Expectations from Biden

General elections have immense importance as it gives people the opportunity to choose their government. There is an environment created for the election process right from the election campaigns, polling and vote casting to finally accepting the results.

A new government is formed which rules in its own way.  Elections in smaller countries seldom make headlines while importance is given to large, powerful countries showing the dual standards of media broadcasters. This is evident from the recently-concluded elections in United States where incumbent President Donald Trump has lost to his Democrat rival Joe Biden but has refused to concede. He has vowed to approach the courts claiming that the elections were stolen.

Prime Minister and President of Pakistan are among several world leaders who have congratulated Joe Biden on his victory. There are still a few months left before Trump leaves the White House and a president is sworn in. The American people and media have looked towards Trump as he prepares to leave office. This is followed by Trump’s unfounded claims of voter fraud, rigging and the provocative speeches given by Republicans and life will only be resorted until he accepts defeat.

Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46^th President of USA on January 20, 2021. He is a veteran politician with decades of experience and served as vice president under Barrack Obama. Documentaries are being made on his personal life and political career. The difference between US elections as compared to the rest of the world is that a candidate gains popularity only after he decides to contest elections. You don’t have to be a politician to be president and can go on to win the highest seat in the nation. Neither does the media give importance to a former president as compared to former heads of state in other countries.

The media has been praising Joe Biden as TV channels and newspapers have given the most coverage to his statements on a wide array of topics.

An impression is being given as if Biden will solve all the world’s problems. Only time will tell what Biden will do while he has given the power to govern for a few years.

This reminds of an incident a few years when US citizen Raymond Davis had shot dead three Pakistanis in Lahore. He was eventually released a few days later and there was huge resentment that he was allowed to walk free after paying compensation to the victim’s heirs. Joe Biden was vice president then and Prime Minister Gillani had assured the Americans that Raymond Davis would be handed over safely. This was a painful moment in our history.

A similar incident relates to Pakistani neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui who was handed over to the Americans and kept in Afghanistan for several years. She was eventually sentenced and imprisoned on baseless charges despite lack of evidence. President Zardari has promises for her release even though the PPP government was quick to release Rayond Davis. The new government of thrice-elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also failed to act despite repeated promises to her family. The nation’s daughter awaits justice.

The government should urge Biden to release Dr Aafia Siddiqui and repatriate her to the nation. There is a strong opinion regard Biden in Pakistan and hopes are high. It is will be a matter of time before we understand whether Biden has been brought under a conspiracy or a well-thought plan.