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The U.S. Election: A Lesson for Nigerian Democracy

Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu

Reappraising the 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech by Martin Luther King jr., the burden of discrimination against the black race is relived as history is made in America, as well as the whole world with the election of the 44^th president of the US. This contest which held sway for months got to its peak as Barrack Obama emerged the President -elect.

Considering the credibility of the electoral system which facilitated prompt release of results, this historical election remains a water shade to the whole world and Africa in particular where there are prevalent cases of faulty electoral system as a result of parochial interest which has dominated the polity.

Power they say belongs to the people if and only if the enabling environment is created and the citizens are given the full autonomy to exercise their franchise. The world is indeed excited on the transparent nature of the American political scenario, starting from the nomination of candidates, party primaries, effective campaign strategies, endorsement of candidates and the maturity exhibited during and after the elections. Even at the last minute, the two principle actors (Mac Cain and Obama), looking at their manifestos were fit to occupy that exalted position. But despite that, they never relented on their acquaintances but were preoccupied with preaching what they had in stock for their nation and by extension canvassing for support from teaming supporters.

One thing that was most significant in this election was that majority of Americans knew what they wanted, which was change in all ramifications. To them, their national interest stood paramount, as such decided to do away with parochialism which informed their decision to root for a candidate who is most proficient and had a better grasp of the socio-economic and political problems confronting the Americans despite his race or colour.

This was clearly demonstrated by the former American Secretary of State, Colin Powell, during his open endorsement of Obama when he said: "I will ultimately vote for the person I believe brings to the American people the kind of vision the American people want to see for the next four years, a vision that reaches out to the rest of the world, that starts to restore confidence in America, that starts to restore favorable ratings to America. Frankly, we've lost a lot in recent years."

Powell, a retired General in the US Army, was also the nation's top military commander, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during the first Gulf War under President George Bush, the first African- American to rise to such position in history. It must be noted as well that this same man had been a very strong power broker within the Republican Party in the US of which John McCain belongs. I believe this is nationalism at its peak.

It is a fact that while some people pay a heavy price to be accepted into the society, some are born to be accepted. This transformational figure; Barrack Obama, belongs to the latter category. This is propelled by his vision for generational change, not only in America but the world over. This is evident in his acceptance speech where he said: “To those who turned the world down, we will defeat you, for those seek peace and security, we will support you…” Again the pro-election speech of McCain where he accepted defeat proves courage that both have the interest of their nations at heart.

Elections all over the world are litmus test of popularity meant to prove the credibility and mettle of candidates slated for elective positions. It is obvious that the type of political system operational in any nation determines her pace of development. This is the sole reason why any nation that desired change and total liberation from underdevelopment must start from her political system because a fraudulent electoral system can only breed corrupt leadership, invariably if the future of that nation depends on these corrupt leaders, her growth remains an illusion.

The emergence of Obama as the president-elect of American is celebrated all over Africa including Nigeria. But what is so spectacular about this mandate? Could it be attributed to his constructive speeches on the world economy or the trace of his genealogy from Africa? While some are of the opinion that it will unite the black race, others believe it is a victory for democracy. But in what ramifications, is it victory for democracy in America, Africa or the world at large? At least, let’s not be carried away by the euphoria of the moment.

I think one strategic point that is worthy of note is that this historic election came at the right time when some leaders have blatantly refused to accept defeat ,instead engaged in power sharing deals. Where candidates were wrongfully substituted; mandates are reclaimed in the law court; where principle actors in the last general elections are still in court contesting the legitimacy of the results declared; and despite several records of nullifications of electoral results by different electoral tribunals across the nation (ranging from the Presidency to the State Houses of Assembly and the possible re-run elections), key players are still pointing accusing fingers at one another with stiff bitterness.

This latest political development in America will afford us the great opportunity to restructure our electoral systems to ensure absolute credibility of our elections. This is the appropriate time for a radical change that will banish godfatherism, primordial culture, sentiments, mediocrity and politics with bitterness to pave way for merit and selfless leaders whose policies and programmes will transform the lives of the average citizen.

Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu.

Abuja.