Election of the Governor of the Bank of Duetaria

"After days and weeks of lobbying and argument, the final five Candidates for Governorship of the Bank of Duetaria are hereby proposed," the Margrave of Sohm announced today outside of the Hall of Trade and Economists.

Henceforth, the Candidate shortlist page will be locked, and no more candidates are allowed to apply. All users are allowed only one vote (and I will be obeying this, so do not worry). The Election commences this evening and will conclude on Saturday with the formal inauguration of the Governor. The Election of the Secretary for Banking and Finance will then begin on Monday 9 June.

"I have reviewed the supreme breadth of talent within this election race, and I have therefore decided to step down as Darmsburger Candidate for Governorship of the Bank of Duetaria," says Maxence Tserclaes today to a crowd of journalists, "instead, I shall focus my energies on the upcoming race for election as Secretary for Banking and Finance. Thank you."

"Does this have anything to do with Grand Duke Henry's supposed political pluralism, Herr Tserclaes?" calls a journalist from the throng.

"Most certainly not Madam," replies Tserclaes in a dignified and decorous tone, "I have withdrawn quite simply because of the enormous respect that I have for the great Senator Templer and Fred Gripes, among others, and sincerely believe that these gentlemen would more fittingly do justice to this great honour."

Several journos raise their hands. "I am sorry ladies and gentlemen, that is all I have to say. Now, if you will kindly excuse me, I have dinner reservations at La Tour d'Argent with Count Thurn and Amy Adams in forty-five minutes, and I still have to finalise my eau de cologne budget."

The paparazzi laugh and take their last photographs of the great financier.

The Federation of Telegram Operators no longer exists. It is now a dictatorship.

"I wish to re-iterate to all politicians and economists that on Saturday the election of our Bank's Governor shall be concluded. It is also important to note that none of the failed candidates for Governor will be allowed to run for Secretary for Banking and Finance," said the Margrave of Sohm today.

How very interesting, the voting I mean. Oh and may I remind all that the lieutenants are submitted to the elected governor and he chooses them, there is no voting.

The election is tied, so we need everyone who hasn't voted to vote. Whoever that is, do it now!

Perhaps a power sharing agreement could be reached?

Perhasp joint head, unless someone else votes?

We will remove our Vote for Sir George and give it to Mr Gripes on one condition: that we form a "Banking Coalition", a la Lloyd George, and our proposed Secretary for Banking and Finance, Hugh McNamara, be elected with unilateral support. If not this, then we will be happy to support Mr Gripes if King Wake and President Shortman accept our Cabinet's Banking Reform Act.

Please provide more details on the coalition first

We will give details of the aforestated Coalition by Saturday 14 June 2008 at the latest.

We propose that, in return for voting for Fred Gripes, the Potato Farmers support our candidate Hugh McNamara as Secretary for Banking and Finance.

Don't bother, I hereby announce that Sir George Glamesbury has stepped down.