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The U.S election results set the stage for the next four years of world direction
"˜Change' or the maintenance of the status-cue
It is the election season or to be more exact the combat season. Usually it is the battle of the fittest but this time it seems it's the battle of the most articulate or the most adamant or the most charming or the most religious or the most controversial!
Let's see"¦"¦..
In America the elections are at the end of the year but the warm up season is at its peak right now.
In the United States of liberal democracy the electoral system is very engaging both nationally and internationally and why not who can do it better than Hollywood (perhaps Bollywood another claimant of a huge democracy)
The budget employed for this fiasco is no less than any Hollywood movie, rather the money spent on the election campaign is in behemoth proportions equivalent to any developing nation's budget.
What makes it so striking and interesting is the apparent workability of the whole system both the electoral institute itself and the mechanics and procedures employed to attain its fullness and participation. It's a system worth taking note of for dos and don'ts of elections and politics. There could be something to learn for other nations including Pakistan. The American politics has evolved over centuries and especially since the 19th century the selection of their head of state the President has become more (dramatic) democratic moving from indoors selection by the Democratic and Republican members of the congress to the National convention, from each party nominating a single candidate to each party nominating several candidates. Citizens are offered a selection of personalities to choose their president from. (The citizens have a final say or not is still not clear)
The multiple party systems seems to be fast fading away from several of world democracies and mainly two contending parties are emerging as in the case of America the Democrats and the Republican party. This to some is a sensible culmination but I think true democracy is on its right path when it provides multiple candidates so why should democracy stop here and not provide multiple parties. The argument for a 2 party system is that it reduces the chaos and feud of several opponent parties especially if the nation is both ethnically and ideologically diverse. This is true in part so a lesser number of 4 to 5 parties than a dozen would work well to reduce any feared feud. In the case of America the 2 major parties usually seem two of a major one with similar elements both ideological and racial present in both parties. People often desire another option. There are other parties in America but the bulk of focus and probably a careful orchestration and funding has gone into the shaping and keeping of these two parties. Such a stance in A Republic the size and multitude as America is contrary to democratic ideals and raises doubts. Perhaps the reasons are to control and counter any new ideologies and ethnicities from entering the white house. (This election may certify this notion both color and sex is on trial and to some extend faith)
And Why not there be some control in selecting a power house like the American President! The President of United States of America is the head of the federation all 50 states. He not only enforces laws but proposes them too. Is also the commander in chief of the U S armed forces and is also responsible for cultivating U S foreign policy.(when and whom he may demonize and attack as we have all witnessed) He also has the power to veto the bills passed by the congress. His own cabinet does not have to go through any electoral process he hand picks them (or the cabal that has funded his place in the white house picks) Even the judges of the Supreme court are nominated by the president of United States of America. So it is apparent that the US president has pocketed nearly all the major institutes of the country.
Pakistan has long suffered from ethnic and ideological divisions so perhaps cultivating and promoting 4 major parties representing the nation with neutral designations such Republican and Democrats would reduce divisions and promote Pakistanism. Designations such as Pakistan Jamhuri Party, Pakistan Milli Party, Pakistan First Party or Hum Pakistani Party would help inshallah to reconcile past differences and promote Pakistanism. This neutralism would also reduce suspicions associated with certain personalities as either allies of the President as king's party or another as Queen's party, and some other parties understood to be working only for a certain ethnic group like Pukhtun Party Muhajor movement etc.
