It's not perfect, but democracy is the best instrument we have

Democracy is about reconciling individual goals with collective good, liberty with order, and short-term needs with long-term prosperity

- JAYRAKASH NARAYAN

I am writing this piece on November 2, just days before the bitterly contested, highly polarising election in the United States. In some ways the US election resembles our own elections in India. Increasingly, mistrust and animosity bordering on hatred have become the staple of politics and election campaigns.

As I reflect on the US elections, I am reminded of the year 1974. On August 9, 1974 President Richard Nixon resigned from office. Relative to what is happening in the US today, and our own experience of habitual abuse of power in India, Nixon's infractions were minor. He was essentially accused of obstruction of justice in the aftermath of the Watergate Hotel burglary. Nixon had no knowledge or role in the bungled burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Hotel. It was the folly of over-enthusiastic minions who wanted to steal the secrets and strategies of opponents for electoral advantage.