Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Clash of near non-ideas” (September 29). The first presidential debate that took place between Hillary Clinton and Donald J Trump covered various subjects and gave the audience, particularly the Americans, a feel of the quality, knowledge and mettle of the contestants for the top job. Needless to stress, the procedures and processes followed prior to the election give a fair chance to the electorate to judge and decide whom they should elect as their President, of course on merit. Compared to the importance given by the Americans in choosing their leader, one can only lament over the way India conducts its elections.