Chapter 226: The Candidate List is Released
On June 10, 1907, the election for the Cabinet Government of the Kingdom of Australasia officially began.
Compared to the previous two elections, this one was much more grand and formal.
Since this was the first election since the kingdom's establishment and also a Prime Minister succession election, it not only caused a great stir in the political arena but also attracted much attention from the people of Australasia.
The people of Australasia were curious: Who would be the members of the new government, and what specific administrative policies would be put in place?
However, despite their curiosity, not a single person in Australasia showed any anxiety.
The reason was simple: Everyone knew that Arthur was the highest authority. As long as Arthur remained the King of Australasia, the country's welfare policies would not disappear; in fact, they would only grow more abundant.
Under such a premise, the selection of government officials became less important. The people's attention to the election was more about their recognition of the previous government and support for the kingdom's leadership.
Unlike the last cabinet election, this election only involved the House of Representatives.
However, with the House having more than two hundred members now, this election was much more high-profile than the previous ones. Most people and political parties were gearing up to challenge the highest levels of the Australasia political scene.
The election this time involved a total of 212 House of Representatives members, the 11 current cabinet members, and the Royal Council, the Election Association, and Arthur, who were responsible for overseeing the election.
The Royal Council, the Election Association, and Arthur had no voting rights. They were merely the overseers and witnesses of the election.
All others were participants in the election, theoretically eligible to run for any cabinet position.
Compared to the previous elections, this one was more turbulent, with significant changes expected in the cabinet's composition.
Over the past four years, the size of political parties had expanded dramatically. Although the impact wasn't as obvious among the lower classes, all the major parties now occupied over 70% of the seats in the House, reducing the number of individual candidates.
Of course, this wasn't good news for those hoping to run. It meant that their competitors were no longer weak individual candidates but political parties, greatly increasing the difficulty of the election.
The election would last for a week, and this time there was an added element of candidate speeches and vote-pulling, which extended the duration of the election.
This was a more formal election, as candidates had to introduce themselves.
During the week, Arthur only appeared on the first and last day; the Royal Council and the Election Association oversaw everything else.
As for Arthur, staying on-site only disrupted the candidates, so he might as well return to Sydney Palace and spend time with Queen Mary, discussing human anatomy or something similar.
After working hard for several days, the election of the new cabinet government was officially concluded.
In fact, long before the cabinet government election began, all the candidates' information had already been placed on Arthur's desk.
Particularly detailed were the candidates most likely to be elected as cabinet ministers, with even information on their ancestors, friends, and other personal details.
At this point, one must praise the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau for its expansion.
Currently, the number of intelligence officers in the Bureau had surpassed 700, spread across Australasia, East Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Australasia was one of the most invested regions, with over 300 agents, allowing Arthur to control everything within the kingdom.
The fact that such detailed information could be obtained before the election shows just how capable and efficient the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau had become.
Arthur quickly skimmed through the lists, paying special attention to those who were likely to become cabinet ministers.
Among these names, the Unified Party and the Rural Party were mentioned frequently. Especially their leaders, who were likely to be selected as cabinet ministers.
The Unified Party and the Rural Party were also the two strongest parties in Australasia, occupying 24% and 21% of the seats in the House, respectively.
On June 16, 1907, the last day of the election, Arthur arrived at the election meeting room. Looking at the eager faces of the members of parliament, he smiled and spoke:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to once again witness the birth of the third Cabinet Government of Australasia. In this new cabinet, we have familiar faces, and I am happy to see that you are able to remain in these positions. For those who were not elected, do not be discouraged. Whether as cabinet members, members of parliament, or even as ordinary citizens, you all can contribute to the kingdom's development and help our great nation rise."
The crowd cheered and applauded.
"Once the cabinet members take office, there will still be many positions waiting for you in various departments. For those who were not elected, you can apply for specific positions according to the procedure in the government announcement." Arthur continued.
For many newly-elected members of parliament, it would be difficult to become cabinet ministers directly, but they could still serve as important officials in various departments.
At this stage, they could accumulate more political and management experience, preparing themselves for future elections and laying a solid foundation for their future success.
After all, these were important positions in crucial national departments, and while not the highest levels of government, they were still an excellent opportunity for ordinary people.
Particularly for deputy ministers, those who would temporarily take on the minister's duties in case of an emergency until the next cabinet election.
Though the deputy ministers did not hold as much power and status as the ministers, they were still part of the government's high echelon and, along with ministers, were among the most fiercely contested positions in every election.
These positions were also the best choice for people with good abilities but no background.
If they could gain higher recognition for their abilities, such as Arthur's attention, they could also achieve great success.
