The United States of America (USA), conducted her presidential election last week. The result that came out a few hours after voting has ended saw the former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party defeating the incumbent Vice President, Kamala Harris.
Mrs. Harris immediately congratulated the winner. In this report, some Nigerians suggested what the country should learn from the election.
We must organise our elections based on our issues – Austin Onuoha, a public analyst; Abuja We cannot compare apples with oranges. We cannot learn any lessons because the context, issues and personalities are not the same. Apart from popular votes, the candidates also go through Electoral College. We must organise our elections based on our issues, context and personalities. We are different from the US and each human community is unique.
Their electoral process and institutions should be transparent – Andy Nkemnaeme, conflict management specialist; Makurdi
I am one of those who did not show any interest in the USA elections on the grounds that they are major actors in the destruction of the democracy in developing countries.
However, one major takeaway from the USA election is that though it was dirty, especially in the social media, including attempts to kill a presidential candidate, Americans have put that behind them and moved on as a country. They put the nation first and give the new president all their support, including the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party. Another takeaway is the strength of their institutions. Their electoral process and institutions are unbiased and transparent, against what we have in Nigeria.
Another is the peaceful nature of the election proper. No snatching of ballot boxes, shooting and killing, and disenfranchisement of any group, whether ethnic, religion, race, or gender. Though issues of religious beliefs found their way into the context, yet they never went violent against their citizens.
We should learn to concede defeat- Sunny Zorvah, journalist; Port Harcourt
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has demonstrated similar democratic attitude of conceding defeat without resorting to violence or challenging the results in a protracted court process. This is an acceptable action that should be encouraged in our democracy. Nigerians should emulate this and stop wasting resources in challenging outcomes of duly and transparently conducted free and fair elections.
Political leaders should prioritise national unity regardless of electoral defeat – Obinna Ebogidi, peace crusader; Port Harcourt
The recent U.S. presidential election provides valuable lessons for Nigeria in terms of electoral integrity and the peaceful transition of power.
Despite the high stakes and polarised nature of American politics, the results were quickly acknowledged, and the winner, the former President Donald Trump, and the defeated Vice President Kamala Harris showed respect for the democratic process.
Strong institutions and a culture of trust in the electoral system underpinned this smooth process. For Nigeria, the key take away is the importance of building and reinforcing trust in our own electoral systems, ensuring that all parties accept results and that disputes are resolved in a peaceful and orderly manner. Strengthening institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and promoting transparency at every stage of the election can help create a more credible electoral environment.
We should ensure that institutions remain impartial and effective – Emmanuel Ebong, graphic designer; Kaduna
One key takeaway is the importance of constitutional reforms. Nigeria can learn from the challenges faced by the US and incorporate more flexible and adaptable elements into their own constitutions. The widespread dissemination of information through social media has created an environment where misinformation thrives.
The US system of checks and balances has helped maintain democratic stability, and other countries can learn from this approach. Ensuring that institutions remain impartial and effective in holding those in power accountable is crucial. Nigeria can prioritise civic education and encourage active participation in the democratic process to build a stronger, more resilient democracy.
The power to elect political office holders have to return to the voting masses – Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, cleric; Kaduna
The victory of Donald J. Trump against the incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris is a strong signal of the power of democracy, where it’s allowed to thrive without undue interference. Four years ago, Trump had lost election as an incumbent president to Biden and the same Trump returned to his strategy room, put on his thinking cap, strategized and with his absolute trust in the Living God, he bounced back with landslide victory, sweeping the swing states and even defeating Mrs. Kamala in some of her strongholds that she won four years ago. This is a clear indication that where democracy is allowed to thrive, and you are given political power, you don’t play with the will of the people who initially voted for you. Note that I said “where democracy is allowed to thrive,” because in the Third World, precisely Africa, any person in power can afford to play with the will of the people and still manipulate the electoral processes to hold on to power against the wishes of the citizens because the electoral processes are so porous that it takes the so-called strongmen or godfathers to install anyone in power whether the voters want it or not. Hence, the processes of capturing power in Africa are not based on who voted who, but who has strong men behind him/her that can manipulate the processes more than the other. And this is one of the reasons that political leaders don’t care about the welfare of the masses as such, because they are not answerable to the masses, since the power to elect leaders is not with the masses, but it is mere imposition by the so-called strong men or godfathers. Therefore, political leaders in the Third World must be answerable to the godfathers and please them at the expense of the masses.
If and only if we must start getting it right in Africa, the power to elect political office holders have to return to the voting masses.
Nigeria can work towards a more transparent electoral system that truly reflects the will of its people – Brata Igiran, banker, Yenagoa
The recent U.S. presidential election, which marked Donald Trump’s return to the White House after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, provides valuable lessons for Nigeria’s electoral process.
In the first place, the integrity of the electoral process is crucial. The prompt announcement of results and the immediate acceptance of the outcome by the defeated candidate highlight the importance of a transparent and credible system. This efficiency and transparency foster trust in the democratic process and minimise the likelihood of post-election conflicts.
In addition, the U.S. election emphasises the value of a robust system of checks and balances. Nigeria can learn from America’s dedication to ensuring that no branch of government encroaches on the functions of others, which helps maintain democratic stability.
Furthermore, the election highlights the importance of inclusive participation. Nigeria should consider implementing early voting and exploring ways to enable its Diaspora population to participate in elections, acknowledging their significant contributions to the country’s economy.
In conclusion, the U.S. election serves, as a reminder that while democracy may have its imperfections, it remains the best system for ensuring that governance is accountable. By striving to enhance its democratic practices, Nigeria can work towards a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral system that truly reflects the will of its people.
Politicians should learn to accept defeat – Abel Daniel, journalist; Lafia
As politicians, we should learn to accept defeat. It is not in every situation that candidates need to go to court to challenge results. Kamala Harris accepted the outcome without much ado, and that alone set a strong example of political maturity. The role of the election management bodies in the U.S. underscores the efficiency and fairness of the process. The election was clean, fair, and transparent, with no delays or issues in delivering materials to polling units. Unlike in Nigeria, where we often face network issues or logistical hitches, the American election ran smoothly and under full public scrutiny. The professionalism demonstrated by U.S. electoral officials offers a model that Nigeria’s electoral commission could aspire to achieve.
Nigeria elections should reflect respect for the people’s choice – Isaac Ukpoju, NUJ leader; Lafia
Elections should reflect the people’s will. Nigerians should know that power belongs to the people, and it should remain so. Elections should not be for moneybags or any powerful establishment; it should be about genuine representation.
If Nigerian politicians understand that their power comes from the people, they would serve with greater accountability and integrity.
The U.S. election highlights respect for the people’s choice, transparency in election administration, and a culture of peaceful concession. With these lessons in mind, Nigeria’s democratic process could be strengthened, and promoting an electoral environment that truly reflects the voice of the people.