2021 Sierran federal election

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 This article is a B-class article. It is written to a good standard. This article is part of Altverse II.
2021 Sierran federal election

← 2020 May 28, 2021 2022 →

All 326 seats in the House of Commons and 24 seats in the Senate
164 seats needed for a majority in the House of Commons
Opinion polls
Registered 49,575,259
Turnout 31,335,264 (63.21% of registered voters)

  First party Second party Third party
  Susan Kwon 2020.jpg Lindsey Graham by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg Yang-mimi.jpg
Leader Susan Kwon Kenneth O'Conner Maggie Chan
Party Social Democrats Royalist Democratic-Republican
Leader since December 10, 2017 December 4, 2020 October 16, 2017
Leader's seat Tenderloin Bristol Valley West San Jose
Last election 73 seats, 28.02% 70 seats, 25.41% 71 seats, 25.60%
Seats before 73 70 71
Seats won 76 76 72
Seat change Increase 3 Increase 6 Increase 1
Popular vote 7,968,558 7,573,734 7,316,785
Percentage 25.43% 24.17% 23.35%
Swing Decrease -2.59% pp Decrease -1.24 pp Decrease -2.25% pp

  Fourth party Fifth party Sixth party
  Ben Carson by Skidmore with lighting correction.jpg Ryan Porter (2).jpg Charlie Cox by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Leader Maximilien Lavallée Ryan Porter Jonathan Mueller
Party Christian Democratic Libertarian Green
Leader since June 16, 2018 July 22, 2020 April 28, 2016
Leader's seat High Desert Sunshine Valley Grand Appleton
Last election 32 seats, 10.23% 14 seats, 5.32% 12 seats, 5.15%
Seats before 32 14 12
Seats won 37 7 10
Seat change Increase 5 Decrease 7 Decrease 2
Popular vote 3,841,703 360,356 388,558
Percentage 12.26% 1.15% 1.24%
Swing Increase +2.03% pp Decrease -4.17% pp Decrease -3.91 pp

  Seventh party Eighth party Ninth party
  Xavier Becerra official portrait (cropped).jpg Carmen Silva-Reyes 1.png LENÍN MORENO SE REÚNE CON EL LÍDER MEXICANO LÓPEZ OBRADOR (36186836092) (cropped).jpg
Leader Jaime Gutierrez Carmen Silva-Reyes Ramón de Los Rios
Party Democratic Conservative Unionist Progressive Democratic
Leader since March 7, 2021 March 19, 2021 March 9, 2021
Leader's seat None None None
Last election 0 seats, 0% (New party) 0 seats, 0% (New party) 0 seats, 0% (New party)
Seats before 0 0 0
Seats won 10 14 17
Seat change Increase 10 Increase 14 Increase 17
Popular vote 448,095 1,569,897 1,322,349
Percentage 1.43% 5.01% 4.22%
Swing Increase +1.43% pp Increase +5.01% pp Increase +4.22% pp

2021 Sierran federal election map.svg
A map detailing the results of the 2021 federal election.

Prime Minister before election

Susan Kwon
Social Democrats

Elected Prime Minister

Susan Kwon
Social Democrats

The 2021 Sierran federal election for the 66th House of Commons was held on May 28, 2021. According to the Fixed Legislative Session Act of 2005, the election was required to be held no later than 1825 days (five years) after the previous election on May 1st, 2020, making the latest possible date on May 2nd, 2025. However, following the ascension of Bajaría as a constituent country, the Channel Islands as a province of Sierra, and New Oneida and Sweetwater as areas of Deseret and the addition of 50 seats to the chamber, the House of Commons passed the Early Parliamentary Federal Election Act of 2021, calling for an early federal election to be held sometime in 2021. All 326 seats in the House of Commons, along with 24 seats in the Senate of Sierra, all from the newly ascended territories, were up for election. Both constitutional and federal laws do not currently require that House and Senate elections be held concurrently unless there is a double dissolution, which is not happening this election cycle.

All 326 members of the House of Commons were elected through mixed-member proportional representation from 300 first-past-the-post constituencies and 26 proportional party lists. To secure a majority, a government needed to win 164 seats. Since no party has reached a majority since the 1983 election, it is likely that a newly-elected government would need the support of two or more parties or a formal confidence and supply arrangement with another party that would agree to abstain from votes of confidence and budget.

The 2021 federal election is being was seen a referendum on Prime Minister Susan Kwon and her Social Democrat-led government, who won a surprising upset victory in 2020 and is leading the first third party-lead government since Hiram Johnson and his Reformed Republicans. Though retaining high approval ratings, Kwon and her government was at risk of losing their plural majority, and in turn the premiership, due to the addition of the Channel Islands, Bajaría, New Oneida, and Sweetwater, which were all labelled as conservative-leaning and possibly supporting either the Royalists or Christian Democrats. Along with that, rising disputes between the governing Social Democrats and the Democratic-Republicans, which the latter being the traditional leader of their coalition, could have caused a collapse of Kwon's government, and in turn their decades-long coalition. The election has generally was rated as a toss-up between political observers and analysts, with any of the top three parties having a chance at taking the premiership.

For the first time in Sierran history, the election would result in a tie between the incumbent Social Democrats and the Royalists, with no majority or plurality being achieved. However, Kwon's continued tenure as Prime Minister would be guaranteed by her Democratic-Republican and Green allies, along with gains seen by the Democratic Party and Progressive Democratic Party of Bajaría. Excluding the Christian Democrats, the election would see the lowest turn-out for third parties, with the Libertarians suffering the most losses, loosing exactly half of their parliamentary delegation. According to political observers, the 2021 federal election confirmed the political re-alignment seen in 2020, with many of the established major parties seen continued, yet moderate, formerly considered minor parties.

Background

Susan Kwon became the first Prime Minister of Sierra to originate from a third party since Hiram Johnson of the Reform Republicans in 1919.

