2003 Perrennial presidential election

The 2003 Perrennial presidential election was held on February 27, 2003. It was the 4th quinquennial election for president of the Republic of Perrennia. Five candidates appeared on the ballot nationwide on election day; incumbent president Victor Chavez, treasury administrator Martin Castillo, billionaire entrepreneur Ken Martinez, then senator Rachel Perez, and author Simon Fernandez. The 2003 election is so far the only presidential election in Perrennial history in which the candidate with the most votes prior to distribution through IRV did not win the election and ascend to the presidency. It is also the only presidential election so far in which the incumbent was defeated for a second term.

= Background =

= Nominations =

As done in all Perrennial presidential elections, a predetermined number of leaders and elite members of each party meet at a scheduled party convention to vote on a nominee based on each potential candidate's polling and financial performance, among other factors, prior to said convention. To win the nomination, one must receive a one-half majority of votes from the delegates.

Corporatist party primary race
Former mayor Archibald Banter was the first to announce, on March 11, 2002, he was seeking the presidential race nomination of the Corporatist party. He was challenged just three weeks later by senator Richard Gomez. At first, Gomez appeared to have a slight lead for the nomination in opinion polls. However, on June 16, 2002, Allete Manufacturing CEO Ken Martinez announced he was running, making a late entry into the race and creating a spoiler effect for Gomez, pushing him to last in the polls by August. A televised debate among the candidates was held on August 14, 2002. The consensus after the debate was overwhelmingly in favor of Martinez, both despite and most likely because of blunt and inflammatory remarks he had made. Richard Gomez then withdrew from the primary race on August 19, 2002. Banter continued to rally against Martinez, however, Martinez's lead in the polls only seemed to grow.

The Corporatist party convention was held on November 8, 2002, in the conference hall of the William P. Babel Tower. Sixty delegates met among tens of reporters and onlookers to decide who to nominate. As customary, both Banter and Martinez addressed the crowd before balloting began. Martinez was nominated on the first ballot. Corporatist chairmen Colt De La Muerto was selected as Martinez's running mate on the basis of being a 'party insider'; he could contrast against Martinez's staunch and short-fused populism, balancing out the ticket.

Progressive party primary race
Incumbent president Victor Chavez was unopposed for renomination. The Progressive party convention was held on November 4, 2002, Chavez's 36th birthday, at the Caymen Vasquez Complex in Cabana, Perrennia. All 104 delegates voted for Chavez. Andrew Knowles was also unanimously renominated for vice president. Both delivered speeches at the convention to the delegates, reporters, and hundred or so onlookers who had attended.

Proletarian party primary race
= Contest =

= Results =

= Reactions and Aftermath =