TOMORROW, Malaysians go to the polls. The finishing line is in sight for a GE13 race that has been tough, gruelling and, at times, extremely emotional.

It is testimony to the vibrancy of our democracy that we are able to come out to vote, without fear or favour, in an environment that is generally safe and conducive.

As we stand on the threshold of a historic defining moment, whichever way the people’s verdict goes, it is also a time to remind ourselves that the race does not really end on May 5.

It is really after the date that the real work begins.

Your vote is not so much a choice for the day but an expression of your hopes and aspirations for the years to come.

The two sides have been given every opportunity to share their message of what they intend to do when given the mandate. To some extent, there is common ground, even if the paths differ.

What is more important is that those voted into power must conscientiously listen to those who are governed. For with power comes great responsibility.

In a first-past-the-post democratic system, the reality is that no one side can claim absolute support from the people.

Yet, when the mandate is given, they must do their best to be relevant to all. We must let go of the bitterness of the campaign and work on reconciliation and healing.

There are many things the people may not agree about their politicians, but when it comes to the issues that matter, the people are surely in one accord.

The people care for order and stability. They seek economic development and social progress. They want justice and fairness for all. They want the government to work hard to eliminate the divides that continue to fester in our society.

They want a good education system to give hope not only to the next generation, but several more to come. They want to be able to go about daily life, feeling safe and secure, knowing that the people empowered to take care of our security are doing their job.

They want the institutions that hold the nation together – the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, the civil service, and the media – to be independent, because they have an impact on the day-to-day life of the ordinary citizen.

They want corruption to be eliminated, in all spheres of society.

And they want all the issues that resonate with our Rukun Negara – Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality – to be vigilantly upheld, not only in words, but in action.

Yes, for the people of Malaysia, the May 5 finishing line will be important because we will finally know who our leaders will be for the next five years. There will be rejoicing and there will be tears.

And to those leaders entrusted to hold the baton for Malaysia, the most important race of running the country is only beginning.

For more election stories, please visit The Star’s GE13 site

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