A new leader. A new era. Well done America.

With the American elections just eleven days away, many pundits are scrambling through polls and surveys to determine a possible winner. Ordinarily, Democrat nominee - Barack Obama - would seem a sure-bet given the polls. However, a disturbing level of racism is beginning to rise to the surface among the voting public.

On September 5th, Angola held their first democratic election in 16 years. In a country devastated by civil war and the scramble for resources, most observers welcomed the chance at peace and stability. However, the elections have been marred by inefficiency and poor organisation. Despite ten parties and four coalitions competing for 220 National Assembly seats, it seems as if the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Thursday night witnessed the official endorsement of Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's nomination for the US presidential elections in November. The festivities at the convention, which resembled the euphoria at a rock concert, demonstrated the excitement Obama supporters have for their candidate.