The night after pill:a rebuke of populism?
The recent election in the United States which split the two houses between Democrats and Republicans is a manifestation of unresolved issued when it comes to American politics. The big question in most people’s mind is whether this is a rebuke of populism or a clear indication that divided America is a reality. The later seems to hold water given the divisive nature of the process and by all accounts no clear winner emerged.
The populism from all indication is a manifestation of certain societal inclination to what might ordinarily not acceptable. At the same time it is a reflection of where the society might be pointing to-a rejection to existing way of thought. Over the years we have seen both the elite and those closer to power deliberately drove policy without pulling the society they represent along. This was clear from the push by the people of Great Britain for an exist from Europe(Brexit) and it took other countries in other European States by surprise, not limited to Italy,Greece,Hungary and just like it happened in USA, countries in Latin America have not been spared with the recent election in Brazil.
The big question remains,have the political elites learnt anything yet?
The USA election as it stands shows there is still a long way to go until sanity reigns in the politics of many established democracies. And if such is the case, countries of the South should be asking themselves, are we next? But wait a minute,is there anything wrong in and with populism? Of course/not, the only obvious answer is, that citizens would continue to display displeasure as long as current elite fails to understand their needs,carry them along but are very quick always to find escape goats towards their inability to lead or simply show leadership. The realignment or the people’s alignment with anyone whom they feel offers something credible,something appalling to their senses would continue to shock the future of democracy. People want clarity to where am I going to find job,can I afford to pay my tuition or send my child to school, are their accountability on who and how my tax is used. This is also about taking back destiny of the future, not leaving it in the hands of few opportunistic cronies who are willing to serve their own interests. Trump is a manifestation of rejection by a class marginalized and it is a wake up call to other states.
From climate to societal demand for equality to other burning issues that hinges on everyday bread and butter, this is neither a win against populism or a rebuke rather it is a clear indication that no one is certain as to where the tide might take us next.
