US Election 2024: The People Have Spoken – John Nwosu
John Nwosu‘s commentary on the US presidential election highlights the impressive robustness of civic institutions and the civility that characterized the outcome, despite a contentious campaign. This stands in stark contrast to Nigeria’s recent Local Government elections, which fell short in fairness, credibility, transparency, and inclusivity.
Nigeria’s electoral challenges are well-documented, with issues like electoral violence and arms proliferation undermining the democratic process. In fact, the country’s Local Government elections have been criticized for lacking the very principles that make democracy thrive – fairness, credibility, and transparency.
To strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, experts emphasize the importance of a democratic local government system. This entails empowering local governments to manage their affairs effectively, ensuring substantial control over local matters, and promoting grassroots participation.
EXCERPT
I watched with keen interest the just concluded United States presidential elections that led to the election of Donald Trump to a second term and as the 47th President.
Even to Kamala Harris’ supporters and all those whom the electoral outcome may seem most improbable, we, as distant watchers are impressed with the robustness of the civic institutions, the civility that in the end marked the outcome of the process and the overall lesson of the sustainability of democracy as a preferred form of government.
Despite the rancourous campaign, the U.S. election has once again proven to be far more superior to elections in Nigeria, where recently, Local Government elections conducted by several state governments, including Anambra State failed to pass the litmus test of fairness, credibility, transparency and inclusivity.
As a Nation, we must as leaders, and holders of the trust of public offices, resolve to abide by due process and the rule of law regardless of personal, sectional or partisan interests.
~ John Nwosu
