In a recent comment barfly Fran points to one, two remarkable articles and opines with regard to the US election:
“the rising of the Banana Republic”
With a respectful nod towards South American entities I strongly disagree.
If there are comparisons to the US election system these are to be found in places where the US is supporting the implementation of democracy. There, like in the US, every effort is made to make the elections outcome as effortless as possible.
Take a look at Afghanistan, where a distinguished ambassador is continuously consulting with all presidential candidates. In an effort to make it easy to vote, he is tediously working to shorten the ballot list, even if this involves incuring significant expenditures.
After the hourlong meeting last month, the ethnic Hazara warlord said in an interview Tuesday, he wasn’t satisfied with the rewards offered for quitting.
New meetings are said to be scheduled. To guarantee a high voter outcome, some 10.5 million of 9.5 million estimated eligible Afghan voters are registered by now. Efforts continue to additionally register expatriates like Mr. Rahman.
“We are a bit confused about the candidates,” said Saifur Rahman, 52, a Jalozai[, Pakistan,] resident. “Nobody knows what their plans are for our country.”
But he insists he’ll vote. “I’m an Afghan, and this is my right. I will use that right.”
Another good example for a decent election process may be found in Iraq. The voters there will have to cast the ballot on party lists of candidates. To disburden the electorate and to reduce the costs of ballot printing, the major parties are agreeing to form one “consensus list“. The voter’s arduous decision process will significantly lighten as there will be one simple circle on the ballot that may be marked. This entitles the Iraqi voter to exactly the same extensive variety of policy choices the US voter is demanding and given.
The democratic legitimation of the next President of the US of A, Prime Minister of Iraq and President of Afghanistan will be on comparable levels. To liken these with Banana Republic standards is an insult.
