KZBlog

Barack Obama won a clear victory over John McCain, taking several key states that were under contention–Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. That combined with the traditionally Democratic states in New England, the Great Lakes region and California, Washington and Oregon put him over 270 electoral votes at around 10am this morning, Astana time. John McCain gave his concession speech shortly thereafter.

Kazakhstan sent a delegation from the Central Election Committee to the US to observe the polling. They can hopefully take a few things away from this election:

1) Barack Obama is a representative of a demographic minority. African Americans comprise around 12% of the population and Obama is the first black (or even non-European) president. It’s important to note that race, many believe, played a far smaller role in this election than pundits thought. Obama was simply viewed as better qualified to be president.

2) McCain conceded quickly. There was a peaceful concession and the opposition chose not to prolong elections and damage America’s reputation by challenging votes or bringing up lawsuits. In the end, it doesn’t matter which party wins as long as State is preserved.

3) People waited uncomplainingly in 3-4 hour long lines. People were proud to vote, to feel they made a difference. And there were few complaints about problems with machines or corruption or other issues. Not to mention complaints about sore feet, cold weather or wind!

I do have to add that in Kazakhstan Election Day is a holiday and a day off from work. I think that’s something the US could take from Kazakhstan because it would make it easier for people to vote!

As always I welcome comments, disagreements, questions. I also have one question for those who voted in the US. Did you get your free Starbucks coffee for voting? Or did that get shot down as a form of bribery?