by Muyanga Ziba

Created on: February 13, 2008   Last Updated: March 19, 2008

United States election fever grips Africa

Africans are very emotional about elections taking place in Unites States of America as if the elections were taking place in their own countries.

News in most houses in town in Africa is about United States elections.

A survey across the continent shows that most families in the evening tune to CNN and BBC to know the latest news on the elections.

People phone each other, even between countries to brief one another on what is happening.

For those who are supporting Democrats, there is a big division among them with some supporting Obama while others support Clinton.

However, most people are not happy with what is happening in the Republican nomination as John McCain does not have a very strong opponent.

Clinton has become popular because of the husband Bill Clinton who was popular with many African countries.

Clinton has already established many projects in Rwanda, Malawi and other African countries with his friend Hunter. The programme is known as Clinton-Hunter Foundation.

The programme intends to tackle poverty , improve educational standards and reduce deaths of children and mothers.

However, many are attracted by Obama because of the message he sends across . People would like to see change.

Most are tired of war and would like war in Iraq to end as soon as possible.

Africans monitor the presidential hopefuls as they move from state to state campaigning for the White House.

Most women support Hillary Clinton while men support Barack Obama.

You would normally see women in small groups discussing during lunch hour or weekends discussing about Hillary Clinton.

Most say the victory of Hillary Clinton is a victory for all the women in the world.

"Women care for the needs of children men. When we have more women presidents, most of the problems we face in the world will be minimized, " said a woman Chief Executive for an international organization.

They say men should now give a chance to a women in United States of America to prove to the world that women too can equally rule, just like men.

Some are sending congratulatory messages to Hillary Clinton . Those women in business are even thinking of sending some money to Hillary Clinton

Recent polls which show Obama ahead of Clinton have dampened the spirit of women.

This has, however, propelled men who feel the win of Obama would help change policies of USA .

They say since America is very influential in world policies , there may be a hope of a better world.

Most policy makers Obama would make the American economy strong .Most African countries get help from United States of America.

Some European and Arab countries have already shown interest in Obama.

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