There was no violence, shouting, threats or even a strong room. No one stole a ballot box nor did any candidate threaten war if they lost. In one precinct, people simply left right after voting, trusting the officials to count and report accurately. The whole city did not come to a standstill. People were not wielding machetes, stores did not close down and no one blocked roads. Everyone simply went about their business. Most of the people who came to caucus did not even wear party T shirts. They were just interested in voting. I was almost moved to tears when a young college student mounted the stage to give a forceful pitch for Ron Paul when his turn was due. It wasn’t just about his eloquence. It was about the genuine compassion and love with which he spoke about his country. And you can imagine my delight when I saw student journalists, filming, recording, interviewing and feverishly trying to cover for their publications. Till date, the University of Ghana does not have a TV station or a print/online newspaper.
Every demographic group was represented: young and old, farmers and barbers, professors and artists. Yet the convener and moderator was a college senior. Everything was conducted in an open, transparent and respectful fashion. What was even more admirable was the way loosing candidates conceded and in some cases congratulated the winners both in public and private. It made them look dignified even in defeat. Back home people say democracy is expensive and though that may be true, it is also cultural: a learned culture in which people are willing to participate in a clean, descent and professional manner without invoking doom. It’s a pretty seductive process if you ask me. The Iowa caucuses are an inspiring testament to the beauty and triumph of democracy when given the chance.
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