- The US election and its results have a negative impact on many countries that depend on the policies of the nation that is considered the most powerful in the world
- Some African democracies fear the presidency of Donald Trump, because of his harsh policies in important areas such as immigration
- Africa exports labor to the US in exchange for remittances and some skeptics now fear that the Trump administration may deport or discriminate against the migrants
Because of being the most powerful nation, vote in the country United States has attracted the attention of the whole world.
Source: Getty Images
Who are the candidates in the 2024 US election?
It mainly focuses on former president Donald Trump, who wants to return to the Washington, DC-based White House, where he lived between 2016 and 2020, and current vice president Kamala Harris, who wants to make history as the first woman to lead America.
Trump takes on his opponent on the Republican Party ticket; Harris is running on the Democratic Party ticket in his bid to succeed the President Joe Biden.
Kenyaand the largest African countries, emphasize their claims on the election, the results of which tend to affect the development of countries in the third world.
Many Africans live and work in the United States.
For example, Kenya has more than 160,000 citizens living there.
Africans have taken sides; some prefer Harris to Trump due to his policies considered to be light in important areas that affect the continent and others in the southern part of the world.
Trump campaigned under the banner of “Make America Great Again”; he maintains that the immigrants in the country deprived the citizens of opportunities.
So it's obvious that Trump's first order of business may be to tighten immigration policies to provide more opportunities for native Americans.
Is Trump's presidency good for Kenyans?
Billy Mijungu, a politician and thematic analyst, however, sees that Africa is at a crossroads.
More importantly, Mijungu told TUKO.co.ke that although the United States is influencing the world system, some countries in the large area of southern Kenya, including Kenya, may not agree with some of the values and policies that both candidates have voted for . .
He mentioned the issues of LBTQ and abortion, which he noted came up in the campaigns of the candidates for the position; those two issues have not been favored by many African nations.
“One of the key areas where Africa is fractured is the issue of ethics—specifically regarding LGBTQ rights and abortion. Vice President Kamala Harris, as a leading advocate for human rights, has been an advocate for the rights of LGBTQ individuals and the expansion of access to abortion, these positions are seen as progressive in the West but are highly controversial in many African societies, where traditional values often dominate in many African countries, and abortion is illegal or severely restricted in other countries ,” he said.
He noted that despite growing suspicions against him, Trump has a strong following among some African leaders and populations who appreciate his authoritarian and more populist approach to issues.
For many, as Mijungu sees it, the Republican candidate's refusal to embrace traditional values and his tough stance on immigration is in line with their political ideology.
“These are leaders who value strong national power and tend to be skeptical of international liberalism, which they often see as the imposition of foreign values. In this context, Trump represents a more familiar and less threatening option,” he said.
The commentator also observed that Trump's “America First” policy is consistent with a certain economic outlook that appeals to Africa's emerging middle class.
His promises to prioritize the interests of the United States and reduce foreign aid may resonate with African leaders who are tired of relying on international aid and who prefer direct trade agreements aimed at economic growth instead of relying on foreign aid.
“Ultimately, Africa's decision is not a one-size-fits-all. The continent is diverse, and opinions about Trump and Harris will vary greatly depending on factors such as religion, political positions and socioeconomic status. While Harris is widely supported by those who see As a beacon of opportunity and pride, Trump will appeal to conservative and religious communities in Africa that value traditional values and can see his policies as protection against the erosion of those values,” he saw Angels.
Why Africans root for Kamala Harris
With all the advantages of the campaign, Mijungu concluded that the support of Africa is going to Harris.
They are interested in the Democratic Party's policies on immigration and their inclusive stance that tends to offer tangible hope to African seekers.
to have a better life in that country.
Mijungu also noted that Harris, as a person of African descent, is also a great symbol of success for a continent that is still struggling with the effects of colonialism and systemic inequality.
Regardless of the outcome, the analyst stressed that Kenya and their African counterparts will recommend themselves to the leader of the day so that their interests are well served.
“As Africa watches elections approach, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the results will have a big impact on relationship of this continent and the United States. Whether they support Harris or Trump, Africans are looking for a leader who will give them a chance at a better future, whether through immigration opportunities, trade, or just a sign of a world that offers more than poverty and despair. In this election, Africa is caught between two visions- one rooted in the past and the other looking to a more inclusive future,” said Mijungu.
Which states will determine the outcome of the US presidential election?
Meanwhile, swing states are expected to play an important role in determining the outcome of the vote.
Key battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan hold key electoral votes and are important to both candidates. Georgia, a Republican stronghold, has changed demographics, making it competitive, while Arizona's changing political landscape offers opportunity for both candidates.
North Carolina and Nevada are emerging as key battlegrounds, with Harris looking to close the gap in North Carolina.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
