US elections marred by partisanship and democratic erosion: American activist

September 10, 2024 - 22:19

TEHRAN- Tehran hosted a seminar on analyzing U.S. foreign policy and the November presidential election.

The event, named “From fighting terrorism to global intimidation: an inside perspective on America,” showcased American political activist Ajamu Baraka, the founder of the Black Alliance for Peace.

The event was hosted at the Hispan TV facility of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. 

Baraka commenced his presentation by sharing his insights on the American electoral system, stating, “I participated in the 2016 election campaign with the Green Party. A primary motivation for our movement in the U.S. is the urgent need to expand the democratic process and transcend the limitations of the two-party system. We have been systematically marginalized in American elections.”

He further emphasized, “The American populace must recognize the link between the pursuit of U.S. interests abroad and the neglect of domestic policy issues. There are avenues to discuss matters that can dismantle the artificial divisions that have been established.”

The American political activist discussed the significance of the Green Party in the United States, highlighting its status as one of the oldest independent parties in the country and the efforts to undermine it. 

“The Green Party aims to foster structural change in America; however, its movements have been marginalized by the actions of the two dominant parties. The Democratic Party views the Green Party as a competitor,” stated Baraka, the leader of the Black Alliance for Peace.

“Following the difficulties encountered by the Green Party, the Democratic Party took legal action against us. For instance, in Nevada, they filed a lawsuit and initiated court proceedings against our organization,” he explained. 

In response to a question about the potential for a third party to arise in America, Baraka stated, “While the emergence of a third party is conceivable, it is unlikely to happen in the immediate future due to the entrenched dominance of the two major parties.”

On july 21, U.S. President Joe Biden has told Americans in a televised address that he decided to end his faltering re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.

When influential factions decided to seek a new candidate, Joe Biden found himself unable to act. 

“Although Biden claimed that only God could remove him, it has become evident that in America, wealthy individuals wield significant power and can easily marginalize him,” he added.

Baraka added the Green Party aims to be impactful under current conditions, yet faces significant challenges due to a democracy heavily influenced by financial resources. 

The American political activist emphasized that the candidate with the most electoral votes ultimately secures victory, noting that financial interests can undermine all aspects of the electoral process.

Concerning protests and movements in the United States backing Palestinians in the face of Israel’s carnage in Gaza, Baraka remarked that there is ongoing resistance to addressing the atrocities committed against Muslims. 

He noted, “This topic has gained traction in academic circles, where students have recognized their ethical obligation. As a result, students have taken a stand against genocide, which has led to increased activism against the violence occurring in Palestine.”

He pointed out that the real situation in Palestine has often been misrepresented in the United States, stating, “During my visit to the region, I was deeply disturbed by the atrocities I witnessed. The genuine nature of the Zionist agenda is now becoming clearer, which has contributed to a growing movement in support of Palestine.”

On the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and its policies towards the country, Baraka stated that the current situation in Afghanistan reflects the consequences of prolonged U.S. military involvement. 

“This pattern has been observed in other regions as well, highlighting the fundamental flaws in U.S. strategies regarding Afghanistan,” Baraka underscored.

He also addressed the Ukraine war and the U.S. involvement in the conflict, saying the war has enabled the U.S. to advance its geopolitical objectives. 

“As a result, Ukraine has become increasingly dependent on the U.S., losing its autonomy. The economic repercussions of this conflict in Ukraine are evident,” he emphasized.


 

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