New technologies and media play a significant role in American poles and politics. Media has helped in reducing the gap between the voter and the nominee. (Touring all states for the campaign would certainly leave the candidate unfit for the white house) The exchange that was unthinkable between the two, the voter and the candidate a century ago is made possible via media and the world wide net. This is certainly the way to go in today's media addict world. So this year the presidential nominees also faced a u-tube audience with some unusual and tough questions. In this Media advance world most Americans desire to abolish the Electoral College calling it unjust as it rides over the popular vote. When the registered voters have given their support for a specific nominee there is no need for the Electoral College to come in between and measure up the popular vote to their fixed votes that are 2 senate votes for each state and the rest according to the states population. Least Electoral ballots are 3 and the most are 54 that of California. A presidential Candidate requires 270 Electors/votes out of 538 Electors. Therefore a candidate who has gained substantial vote in the states popular voting may not be the winner until unless he has won the Electoral College where Electors/delegates chosen usually by the political bosses declare or in some cases conceal till the Convention their support for a specific Presidential nominee. The world famous Florida Fumble of 2000 presidential election, where Al Gore was the popular nominee hugely ahead of George Bush but just because all of Florida's 25 Electors went to Bush Al Gore was not the President. The Electoral College was set up by the founding fathers of America who may have considered their general public illiterate or not conscientious enough to have a say in who is eligible to be the federations head decided to appoint a few personalities to do the job of selection. Perhaps it made sense then when communication and transfer of information was limited but now such a system still prevailing in broad band high speed America must be retained due to other reasons. (Horse trading of the electors/delegates to achieve a certain winner"¦hummm)
My definition of "˜Demo.cra.cy'
"˜Demonstrate your credibility and be seen'
The American elections are not just a war of words and street protests that establishes the might of a nominee, rather this type of politics is minimum in the American political scene. The Nominee is judged upon his or her contribution there is a requirement of some civil or social service that has established the individual capable of imparting giving rather than he or she is known to be a looter or hoarder of national wealth and resources. (the assignment of looting is definitely there but given to another department it is one of the most efficient in the world that almost always does support a certain presidential nominee so that"¦ you know what"¦.)
Multiple nominees make the competition tougher and harder to be in the white house. The most favorite of the public (or the"¦lo) is the one who has been successful in establishing a good rapport with the people and the delegates and also has something in his platform/manifesto according to the needs of the voters. This some thing usually becomes his election line that the nominee uses as a winning charm.
The election season begins with states gauging support for the presidential nominees, holding caucuses/political meetings or primaries/voting (pre-general vote) Thousands of registered voters in the caucuses or the primaries endorse both the presidential nominee and the delegate for the national convention. Most states have a binding primary that means once the winner of the state is declared the delegates allotted to that nominee are legally bonded to support this nominee at the National Convention. Other states practice a non-binding primary system in which selected delegates cast their vote to invited candidates at the state convention.
There is still more choice and flexibility
A party may pursue a Close Primary where its nominees are endorsed by registered party voters only.
While others may have a semi-closed primary in which unaffiliated independent voters may choose a party primary to cast their vote.
In just a matter of weeks the nominations would be locked with the runners up ready for the National Convention. Similar system can be employed in Pakistan where not some politically elected delegates cast their choice but instead notable public figures, intellectuals, scholars and technocrats endorse a presidential hopeful as capable and fit to lead the nation. Each political party should first nominate not one (which has always been the party head himself) but 3 eligible candidates. This process would be the establishment of Democracy from grassroots from the party which has never been a tradition in Pakistani Politics. At the moment in Pakistan members of the National assembly elect the President for a 5 year term. These members of the National assemble are elected by the people of Pakistan and are understood to represent the people and their causes and wishes. Sadly this is not the case and internal alliances and horse trading is the norm to endorse a President who will later serve these people by grants and relieves in return for their vote. In order to counter this trend it would be better to pursue a direct vote but in a country where independence and literacy is hugely inaccessible this would still not establish a just man. Throughout our history we have faired well with the opinions and guidance of visionaries, scholars and intellectuals who have guided us in the past that we were able to achieve the miracle Pakistan and probably now as the nation is again at a crossroads and confused needs guidance more than ever. Let's make our intellectuals part of our electoral college until we achieve 70 or 80% literacy. As for now using the opinions and suggestions of our wise heads to proceed forward is better than just inviting them to talk shows.
The American election campaign has begun with the smaller ponds Iowa and New Hampshire who hold only 7 and 4 electoral ballots respectively declaring their most support for Democratic Party nominee Hillary, Obama and McCain of Republican Party while the rest did not fair well.
Let's see what each nominee has on offer:
*Hilary Clinton holding the lengthiest portfolio of public service seems like a true candidate. She was New York's Mayor and not only that she also has the privilege of being the first female senator in US history. She is a strong advocate of women's causes around the world and is also committed to children's issues.
