In the last couple of months, developments in the United States of America (U.S.A.), a country that prides itself as “God’s Own Country” as well as the bastion of democracy and freedom, has opened one’s eyes to the fact that the country is just like others when it comes to the attitude and idiosyncrasy of politicians in government. Developments in the US have proved that, no matter how civilized or developed a country could be, politicians have the same characteristics and tendencies: they are crude, selfish and without much morality.
Indeed, recent developments in the United States have exposed the country’s underbelly, making it clear that its politics is not different from that in other nations. We saw the attempt to stop President Donald Trump from contesting the presidential election. We saw how former President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for criminal cases. We have seen how Trump has pardoned people who were convicted as well as others still facing trial for their roles in January 6, 2021, insurrection that was plotted to abort transition of power at the presidency. They are bad vibes from the US, something unthinkable in the past.
For the avoidance of doubt, in the build-up to the last US presidential election, the Biden administration took many actions to ensure that President Trump did not contest the election. Trump faced multiple court cases and ended up being convicted. However, despite being a felon, Trump could not be stopped from contesting the presidential election, as the US constitution has no provision that a convict is disqualified from participating in elections. Trump is a convict, having been found guilty by a competent court, but this could not sway the voters from electing him President.
The fact that a US government, its officials and the ruling political party could employ subterfuge, arm-twisting and actually went out of their way to use the instrumentality of the law to attempt aborting the presidential ambition of a candidate, because they were afraid of losing to him in a crucial election, leaves a blight on the acclaimed transparent politics of the US. The fact that the country’s Presidents exercised their amnesty powers for their personal benefit makes the matter worse.
Presidents, globally, have power of life and death. Presidents have the power to pardon even the worst criminal. However, nobody would have thought that a US President would pardon his son, against public opinion, simply because he has the power to do so. Nobody expected that a US President would pardon people who committed crimes for his sake, just because the constitution gives him the power to grant amnesty.
These events involving former President Biden and President Trump have raised concerns about the integrity of the justice system, particularly with regard to the pardoning powers of heads of state, in the US. Presidential pardons should only be granted in exceptional circumstances, where there is compelling evidence of innocence or deserved goodwill. Any perception of favouritism or abuse of power undermines public trust in the justice system.
The January 6, 2021 rioters in the US, for instance, were involved in a violent insurrection that threatened democracy. Extending presidential pardons to such individuals without due process or clear justification sends a disturbing message to the effect that some individuals are above the law. This pardon undermines the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to bring those responsible for the insurrection to justice. It is a clear example of the politicization of justice, where the interests of a particular group or individual are prioritized over the rule of law.
It is crucial for leaders to exercise their pardoning powers responsibly, ensuring that justice is served and accountability is maintained. Unwarranted pardons can have far-reaching consequences, eroding the rule of law and damaging the social fabric. Leaders must recognize the gravity of their actions and exercise their powers responsibly, upholding the principles of justice and equality.
The unapologetic misuse of executive power is something rampant in developing nations and fledgling democracies. Were the attempt to stop a politician from contesting a presidential election to happen in Africa and were Presidents pardoning members of their family and their associates to happen in Africa, for instance, the US would rub it in, presenting it to mean that our leaders lack values and that democracy has no foundation here. It was a US President who said that Africa had strong leaders and weak institutions. Now, with its strong institutions, the US has seen a situation where its leaders throw morality to the dogs and do things that protect their interests and not the national interest. The US has seen a leader in President Trump who has issued an Executive Order that is contrary to constitutional provisions.
No matter how they pretend, the US is experiencing the weakening and rejection of democratic norms and institutions by some political leaders, with previous attempts to undermine the legitimacy of elections, judiciary and the law. A decline is setting in. This decline may not be seen clearly now, but time will tell.
The influence of money in politics is an emerging trend in the US, which brings to questions the integrity of its democracy. This was glaring in the last election, which produced a President fixated in his ideas and actions.
The world is watching the US to see how a country that has practised democracy for years, but is gradually losing the things that make others look up to it, would have the face to attempt teaching others how to behave. It is becoming obvious that the US’ claim to political superiority is being eroded by several practices that undermine its democratic institutions and values. Confidence in institutions, such as government and media, is being eroded, bringing about dissatisfaction with accountability, skepticism about competency, and increasing polarization of the nation.
Coming closely on the heels of the above is the partisan divide emanating from the bad politics of the Republicans and the Democrats. This political polarization, evident in such institutions as the Congress, has seen politicians and elected officials taking sides on issues based on political party inclination and not on nationalism.
The US is proving not to be a model, after all. By the actions of its latter-day leaders, the country is becoming a place where arrogance and pride pervade, where superiority complex is hampering good judgment.