where twenty-eight Imperial Police are being held hostage by local residents. The government warned that it will not hesitate to take action if it believes the lives of the police officers being held hostage are threatened. The Security Secretariat has also detained Tlihuātemā, the leader of the Teyatia, to ensure that she did not have a role in the attack on the Imperial Police garrison in Tunsaca. Tlihuātemā was attending the Great Selection in the capital at the time of the attack, and has since been transferred to the Cauhloc. "Once the police being held hostage are released by the locals, Tlihuātemā will be released as well, assuming she had no role in this attack," a Security Secretariat spokesperson said. At a speech given during the latest round of debate of the Great Selection, the Security Secretary said that the incident in Tunsaca "is proof that a stronger hand must be taken" to restore order in Xiomera. "We cannot let such incidents go unanswered, lest the idea that the rule of law can be flouted become commonplace and accepted. We must respond quickly, decisively and firmly to all incidents of terrorism and criminality," Tepilcayotl declared, adding that "this is more proof that we must have a leader who can ensure security in our country during these troubled times." The Security Secretary added that Xiomera "will not negotiate further with the Tunsaca criminals" and demanded the immediate release of the police being held hostage "or we will go in and release them ourselves." The latest polls indicate that 65% of Xiomerans consider terrorism and security-related issues to be the single most important issue facing Xiomera, a marked upswing from only 44% just two weeks ago. With concern for public safety a rising concern for many, the firm response of Tepilcayotl to the Manauia Island incident seems to be boosting his bid for Emperor. He had fallen behind the rising campaign of Yauhmi, his chief rival, in recent days, but has since made up considerable ground to where the two of them are now dead even in the polls and among Great Selection voters asked by XIN about their plans. The other two main candidates, Cozamalotl and Xocolcōza, have badly lost ground, although Xocolcōza has managed to regain partial ground by calling for a "tech-driven" security approach and increased surveillance and intelligence-gathering to prevent future terrorist attacks. The Imperial Police garrison in Tunsaca, a small village near the southern end of Manauia Island, was reportedly attacked today in the early hours of the morning by a large group of Teyatia. The garrison has been sacked and its officers are being held hostage by the inhabitants of Tunsaca, an Imperial Police spokesperson confirmed.
The attack began around 4 am Saturday morning, when the local inhabitants stormed the garrison and overwhelmed the small number of Xiomeran police inside. According to the spokesperson, fifteen Teyatia and two Imperial Police officers were killed in the attack. The remaining twenty-eight Imperial Police are being held hostage by the local residents, who have issued a demand that the Imperial government "apologize for the disrespect shown our leader, Tlihuātemā" at the Great Selection. The Tunsaca residents have also demanded that the Imperial government agree to an immediate halt to the Manauia Island Project, withdraw all Imperial Police garrisons from the island, and restore the autonomous status of Manauia Island. They have not threatened to harm the police being held hostage as of yet, but they have stated that they will not release them until their demands are met. The Imperial government has not formally responded to the demands of the Tunsaca insurgents as of yet, except for a terse statement warning that "Xiomera does not negotiate with terrorists". Additional Imperial Police reinforcements, backed by nearby Imperial Army units, have reportedly surrounded Tunsaca after the attack, cutting off access to the village. As the candidates for Emperor continue to go through the multiple rounds of voting required as part of the Great Selection, the front-runners have, as expected, begun to stand out. During several of his speeches, Secretary for Scientific Development and Advancement Cozamalotl has taken a surprisingly scandalous and vocal stance on the "need" for reform in Xiomera. He has strenuously - and, to some, stridently - demanded that Xiomera move towards what he terms "greater freedom". "Xiomera cannot continue to prosper - or even to survive - if it continues to suppress free speech, continues to promote aggressive development like the Manauia Island Project, continues to suppress and ignore the culture and history of the other three tribes of Huenya, and continues to throw people in jail just for disagreeing