She can make American women learn how to be good wives and good mums
Her Church United Methodist.
Her catch slogan "˜Reversals'
Her emergency provision Bill Clinton
Her supporters women
*Rudy Giuliani Republican Nominee also a New York Mayor not just once but twice. He was also a US Attorney and now a Privileged Business person his own investment Bank his own securities and Law firm. Holder of 7 awards and 3 marriages. Times Person of the Year and Queen Elizabeth 2's choice honoring him knighthood (not forgetting Salman Rushdhi another Queen's choice something common in both of them I guess) Strong rival of Hillary already lost the senate seat to her (guess all prepared to win this time) Rudy managed 2004 Bush campaign and therefore thinks he knows the game best not yet playing the field in full gear. (Still 8 months to go anything can happen and of course the Florida Fumble)
He can teach the tricks for getting those awards
His Church was Roman Catholic
His catch "˜I am the man 9/11 iron man
His emergency provision Neo-Cons
His supporters' whites and Jews
*Republican John McCain is cashing on his/and his family's military navy service and his war injuries and imprisonment. He is a senior U S senator plus a member of several senate committees. He claims his hero to be Ronald Reagan, sadly Nancy chose Rudy Giuliani for award. Two marriages one not enough and even two churches, Baptist and Episcopalian/Anglicanism
Hope he can convince America against wars
His catch "˜The comeback'
His emergency provision the deceased Ronald Reagan
*Mike Huckabee has been Governor of Arkansas and also has a religious television station. Has served as a pastor of Baptist congregation. Opposes abortion and guy marriages. Writes on healthy living. Married Janet McCain (bad boy) is cheering on his southern roots and pastoral connections.
He may help Americans loose all that fat and gain more faith
His catch "˜change politics'
His supporters' religious right
*John Edwards has been successful as a Trail lawyer representing families and children. Against large corporations and insurances (oh O`) Humble background mill workers son who made it big(not yet) Holds a seat in senate and was nominated wise president by John Kerry 2004 elections. Friends of Clintons now pounding Hillary. (Wonder if he would unlock his delegates for Hillary"¦ oh for old time's sake at least)
Perhaps he can reveal more covert organizations of America
His church United Methodist
His catch "˜middle class savior'
His supporters' insurance claimants
*Barak (sho"¦) Obama also a senator a Harvard graduate, teacher, community worker and a writer about himself his life, some dreams and some hopes the rest audacity. Man of colors and places from Indonesia to Kenya all are hopeful. Himself supports working families.
He can help the upcoming politicians in choosing their church
His church The Unity/Trinity Church of Christ
His catch "˜change'
His supporters his church UCC
*Mitt Romne Massachusetts Governor. Father business man and a 3 time governor of Michigan. Romne involved in community, civic, church and charities. Under his governorship Massachusetts economy surged. He also rescued the 2002 winter Olympics with his excellent book keeping skills. Advocate of education.
He should be the choice to rescue America's sliding economy
His church Mormon (oh O)
His catch "˜sustained economy'
His supporters Massachusettians & Michigan
The fitness analysis:
The most charming a Kennedy comeback of course is John Edwards, would he be as lucky or unlucky as Kennedy neither.
Most adamant John McCain sorry dead man can't help. Most articulate the Obama new kid on the block now you see him and now you don't!
Most religious healing guru Huckbee and most controversial of course the Rude Rudy
One more category the exhausted martyr Hillary!
Weakest portfolio Obama some call him the phenomena I call him the great agitator!
The U S elections seem to maintain the status-cue a new man does not imply change even if he is black or a female. The fact is "˜the job is not done yet still miles to go under and above'. Any new President will already have a plan laid out to follow. Any new person in the white house would have to follow the black house. He will only assume a fellowship not a leadership!
What will this mean for Pakistan more of the same"¦ I guess!
We can only bring real change if we stop finger pointing and complaining instead unite and reform ourselves for the sake of our children who will survive if this nation Pakistan survives.
Let's bury our differences with the dead and embrace sincere brotherhood.
"¦"¦"¦..its time to reconcile in its genuine spirit please
Furheen urges you all.
Do not stop here send in your suggestions of reform to reply
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