In 2017, the Channel Islands, who were previously apart of the Gold Coast before separating in 1998 following Gold Coast Proposition 11, would vote in favor of becoming a province, with a yearlong transition phase beginning in 2018 after the passage of Channel Islands Act. In 2019, Parliament would pass a similar act, allowing the territories of El Norte to begin planning and coordinating a referendum that would determine their future in Sierra. Originally, both the Channel Islands' ascension and the El Norte referendums were to take place in June of 2020, however after the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra, both would be postponed until virus cases had decreased in both Sierra and the respective territories. In October of 2020, Sweetwater and New Onieda, territories of the continent country of Deseret would be elevated to the status of area, with both of the territories' ascension planned to occur on the same date as the Channel Islands and Bajaria.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a snap election would occur in May of 2020, resulting in the election of Susan Kwon and the Social Democrats. Kwon's victory would be the first time a leader of a third party became Prime Minister since Hiram Johnson of the Reformed Republicans in 1919 and 1923. With Kwon's ascension to the preimership, there would be initial uncertainty over the future of the ascending territories and the El Norte referendums, with political analysts and observers believing that the Social Democrat-lead Parliament would indefinitely postpone and block them in order to prevent the addition of conservative-leaning territories that would put the narrow Social Democrat majority in jeopardy. However, in August of 2020, Prime Minister Kwon would reiterate her support for ascension and the El Norte referendums, pledging to work with local leaders to coordinate a possible ascension and voting date. In November of 2020, as cases continued to decrease in Sierra, Prime Minister Kwon would announce that El Norte referendums, if cases continued to decrease, would occur in January of 2021. From November to December, COVID-19 cases would continue to decrease, allowing the 2021 El Norte status referendums to occur on January 13th, 2021.

The referendums would result in overwhelming support for the confederation of the El Norte territories into a single constituent country. With the success of the referendum votes, Parliament would allow the establishment of a provisional government for the new constituent country, which would later be officially named Bajaría. After a month of ascension planning, on March 5th, 2021, Bajaría, the Channel Islands, Sweetwater, and New Oneida would be officially admitted into the Kingdom of Sierra. In accordance with parliamentary tradition, the ruling Social Democrats would propose the Early Parliamentary Federal Election Act of 2021, which would allow an early federal election, commonly referred to as "snap elections", to occur in order to determine the new layout of Parliament. Though the bill would receive support from the Royalist-led opposition, it would face opposition from some members of the ruling majority, predominantly from Kwon's own party. Opposition to an early election from left wing members of the Social Democrats stems from the party's traditional anti-imperialist stances, with said member believing the ascension of such a large amount of territory was "openly imperialist". Despite opposition from her own coalition, Kwon moved the bill forward, with it being approved by a large majority in both the Senate and House of Commons. Unlike previous snap election bills, the date for which the election is set to occur is largely ambiguous. According to the Kwon government, the ambiguity of the election would allow Bajaría to adjust and prepare for a Sierran federal election. Despite this, opposition critics have claimed that Kwon would indefinitely postpone the election to prevent a possible Royalist return to government.

During the 2020 National Convention of the Sierran Federation of Industry–Congress of Labor Organizations (SFI–CLO) the incumbent President, Jonathan Wu, announced his resignation and declined to run for a fourth term. The National Association of Royal Letter Carriers, Federation of Food, Commercial, and Retail Workers, United Warehouse Workers of Sierra aligned with the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen in electing Scarlett Merlino as General Secretary. Merlino campaigned on ending individualized endorsements, demanding that labor organizations support a single candidate and political party.

Merlino announced on May Day that the SFI–CLO would support Susan Kwon's Social Democrats in their effort of securing a majority in government. Approximately $790 million dollars was released to political action committees associated with the labor unions to support Kwon, with some political analysts questions the origin of such funds. Merlino announced the "Every Door" initiative, promising to knock on every door. The SFI–CLO has also allowed for its affiliates to utilize union members as release staff to knock on union members doors in an effort to circumnavigate election laws.

Electoral system

300 of the 326 members in the House of Commons are elected by first-past-the-post (FPTP) from single-member constituencies, while 26 members of Parliament are elected from open list proportional party representation for seats which are reserved for proportional representation. Voters will in effect, elect at least one candidate and a party on the same ballot. Regular senators in the Senate (there are 149 senators overall including generally non-elected commissioned senators) are elected by first-past-the-post from two-member constituencies based on their class cycle. 24 senators, all from the ascended territories and Bajaría, will be elected this election, with class status being sorted out after the election.

Date of the election

Voting eligibility

K.S. citizens eligible to vote must be registered by midnight on May 25, 2021 by mail (postmarked by that date) or online. Due to a moratorium against physical polling stations and ongoing stay-at-home orders, voters may only register in-person with the local Registrar of Voters office online or by mail up to the day of the election, postmarked by 8 PM before voting officially closes by 9 PM local time. To be eligible to vote, individuals have to be 18 years or over; residing as a Sierran citizen at an address in the Kingdom of Sierra (excluding all territories); and not legally excluded (on grounds as a convicted felon, a prisoner currently serving a sentence lasting longer than a year, a person committed to a mental hospital or institution longer than 3 months, or a fugitive of the law); or disqualified from voting.

Timetable

March 5, 2021 Passage of the Early Parliamentary Federal Election Act of 2021 through the House of Commons. Expedited passages of the same act and the Senatorial Re-Alignment Act of 2021 through the Senate. Both passages receive royal assent and comes into force immediately. The act sets for federal elections to be held on a future date sometime in late 2021.
April 25, 2021 May 28 is selected by the Executive Council as Election Day, with it being formally proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Retiring incumbents

The following members of the 79th House of Commons will not seek re-election.

Constituency Departing MP Party First elected Date confirmed
Upper Clark Mason Granger (retiring) Christian Democratic 2004 March 31st, 2021
Imperial Miguel Vazquez (retiring to run for Sierran Senate in 2022) Democratic-Republican 2008 April 8th, 2021

Contesting political parties and candidates

Federal Sierra and Hawaii

Major parties (parties with multiple MPs at dissolution, those that currently have multiple MAPs, or have won more than 0.50% of the popular vote in the 2020 election) that contested this election in Federal Sierra and Hawaii are shown below with their results at the 2020 federal election, ordered by the number of seats they won.

