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The Valhallans themselves are a fiercely independent people. They would prefer to remain so. However, most of them realise the inevitability of the need to form some kind of allegiance with one of the power blocs. They also recognise the extent to which the other powers are eager to do recruit them, and are in effect collectively holding out for the best offer. Additionally, from their perspective there are particular problems with each of the interested power blocs:
Over all, most Valhallans are split between the Eridani Republic and the Star Kingdom of Pegasus. Many publicly profess to be pro the League, but if it came to a secret ballot few would actually vote that way. Additionally, a small percentage of the population continues to ignore the inevitable and hope for continued Valhallan independence; of these a minority are prepared to use any means necessary to maintain Valhallan Sovereignty.
Valhalla employs a democratic system of government. Enfranchisement is based on passing an elementary educational test which ensures that in order to vote, the individual has a basic level of education such that they are capable of understanding the issues.
The government consists of a President and a Senate, which has 200 members. The population of 90.7 million is divided into 10 electoral Districts, each of which returns 20 Senators, on a proportional representation basis. Elections are held at 10 year intervals, the last was held in October 287 AI, so the next is due by this coming October. Needless to the say, the subject of alliance with a major power is a political hot potato.
The Future Party - Currently the majority ruling party, with 142 seats on the senate. The Future Party has a re-election platform based on joining the League of Independent Worlds. Whilst opinion polls suggest that this should give them a majority, as discussed above ('The Valhallans Point Of View') this may not be the case when it comes to the real vote.
Valhallan Progressive Party - The principal opposition party holds 53 seats (the remaining 5 are held by minority interest groups or independents). Their policy platform is to seek the most favourable terms from any possible alliance, additionally they have recently promised that all the options will be put to a referendum before any commitments are made. This is proving to be a popular position and the Progressive Party has rapidly gained ground in the opinion polls as a result.
Valhallan Independence Party - A small but vocal minority party, the VIP have no senators on account of having been formed since the last election. They hope to win their first seats later this year, standing on a policy of keeping Valhalla independent. They are suspected by many to be the political front for Valhalla First, a link which has never been proven.
Iron Fist - This subversive organisation was discovered to be recruiting military personnel in 297 AI. Most of the members of Iron Fist are believed to have fled Valhalla with Centaur Federation forces, when it was liberated following the military coup. However as no membership records were discovered some members may still be serving in the armed forces.
Valhalla First - This underground movement is committed to using any means necessary to maintain Valhallan independence, including the use of violence. They have waged a low key guerrilla war for the last few years, raiding off-world owned installations. This is intended to achieve two purposes, firstly to dissuade further investment by off worlders and secondly to attempt to provoke a heavy handed response which can then be used as political ammunition to block further off world involvement.
VF is set up as independent cells and is estimated to have a total membership of around 35,000. Of these, around 15,000 are active as Guerrilla fighters. So far, lacking command and control experience, as well as heavy weapons, VF have generally operated at platoon level or below. They employ hit and run tactics, always choosing to avoid direct confrontation. After the military coup in 297 AI, most Valhalla First cells joined forces with the loyalists that fought against the military junta.
Valhalla Independence Army - The VIA are a splinter group that separated from Valhalla First in March 297 AI.
The main news broadcasters are: Capital News, Interstellar Network News and Valhalla News. National papers include: Valhalla Herald and Valhalla Informer (both owned by Valhalla News). Local papers include the Vanden Daily News.
For information on past events on Valhalla read the historical timeline.