with the government. Nor can it survive if it continues to allow an economic system where, if you 'fail' or commit the 'sin' of being poor, you have no safety net whatsoever and are expected to just die in a ditch quietly somewhere so as not to interrupt the story that Xiomera is a land of endless prosperity where everyone prospers - which we know is also a lie," Cozamalotl declared during the second round of voting, much to the shock of many of those in attendance. Despite this radical stance, another member of the Cabinet, Secretary of the Environment Etalpalli, has come out in support of Cozamalotl, citing his stance on the Manauia Island Project. Another individual who caused consternation during the voting to date was Tlihuātemā, the sapa (indigenous native leader) of the Teyatia people of Manauia Island. Tlihuātemā is believed to have put her name in contention mainly as a publicity stunt, and spent much of her time railing against the Manauia Island Project and the "occupation" of Manauia Island by the Xiomeran Empire before summarily being voted out in the first round by an insulted electorate. The other front-runners hewed to a more traditional line, for the most part. Secretary of Security Tepilcayotl, widely perceived to be in the lead, has stuck to a line of security and stability. "We have had riots in our streets, an Emperor shot dead by a madman, and are under siege by terrorists influenced by foreign designs and local malcontents. This is a dangerous time for Xiomera, and now is not the time to gamble on ill-advised pipe dreams of utopian reform or untested leaders. It is time for security and strength, and I can and will deliver both," Tepilcayotl stated. "I have a proven record of keeping Xiomera safe, and I can deliver as Emperor." The candidate most likely to pose a serious challenge to the Security Secretary, the Empress Yauhmi, has been riding a wave of sympathy in the wake of her husband's death. Not content to capitalize solely on that, however, the Empress has positioned herself as also strong on security, and as the person best suited to keep Xiomera moving in its current direction. "I was the one Topilpopoca turned to most often for advice. I was the one who shared his vision for Xiomera, and I am the one who is best able to maintain his legacy and keep Xiomera moving in that same direction. I am also not some shrinking violet, but a strong Xiomeran woman, and I can not only keep Xiomera safe, but make it even better," the Empress said.
Yauhmi has also received a sudden and unexpected boost in the polls, and among the voters in the Great Selection, for her response to a recent attack on our ally Kerlile by an Eirian politician. Minority Leader Alexander Dukov reportedly told an Eirian media outlet that Kerlile's "vile policies of Matriarchal supremacy (are) a stain on our world". Dukov has expressed anti-Kerlian sentiments before, and started a so-called "#BoycottKerlile" movement. In response, the Empress posted on her official Happytime Online social media account: "Dukov is a liar, and no one who insults the allies of Xiomera or lies about them will prosper. Instead of #BoycottKerlile, it's time to #BoycottDukov - and all those who share his misogynistic sentiments. This man, and those like him, will never be welcome in Xiomera when I take the Obsidian Throne." After the Empress' post, the hashtag "#BoycottDukov" has become the fastest-trending hashtag on Xiomeran social media, and has spawned a wave of posts from Xiomeran women (and enlightened men) blasting the Eirian politician and misogyny in general. Many of the posts now have the hashtags "#YauhmiForEmpress" and "#ShesMyEmpress" trending fast in Xiomeran social media as well. The Great Selection began today at the Huēyi Teōcalli. The Great Selection is the process by which a national council of 500 experts (ihuicatl) select the individual who will occupy the Obsidian Throne and lead the Xiomeran Empire.
The Great Selection is being attended by candidates, voting members of the national ihuicatl, and select foreign dignitaries. While the public will not be allowed to attend for the first time ever due to security concerns, the entire Great Selection is being broadcast and streamed live. Foreign and domestic press are also in attendance, in what is being dubbed "the most public Great Selection ever". 75 people have declared themselves as candidates for the role of Emperor or Empress. However, most of them are expected to be rapidly weeded out of contention as the process begins. The funeral rites for Emperor Topilpopoca were completed today at the Huēyi Teōcalli in Tlālacuetztla. In accordance with tradition, the Emperor had a ceremony performed by the High Priest of Huītzilōpōchtli before his remains were cremated.
