As the new year draws closer attention is turning to the biggest political event of the year ahead – as the runners and riders for the 2015 presidential election begin to declare their hand.
A poll released on Sunday evening showed the race at level-pegging between incumbent President Artamova and his speculated rival from the Progressive Centrist, former Prime Minister Marina Yanaka. Yanaka, according to many the first candidate on the wish-list of Centrist members and donors, is in the final stages of readying a campaign against the President – attempting to become the first incumbent to secure a second term – a feat that no-one has achieved. But as polls indicate a tight race between Yanaka and Artamova, will any other potential candidates begin to come forward? In this special feature we look at those most likely, and most-able to launch a presidential campaign in the year ahead.
Since the last race finished in late 2011, many have speculated over the future candidates from both major parties for the next presidential race – due to take place in November 2015 some four years after former Federal Council leader and Union Party chairman Gennadiy Artamova defeated former President and Prime Minister Koruin Gruaman, in the latter’s third presidential race. At times the race was seen as narrowing – despite Gruaman’s early lead. By the 24th October, it seemed Artamova had sealed the deal and later he was announced as the most electorally successful president in history. The campaign was seen as ‘gruelling’ for the candidates and by far the most aggressive campaigning from both major political parties seen since Polasciana’s unification in 2003.
A number of high-profile Polascianan politicians have been linked with the 2015 race on both sides. We take a look at the major speculated candidates starting with the major candidates from the Union Party;
President Artamova
As the incumbent, Gennadiy Artamova is expected to re-stand for a second term and is seen as the favourite to win the election. Originally linked with the role of Commander General of the Armed Forces in late 2001 as part of the Transition Agreement negotiations, Artamova has been at the front of Polascianan politics since early 2003. Considered a worthy candidate for his military experience, Artamova found himself losing out to Commander General Yuri Schechan. Later considered for his party’s nomination for President in 2007, Artamova again lost out to a close ally of Stepan Michalvich, who would go on to stand against him for the 2011 race. Artamova has successfully passed key legislation on reformist economic policy, education and most controversially, energy and the environment in a presidency regarded by many as the most stable in Polascianan history. Should he stand and win, Artamova would become the first president in history to win a second term.
Ivan Tattar
Should President Artamova choose not to stand, many consider his protégé and Federal Council leader Ivan Tattar as the most likely to succeed him as the Union Party nominee. Tattar, a strong ally of the President is thought to have strong presidential ambitions and is widely regarded for his political ability and strategy – helping Artamova to guide a split executive. His determination has seen him clash with his party leader, Lazar Ulanov, and has been encouraged by many in his party to challenge Ulanov for the leadership. So far he has declined, many believing he does not want to move to the lower-house and would rather wait to succeed Artamova as president in 2019, as opposed to challenging for the Premiership. His career so far has seen him rise quickly through the ranks, championed by Artamova and lines up second in command.
Lazar Ulanov
As party leader, Ulanov cannot be left out of the list but is not thought to be seen as a front-runner for the position of president should Artamova not stand for the nomination. Many of his close allies, and critics, suggest Ulanov holds a deep desire to be Prime Minister – and he has worked his way to the top of his party. He failed to restore the Union Party’s fortunes in the 2013 race, narrowly conceding defeat to Prime Minister Ludvig Fedorov. Many consider his time as party leader over, but his only rival – Tattar – remains unwilling to challenge him. A protégé of former Prime Minister Maksim Obelchenko, Ulanov has found himself exposed to attacks within the party following Obelchenko’s sudden death last year. He is seen as strongly left-wing and more radical than both the president and Tattar. Should the President not stand, he may choose to challenge Tattar.
Philip Kirkiosma
The former Mayor of Karasicena and recently elected Governor of Kamchetka is seen as a future candidate for the presidency, perhaps to succeed Artamova in 2019 should he secure a second term. The media-friendly Kirkiosma has found himself in charge of the country’s largest state at the age of 49 and is heavily supported by his predecessor Stepan Michalvich. Seen as a moderate in the Union Party, the Governor supported Michalvich’s run for the presidency in 2011, running his campaign and losing narrowly to Artamova in the primary race. Tipped as a future star Kirkiosma is likely to serve out his term as Governor before planning any future steps – a term that expires in 2018 – just a year before the presidential race in 2019, with ample time to plan and execute a strong campaign.
We’ll be looking at the candidates from the Polasciana Progressives next.
