President Faces Challenge from within Party as Election Campaign Begins

President Vincent_Wolff is now officially facing a leadership challenge from BusyHustler, the Minister of Justice and Interior in Prime Minister MikeBodwin's DNP-GP coalition government.

"I am running because, quite frankly, I've been watching how things have been playing out as a member of the Cabinet" tells Mr. BusyHustler to the Demarcian Inquirer. "Demarcia deserves a leader who is going to actively fulfill their duty, one who isn't going to have projects that are purely for self interest rather than for the betterment of the country and its people"

The minister's announcement that he is running against the President has prompted rumours of divisions within the Demarcian National Party, which, months after taking office, still appears to be struggling to finish its merger with the Green Party.

"I seek change, the DNP should have patriotic values. You'd think a party that calls itself a National Party would be so. It is unsure of its own identity and strayed off course. The problem starts at the top" added Mr. BusyHustler.

"Bearing in mind that Vincent_Wolff has been President more than once, this only reinforces the points I'm making. I believe every Demarcian citizen should have a chance to voice their opinions.. Everyone deserves a shot and, well, even with the merger with the Green Party I don't see things getting better"

The minister has further added that he believes it is time for Vincent_Wolff to step aside, considering her to have had her time in the limelight. He has, however, pledged to back her for the presidency if his bid to unseat her from the party leadership fails.

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party has launched its presidential campaign with the slogan "Demarcia deserves better". The party does not appear to be divided on who should take it into the next election - the consensus appears to be that Brandin should remain the leader and be the party's presidential candidate.

"The Social Democrats stand ready to offer competent leadership that is ready to get the job done as opposed to merely slack at work while promoting division", said party secretary Penstubal. "The regime has done nothing to bring activity back to Demarcia, they've built essentially nothing, passed barely anything. The people can't stand this anymore"

"Brandin is the best person to get the job done and bring Demarcia back on track. He now has quite a track record, and I believe his mission is incomplete. The Demarcian people will see it that he gets the opportunity to finish it" added the confident party secretary.

The events of the last few days are setting the stage for a contentious election campaign. Despite Penstubal's cocky veneer, pundits note that the Social Democrats are increasingly desperate and lacking confidence in their abilities to win the upcoming election. Meanwhile, the DNP-Greens appear to lack any seriousness, like they believe victory will arrive on a silver platter.

Still, the election campaign could be more interesting than previous few election campaigns have been. It remains to be seen whether the government and opposition will intensify their election-winning efforts.

Helen Pratchett,

Demarcian Inquirer.