ISML 2020: An Election Before The Election
By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam On Baltic Avenue
January 30, 2021
One of the big semifinals that awaits in the Female Division bracket of the 2020 International Saimoe League Eliminations is what is very much an election before the General Election to close out the tournament. Kaguya Shinomiya routed Ai Hayasaka 6177-4669 to advance to the semis but will face her strongest opponent on record: Mikoto Misaka, who thumped Rin Tohsaka 7344-4366 and is looking to make history by being reelected and become the first two-time Saimoe Prime Minister.
Touma Kamijou is hoping to join Misaka in winning the Deputy Saimor Prime Minister's office after eliminating Subaru Natsuki 6332-4407 but will get a stern challenge from Sakuta Azusagawa, who eased past Rintarou Okabe 5901-4118. Both Shinomiya and Misaka highlighted two items on their agenda: getting all of Japan vaccinated from COVID-19 and getting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics off the ground. In particular, Misaka made it clear in her virtual rallies that it can only be experience and a leader with a track record of results that can guide the nation, the world and Saimoe forward. Shinomiya, meanwhile, is counting on her and Miyuki Shirogane to move Japan forward on an air of quiet, assertive confidence while building on the story that outgoing Saimoe Prime Minister Violet Evergarden wrote. She intended to write a "glorious new chapter, to share the power of love to keep hope alive," as she said in a virtual town hall meeting earlier in January with Chika Fujiwara and Miko Iino moderating.
Elaina, as Fall Diadem winner, will be taking on Kei Shirogane, Miyuki's sister, for the Speaker of the Saimoe Diet seat after defeating Tsukasa Yuzaki 5897-5045. Shirogane is slated to win by at least 200 votes and over 11,000 votes cast. But don't sell the Wandering Witch short. Elaina has vowed to provide a progressive agenda to the Saimoe movement, with an aim towards the promotion of women's rights and minority solidarity. As with others, she too believes that vaccination, good hygiene and safety remain a priority for the constituents she will serve if elected. In addition, Elaina feels that the Kaguya Party might be looking at a monopoly in power in the next government, and is banking on voters to look to her to provide balance and "foster good government with resolute diversity" as Speaker.
Rize Tedeza was third in the Fall Seasonal race with a 4989-3717 win over Hougetsu Shimamura. Also, Saya whipped Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin 5211-3787 and Sakura Adachi got past Sharo Kirima 4373-3869.
In Tiara Consolation action, Rikka Takanashi rolled past Kaede Azusagawa 6367-4017, Chika Fujiwara mowed down Mio Akiyama 5546-4979, Kuroko Shirai shot down Kurumi Tokisaki 5657-5598, Yui Yuigahama hammered Chino Kafuu 5640-4596, Misaki Shokuhou drove past Ruiko Saten 5590-4359, Emilia obliterated Utaha Kasumigaoka 5939-4307, Iroha Isshiki prevailed over Megumin 4976-4880 and Shiro clocked Nao Tomori 5229-4761.
In Scepter Consolation action, Kiritsugu Emiya toasted Saika Totsuka 4908-4339, Taki Tachibana took down Shirou Emiya 5011-4505, Yuuta Togashi impaled Gilgamesh 5203-4046, Tanjiro Kamado prevailed over Tomoya Okazaki 4748-4524, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji defeated Lelouch Lamperouge 4923-4165, Levi leveled Archer 5041-4318, Saitama punched Yuzuru Otonashi 4902-4242 and Ryuuji Takasu roared past Sorata Kanda 4502-4248.
Finally, in a set of special exhibitions, Sumi Sakurasawa defeated Kaname Arisugawa 4410-3738, Rakko Yumiya prevailed over Hina Satou 4298-4073, Yui Hanasaka delivered a 5121-2347 statement win over Special Week and Kyouko Izanami routed Kirara Hoshino 4924-2436.
Match Day 6 of the 2020 International Saimoe League is scheduled for February 1, 2021. Vore for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
