美国国家公共电台 NPR Opinion: American Politics Is Messy. But Here's A Little Glob

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

American democracy can seem messy in a week like this - an impeachment¹ trial looming², six-headed debates, people snapping, sniping and all the costly³, time-consuming and chaotic⁴ accoutrement of polls, fundraising and campaign rallies. That's one way to run a country. This week might also offer a little perspective from around the world.

Just this week, in Russia, Vladimir Putin shifted power in the government so when he leaves that office in 2024, he can continue to rule and enrich himself, as he has for 20 years. President Xi Jinping ended term limits on China's leaders in 2018. You don't even have to mention Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia or any other authoritarian⁵ government to see how all over the world, leaders - left- and right-wing - just hold on to power.

Hugo Chavez eliminated Venezuela's presidential term limits in 2009. His successor, Nicolas Maduro, has kept his grip on the government with elections the Venezuelan National Assembly and the Organization of American States call fraudulent, after opposition⁶ candidates and electoral observers were excluded. Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan took power as prime minister in 2003, was elected president in 2014, then established an executive presidency⁷ in 2017, when it suppressed a free press and arrested political opponents and academics.

In Africa, Isaias Afwerki led the Eritrean People's Liberation Front to victory in 1993 and has been president of Eritrea ever since, a distinction no doubt made easier by outlawing⁸ all other political parties and locking up political prisoners. The Council on Foreign Relations also says at least 17 other African heads of state have tried to change their country's constitutions since 2000 to stay in power.

Viktor Orban is strengthening his hold on Hungary. Prime Minister Netanyahu wants the Israeli parliament to give him immunity⁹ from prosecution¹⁰ on bribery¹¹ and fraud before Israel's next elections in March.

Today's world abounds¹² with examples of authoritarians¹³ and autocrats¹⁴ tightening¹⁵ their grip in chaotic, confusing times. This week, there may have been a message in all the American messiness. Elections count. Legislators have real powers and responsibilities. A free press can break important, critical stories about people in power. Even an imperfect democracy can give dissident voices the chance to be heard and keep open chances for change.

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