Nicolai Kleb, leader of the Lovealldemeerkats Party, was the shock winner of the first TV debate between the party leaders.
Instant opinion polls showed that a clear majority of viewers preferred the cute little creature with the strange accent to his rivals, Gordon the Bigbore Engine from the Laborious Party and Dipsy Dave, the Teletory.
They never recovered from Kleb's opening salvo: "Good evening." It was hailed as a "game-changing moment" by top American political guru Frank Outtoluntz. "It was the first time anyone in this campaign said something meaningful to voters."
Kleb also scored by showing clear differences between himself and the other leaders:
"They say de market always best. I say de meerkats always best. Is simple".
And he caused controversy when he revealed details of a behind-the-scenes row.
"My party is poor party. Before debate, I say to other two, 'can you spare any change?' They look away, pretend cannot hear. Proof zat you get no change from other parties."
