Effective leadership judged at the polls – US Prof Errante

Elections are the most effective way to gauge the accountability of any government, a leading US academic has observed.
Professor Edward Errante - a specialist in American law - said elections were the most important mechanism for any society to gauge effectiveness or otherwise of its leadership.
He was responding to various concerns from civic groups who had attended a digital video conferencing at the US Embassy, Public Diplomacy Section on Friday.
“For instance, new US President Barack Obama would be judged by the voting public after his five-year tenure whether he is eligible for another five-year term in office or not.
“He can only serve two terms as President and even if he were to gain massive political influence, it still won’t be enough to secure another term (for him).
“Political influence cannot result in an amendment of the Constitution as such cannot be done at the instance of one person but the most pressing of reasons,” Errante said.
Earlier, Dr Ben Dlamini, former Exams Council of Swaziland Registrar, invited the ire of those in attendance when he said African leaders should emulate Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe in ‘reclaiming land from the white man’.
He said this was the reason Heads of States from many African countries could not openly criticise Mugabe for he was engaged in ‘commendable work’ much to protests from the audience.
observations
 Even Professor Errante dismissed Dr Dlamini’s observations noting it would be wrong of anyone to hold such a view with the runaway inflation rate and cholera epidemic in that country.
Musa Hlophe of SCCCO wanted to know whether Africans were not raising false hopes amongst themselves by assuming that since someone with an African touch (Obama) was now in charge in the US, everything would be smooth sailing.
“Everywhere expectations have been raised by Obama’s election and even in Europe you would swear a European President had been elected considering the wild celebrations following his victory.
“I personally don’t think America’s foreign policy on Africa would change under Obama’s administration. Indications,” the Professor stated.
Political activist Zodwa Mkhonta first congratulated Americans for making history through electing Obama as first black President. She thereafter wanted to know whether the US could assist undemocratic states democratise since addressing issues of governance would result in overcoming socio-economic matters.