We Need More Votes

June 5th, 1947.

Alexanderplatz, the largest public square in the capital city of the Empire of Crentis, was bustling with activity. On this particular day, the Crentian Workers Party had managed to secure a significant portion of the square for a major rally. Flags emblazoned with the party's symbols fluttered in the wind, and banners proclaiming messages of unity and strength lined the area.

Stages were set up at strategic points, each equipped with loudspeakers to amplify the speeches that were scheduled throughout the day. Volunteers in party uniforms distributed pamphlets and guided attendees to their seats or standing areas, ensuring order amidst the growing crowd.

Ernest stood next to Kleist who was overlooking the growing numbers of attendees pouring in from all corners of the square.

As he observed the influx of people, Kleist leaned in towards Ernest, a look of both excitement and slight apprehension on his face. 

"Herr Teucher, we're expecting a turnout of around 40,000 people today," he informed him, checking off details on his clipboard.

Ernest nodded, his expression composed yet alert. 

"That's an impressive number, Kleist. Have we ensured that there will be enough food and drinks for everyone? We can't have our guests leaving dissatisfied."

Kleist smiled reassuringly and replied, "Yes, Herr Teucher. We've coordinated with several local caterers and beverage suppliers. Everything is set to accommodate even more than our expected number, just in case."

Satisfied with Kleist's preparations, Ernest turned his attention back to the crowd. "Excellent work. We are going to make the most out of this opportunity." 

The reason why the Crentian Workers Party is holding a speech in the Alexanderplatz is that next month, there's going to be an election, and the party needs to garner as much support as possible to ensure a strong showing.

Now there are over 35,000,000 qualified voters in the Kingdom of Crentis, and there are 450 seats in the Creitstag. In order to win the election, one party must secure the majority of these seats. The election system in the Kingdom of Crentis is designed to be representative, mirroring a proportional representation model. This means that seats in the Creitstag are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives across the nation.

Each party presents a list of candidates, and voters cast their ballots not for individual candidates but for the party list. This system emphasizes party strength over individual candidates, aligning the distribution of seats closely with the national vote percentage.

For a party to form a government without the need for coalition partners, it would have to secure at least 226 out of the 450 seats, giving it a direct majority. However, given the diverse political landscape of the Kingdom of Crentis, forming coalitions is not uncommon. Parties often have to negotiate alliances to combine seats and form a stable government.

The Crentian Workers' Party, by hosting large rallies and engaging directly with voters, aims to increase its visibility and voter appeal, thereby maximizing its share of the vote. This approach is crucial in a proportional representation system, where even small percentage increases in voter support can lead to significant gains in the number of seats.

However, it is not all that easy when dealing with a huge political party. For example, the Crentian Social Democratic Party held the majority of the seat, followed by the Independent Social Democratic Party of Crentia, making them the primary competitors. 

Those two parties are equitariats or communists in nature and hold half of the seats in Creitstag. Ernest feared that those parties may even form a coalition to stop nationalist and right-wing parties like the Crentian Workers' Party from gaining significant power.

An hour later, everything seemed to settle down. The vast crowd, a mixture of young and old, families, workers, and students, found their spots on the chairs that were arranged in rows and on the ground areas marked for standing. The hum of conversations slowly tapered off as the attendees prepared to hear the speeches.

Kleist approached Ernest, handing him a microphone with a confident nod. "It's time, Herr Teucher. They're ready for you."

Ernest took the microphone. He stepped onto the main stage, which was strategically positioned to give him a commanding view of the crowd. The banners flapping in the breeze behind him carried symbols of the party and the Storm Trooper stationed down the platform with their semi-automatic rifles at their sides added a serious tone to the gathering.

Ernest cleared his throat and began speaking into the microphone. "Citizens of the Empire of Crentis, thank you for gathering here today. This is a pivotal moment for our nation, and your presence signifies the hope and determination that fuel our movement. We stand together, united by our desire to see a Crentis that thrives on the principles of fairness, strength, and prosperity. Our opponents have had their chance. Now, it is our time to demonstrate that we can lead Crentis to a brighter future."

The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, waving their flags more vigorously. Ernest's speech touched on key issues such as economic stability, national security, and cultural integrity, all central themes that resonated with his audience.

"As we approach the election, remember, each vote for the Crentian Workers' Party is a step towards reclaiming the greatness of our nation. We must not relent in our efforts to secure a majority in the Creitstag. Only then can we implement the changes necessary to restore and enhance the welfare of every citizen."

Ernest's speech was met with rounds of applause. People nodded, some discussed amongst themselves, agreeing with his points, while others listened intently, absorbed in the gravity of the moment.

Concluding his speech, Ernest declared, "Let us move forward together, not as disparate groups divided by old politics and failed policies, but as one Crentis, under one banner, with one resolve. Vote for change, vote for strength, vote for the Crentian Workers' Party!"

As he stepped down from the stage, Kleist was the first to greet him, shaking his hand vigorously. 

"That was exactly what we needed, Herr Teucher. The crowd is fired up."

Ernest nodded, satisfied with the day's work. "We must keep this momentum going. Every speech, every rally, every interaction counts."