Party Party leader(s) Leader since Leader's seat Last election Seats at
dissolution
Contested seats
% of
votes
Seats
Social Democrats of Sierra Susan Kwon December 2017 Tenderloin 28.02% 73 73 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Democratic-Republican Party Maggie Chan October 2017 West San Jose 25.6% 71 71 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Royalist and Federalist Party Kenneth O'Conner December 2020 Bristol Valley 25.41% 70 70 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Christian Democratic Party Maximilien Lavallée June 2018 High Desert 10.23% 32 32 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Libertarian Party Ryan Porter July 2020 Sunshine Valley 5.32 14 14 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Green Party Jonathan Mueller April 2016 Grand Appleton 4.03% 12 12 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra
Hawaiian Sovereignty Party Kealoha Laenui September 2015 None 0.32% 3 3 TBD seats in Hawaii
Continentalist Party Zelda Winnifred August 2019 None 0.98% 1 1 TBD seats in the Kingdom of Sierra

Deseret

A few number of Sierran political parties organize in the Deseret at the Kingdom-level but generally do not contest in local elections or the Deseret's own national elections. As such, the main political parties in the Deseret are different from the rest of the KS and most adhere and operate to a policy of abstentionism and do not take up any seats in Parliament to which they are elected. The largest political party, the People's Party, sends its elected MPs to Parliament as Royalists through a bipartisan agreement. However, in more recent times, many of the MPs elected as People's Party members have begun to align with the Christian Democrats, with many defecting to the party in 2020.

Party Party leader(s) Leader since Leader's seat Last election (in the Deseret) Seats at
dissolution
Contested seats (out of 5)
% of
votes
Seats
People's Party Daniel J. Wells September 2016 None 83.16% 5 5 5
Honeybee Party Paul Bickerton April 2011 None 7.4% 0 0 0
Social Democrats Jocelyn Webster July 2019 None 5.98% 0 0 0
Mormon Independence Party Leroy Jeffs June 2016 None 3.46% 0 0 0

Bajaría

Similar to the Deseret, the main political parties in Bajaría are separate from the federal political parties. Though aligned with the major national political parties, all main political parties in Bajaría are completely independent from their federal counterparts, with no interparty agreement being made as of yet.

Party Party leader(s) Leader since Leader's seat Last election (in Bajaría) Seats at
dissolution
Contested seats (out of 42)
% of
votes
Seats
Conservative and Unionist Party Carmen Silva-Reyes March 2021 (interim) None 0.00% 0 0 TBD
Democratic Party Jaime Gutierrez March 2021 (interim) None 0.00% 0 0 TBD
Progressive Democratic Party Ramón de Los Rios March 2021 (interim) None 0.00% 0 0 TBD
Social Unionist Party Augustine Rodríguez Calderón March 2021 (interim) None 0.00% 0 0 TBD

2020-2021 MPs and senators standing under a different political affiliation

The previous election saw one of the largest amount of MP defections in Sierran history, with many moderate members of the Royalist Party defecting to the Christian Democratic Party and left wing members of the Democratic-Republican Party defecting to the Social Democrats. As of May 2021, no member of Parliament have declared their intentions to defect and run with another party.

Campaign

Campaign background

Prime Minister-Elect Susan Kwon speaking to reporters following her victory in 2020.

With the surprise and upset election of Susan Kwon and the Social Democrats, which had long been considered a "third party", the traditional major parties, the Royalists and the Democratic-Republicans would suffer historic electoral defeats to smaller, largely obscure minor parties, signaling a shift in Sierran political climate and culture. Kwon would become the first Prime Minister since Hiram Johnson in 1919 to not originate from either the Royalist or Democratic-Republican parties, with Johnson hailing from the Reformed Republican Party. Kwon's election victory would also see a power shift in the traditionally Democratic-Republican-led Progressive Coalition, with the Social Democrats assuming the mantle of leadership and becoming the leading left-leaning party. Along with that, the Royalist-led Conservative Coalition would greatly diminish, as the Libertarian Party would see a dramatic decrease in support and centrist support in the Royalist Party would be chipped away by the centre-right Christian Democrats.

Though considered particularly left-wing, Kwon would receive high approval ratings from Sierrans, who viewed her as a better alternative to her predecessor, Nemesis Heartwell, who many view negatively. During her first few months in office, Kwon would promote a message of political and national unity, hoping to unity all Sierrans regardless of political affiliation in order to combat the growing COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra. With the first case appearing in February of 2020, Sierra would become greatly affected by the COVID-19 virus, which by the time of Kwon's election had spread across the globe. In order to combat the pandemic, Kwon quickly instituted many COVID-19 regulations and restrictions, effectively expanding the national lockdown that was put in place in March of 2020. Kwon would establish a national mask mandate, requiring all Sierrans to wear facial protection while in public places, and establishing capacity restrictions and regional curfews. Kwon's lockdown restrictions would remain popular amongst Sierrans, however would face opposition from the Royalist-led opposition, which alleged that continued restrictions would violate constitutional rights and civil liberties. Despite promoting national unity and having a popular public approval rating, Kwon would enact policies that would anger conservative opponents, which include the National Health Protection Act of 2020, which essentially nationalized Sierra's health industry, and the Menstrual Paid Leave Act of 2020, which would have required employers to provide paid and unpaid leave menstrual leave for female employees, including trans men and other non-binary individuals. By the end of 2020, Kwon would have an approval rating of 62%, one of the highest in modern Sierran political history.

Under Kwon's tenure, the growing political divide would become wider, as both sides of the political spectrum began to cater to their growing and vocal extremes. Despite her disastrous defeat and total exit from politics, Heartwell would become a conservative icon amongst the newer, younger, and more right wing members of the Royalist Party. This new right would come into direct conflict with the establishment of the Royalist Party, who had re-established control of the party after Heartwell's departure and was working towards reconciling the party's relationship with its moderate base, who had largely abandoned it for the more moderate Christian Democrats. This divide would be specifically clear in the leadership election in December 2020, where established candidate former Minister of Defense Kenneth O'Conner would narrowly defeat conservative opponents in securing the leadership. In the Democratic-Republican Party, many criticized the liberal and moderate direction the party was facing, with progressive members of the party blaming the liberal establishment for its historic losses and advocating for a complete ideological redefining of the party, wishing it to resemble more like its Social Democratic allies. This movement would be led by former Governor of San Francisco Terry Scott, who become a leading critic of party leader Maggie Chan in the party for her moderate and socially liberal positions. Despite rumors of a possible leadership challenge, the Federal Executive Committee, the party's governing body, would reaffirm its support for Chan and disspel rumors of a leadership election.

