On the afternoon of November 5, I was a keen participant at an election roundtable session organised by the Public Diplomacy department of the United States of American Embassy in Abuja, where Richard Mills, the US Ambassador to Nigeria delivered the opening remarks, “Today, as Americans vote in the U.S. general elections, we are reminded of the significance of this democratic process, one that has defined our nation for nearly 250 years. Elections lie at the heart of democracy, offering citizens the chance to shape their government, voice their aspirations, and hold leaders accountable. In both the United States and Nigeria, elections are a critical tool for upholding democratic values and ensuring governance that reflects the will and welfare of the people”. The Guest speaker was Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, an internationally respected educator, author, speaker and the first woman of colour to hold the position of President of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
Presently, the United States has entered another pivotal chapter in its history as nearly 186.5 million eligible voters cast their ballots on November 5, to elect Donald Trump the 47th president and representatives at all government levels. While every election cycle is significant, the 2024 election was a particularly captivating and consequential event. It is a testament to the U.S.’s long-standing democratic system—a model that many around the world watch with admiration and scrutiny. With so much at stake, both for Americans and globally, the election highlights the enduring power of democracy to shape the future through civic participation.
The Race for the White House and Congress
The presidential race is not just about electing a leader but defining the values, policies, and vision that will guide the nation in a rapidly changing global landscape. But while the presidential contest grabs the most attention, it’s not the only crucial race on the ballot. Voters also choose members of Congress—representatives and senators whose work impacts everything from local policies to decisions on national security, healthcare, and the economy.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives were up for grabs, which offers a significant opportunity to either reaffirm the current balance of power or alter it completely. Because the number of House seats each state holds depends on its population, shifts, and redistributions following the census can lead to competitive races and changes in representation.
Control of Congress is especially consequential in the United States because the legislative agenda of any incoming president will either gain momentum or face obstruction depending on which party holds sway. Whether the new president can enact their policies or find themselves gridlocked often hinges on the composition of Congress. This setup adds a layer of dynamism to the election, as Americans vote not only for their leaders but also indirectly decide the likely fate of the nation’s policy direction.
The Electoral College and the Power of Battleground States
The presidential race is a unique exercise in indirect voting, with the Electoral College ultimately deciding the winner. Each state’s Electoral College votes are based on its population, but unlike many democracies where the candidate with the most votes wins, the U.S. system emphasizes state-by-state victories. A candidate needs at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes to win. This indirect voting method means that candidates spend their campaign energy and resources primarily in “battleground states”—the states where the race is close enough that either candidate could win.
In 2024, seven states took centre stage as key battlegrounds: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The stakes were particularly high in these states, where polls showed an exceptionally tight race before Donald Trump eventually won the election with 276 votes more than the required 270 electoral college votes. With hindsight, these states’ shifting demographics and political preferences mean that each party has an equal chance of capturing their electoral votes, making them a crucial focus for campaigns.
As candidates rallied, held town halls, and addressed local issues, these battlegrounds became emblematic of America’s diversity, encapsulating urban and rural areas, varied economic priorities, and a mix of cultural values. These factors make every vote especially critical, and each state’s outcome in turn sways the direction of the overall election. By giving disproportionate weight to swing states, the Electoral College system amplifies the voice of these few but representative states, underscoring the impact of every single voter in shaping the national outcome.
The State and Local Stakes
Beyond the presidential and congressional races, voters in 11 states and two territories also elected governors this year. Governors play a crucial role in implementing policies, managing state economies, and, often, setting precedents for the national stage. With increasing debate over states’ rights and the balance of power between the federal and state governments, governorships have become ever more critical roles in U.S. politics. These elections bring a further layer of excitement, as new governors will likely impact future federal policies and potentially become future national leaders.
Why the 2024 Election Matters
This election came at a time of unprecedented global shifts. The challenges Americans face—economic uncertainty, healthcare access, climate change, and international relations—are mirrored across the globe. As the world’s leading democratic superpower, the decisions made by the U.S. not only impact its citizens but resonate worldwide. American democracy, despite its complexities and imperfections, remains a beacon for countries striving to maintain and expand their democratic practices.
Watching as this vast and complex electoral process unfolded, the world witnessed the vibrancy and resilience of a democracy that places power directly in the hands of its people. The 2024 election demonstrates how American democracy continuously renews itself, allowing for peaceful transitions, passionate debate, and diverse representation. The fierce competition in battleground states, the critical roles of congressional races, and the power of the Electoral College all reflect a sophisticated system where citizens’ votes continue to have the final say in shaping their future and, in many ways, the future of the world.
In a period when democracy faces challenges globally, the 2024 U.S. election underscores the value of free and fair elections as the ultimate mechanism for accountability, progress, and hope. Whether in a battleground state or beyond, each vote is a statement of belief in a system that has continually evolved to reflect the ideals of the American people. And with that belief comes the recognition that the responsibility of shaping a nation rests firmly in the hands of its citizens.
One key lesson Nigeria can draw from the 2024 U.S. election is the importance of strong, transparent electoral institutions that foster trust and encourage widespread voter participation.
For Nigeria, investing in independent electoral bodies, ensuring transparent voting processes, and addressing voter concerns—such as security, accessibility, and the integrity of results—are crucial steps toward strengthening democratic resilience.
An election system that voters trust enables genuine competition, encourages peaceful transitions of power, and allows citizens to feel that their voices are meaningfully heard. This, in turn, can create a stronger foundation for democracy in Nigeria, helping to bridge divides, inspire greater civic engagement, and reinforce the legitimacy of elected leaders.
