Hasanistan voters head to poll for second general election in 2020

Today, voters in Hasanistan head to the polls to elect their President and four seats in the Consultative Mejlis under the new system of government which shall come into force once whoever wins the Presidency is inaugurated. This is the second election in 2020 for Hasanistan, and this first since the deposition of the monarchy of the Sublime State.

The presidential election will be be contested between four candidates, including incumbent Naib-i-Şehinşah (an office to be replaced by President) and Prime Minister Hasan Çakar, former President Tanju Çakar, former Acting Prime Minister Chase Mahoning and Tablekitten of the Moralist Party. Çakar has consistently led significantly throughout polling, but in the final poll his lead was cut to 50% which means under the instant-runoff voting system used in the election he may not instantly win. Hasan Çakar has also seen numerous controversies and standoffs both internally and internationally this year, which may effect the voters' opinion of him. Some citizens have also predicted a potential following of the 2020 trend of an anti-populist backlash seen in other countries, with Hasan Çakar's strongman-style leadership becoming less appealing.

The legislative election is being contested under a single-transferable vote system, where each party has put forward one candidate (with a total of six candidates). Four seats are to be elected, meaning two candidates will fail to do so. The Feudalist Party, a new party formed this year that advocates for feudalism and is accused of being anti-democratic, has led throughout most polling. Their candidate is Natsuki Hegro, Ambassador to the United States and a deputy who was elected in the previous election under the current-ruling People's Unity Party. Once elected, the President will select a Prime Minister from among the elected candidates.

A total of 14 people are eligible for voting this year, 13 citizens and 1 suffraged foreigner with special resident status from Mahuset. Polls close at 00:00 UTC, where after the results will be announced as soon as possible when counting finishes.