Anton Retains Premiership With Election Victory

Prime Minister Marie Anton meeting her supporters after her election victory.

Marie Anton and her party, the Royal Party of Equanter (RPE) was returned to power following the Equanterian General Election.

The RPE had swept all 45 seats in the Parliament, gaining 92% of the popular votes.

Thanking her supporters in a victory rally, Anton said that the government will work hard to make sure Equanter is safe from any military threat. Referring to the military junta in Malatia, she said, " There is a war looming soon. If we are not  careful, our country will be invaded and occupied".

Beside economic growth, Anton has also pushed for the expansion of the Equanterian Defence Force (EDF). The EDF has been reduced in size after the end of the first regional war. Currently there are only 4 infantry battalions and 4 combat aircraft.

The military leaders in Equanter has stated that a credible defence of Equanter will require 6 infantry battalions backed by 10 reserve battalions. The army has requested for more tanks and artillery pieces for the army.

"Four infantry battalions are not enough. Remember, Equanter was almost wiped off the map during the last regional war", said a military observer.

Equanter does not have any economic problem. However, the security situation in the Eastern Province is volatile. About 75% of the population are ethnic Malatians, with many of them prefer to be under Malatian rule. 

A short civil war in Eastern Province took place several years ago. It was put down with military assistance from the Kingdom of Legonia.

Marie Anton will be sworn in by King William as the Prime Minister next week.