Third Political Party Springs Onto The Scene

    ~ ::: La Gaceta de ::: ~

: ~ : C O L O M B I A : ~ :

~ 10th June, 1828 ~

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In a shocking development, a third political party has been formed. This new party, the ‘People’s Party’, claims to be an alternative to the Liberal Party who truly lives up to its ideals. Its declaratory pamphlet gained considerable traction among the people, particularly when it was read aloud en mass to illiterate citizens. The following is an excerpt from this pamphlet, written by Antonio Obando:

‘Despite the so-called Liberal Party’s pretence to stand against slavery and for liberty, the proposals they are making do nothing to genuinely further the cause of freedom and democracy in our country. Their proposals to end slavery do nothing of the sort, instead proposing we force the newly-freed into work camps and work houses where the conditions under which they labour will be no better than they were beforehand. As such those who truly believe in liberty for all have seen it fit to come together and form a new party, a party which stands for all the peoples of our great nation: the People’s Party

The core beliefs of the People’s Party are:

• The true abolition of slavery, with the creation of quality, well-paid work for all those freed from slavery and reparations for the formerly enslaved

• True universal suffrage for all citizens over the age of 21, with no limits on who can vote based on race, sex, or class

• Massive investment in industry, agricultural modernisation, and improvement of our infrastructure

• The abolishment of the position of president, to be replaced by a council of state, to protect our country from the inherent fallibility of individuals

• The devolution of further powers both to the states of the departments of our country and to local assemblies

The People’s Party:

• Is governed by an Executive Council of ten members of the party, half of whom will be re-elected every year

• Is a party run for and by the people, so membership of the party is available for an annual fee of 2 reales or 1 reale for under-16s, over 60s, and current and former members of our great military

• Will hold an annual convention in which local elected representatives will vote on our party’s policy positions’