The Election

On the Kokoda Track, New Guinea in 1942, there is a battle between Australian and Japanese soldiers vying for supremacy on the God-forsaken, muddy, mosquito-infested track. During the clash, an atrocity is committed on an Australian by a Japanese sergeant, the consequences of which will have serious repercussions decades later in Australia. The action jumps forward in time to London when Queen Elizabeth II narrowly escapes a terrorist bombing and abdicates in favour of Prince Charles. Following his coronation, the Australian pro-republican movement renews its call for a referendum on the monarchy, this time succeeding and attention is turned to the election of the country’s first president. Michael Takada, who has a Japanese father and an Australian mother, wins selection for Queensland and goes forward representing his state in the presidential race. But there are many who, for racially motivated reasons, are intent on preventing him reaching public office – including the Western Australian candidate, David Shawcross. Shawcross is the antithesis of Michael -- and not just because he is a member of a rival political party. When Michael and Shawcross become the main contenders for the presidency, Takada is targeted by a fanatical far-right organisation and later, by a sophisticated white supremacist terror group. But racists aren’t the only problem getting in the way of Michael’s chances. A cub reporter on the Sydney Morning Herald, Cameron Mackenzie is just finding his feet in the big city newspaper, when he is tasked with looking into the background of candidate, Michael Takada. The more he digs, the more he uncovers, as the trail leads him to other parts of Australia and then to Japan. There, with the help of a Japanese journalist, he finally uncovers the truth about what happened in New Guinea in 1942 and its connection to Michael Takada. As the election nears, Michael’s political aspirations are soured by the reporter’s explosive discovery in Japan. Will it scupper his chances of being president? In the polls, he is neck and neck with David Shawcross and the last thing he wants for his country is to allow his nemesis to cross the line, leaving Australia with a racist, hard-drinking, womanising president. Despite their roller coaster ride, they are equally determined to be the country’s first president. When racism is allowed to get out of control, it can wreak havoc, even in one of the world’s most politically stable nations.

About the Author :
Darryl Greer is a lawyer and author who lives with his wife in the hinterland of Australia's famous Gold Coast. He has written and published numerous articles, both legal and general. "The Election" is his first published novel.