Omar Anderson Gleaner Writer
LOCAL POLITICAL analysts, like their United States counterparts, are generally undecided over who will occupy the White House for the next four years, following tonight's presidential election. However, they argue that a high voter turnout could favour Democratic challenger John Kerry.
Analysts also argue that a change in the U.S. administration would not necessarily see the Western Hemisphere benefiting more; however, they concede that a Democratic government usually has more goodies for the Caribbean.
"A Kerry-led government would be better for the world, but I don't think it would be of a completely different character than that of a Bush-led government," said Professor Brian Meeks, head of social and political change in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies.
Added Professor Meeks: "If their (new registered voters) votes are counted, it could very well see the balance being tipped for Kerry in key states like Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan," Professor Meeks opined.
OUT OF WILDERNESS
For his part, political analyst, Shalman Scott, agreed that a high voter turnout today could witness the end of the Democrats' four-your journey in the political wilderness. The converse, he noted, would benefit the incumbent George Bush.
The political analyst told The Gleaner there is usually a considerable difference in policy determination towards the Western Hemisphere when either the Republican or Democratic Party is in power.
"Traditionally, it is felt that the Democrats would favour the Caribbean region, but that has not been experienced in recent years," he said, explaining that the region benefited under the 1980s Reagan government which implemented the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).
