How The Squirrels strived to keep US election coverage objective

With the recent conclusion of the US presidential election, insights into its distinctive electoral process, especially compared to India’s centralised structure, continue to unfold. Understanding these nuances offers a lens to appreciate how each democracy manages its vast electorate, adapting to unique national contexts while maintaining principles of transparency and fairness. Here’s how The Squirrels made a deep dive into how the US system's decentralised model contrasted with India's central oversight by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The Squirrels began with explanation of differences between Indian and American elections

The fundamental distinction between the electoral processes in India and the United States is in the governance structure. The ECI serves as the sole regulatory authority in India, where elections unfold under a highly centralised framework, The Squirrels explained. The ECI enforces electoral rules uniformly across India, ensuring consistent procedures in both local and national elections. On the contrary, US elections are decentralised and managed by each state with significant latitude, meaning the US federal government has minimal direct influence over state-run elections.

For example, in the recent 2024 US election, more than 10,000 local jurisdictions across 3,143 counties crafted their electoral rules. This decentralisation extends even to ballot styles, voting equipment, and result tallying.

Local-level autonomy often poses challenges, as exemplified by reports of some jurisdictions struggling with outdated infrastructure or inconsistent voting technology across regions. Although the Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees campaign finance, it doesn’t control the electoral process, instead relying on the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for support — a body that only offers voluntary guidance without enforcement power.

Scheduling and electoral timelines

Elections in the US are held consistently every four years on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November — a practice dating back to 1835. This fixed timeline ensures predictability and stability in the electoral calendar, a feature valued by voters and candidates alike.

In India, however, elections are more adaptable. The Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951 empower the ECI to schedule national and state elections based on local conditions although general elections occur every five years.

The structured approach of the US election contrasts with India’s flexibility, enabling the Indian system to accommodate various logistical or security concerns that may arise. However, the US model’s fixed date helps minimise politicised scheduling debates, presenting voters with clear expectations well in advance.

Election bodies and oversight authority

In India, the ECI’s role is unchallenged in terms of authority and reach. Known globally for its robust framework, the ECI possesses powers to enforce rules, penalise violations, and secure election integrity nationwide. The ECI also oversees campaigns, enforcing transparency and ethical conduct by political candidates, while coordinating with various government bodies to ensure election safety and accessibility.

The Squirrels explained that, in contrast, the US has no single election oversight body with comparable authority. This distributed responsibility across thousands of local agencies has its strengths, like the adaptability to local cultures and norms, yet creates inconsistencies and vulnerabilities. Recent discussions in US media have spotlighted these issues, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania, where officials raised concerns over the timely tabulation of votes amidst high voter turnout and variable local regulations. Despite the logistical hurdles, Trump managed to secure Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes, a pivotal win that pushed him over the 270 electoral votes required for victory.

Polling predictions and media influence

In both the US and India, opinion polls play a central role in shaping public perception and media narratives around elections. Leading up to the 2024 US election, polling data indicated a narrow race between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Polling margins suggested a slight edge for Harris, but a significant 16% of voters remained undecided, leaving room for variability in outcomes. The Squirrels reported as much, without predicting the outcome, as is the tendency with a large section of the Indian media.

The role of the media in declaring results is distinct as well. In the US, agencies like the Associated Press (AP) have become trusted authorities in calling elections, a task centralised in India under the ECI. AP, renowned for its accurate election calls since 1848, recently declared Trump the 47th president following a tight race, with significant gains in key swing states like Pennsylvania.

While US news outlets played their traditional role in relaying vote counts and projections, AP’s consistency in accuracy was again underscored, reflecting the value of experience and historical precedent in election coverage.

The Indian-American panellists in a conversation with The Squirrels, however, said things were not going right for Harris, especially among Hispanics, Arabs and Indians.

The Squirrels evaluates post-election reactions

The following was our reaction early in the morning of 6 November:

Following Donald Trump’s victory, however, reactions from within and beyond the US have sometimes been over-the-top. Celebratory responses emerged across various demographic groups, including support from certain Indian and Hindu communities. Trump’s win was celebrated by those who believe his second term could align with India’s interests, particularly around issues involving Indo-US relations and religious freedom.

Additionally, his renewed partnership with Republican and Asian American voters underscores the broadening appeal of his campaign. Early data suggest Trump managed to draw considerable support from traditionally Democratic voter bases, especially among Hispanic and Asian American groups, a shift signalling possible realignments within US electoral demographics.

Despite these celebrations, questions remain about how Trump’s policies will shape Indo-US dynamics. For instance, Trump’s outspoken stance on national security may test US-India collaboration on issues related to the Sikh separatist movement, particularly around disruptive elements like the Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual Canadian and American citizenship. Trump’s stance on these delicate matters could affect bilateral relations, especially as both countries navigate complex political landscapes involving the Sikh diaspora.

Another critical aspect of Trump’s administration is his relationship with high-profile entrepreneurs. During his victory speech, Trump notably praised Elon Musk, highlighting Musk’s contributions to technology and innovation. This connection raises questions about whether Trump’s second term might see further collaboration with Musk’s companies, potentially benefiting US technological influence globally. In contrast, there’s speculation that Trump may also leverage this alliance to open doors for Musk’s ventures in the Indian market, a move that could shape India's tech and economic landscape considerably, an issue The Squirrels will raise tomorrow with a video presentation.

The 2024 US presidential election offers a compelling view of the diverse and often complex electoral processes of the world’s largest democracies. While India relies on a centralised, meticulously regulated system, the US embraces decentralisation, allowing local jurisdictions significant autonomy. These divergent approaches highlight the adaptability of democratic systems, catering to national contexts while preserving core democratic values.

The results of this election, with Donald Trump emerging victorious, resonate beyond US borders, prompting reflection on potential global policy shifts, particularly in US-India relations. Trump’s second term will likely address contentious issues, from tackling immigration and reinforcing borders to engaging with international partners. As he takes the reins of the US government, Trump’s renewed pledge to “Make America Great Again” signals not just a promise to his domestic base but a message to the world about America’s direction and its evolving partnerships in the years ahead.