Beginning in December of 2020, COVID-19 cases would begin to decrease in Sierra and calls for a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions began to grow. Though the anti-lockdown movement would be present during the entirety of the Sierran lockdown, it would become more prevalent as COVID-19 cases began to decline and would be exemplified as the COVID-19 vaccine was publicly released, which the Kwon ministry would take credit for. In March of 2021, multiple provinces, many with Royalist or conservative leaning legislatures or located in the Styxie, would begin to loosen their own COVID-19 restrictions, with some provinces such as Maricopa and San Joaquin completely eliminating their COVID-19 restrictions, fully re-opening despite condemnation from the Prime Minister herself. In January of 2021, the El Norte status referendums would result in the El Norte territories voting overwhelming for constituent country status. The El Norte territories, now confederated into the country of Bajaría, the Channel Islands, who voted to become a province in 2017, and the Deseretian territories of Sweetwater and New Oneida would all be admitted into the Kingdom of Sierra on March 5, 2021, resulting in the calling for a new election. Though experiencing opposition to a new federal election by members of her own party, Kwon would propose the Early Parliamentary Election Act of 2021, which would be passed by both the Senate and the House of Commons.

Policy positions

COVID-19 pandemic

Since the 2020 federal election, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the forefront of national politics and discussion. Following her victory, Prime Minister Kwon would enact multiple COVID-19 restrictions and regulations, hoping to curve the rising number of cases in the country. This largely included extended mask mandates, capacity restrictions, and the closing of public places that could result in large exposure. Under Kwon, Sierra would also see a unofficial nationalization of the medical sector with the passage of the National Health Protection Act of 2020, the first time in Sierra's history. Despite many brief spikes seen during the summer and winter of 2020, cases and deaths would begin to decline for the first time in December of 2020. This declining of cases would be exemplified by the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, which the Kwon administration would take credit for. Despite the decline in cases and a high vaccination rate, many of the restrictions and mandates revolving around disease control would stay in place, attracting criticism. Anti-lockdown protests and other forms of opposition to COVID-19 restrictions would be seen as the pandemic continued throughout 2020, however they would become more prevalent near the end of the year and the start of 2021, as cases began dropping and the public's wariness of COVID-19 restrictions rising, with "COVID fatigue" being used to describe the public's position.

On March 7, Prime Minister Kwon would announce the creation of a "post-COVID" parliamentary commission with the purpose of examining Sierra's current pandemic situation and the determining the best possible time to ease COVID-19 restrictions. In response to the commission, multiple provinces, all with Royalist-controlled legislatures, would begin easing their own restrictions, with some provinces such as Maricopa and Washumko completely eliminating their COVID-19 restrictions and fully re-opening their provincial economies. Along with them, San Joaquin and Tahoe, which have seen most of the anti-lockdown opposition, would follow their counterparts in easing restrictions, with the former province completely eliminating restrictions on March 9th. Such actions were swiftly condemned by the Kwon administration, with the Prime Minister herself referring to the provinces' decisions as "neanderthal thinking" in a press conference. She would later apologize for her choice of words, but would continue to express her opposition to rapid re-opening.

On April 4, nationwide COVID-19 restrictions would begin to ease, with Prime Minister Kwon ordering the partial re-opening of economy. In a rapid series of events, Kwon would begin ordering the limiting of capacity and mask mandates and restrictions, essentially allowing provinces to begin setting their own re-opening plans. Though many would praise Kwon for the start of Sierran recovery, some would point out the convenience of her orders when compared to the imminent election, with critics claiming Kwon's motives for re-opening were solely political. On April 20, the Kwon government would announce its interest in creating a national vaccination database, where citizens could voluntarily import proof of vaccination, largely for COVID-19, that would appear on their already-issued National Identification Card (I.D). Said plan has yet to be implemented, which is largely due to the backlash it received from Kwon's Democratic-Republican allies and the Royalist-led opposition, who claim such a database could be use for "discrimination", a claim which has been contested by medical experts. On May 13, the RCDCP would announce that fully vaccinated people were able to continue daily life without wearing a mask. After initial confusion, the government would clarify that full vaccinated people had the option to not wear a mask, the nationwide mask mandate was still in effect.

Environment and climate change

Like the previous election, climate change and environmental protections have emerged as a leading issue in the 2021 election cycle. Under the Kwon ministry, the federal government has enacted a historic amount of conservation and climate protection legislation in an attempt to curb climate change. This push for climate protection was largely credited to Jonathan Mueller and the Green Party, who were influential in forming Kwon's environmental policies. Many have praised Kwon for her action against climate change, which they claim was largely neglected by her predecessor Nemesis Heartwell. However, Kwon has seen criticism, largely from pro-business advocates, opposition leaders, and some Styxie local leaders for the strict restrictions placed on businesses, specifically businesses in northern Sierra's large lumbering and agricultural industries. In their election manifesto, the Royalist and Libertarian parties have both pledged to rollback most of the restrictions put in place by Kwon in order to promote business growth. As a alternative, both parties have pledge to find a "more sane" approach to combat climate change.

Immigration reform

Like previous elections, immigration has become one of the most hotly contended issues in Sierra. Under the Kwon ministry, many of the immigration restrictions placed by Daniel McComb and later Nemesis Heartwell would be repealed. Some of these policies included family separation and "no mercy" deportation policy. Along with that, the Kwon ministry has expanded programs such as DACA and has expanded visa programs in order to assist both illegal and legal migrants residing Sierra. The Royalist Party has harshly criticized the Kwon ministry's approach to immigration, supporting the restoration of most immigration policies that were seen under the McComb and Heartwell ministries. The Royalists support tougher measures against illegal immigration, supporting the deportation of dangerous illegal immigrants and non-residents who have committed crimes on Sierran soil. As an alternative, the Royalists support easing legal migration restrictions, hoping to promote greater legal migration to Sierra. The Royalist Party's policy on migration is supported by its ally, the Libertarian Party, which has drawn criticism by members of the party. The Social Democrats and its progressive allies oppose the Royalists' policy on immigration, condemning it as "xenophobic" and "bigotry-fueled". If re-elected, the Social Democrats have pledged to support all immigrants in Sierra and have pledged to grant citizenship to all illegal migrants. The Social Democrats' policy on immigration is supported by its allies, however more conservative elements of the Democratic-Republican Party have come to oppose it.

