http://www.globalbs.com/story401.htm
Martin and Harper agree to postpone election
Unprecedented voting delay is part of new electoral security pact with the United States
By Sol Dowt
National Pulpit
OTTAWA - In a dramatic news conference today, Paul Martin announced that the federal election will be postponed until November 2, 2004. Standing next to an almost smiling Stephen Harper, Martin explained to the thunderstruck audience that the Liberal and Conservative parties had agreed to set a new election date and to a fixed four-year mandate because of an incredible election security threat.
Calling it the most difficult decision of his political life, Martin acknowledged that many Liberals would be disappointed in the outcome. "I have been very clear that I would put the interests of the country before partisan or personal concerns," Martin laughed nervously, "and this proves my point."
Martin denied that the unprecedented announcement of a negotiated election delay between the two largest political parties was forced on him by the collapse in Liberal support early in the campaign. "We entered into discussions with the Conservatives on this issue of national importance in good faith and for the good of Canada," chortled Martin uneasily.
Conservative leader Stephen Harper went out of his way to explain that the Liberals' capitulation to this key Conservative/Alliance/Reform demand did not constitute a hostile takeover of the Liberals by his party. "This is no shotgun wedding," joked Harper, "Paul approached me about this sensitive question and I agreed to work with him to find a solution that was best for all Canadians."
"Anyway this proposal wasn't my idea-- it came straight from the desk of President Bush," smirked Harper.
Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan disagreed with Harper's characterization, but confirmed that the revised election date was part of a new security agreement with the United States. "After the Al Qaeda attack in Spain and its chaotic aftermath, President Bush and the Prime Minister agreed that electoral integrity was paramount for preserving democracy and freedom in North America," said McLellan. A single continent-wide election date was seen as the best solution to the complex issue of election security.
"To ensure the safety of Canadians and the integrity of our cherished democratic process, my government has negotiated enhanced security cooperation with the US in a number of key areas, including electoral harmonization, ballistic missile defense and border integration," McLellan continued.
The historic agreement was negotiated by the two national leaders "CEO to CEO" on an equal footing, and has been approved by both cabinets, said McLellan. She noted that the alliance would also improve Canadian businesses' access to US markets and increase Canada's leverage over US foreign and economic policy by giving us a seat in the war room with the US and UK.
Under a barrage of reporters' questions, Martin bristled at the suggestion that the security pact was a sellout of Canadian sovereignty and democracy. "Look, the first duty of my government is to protect its citizens," exclaimed Martin hotly. "We have ensured Canadians' right to an orderly and safe democratic expression- that PRESERVES Canadian values and national sovereignty."
Jun 25, 04
