Elections on my mind

Family photo after voting in 2016

Today is Tuesday, November 3rd, which means it is election day in the United States. I have been wavering between anxiety about the results of the presidential election and a sense of peace around the fact the I have done what is within my control when I mailed in my absentee ballot. It's hard to believe that four years ago I voted for what I believed was going to be the first female president of our country. Of course, we all know how that worked out. The last four years have flown by, yet America is changed because of them. 

Meanwhile, today also happens to be the 2nd day of presidential candidate nominations in Uganda. The election is scheduled to occur early next year. The current president, Yoweri Museveni, has been in power since 1986. His main opposition is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (known as Bobi Wine), who is a popular Ugandan singer and member of parliament. We received advance communication that it was best to remain at home due to road closures and potential demonstrations related to these events. Over the course of the day, we received several messages indicating confrontation between the parties and the use of tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowds. From our house we could hear faint booms in the distance, but otherwise were unaffected. After he was certified as a candidate today, Bobi Wine was immediately arrested for reasons that are not immediately clear. It’s been almost 60 years since Uganda gained independence from Britain, but unfortunately has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power.

The girls after the election in 2016

Political differences and the pursuit of power have long been the cause of conflict across the world. Many countries have had to fight for democracy and still live under corrupt political forces. Every country has its own story of heartache, triumph, defeat and success. America is no different and has both a proud and ugly history. We are fortunate to enjoy being part of a democracy and the freedom to speak our truth. Democracy is defined as a government for the people; rule of the majority. It is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Of course the question begs to be asked; is our system really set up to serve all citizens? Are we thinking of what's in the best interest of all segments of society when we cast our vote? Are we considering long-term impacts around policy and stances on key issues that impact our children's future? Or does the lure of power and promise of wealth keep us from considering what's best not only for us, but also for our fellow citizens?

As evening has arrived here in Uganda, the day is just beginning in the states. We do not know who will be elected or even when we might know the final results. All we can do for tonight is to hope for the best and prepare ourselves for what is to come.