Policing and racial justice in Sierra

Starting in May of 2020, protests and riots would breakout all across Anglo-America in response of the killing George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin in Saint Anthony, Superior. Calls for racial justice and police accountability would begin to grow in Sierra during the summer of 2020, with prominent civil rights activists and politicians calling for action by the federal government. Though the problem would initially be ignored by the Kwon ministry, the government would begin to establish commissions and committees looking into police violence and brutality in an effort to reform policing in Sierra. The move would face opposition from hundreds of police unions, who feared that Kwon's reforms would prevent the enforcement of the law. During this time, the Defund the Police movement would become popular amongst demonstrators. In April of 2021, the Prime Minister would propose the Public Security Reformation Act of 2021, which would have fundamentally changed and reformed policing in Sierra. The proposal would experience significant backlash from the opposition and Kwon's allies, and her standing in the polls would decrease. In May of 2021, weeks before the election, Maggie Chan of the Democratic-Republicans would propose the more moderate Policing and Justice Reform Act of 2021, which has seen some mutli-partisan support.

The Royalists and their opposition allies oppose any form of policing reform proposed by the Kwon ministry, believing it to be fundamentally anti-police. Instead, Royalists have proposed creating more mild reform legislation, which has been criticized for being too mild. Royalists also support legislation targeting rioters and protestors, with many Royalists referring to the Black Lives Matter movement as domestic terrorism. The Social Democratic-led government support greater reform of policing in Sierra, with many supporting the defunding of police departments in favor of social wellbeing programs, which Social Democrats argue would alleviate police from dealing with minor calls.

Online and digital campaigning

Television debates

On May 6, 2021, RBS announced it would host the first debate on Election Central at the Mulholland University. Mark Makovec was selected to moderate the debate again as he had done for the first debate, also hosted by RBS, in the previous year. All of the party leaders with seats in the House, except for the Hawaiian Sovereignty Party, were invited, and appeared on-stage on two separate stages in order to promote social distancing. RBS broadcasting policy has required that all attendees wear masks at all times. It was confirmed on May 11, 2021 that all of the invitees have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and tested negative.

The first debate was largely centered around COVID-19 and economic recovery, with a majority of the questions being directed towards Kwon, Chan, and O'Conner, as other party leaders were not viewed as contenders to the premiership. The debate would attract a viewership of over 6.9 million, one of the highest in Sierran history, with an additional 1.2 million viewers streaming the debate. All three major party leaders would be praised for their responses to the questions, however Kwon would be criticized for dodging questions revolving around pandemic relief, specifically revolving around the delay for another stimulus package, and the use of her predecessor, Nemesis Heartwell, as an excuse for continuing social and economic issues under her administration. Despite this, the debating performance of the candidates seemed to have not affected their poll standings, with an after debate poll showing each party in the same position they were previously.

A second debate was held on May 16 at Hitchcock Public Theatre in Santa Barbara, Kings and would be hosted by Garrett Meade the Eagle Broadcasting Network. Zelda Winnifred of the Continentalist Party and Kenneth Morrison of the Communist Party would not be invited to the debate, causing significant controversy. In response, Green Party leader Jonathan Mueller would announce on May 15 via social media that he would boycotting the debate claiming that he would not be apart of "blatant discrimination". His coalition partners would also release similar condemnations, but would continue to participate in the debate. Following the debate, EBN would also be accused of bias question-asking, with many accusing the network of being bias towards O'Conner. Debate questions largely centered around social policy and domestic issues, with the Public Security Reformation Act of 2021 being a centerpiece of the debate. Post debate polling suggested that Kwon improved her debating performance, with Chan and O'Conner receiving average ratings. Over 6.8 million viewers watched the debate live, with an additional 1.7 million viewers streaming.

A third debate was held on May 21 at the University of Sierra, Berkeley in Berkeley, San Joaquin and would be hosted by Jackie Nutall of 16ON. Like the first debate, all party leaders with parliamentary representation were invited to the debate. Debate questions would largely revolve around foreign policy, specifically Sierra's membership in the Conference of American States and the Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization and its stances on the United Commonwealth and United People's Committees. Like EBN, 16ON would be accused of question bias, with questions supposedly favoring Kwon while attacking other party leaders, specifically O'Conner. A highlight of the debate would suprisingly be between Winnifred and Lavallée, with the two trading personal insults towards each other. Post debate analysis concluded that all three party leaders benefited from the debate, while minor parties, largely the Continentalists and Christian Democrats suffered a decrease in support. Over 7.1 million viewers watched the debate live, the largest viewership of out of all the debates, with an additional 1.1 million streaming.

A fourth and final debate is scheduled to occur on May 26 at the Hollywood Bowl in Porciúncula, Gold Coast and will be hosted by RBS, with Leon Vasquez moderating. All party leaders have been invited and each have will be tested for COVID-19 a day before the debate. It has not yet been confirmed if the debate will have a live audience.

2021 Sierran federal election debates in Federal Sierra
Date Organizers Venue Location Viewing figures
(millions)
 P  Present   S  Surrogate   NI  Not invited   A  Absent   I  Invited   N  No debate  
SDS DRPS Roy Lib Green CDP Com Con
May 12, 2021 RBS
Election Central
Mulholland University Porciúncula, Gold Coast 6.9 (live)
1.2 (streaming)
P
Kwon
P
Chan
P
O'Conner
P
Porter
P
Mueller
P
Lavallée
P
Morrison
P
Winnifred
May 16, 2021 EBN
Election Special
Hitchcock Public Theatre Santa Barbara, Kings 6.8 (live)
1.7 (streaming)
P
Kwon
P
Chan
P
O'Conner
P
Porter
A
Mueller
P
Lavallée
NI
Morrison
NI
Winnifred
May 21, 2021 16ON
Debate Hall
University of Sierra, Berkeley Berkeley, San Joaquin 7.1 (live)
1.1 (streaming)
P
Kwon
P
Chan
P
O'Conner
P
Porter
P
Mueller
P
Lavallée
P
Morrison
P
Winnifred
May 26, 2021 RBS
Election Central
Hollywood Bowl Porciúncula, Gold Coast TBD P
Kwon
P
Chan
P
O'Conner
P
Porter
P
Mueller
P
Lavallée
P
Morrison
P
Winnifred

