US election may affect Africa’s security cooperation, Analyst says
The results of the U.S. presidential election could shape America’s role in African security matters, particularly in the fight against terrorism, according to Professor G. Etse Sikanku, a political communication analyst.
“Africa has been very peripheral within the larger US dynamic,” Prof. Sikanku said, explaining that the continent mostly comes up in U.S. discussions regarding counterterrorism and security challenges.
Prof. Sikanku noted that regardless of who wins the election, the U.S. is expected to maintain or expand partnerships with African nations in regions facing high levels of terrorism.
Citing countries like Niger, Kenya, and Somalia, he noted that these regions could benefit from military cooperation agreements with the U.S. aimed at reducing threats from groups such as Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.
“There will be military agreements in order to curb the effect of Al Shabaab, al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organisations,” he added.
Prof. Sikanku further suggested that Africa’s security situation, particularly in the Sahel region, could remain a priority in U.S.-Africa relations, with collaborations between the two parties to address terrorist threats.
All about the U.S. elections
The United States is gearing up for Election Day on November 5, 2024. Following tradition, the election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Voting Process
Americans aged 18 and above are eligible to vote, and many have already done so. By October 30, over 52 million voters had cast ballots through early or mail-in voting. This trend aligns with 2020, when only 27% of voters went to the polls on Election Day, while the majority voted early or by mail. Additionally, U.S. citizens living abroad can participate by absentee ballot.
Nominees
The presidential race is led by two major party nominees. The Democratic candidate, 60-year-old Vice President Kamala Harris would make history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian woman to serve as president. On the Republican side, 78-year-old former President Donald Trump is making another bid for office, aiming to be the oldest person to assume the presidency.
Independent Candidates
In many states, voters also have the option to support third-party or independent candidates, including Jill Stein (Green Party), Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent), and Cornel West (Independent).
Congressional and Gubernatorial Election
Besides the presidential race, all 435 House of Representatives seats and 34 Senate seats are on the ballot. Eleven states will elect new governors, while thousands of other local, state, and federal positions are being contested.
Voter Registration
With more than 186 million Americans registered to vote as of September 2024, nearly 80% of eligible Americans are set to participate in this election cycle.
The Electoral College
The U.S. presidential election relies on the Electoral College system, where 538 electors—allocated by state based on population—ultimately select the president. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the House of Representatives will decide the outcome.
Key Swing States
States with close partisan divides, often referred to as battlegrounds or swing states, include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states will be crucial in determining the final outcome.
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