The Lionarchic elections, in which Lionarchic citizens could cast ballots from 09:00 until 21:00, have concluded. The ballots are currently being processed and results will appear soon. The results will determine the new composition of the National Congress, the unicameral legislature of the Lionarchy. Officials estimate the turnout was high, though many lions loyal to other groups such as the Imperial Lionarchic Army (ILA) or Nemerakian Theocratic State (NTS) were excluded from the right to cast a vote. These factions do not recognize the authority of Leeuwtje and the National Congress. Additionally, these factions are not recognized as political parties, though the Lionarchic Brotherhood is a pro-imperialist political party.
The exclusion of citizens loyal to these factions has been a heated discussion for the past few days and is becoming the main topic on which political parties debate. Critics argue it lessens real representation, while government officials have stated these factions will have to lay down their arms first and start peace negotiations for Lionarchic re-integration.
As the country awaits the final results, uncertainty remains about what happens after. The Beardom has introduced a democracy in the Lionarchy a month ago, which makes several experts nervous, who say the newly established democracy is too weak and unstable and needs guidance. Some studies indicated only about 32% of lions support the idea of democracy, whereas 27% is neutral and 41% is against the idea of democracy. Mainly among pro-royalists and pro-imperialists, democracy is not popular.