Campaign events

Endorsements

Major newspapers

Newspaper Endorsement Notes
Appleton Daily Green Party "Like the previous election year, the Appleton Daily wholeheartedly endorse the Greens and their fight against climate destruction."
Christian Reviewer Christian Democratic "Under the Christian Democrats, faith will once again be at the forefront of Sierran social life."
Fort Travis Chronicle Royalist "In under one year, the Kwon ministry has destroyed our economy, partake in unconstitutional behavior, and has put politics over our children. With O'Conner as Prime Minister, Sierra will finally get to heal."
Grands Ballons Observer Social Democrats "The Social Democrats have proven themselves capable of running our country and have our full support."
L'Héraut du Pacifique Royalist "Despite strong opposition, the Royalist Party has succeeded in granting the Channel Islands our long desired goal. Only under a Royalist government will we be able to properly establish our place in the union."
Las Vegas Star Reporter Royalist "Under Susan Kwon and her Social Democrats, our basic fundamental rights as Sierrans have been attacked. Endless lockdowns and the trampling of our civil liberties will continue unless we elected O'Conner and the Royalist Party."
Les Mers Social Democrats "Under a Social Democratic administration, the Channel Islands have been ascended to provincehood. Under a continued Social Democratic administration, the Channel will finally reach its highest point."
New Rotterdam Journal Democratic-Republican "The Democratic-Republicans have proven themselves capable of governing. As an alternative to the socialism of the Social Democrats and the radical conservatism of the Royalists, the Democratic-Republicans will help rebuild our fractured nation."
Porciúncula Times Democratic-Republican "The Democratic-Republican Party, even through all of its recent faults, will restore common sense and decency in Parliament."
Riverside Tribune Royalist "This past year has showed us the worst of the radical left and their anti-Sierran agenda. Through a Royalist administration, socialism will be finally defeated as we restore common values in Porciúncula."
San Francisco Examiner Social Democrats "Susan Kwon's tenure as Prime Minister has been a net positive for all Sierrans, regardless of race, background, and beliefs."
San Jose Inquiry Social Democrats of Sierra "The Social Democrats, under Susan Kwon, has smashed all expectations and will bring the Styxie out of the mud."
The Bernheim Courier-Journal Democratic-Republican "The Democratic-Republicans have our continued support as they assist in restoring both Sierra and the Styxie."
The Bunker Hill Journal Royalist "We continue to stand with the Royalist Party. Despite earlier issues, the party under O'Conner is ready to take back Parliament."
The Daily Palm Royalist "Though we have had our doubts, O'Conner's Royalists have our vote."
The Unionist Social Democrats "The Social Democrats have proven themselves to be the party of the working class. Through financial aid and pro-worker legislation, the Sierran economy will be back in action in no time."
Voice of Ukiah Social Democrats "Kwon and the Social Democrats continue to amaze us each day. To economic reforms to social changes, the Social Democrats will ensure the creation of a fair and equal society for all."

Major magazines

Organization Endorsement Notes
Connect Democratic-Republican "With the backing of the Sierran people, the Democratic-Republicans can achieve what both Kwon's Social Democrats and O'Conner's Royalists cannot, actual unity."
Newstar Royalist "As we did last year, we endorse the Royalist Party, who will hopefully reverse the disastrous policies of the previous administration."
People of Bernheim Social Democrats "The Social Democrats and the rest of the Progressive Coalition have continued to fight for ideals of both San Joaquin and the entire Styxie."
The Pacific Social Democrats "The progressive movement has never been stronger! With a continued administration, the Social Democrats can bring the necessary changes needed to progress out nation into the future."
The Mulholland Monitor Royalist "In just under a year, Susan Kwon and her progressive allies have catered to the leftist wings of their parties, compromising our nation's future. Under a new and energized Royalist administration, we can be put onto the right path forward."

Other publications

Organization Endorsement Notes
Friends of the Commonwealth Continentalist "With Zelda Winifred in charge, the Continentalist Party will win the hearts of the working class!"
Workers of Sierra Communist "With the Social Democrats kneeling to the oppressors, the Communist Party of Sierra is the only viable choice in order to create a new working class society."

Television networks

Network Endorsement Notes
RBS None "Like the previous year, the RBS as a network and an organization will remain neutral throughout the debate and endorse no party as a means of preserving journalistic neutrality and to avoid bias."
Faithful Hour Christian Democrats "The Christian Democrats have continued shown themselves to be the only party willing to govern in the spirit of Christ and will prevent true Judeo-Christian values from being corrupted by the influence of green hypocrisy and anti-Christian governance."

