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Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.

He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.

In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.

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Not being an American citizen, it's hard for me writing before the elections without been accused of interference with the internal affairs of the United States. On the other hand, being a true friend of this country I can't stand aside and cheer when events go the wrong way. For me the main issue on the November 2, 2004 presidential election won't be to declare the winner, but to save the country from political crisis with deep international consequences. For me as foreigner it isn't so important who will dwell in the West Wing of the White House, although I have my personal preferences. It's much more important to HAVE a clear winner as soon as possible WITHOUT his victory been contested in the courts.

Four years ago I was in America covering the famous pre- and post-election battles, known as "Indecision 2000" and unfortunately all that I said then is still relevant.

I confess I expected then smaller problems in the international politics following the contested victory of the George W. Bush. What I expected was that some countries may use this moments of uncertainty to attack weak American allies around the world. I couldn't imagine that the prime target would become the United States itself. Sometimes the reality is worse than any imagination. It 2000 America at least officially was in peace, now it's at war. "Indecision 2000" had really bad consequences. Eventual "Indecision 2004" would have even worse consequences.

The democracy isn't about the personalities, although they sometimes play important roles at the history junctures. The democracy is about the principles, it's about the procedures; it's about the rules of the game. We can disagree on which candidate is best for the job, but if we want to live in peace with our neighbors, we must at least share some common rules, e.g. what constitutes victory and who has authority to determine the winner. The authoritarianism means no rules and known winners of staged election, the democracy is just the opposite - clear rules and unknown winner.

Thus the major issue on November 2, 2004 won't be about the personality, it'll be about the political game itself. If you allow anyone, I mean ANYONE of both candidates to bypass the people's decision and the rules and go to the courts, don't ask yourself why certain criminals around the world will go and attack you. All other things being equal it's clear that a disorganized state, a state where the political rules are matter of interpretation is an easier target than the organized one.

You can fight for votes until they are cast, but your battles should stop before the ballot boxes are opened. Immediately disband your storm troopers of flying lawyers ready to turn the defeat of one of the candidates into staged court victory. You had 4 years to fix the problems of your electoral procedures (remember Florida) and it's not the right time in the days after the election to change the rules in order to make the black turn into white. There will be problems, no doubt, but you will have enough time to make new corrections in the years to come AFTER the winner is declared.

If your candidate loses, don't think just about your money, your taxes, and your medical insurances. No doubt they are quite important but think also about the message you send to the world. Is it a message of a strong and a confident country that can keep commitments and defend its and its friends' interests? Don't forget that your country and your country's stability matter so much for the world. By the same token, if you're where you are now, it's because your message during the last more than 100 years was the message of stability and confidence.

Look at the history books, there was no permanent hegemon in the world since the Roman Empire. You won't be exception to the rule but it depends on you too for how long you'll be on the top.

May God bless you!

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