The World Votes: Election Day 2012

The power of the American president reaches into the lives of people all over the planet. But few of them have a say in who occupies the White House.

As Americans vote, host Aaron Schachter canvasses opinions from The World’s team of correspondents around the globe.

Europe

From Paris and Barcelona, correspondents Amy Bracken and Gerry Hadden describe how people in Europe are viewing the presidential election.

South Africa

From Cape Town, correspondent Anders Kelto talks with Aaron Schachter and Marco Werman about the continuing symbolic power of Barack Obama in African countries, even as many in the region look beyond the United States for international leadership.

China

From Beijing, correspondent Mary Kay Magistad says the focus there is not on the US election, but on the Chinese People’s Congress. It’s meeting this week behind closed doors to select a new set of leaders for that country.

Iran

From London, The World’s Marco Werman speaks with staff from the BBC’s Persian Service about why the US election is so important for Iran. Pooneh Ghoddosi is a host at the BBC Persian Service; Amir Azimi, who speaks first, is news editor.

Israel

From Jerusalem, correspondent Matthew Bell reports on the implications of the election for Israel, and on support there for both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

More from The World’s Marco Werman in London

The World Votes: The US Presidency Overseas