"Well, now it's time to announce the official list of cabinet members." Arthur looked at the varied expressions of the crowd and smiled.
"I announce that the new Cabinet Government's Minister of Industry is — Pierre Silvio Berlusconi!"
Well, no surprises here. As one of the important departmental ministers, Minister of Industry Pierre was re-elected to continue his role in the new cabinet.
After hearing his name, Minister Pierre visibly relaxed.
In fact, before the election, Minister Pierre had considered running for Prime Minister, but in the end, he decided to stabilize his position as Minister of Industry.
For Minister Pierre, becoming Prime Minister was a possibility, but securing the position of Minister of Industry was almost guaranteed.
The rapid industrial development in Australasia over the past seven years was a testament to Minister Pierre's contributions, though it was Arthur who laid the foundation for the kingdom's industrial growth. The implementation of policies and measures, however, was in Pierre's hands.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Public Safety is — Thomas Chek!"
Minister Thomas, like Minister Pierre, had been one of the former colonial prime ministers and had notable achievements during his tenure, making his re-election completely understandable.
This was also their third term as cabinet ministers. If they couldn't contest for the highest positions in the next election, they would temporarily step down.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Agriculture is — Mark Reddell!"
Mark Reddell was a completely new name, one of the newcomers to the cabinet.
Mark Reddell was the head of the second-largest political party in Australasia, the Rural Party, and it was no surprise he took the position of Minister of Agriculture.
Compared to the two ministers who were re-elected for the third time, Mark Reddell appeared much more excited. But this could be understood, as he had just risen to the country's top ranks, achieving a major life milestone.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Transport is — Lauren Robert!"
This was another new name. Lauren Robert was the leader of the Unified Party.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Education is — Richard Nobber Chapman!"
Minister Richard was also a familiar face. Education in Australasia had developed very well, and Arthur had no intention of changing ministers for the time being.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Public Welfare is — Henris Clit!"
Agriculture Minister Henris had become the Minister of Public Welfare in the new cabinet government, which was something Arthur had not expected.
After all, Henris had come from a regular city government officer background with no major connections or influence.
However, Minister Henris' ability was solid, and he had a strong patriotism, making him suitable for the role.
Minister Henris had previously used one-third of his salary to help the poor, which showed his kind-hearted nature.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Healthcare is — Willy Watson!"
This was a position that valued ability, and currently, no one could challenge Minister Willy's position.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Defense is — Kent Crafo Loren!"
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Finance is — Roger Joseph Ebert!"
Ministers Kent and Roger were Arthur's most trusted allies, and their re-election was to be expected.
The Ministries of Defense and Finance were crucial, and must remain under Arthur's control.
Even if Ministers Kent and Roger stepped down in the future, their replacements would certainly be Arthur's trusted allies, not those selected through elections.
Both political parties and individual candidates fully recognized this and didn't arrogantly believe they could win these two positions.
"The new Cabinet Government's Minister of Foreign Affairs is — Andrew King Porter!"
Minister Andrew was also an old hand, and for such veterans, winning a third term was not difficult.
The real choices they faced were in the next election.
After completing three terms as cabinet ministers, they would have to either challenge for the position of Prime Minister or temporarily leave the cabinet.
But the next cabinet election would be even more chaotic. Prime Minister Evan would have a chance for re-election, and with new candidates for Prime Minister seeking re-election, as well as veteran members aiming for the position, this could be the most fiercely contested Prime Minister position in Australasia's election history.
"Alright, after the cabinet ministers, it's the position you've all been waiting for: the Prime Minister's position," Arthur paused for a breath, smiling.
"I announce that the new Cabinet Government's Prime Minister is — Walter Black!"
Walter Black was the Minister of Public Welfare in the second Cabinet Government and was, aside from Prime Minister Evan, the most prestigious member of the cabinet.
Since the colonial period, Walter Black had always been the second-most important figure in Australasia's political scene, always under Prime Minister Evan.
Now, he had finally achieved the position of Prime Minister, becoming the top figure in the country.
After reading out the names, Arthur gave his final speech:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the new Cabinet Government has been formed. Let us congratulate the elected members!"
After a round of applause, Arthur continued:
"The new Cabinet Government has many familiar faces, as well as many new members. But whether old or new, I hope you all will uphold the belief in working for the country's development and continue to stay true to your purpose."
"You have become part of the Cabinet Government, and this is the support of all parliamentarians, as well as the support of all the people of Australasia. For the development and rise of Australasia, you must do even better than before and become role models for the people!"
With loud applause, the election for the new Cabinet Government was officially concluded.
(End of Chapter)
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