Botswana and America: different elections, differing outlooks on democracy

Despite a longer experience with democracy than Botswana, a significant number of Americans fear that this week’s election outcome could lead to a civil war, unlike in the African nation.

Whether Republican Donald Trump, left, or Democrat Kamala Harris wins the U.S. presidential election, the ideological passion that Americans bring to their votes has always been off the scale, writes Gwynne Dyer. White House photographs by Shealah Craighead and Cameron Smith

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

November 5, 2024

LONDON, U.K.—Botswana’s elections have always been seen as a model for Africa, but the one last week has a somewhat wider relevance. The way its politicians handled victory and defeat could serve as a model for politicians in the United States.

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