Labor unions and non-profit organizations

Organization Endorsement Notes
Clark Hospitality, Entertainment, & Culinary Union Royalist
Libertarian
Christian Democratic
"The Royalist, Libertarian, and Christian Democratic parties have continued to support right to work and other beneficial policies for workers."
Health Care Workers International Union Social Democrats "The Social Democrats have proven themselves the leading party of worker rights, and with their continued leadership, we will be able to end anti-worker sentiment and recover our nation."
Federation of Food, Commercial, and Retail Workers Social Democrats "Like last year, supporting the Social Democrats means supporting a living wage, healthier working environments, and greater working protections."
National Association of Royal Letter Carriers Social Democrats "The NARLC endorses the Social Democrats and will work to ensure their continued governance."
National Federation for Sierran Women Democratic-Republican
Social Democrats
Greens
"The Democratic-Republican Party has long been an ally of the growing feminist movement and will have our support for the upcoming election."
National Reproductive Rights Advocacy Network Democratic-Republican
Social Democrats
Greens
"The progressive governing coalition will ensure the protection of reproductive rights and will lead the way for the codification of abortion."
NACL-FIO Social Democrats "In a unanimous consensus, the NACL-FIO in Sierra shall wholeheartedly support Susan Kwon's continued preimership and will work to ensure the election of more Social Democrats in Parliament.."
National Rifle Association of Sierra Royalist
Libertarian
"In an era of continued societal degrading, the NRAS proudly stands with the Royalist and Libertarian parties in their fight to preserve our civil liberties."
Republic Social Democrats "Though we had hope for a Sierran republic by the end of 2020, we continue to support the republican Social Democrats and any future efforts of monarchial abolition."
Sierran Federation of Provincial, County, and Municipal Employees Democratic-Republican "The Democratic-Republicans have continued to stand with public employees in our fight for greater equality."
Sierran Federation of Teachers Democratic-Republican
Social Democrats
"With the Royalists supporting policies that would redefine Sierran education for the worst, we strongly support the Democratic-Republicans and the Social Democrats, who have continued to promote truth over lies."
Sierran National Right to Life Organization Royalist
Christian Democratic
"The Royalist and Christian Democratic parties continue to fight for the rights of the unborn, and if elected, will hopefully work towards the elimination of Planned Parenthood killings in Sierra."
Sierran Postal Workers Union Social Democrats "The Social Democrats are capable of upholding our working rights, something that the Democratic-Republicans and the Royalists fail to do."
Styxie Democratic Coalition Democratic-Republican
Social Democrats
"Throughout their short term, the Social Democrats and Democratic-Republicans have fought for the Styxie's democratic and just ideals."
United Agricultural Union of Shasta Greens "With the guidance of the Green Party, Sierra will finally be able to prevent the disastrous effects of climate change."
United Warehouse Workers of Sierra Social Democrats "The Social Democrats and their policies have benefited all warehouse workers in Sierra."

Individuals

Domestic

Foreign

Media coverage

Party representation

Allegations of media bias

Dominant issues

Opinion polling

Pollster/client(s) Date(s)
conducted
Area Sample
size
Soc Dems Dem Reps Royals Christ Dems Liberty Greens Hawaii Continent Other Lead
YouGov/Grand Ballons Observer May 18-23 Sierra 2,831 26.7% 23.8% 24.9% 10.3% 4.9% 3.5% 2.4% 1.2% 2.3% 1.8%
Rasmussen/Bunker Hill Journal May 13-20 Sierra 3,221 24.1% 24.8% 25.9% 9.8% 3.5% 2.5% 1.3% 0.9% 7.2% 1.1%
You Gov/Real Clear Politics May 10-16 Sierra 3,132 23.1% 25.6% 22.7% 10.8% 4.1% 3.8% 2.4% 1.2% 6.3% 2.5%
May 11 Policing and Justice Reform Act of 2021 is proposed by the Maggie Chan
YouGov/Sacramento Bee May 7-11 Sierra 1,298 24.8% 22.7% 23.9% 9.1% 3.9% 3.0% 2.5% 1.2% 8.9% 0.9%
Reuters/New Rotterdam Journal May 1-9 Sierra 3,221 22.8% 24.1% 20.7% 9.2% 3.6% 2.9% 2.1% 1.4% 13.2% 1.3%
Rasmussen/Real Clear Politics Apr 27-30 Sierra 2,001 24.5% 22.8% 25.9% 8.1% 3.9% 2.3% 1.4% 1.8% 9.3% 1.4%
Reuters/San Francisco Examiner Apr 24-26 Sierra 2,819 22.3% 23.9% 21.2% 7.7% 4.2% 4.9% 2.5% 1.1% 12.2% 1.6%
April 23 Public Security Reformation Act of 2021 is proposed by the Social Democrats
Reuters/San Francisco Chronicle Apr 19-23 Sierra 1,829 27.4% 23.9% 24.1% 7.4% 4.5% 2.9% 2.1% 1.9% 5.8% 3.3%
Porciúncula Times Apr 8-13 Sierra 2,398 26.7% 23.4% 21.4% 10.2% 5.6% 4.2% 2.3% 1.2% 5% 3.3%
You Gov/164 to Win Apr 1-6 Sierra 3,928 29.8% 24.1% 22.9% 8.4% 3.2% 3.1% 2.5% 1.3% 4.7% 5.7%
RBS Mar 20-29 Sierra 1,984 26.3% 23.5% 24.4% 7.9% 3.4% 5.2% 2.1% 1.1% 6.1% 1.9%
Rasmussen/Bunker Hill Journal Mar 14-28 Sierra 2,453 23.9% 24.2% 22.2% 10.8% 4.4% 4.1% 3.2% 1.2% 6% 0.3%
Reuters Mar 10-17 Sierra 2,912 23.5% 20.9% 21.1% 11.7% 6.4% 3.3% 2.1% 1.8% 9.2% 2.4%
YouGov/Porciúncula Times Mar 5-11 Sierra 1,281 25.9% 23.1% 22.2% 12.2% 7.1% 6.7% 1.3% 1.1% 0.4% 2.8%

Results

Summary

76 76 72 37 17 14 10 10 7 4 2
Social Democrat Royalist Democratic-Republican Christian Democrat PDP PCU PD Green Libert. PSU H
Party Votes Seats
Social Democrats 7,968,558
25.43%
76 / 326 (23%)
Royalist 7,573,734
24.17%
76 / 326 (23%)
Democratic-Republican 7,316,785
23.35%
71 / 326 (22%)
Christian Democratic 3,841,703
12.26%
37 / 326 (11%)
Progressive Democratic 1,322,349
4.22%
17 / 326 (5%)
Conservative Unionist 1,569,897
4.22%
14 / 326 (4%)
Democratic 448,095
1.43%
10 / 326 (3%)
Green 388,558
1.24%
10 / 326 (3%)
Libertarian 360,356
5.32%
7 / 326 (2%)
Social Unionist 278,883
0.98%
4 / 326 (1%)
Hawaiian Sovereignty 72,071
0.23%
2 / 326 (0.6%)

