Dear Editor,
As Guyanese and Caribbean born US citizens join other Americans on Tuesday to vote for a new President, it seems as if dark clouds ‒ very dark clouds surround the elections. Commentators describe it as the most unusual election in the history of the United States since both candidates are on the radar for wrongdoing and possibly even felony.
Former Secretary of State, First Lady and Senator, Hillary Clinton is being accused of a series of offences, more especially in relation to an email scandal; there are also allegations in respect of the Clinton Foundation, and others. The Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Department of Justice launched investigations into the matter of the emails. On the other hand billionaire Donald Trump is being accused of tax evasion, sexual offences, not to mention some shady business transactions.
Hundreds of thousands of Caribbean nationals and Guyanese who are US citizens have mostly supported the Democrats in the past, but according to reports some of the ardent Democrats are reluctant to cast their votes in Hillary’s favour, and will not support Trump either.
This means that the turn-out might be low.
The situation is so fluid and tense that commentators are wondering what happens should Clinton win the election and later be indicted. Whether before or after her swearing-in it would create a constitutional crisis, and some even predict that the vice presidential nominee, Tim Kaine, might have to take over as commander in chief, early or mid-way in the term. Kaine has not impressed the electorate, but his opposite number Mike Pence is a favourite, and some feel that he should have been the Republican candidate instead of Trump.
The race is a tight one and might have a nail-biting finish with the Donald who was way behind two weeks ago, but is now neck and neck following reports of the FBI investigations and the Wikileaks revelations about the Clinton Foundation as well as the emails.
On the other hand the question is asked if Trump wins might there be a conflict of interest with his numerous corporations?
Very interesting… we will have to wait and see.
Yours faithfully,
Oscar Ramjeet
