Touchstone of democracy

The democratic values reflected in the US' model of presidential election based on internal party democracy, electoral balance, and federal unity is worth emulating for even the developing countries

- KDP RAO

Last week, the United States successfully completed a nationwide mega election to elect its 47th President. Irrespective of who won or lost, the American electoral system stands as a textbook example of democratic culture and political values. The yearlong, continuous updates of results and the varying prospects of presidential candidates in the US may appear all Greek to people in countries where democracy typically involves an election process spanning a few months with a "first-past-the-post" criterion. However, a closer study of the US presidential election system reveals that it epitomises the highest spirit of democracy, not only in government formation but as a way of life from which most countries can learn.

The internal democracy in America's two-party system is exemplary. The election of the president is governed by principles set forth in Article II of the American Constitution and the 12th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th Amendments. A level playing field for all aspiring presidential candidates within a party is ensured, as they are first required to gain nomination through party "caucuses" (closed meetings of party members) based on qualities like dedication, vision, and seriousness. Then, "primaries" (internal party elections) are held across the 52 states on specific Tuesdays in March, known as 'Super Tuesday,' where the Democratic and Republican parties choose "delegates" who formally select presidential nominees at their national conventions-DNC and RNC, respectively. If no candidate secures more than 50% of delegates' votes, a re-vote is held in which delegates can freely switch their support until a majority-backed candidate emerges. As a developed democracy, the US leaves no room for backdoor entry through "pick and choose," unlike in some developing countries where the "party high commands" often decide candidate lists.