U.S Elections 2012: A Report

Nov 25, 2012 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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By Trevor Williams
AFC Executive and Parliamentarian

I wish to thank the Government of the United States Government and Consulate Staff in Georgetown for giving me the opportunity to observe the USA Elections 2012. The opportunity realized meetings and relationships with a very wide cross-section of American citizens, institutions and over thirty young political and civil society leaders from around the world. Together we embarked on an interesting journey around the United States for three weeks.
Our programme included visits to Congressmen and Senators on Capitol Hill, and to candidates of Conservatives, Liberal, Libertarians, Independents and other groups. Luncheons with American businessmen, and activists with political parties, meetings with State Organizers, Volunteers, University Student Activists, State Department Officials, among so many others were most instructive and interesting.

We also had the opportunity to observe voting on Election Day in economically and demographically contrasting precincts. We were able to observe voting machines in operations, security procedures in action, and the general conduct of voters and administrators. We visited Campaign offices and witnessed volunteers working the phones, and saw them knocking on doors making a last-minute effort to convince the undecided.
Our team regrouped in New York and discussed what we had seen and heard from the Candidates, and the electorate, and you evaluate the system at work. We were also able to discuss politics in our own countries and make comparisons with the United States system.
As a result of what we observed from the wide cross-section of U.S citizens, I therefore wish to share a few thoughts which I have concluded to be critical to the success of the U.S elections process. I further wish to point out that I will be making myself available across Guyana to engage in conversations about democracy, participation, and rule of law, campaign financing, media and other issues critical to the maturing of Guyana’s political process.
The Rule of Law
In American politics there are not any sacred cows or untouchables. Hence, whether at the State or the Federal level, aspiring leaders and incumbents face the daily threat of being confronted by the law should there be the temptation to be deviant. This comes from the fact that even a President can be impeached, as well as Senators and Congressmen. Campaign funds, taxes, immorality, family life and public misbehaviour can generally deter a person’s political aspirations.  Each candidate must declare their donations and how it was spent, either monthly or quarterly, except for Super PAC donors who generally give a limited amount and declare figures to the Federal government. With this being the case, one must operate with as much integrity and the highest of professional standards.
Participation of the American people
In the United States, apart from the parties, candidates and the supporters, another very important element of elections is the role of civil society. Veterans, NGOs, Women, Youth Organisations, Students, Trade Unions, religious bodies and other “interest activists” all play a role in shaping and defining who leads America. Their right, exercised in a constitutional manner, ensures influencing policy outcomes and informing Congressmen and Senators.
Much of electoral and political activism is based solely on the citizen’s rights to vote. The threat of voter suppression and disenfranchisement is equally confronted with litigation. The American election atmosphere is very fired up and dynamic. Whether partisan or centrist, Americans have the freedom to receive information and the freedom to disseminate it, to whomever they please, providing there are no constitutional breaches, national security implications, or violations of human rights.
The Role of the Media
America is the land of free speech. I was heartened to find out that the Voice of America is not allowed to broadcast in the United States, simply because it is funded by taxpayers! The American people will not have their choices be dictated or subject to political overtures from an elected government. Privately-owned media, though in business, ensures that the actions and conduct of public officials be shown to the taxpayers whose money they are spending. Even in their most unguarded moments politicians are subject to scrutiny and possible exposure.
The unmuzzled media, while contributing to the hype, is heavily relied upon by American citizens to inform on policy and hot-button issues within and outside of the United States. In the history of U.S elections, incumbents have a ninety percent record of winning re-election.
In the 2012 elections, as a result of statements considered “ridiculous” carried on all forms of the media, no less than three incumbents lost their bids for Congress and Senate. Governor Mitt Romney’s comments about 47% of America’s mainly low-income families became a factor in the race, as he had to divert considerable time explaining context to the voters. Likewise comments made about women and minorities had a telling effect on Election Day thanks to the media.
Transparency of the Electoral Process
Despite the occurrence of different incidents in various places in U.S politics, the majority of Americans believe that the system, though not perfect, is satisfactorily transparent and not wholly subject to interference and manipulation by anyone seeking power by fraud. The electoral machinery undergoes constant review where recommendations to improve, as states can afford, is undertaken. Additionally, Courts usually rule impartially in contentious matters.
Race & Minorities
Minorities and immigrants are the subject of much discourse in U.S politics and Candidates usually suffer pitfalls when trying to explain their policy. Mitt Romney’s gaff regarding ‘…binders full of women’ and gifts for votes, incited the wrath of these voters. These groups attract the most discussion on matters of immigration and social welfare. It generally turns to conservatives versus liberals, and overtures, slangs and partisan political discourse remain responsible for whatever division may exist.  However, I remain convinced that race discussions and tensions become heightened at elections and may help determine the outcome of certain Congressional and Senate races. Minorities speak definitively in electoral races. Their powerful voting strength makes them a force to reckon with, for Candidates seeking the Presidency and lawmakers alike.
Handing Over Power
A final observation which will remain with me for a lifetime is the practice of handing over power in a seamless transition, rewarding the wishes of the people. Americans expect their Candidates to concede graciously when they lose; and for those who win, to carry on with the business of looking after all the people. A concession speech is a common feature which wins much respect and is tied directly to the transparency of the system.
I also learnt that in the event of tied electoral votes, a highly unlikely scenario, the Congress and Senate will choose the President and the Vice-President.

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