Now that the US election is here, there is no much that those of us who are not eligible to vote can do than to either keep our fingers crossed, observe, and wait for the outcome; or, to try as much as we can to support the process by appealing to the voters to consider some very crucial factors they might wish to put into consideration before casting their votes today. I know a lot of people will be wondering what sense will it make for someone from a country that is still struggling to get things right in terms of conducting free, fair and credible elections have to tell the more advanced American electorate.

Election matter is not just about the peacefulness, orderliness, fairness and credibility that surround the conduct of the exercise whereupon the American electorate can be awarded a distinction in that aspect. It also goes beyond political affiliations, slogans, and ideologies, because the leading parties in the US are amongst the best in the world. The matter has a lot to do with the personality, character and capacity of the candidates. What are their perceptions about the US as a country? As a superpower; as a defender of human rights; as a promoter of democracy and the rule of law; as one of the largest economies in the world; as a fighter against terrorism; and, as a world police against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction?

It also has to do with the candidate’s mindset about the challenges and obstacles ahead of him and how he intends to tackle them. At this point, the germane questions to ask are; is he the type that will take very weak and unreasonable decisions because of fear of the unknown; or, the type that will take fearless and rightful decisions without minding whose ox is gored? Is he going to be a leader that will prefer to make more friends and allies in order to remain relevant and be hailed as a good leader; or, the type that will pursue the very difficult and objective policies (which will be beneficial to the US and the world) which will draw condemnation and reduce the number of his international friends and allies? Is he a leader that will call a spade a spade and be ready to face the consequences; or, a leader that will take irrational decisions in order to avoid justifiable and necessary troubles?

Be that as it may, it is also very important to state in categorical terms that, it takes excellent leadership skills and tactfulness for the US to withstand the sudden outbreak and spread of COVID-19; and, the unexpected surge of the Black Lives Matter protests simultaneously and still remain economically viable and stable shortly afterwards.

Another very important thing that I want the US electorate to check before going to vote is to peruse the plethora of criticisms against the candidates; do a very simple evaluation by outlining the key issues vis-à-vis the people’s expectations. If the expectations of the people are for short term gains against long term and enduring legacies, it is a confirmation that the critics are desirous of their own gains; and, not for a better America.

From the aforementioned, you will observe that I deliberately did not mention the names of the candidates and their respective political affiliations because the aim of this review is not to campaign for anyone but to outline crucial variables that can be used to making an informed choice amongst the leading contenders.

In a post I shared on my Facebook page after the US presidential debate in October 2016, which is still very much relevant in the present circumstance, I said, “It is very normal that the electorate will have divergent opinions as to the performances of the candidates. As for me, it’s all about wooing them for votes by ‘painting the pictures so beautifully’, and/or ‘hitting the nail on the head without fear or favour’. In my opinion, a much stronger US is ‘better’ for the world at large than a more friendly and porous America. So, the electorate should read in between the lines and make a choice. America and indeed the world are in your hands” (please note that this statement is with all due respect and adoration to the Almighty God; the Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresent).

I wish the candidates and electorate the very best of luck.

Thanks.