WE will know who the next president of the world’s most powerful and influential country is in a matter of hours. Since the United States is seen as a trendsetter for democracy, we hope there will be a smooth transition of power with all the bitter language and ugliness on the campaign trails forgotten and buried. Americans must unite and get together as a nation to uphold the core values that make their country great so that they have the moral authority to continue leading the world for peace and prosperity.
Experienced commentators are saying that whoever is president, Americans are confident their fundamental liberties and rights will not be affected because their constitution has the mechanism of checks and balance to ensure even a maverick president can be brought under the control of Congress and the Supreme Court and also by their free media. While Washington may continue with the usual bickering between the White House and Congress on the big decisions, their democracy at state and county levels will remain strong to serve the people as there is a lot of financial autonomy at the lower levels of government to ensure that public services can go on as usual at the grassroots.