Isn't defensive indifference sort of a contradiction?

I believe it is.

As in he's being defensive by pretending to be indifferent to everything.

I feel compelled to vote for the Regent, as a matter of Imperial Loyalty.

Voting is now over! And it's an even tie with Gash and Hfye! They'll move on to the next rounds of elimination once the field is narrowed down some more.