The ceremony was attended by the family of the Emperor, along with the members of the Great Council and Cabinet and other high-ranking officials. Several foreign dignitaries attended the funeral as well. Among the notable foreign dignitaries were President Rebecca Arnott of Kerlile, and Kerlian Councillors Letitia Greenwood, Pauline Pierre and Carmen Robinson; Her Royal Highness Wu Zhou of Shen and several members of the Shen royal family; Minister of Diplomacy Alice Lancaster of Eiria, President Marion Woodstrom and Foreign Secretary Brian Young of Sanctaria; Foreign Minister Tanvi Misra of Laeral; and Minister for Culture and the Arts Samantha Clavell of Lauchenoiria. After the funeral rites, the Emperor's remains were placed in the great vault of heroes in the Imperial Cemetery in Montelin. While the nation mourns its loss, it also prepares for the enthronement of a new ruler as the Great Selection will soon take place. With the Great Selection to take place on October 14th, 75 candidates have announced their intent to place their names in nomination to replace the lost Emperor Topilpopoca, struck down by an assassin's bullet. XIN will not be focusing on most of those candidates, as it is widely expected that the great majority of them will be rejected in the first round of voting. Instead, this series of profiles will focus on those candidates most likely to have a chance at winning the support of the ihuicatl and becoming the next Emperor of Xiomera. Tepilcayotl - Secretary of Security Born: April 7, 1950 (69 years old), in Cuīxtol, Xiomeran Tribal Domain Background: Entered Imperial Military Academy September 1968; graduated September 1972 and was commissioned into the Xiomeran Imperial Army with the rank of lieutenant; served in the Army until 1978 in Military Intelligence; left the Army to join the Agency for Security and Intelligence (ASI); rose to an assistant director position; left ASI in 2001 to become Security Secretary under Emperor Topilpopoca Political positions: Wants to increase the size of the Xiomeran armed forces; believes that Xiomera should take a more assertive stance in international affairs; wants to strengthen existing alliances and create new ones; believes that law and order are paramount to maintain prosperity and social harmony in Xiomera, and that tighter restrictions on "groups causing disharmony" and a more robust security apparatus are needed; believes that there should be greater cooperation between the government and the private sector Chances: Tepilcayotl is a strong candidate, and is believed by most Xiomeran political observers to have the best chance of securing the necessary votes to become Emperor. However, some in the business community have reservations about the security crackdown that Tepilcayotl has proposed, fearing it will hurt Xiomera's reputation abroad and thus harm the economy. Quote: "Xiomera has the chance to shake the world and shape the world. But to do so, we must be strong and secure both within our borders, and outside them." Yauhmi - former Empress of Xiomera Born: July 11, 1948 (71 years old), in Chēcuauh, Xiomeran Tribal Domain Background: Graduated from Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic in May 1972 with a degree in law; worked for the Secretariat of Justice until September of 1975 as a prosecutor; left government service at that time upon her marriage to Topilpopoca, who was at that time a serving officer on the General Staff of the Xiomeran Armed Forces; gave birth to the only child of Topilpopoca, Texōccoatl, on March 3rd, 1976; served in many roles in support of the Emperor and his policy initiatives; was most well-known for her efforts to encourage infrastructure development, building of schools and hospitals, and other needed facilities in more isolated areas of Xiomera from 2001 to 2010, as well as the expansion of Imperial police and tribal police garrisons in outlying areas to reduce crime and increase response times in isolated regions. Political positions: Yauhmi believes that Xiomera is functioning well at this time, and that the legacy of her husband, Topilpopoca, is the reason for that. She is not an advocate for change, and believes that the Xiomeran government should double down on enforcing social order and harmony. Yauhmi believes that the Xiomeran corporate and government sectors work best when they together and that the few limitations on the corporate sector's role in influencing government should be abolished. Yauhmi is also a strong advocate for increasing trade and educational exchange with other nations. Chances: Yauhmi is considered a very strong candidate, second only to Tepilcayotl in her chances to gain the Obsidian Throne. Her promise to continue the legacy of her fallen husband Topilpopoca, and to reinforce social order in the wake of his death, have won her strong support from traditionalist Xiomerans. Sympathy towards her, and her son, in the wake of Topilpopoca's assassination are also greatly boosting her chances. Yauhmi's opponents, however, will be expected to push hard against her with the accusation that she is seeking the throne to eventually give it to her son, Texōccoatl, and restore a hereditary succession rather than an elected one. Quote: "My husband set