Election day

Today, 8^th November 2016, will be the day when America elects a new President, choosing between two candidates that are probably the most unpopular at an individual level that there has ever been in the history of presidential elections. As campaigning closed Hillary Clinton held about a 1 point lead over Donald Trump. The campaign itself has been fought more between personalities than on the basis of any policies beyond some very broad-brush statements from both, some of which — Mr Trump’s Mexican Wall — were divisive. It has been vitriolic in the extreme, with Mr Trump in particular accusing Mrs Clinton of lying (probably true) and rigging the election results (probably not true). There appears to be agreement between commentators that both candidates are flawed in a number of ways and that neither is considered ‘ideal’ nor even fit for the job.

As to what a result either way might mean for Pakistan — a Clinton win will in the early days at least be Obama-lite, and as far as Pakistan and the region is concerned little or no change. The ‘Pivot to the Pacific’ will continue with the possibility of a reboot of Pakistan-American relations a year in. In the event of a win by Mr Trump it is likely that uncharted territory will be entered, if only for his clear and oft-articulated antipathy to the Muslim world in general. He would come to the Presidency with a hardwired antipathy to Muslims, and nuanced dialogue is not his forte. It is to be hoped that the checks and balances built into the American system may curb his potential excesses.

America today is a bitterly divided nation. Deep and hidden wounds have been exposed, and new wounds created during the campaign. Mr Trump has given voice to a section of society that has in many ways been left behind — they will not be easily silenced. Mrs Clinton offers a safe — but soiled — pair of hands. Either could conceivably win and neither will be a President that America endorses, possibly even tolerates, and it is four years before there is a chance to choose an alternative.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2016.

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