During one of the most intense electoral campaigns in its history, the United States finds itself at a decisive crossroads, where the stakes are of momentous significance.
Paris, Monday November 4, 2024. This election, in which more than 75 million voters have already taken part, is not limited to a confrontation between two opposing models. It also embodies the fight for the sustainability of a weakened democratic system. In this crucial context, the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) addresses a solemn appeal to American voters, encouraging them to choose the defense of fundamental democratic principles, guarantors of the advancement of human rights across the country.
A second term for Donald Trump, marked by growing radicalization and extremism, would represent a decisive turning point for American democracy. His manifest rejection of democratic values, illustrated by his attempt to interfere in the results of the 2020 elections – for which he is the subject of a judicial investigation – constitutes a clear warning of his plan to accelerate the dismantling of institutions, the rule of law and the balance of powers.
The images of the assault on the Capitol, which he himself incited by refusing to recognize his electoral defeat, remain an indelible imprint on the collective memory of the country. They demonstrate his blatantly anti-democratic behavior, which has intensified exponentially over the past four years. Today, the criminalization and elimination of his political opponents looms as the center of his personal revenge.
At the same time, his openly xenophobic and racist speech, resonating with the ideals of white supremacism, permeated the Republican campaign. To the insults and mockery targeting millions of racialized people, he added electoral promises advocating mass deportations and virulent attacks against the immigrant population, which he described as 'poison contaminating American blood'.
A possible Republican Party victory in Congress and/or the Senate would constitute a direct threat to the survival of fundamental rights. The repeal of Roe v. Wade, who deprived millions of women of the right to control their own bodies, is only the beginning of a systematic rollback of civil rights.
Faced with this alarming situation, FIDH considers that these elections will not only be a test of the resilience of democratic values in crisis, but also a decisive turning point in the defense of the fundamental rights of millions of people.