us on a strong course, guiding the ship of state with a firm and expert hand, only to be struck down by a traitor. In this moment of grave uncertainty for all Xiomerans, now is not the time to let the wheel be taken by inexperienced or unwise hands. As the wife of Topilpopoca, and as his closest companion, I am best suited to maintain his legacy and make sure Xiomera reaches a safe harbor." Cozamalotl - Secretary of Scientific Development and Advancement Born: February 15th, 1953 (66 years old), in Tlālacuetztla, Xiomeran Tribal Domain Background: Graduated from Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic in May 1978 as a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics; worked for Mizhua Corporation as a statistician before resigning in 1981 and returning to Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic as an instructor; was appointed to the position of Secretary of Scientific Development and Advancement by the Emperor in 2001 Political positions: Cozamalotl is closely aligned with the reform movement A New Xiomera, which seeks to make structural changes to the current Xiomeran political system. Cozamalotl has called for more tolerance for internal dissent, re-establishing schools to teach the languages, culture and history of the other three tribes of Huenya, the end of restrictions on the media, and the end to censorship and monitoring of Xiomeran citizens' communications. Cozamalotl has also been a strong critic of the close relationship between the Xiomeran government and the corporate sector, and has pledged to implement measures such as a universal basic income, social security, improved labor laws, and protections for consumers and workers. He has also strongly promoted environmentalism and has declared that he will "immediately terminate the Manauia Island Project, restore the status of the Island as a protected nature preserve, and grant full autonomy to the island's native Teyatia inhabitants" if he is chosen as Emperor. Chances: While Cozamalotl is greatly loved by reform-minded Xiomerans, his actual base of support is very small and is limited mainly to the educational, scientific and business segments of the ihuicatl. He is not expected to have a very good chance of becoming Emperor. Quote: "Xiomera, and indeed no nation, is strong if it has to bury its people under factories churning out guns for men wearing badges and uniforms to maintain itself. Not only is this nation as it stands now inherently unjust, it is also inherently unsustainable. We can either change course now voluntarily, or be forced to when this house of cards known as the Xiomeran Empire falls apart." Xocolcōza - CEO, Cala Computer Corporation and Chairman of the Xiomeran Business Association
Born: July 12th, 1986 (33 years old), in Tlālacuetztla, Xiomeran Tribal Domain Background: While studying Computer Science at Huitzitaca Polytechnic, founded Cala Computer Corporation in 2007 at age 21; dropped out of college when his company began to grow successful; pioneered online sales of technology products in Xiomera; became the youngest CEO ever to have a company break into the Top 500 of Xiomeran corporations at age 27 in 2013; was first to market with the Cala Companion line of smartphones and tablets, quickly dominating the mobile computing market in Xiomera and becoming the largest computer and device manufacturer in Xiomera by 2014; was named Chairman of the XBA in 2015 Political positions: Xocolcōza believes that Xiomera should essentially merge its corporate and government sectors, running the country in a more efficient manner to maximize efficiency and productivity. Such maximization, according to Xocolcōza, will naturally lead to greater prosperity and security for Xiomera. The ultimate end goal for Xocolcōza and his supporters would be to bring about the final "refinement" of the system of technocratic meritocracy that Xiomera has built over the decades since the civil war and the Second Great Reformation, by handing Xiomera's governance over to its corporate and economic leaders. Chances: Xocolcōza is highly popular among the business community and corporate leaders, but is seen as an upstart by more established wealthy Xiomerans and is extremely unpopular among the educational and reformist blocs of the ihuicatl. He is also very unpopular among those who are connected to the existing government. Xocolcōza is widely believed to have an uphill battle to convince the voters that his "merger of Xiomeran interests" is the best plan - and that he is the best leader for Xiomera moving forward. Quote: "The purpose of the Second Great Reformation, in creating the ihuicatls in the first place, was to let the experts run the country. The people with the clearest vision, the best ideas, and the strongest platforms to move those ideas forward. By letting an entrenched bureaucracy coupled to a since-emerged ruling class of politicians, we have fallen away from that vision. Let the people who know how to run things best fulfill the vision of Camaxtica. Let the people who bring you prosperity and success do what we were meant to do - lead Xiomera, and guide it to levels of success and strength that it has never seen before." |
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