Full results

Summary of 2021 Sierran federal election results
2021 Sierran House of Commons.svg
Party MPs Votes
Candidates Total Gained Total Of total (%) Change (%)
Social Democrats 276 76 3 7,968,558 25.43%% -2.59%
Royalist 276 76 6 7,573,734 24.17% -1.24%
Democratic-Republican 276 72 1 7,316,785 23.35% -2.25%
Christian Democrats 266 37 5 3,841,703 12.26% +2.03%
Progressive Democratic 42 17 New Party 1,322,349 4.22% New Party
Conservative Unionist 42 14 New Party 1,569,897 5.01% New Party
Democratic 42 10 New Party 448,095 1.43% New Party
Green 240 10 2 388,558 1.24% -3.91%
Libertarians 250 7 7 360,356 1.15% -4.17%
Social Unionist 42 4 New Party 278,883 0.98% New Party
Hawaiian Sovereignty 8 2 2 72,071 0.23% -0.09%
Continentalist 120 0 1 49,322 >0.2% TBD
Communist 140 0 0 39,233 >0.1% TBD
Total 2,000 326 99.9%
Registered voters/turnout 31,335,264 63.21%

Analysis

The re-election of Kwon as Prime Minister and the continuation of her Progressive Coalition has been viewed as a re-affirmation of the political re-alignment that emerged in 2020 during the last election and thus ensured that Kwon would govern for more than a year debunking views that Kwon's victory was a fluke with many believing that Kwon "shattered" the political establishment. Kwon's victory also lead to many analysts believing that the Social Democrats are now part of the Big Three along with the Democratic-Republican Party and Royalists as the three biggest and most powerful political parties in Sierra having displaced the Libertarian Party after the latter's poor showing and second historic defeat within the span of a year.

The re-emergence of the Royalist Party as Parliament's second largest party and tying with the Social Democrats has been considered one of the more surprising aspects of the election. With the results and data seen from the 2020 federal election, it was expected that the Royalist Party would continue to see losses to the Christian Democratic Party and remain the third largest party in Parliament. Despite losses to the Christian Democrats in tradition Royalist strongholds, the Royalist Party overperformed in many parts of the Southwest Corridor and parts of eastern Sierra, with most of their gains coming from the Democratic-Republicans and Libertarians. Along with that, the 2021 federal election saw some of the traditional seats lost to the Christian Democrats return to the Royalist Party. Despite the party failing to secure a pluarlity, Leader of the Opposition Kenneth O'Conner would call the election a "electoral success". Analysts have come to the conclusion that the Royalist gains were largely attributed to the traditional conservative campaign promoted by O'Conner, which brought back portions of the moderate voter base lost to the Christian Democrats in 2020. Despite this however, many of the newly-elected Royalists have identified as members of the growing conservative populist movement started by former Prime Minister Nemesis Heartwell.

Despite a seat gain, results for the Democratic-Republicans would largely disappointing. In the Styxie region, the traditional and historic heartland of the Democratic-Republican Party, the party would see massive losses to their Social Democratic allies, with almost every Styxie province losing their traditional Democratic-Republican majority. Along with that, the Democratic-Republicans were bumped down to third party status in Parliament, behind the Social Democrats and their traditional rival the Royalists. According to analysts, this left wing shift of support for the Social Democrats has been contributed to the moderate and more liberal stances of the Democratic-Republicans. Along with that, cultural shifts in the Styxie have been contributed to Democratic-Republican losses, with many left wing Styxers feeling betrayed by the moderating Democratic-Republicans. The loses in Styxie and the demotion to the third largest party in Parliament is expected to worsen relations between the traditional Social Democratic and Democratic-Republican allies, a relationship that has greatly strained since the conclusion of the 2020 federal election.

The Christian Democrats are considered to be the greatest winners of the election, expanding upon the support given to them in the 2020 federal election. In traditional Royalist strongholds, the Christian Democratic Party would see continued gains. The gains seen from the Christian Democrats were largely seen as a continuation of the shift of moderate conservative support away from the Royalist Party, which was extremely evident in 2020. The largest gains for the Christian Democrats would be seen in the Southwest Corridor and Deseret, where Royalist support continues to decline as moderate conservatives switch parties. However, the Christian Democrats also saw a rise in right wing support, with some conservative Royalists defecting to the party in retaliation to the supposed "liberal conservative" campaign O'Conner was implementing and the "betrayal" of Nemesis Heartwell and the populist movement. Though party leader Maximilien Lavallée welcomed the conservative support, he has pledge to continue the moderate agenda that the Christian Democrats have been promoting.

The Libertarians faced the worse results this election and had one of the poorest showings in the party's history. Traditionally apart of the Big Three of Sierran politics, after this election, the Libertarians are now considered a minor and largely insignificant party in Parliament. The losses seen in both 2020 and 2021 are mostly attributed to the political realignment seen in Sierran politics, with most of the right-leaning voters in Sierra opting to vote for the larger Royalist and Christian Democratic parties rather than the Libertarians. Along with that, major policy shifts and general ideological divide within the party have largely discourage many of its core voters from supporting the party this election. Following their historic defeat, many Libertarians have blamed the leadership of Ryan Porter, who replaced former leader Ravinder Didbal in 2020 for such a loss, with many members supporting his removal.

The Green and Hawaiian Sovereignty parties both gained and lost very little, though it is worth noting their underperformance this election. The Greens, who have largely defended their northern majority, saw a decrease in voter support and the lost of two seats this election. Like the Libertarians, the loss of vote support is largely attributed to the political re-alignment in Sierra, with the top four parties chipping away at minor party support. The Hawaiian Sovereignty Party, which had performed surprisingly well in 2020, would also see a decrease in voter support support, losing in a seat in the House of Commons. This is attributed to the decrease in support for Hawaiian nationalism, which was largely revived in reaction to the right wing and populist tenure of Nemesis Heartwell as Prime Minister. The Continentalists would lose their only seat (an at-large district) in Parliament this election and for similar reasons as the Hawaiian Sovereignty Party.

With the Social Democrats re-elected with the slimmest of margins, it is expected that the political divisiveness seen Sierra, which has exist since the 2016 federal election, will continue well into the 2020s. The 2021 federal election saw a overall decrease in moderate support, with almost every party represented in Parliament seeing a increase support for their more radical and extreme wings. This was largely evident with the Royalist Party, who despite winning back some of their moderate support, saw the election of dozens of self-described conservative and Heartwellian populists, despite the party officially distancing themselves from the former Prime Minister. Along with that, it is expected that minor parties will have a harder time being elected to both federal and provincial offices as voters begin to consolidate their support for the top four largest parties in Sierra.

See also