U.S. Politics: a paradigm of a modern democracy

By: Abdulwahab Jemil Lanre

In what could be traced back to the 5th century BC in Greece, although with some controversies as to whether democracy was actually practiced then, we can at least say the term democracy has since then been known. We can also argue that the Roman empire, San Marino(Italy), The Isle of Man( in between Great Britain and Ireland), all of which democratic elements existed in their system, were pioneers of the politics of democracy. However, modern and institutionalized democracy in the United States makes it the oldest democratic nation globally. Over 200 years of uninterrupted democracy is laudable and can no doubt be seen as a prototype for some other countries of the world that their democracy is still very much young, especially African countries and some countries in Asia, to mention a few.

The political climate in the United States has been on the rise since last week as citizens of the country on November 3, 2020, voted to select the leader that will pilot the nation's affairs for the next four years. In what appears to be the most contested and diverse election in the nation's history, the credibility of the election has since then raised many concerns. The incumbent president, who alleges what he refers to as electoral fraud, is yet to concede defeat to the projected winner of the election who has already scored above 270. The required electoral votes needed to be declared the winner of the election. As the world keenly waits to see how events unfold, the incumbent president has lodged a formal complaint to the supreme court, and the Attorney general has approved that the irregularities be looked into. Some world leaders have congratulated the projected winner, and others are waiting for the outcome before sending their congratulatory messages. But however it ends, it is most likely not going to dent or tarnish the U.S. electoral system's image. Instead, it would teach the rest of the world practising the same system of government the importance of strengthening our institutions just like Obama said in his speech when he visited Ghana as an American president that; ' Africa does not need strong men. It needs strong institutions,' he further said; 'Development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.'

The beauty of the process is that no matter how aggrieved anyone is about the outcome of the election, it is not sufficient for them to declare the process null and void. The independence given to the institution under the law makes it impossible for anyone to influence it unduly. It is, therefore, not too right to at this juncture to mock their electoral system as the whole process has been so far democratic. Every step is being taken in accordance with the law, which is precisely what is expected of a democratic system, unlike what would have most likely happened if it were to be in countries where the independence of institutions has been jeopardised.

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Consequently, the takeaway from the recent electioneering process is the importance of strengthening our institutions to discharge their duties without prejudice or political influence whenever such service is needed. It is also important to note that nobody, whatsoever the position being held in the system, is above the law. The aforementioned is my opinion, which I see as something more logical than the rant on social media.