Last week, people from around the world watched with intense interest and concern as millions of Americans voted in their presidential election. This was not so much because it was a tightly fought race, but because policies adopted by the US president have a big impact on the rest of the globe.
Because of this, I have often jokingly said that when the United States has a presidential election, the whole world should get to vote.
Four years ago, the result of a bitterly contested election had to be decided by the Supreme Court. Last week, the world saw an equally divided America. When the polling stations closed, more than 120 million Americans had cast their ballots. The turnout rate was 60 per cent, the highest since 1968.
Despite the tense atmosphere, all went peacefully. Even with so much at stake, supporters of both candidates displayed composure and restraint. This is a sign of political maturity. Still, many foreigners find the decision to re-elect President George W. Bush mystifying.
On election day, Democratic challenger John Kerry said: 'Today is decision day. You have an opportunity to make a fundamental change in America, and the hopes of our country are on the line.'
Unfortunately, many Americans did not want change. After Mr Bush was re-elected, a headline in the Financial Times read: 'Sentenced to four more years.' This summed up the feelings of many disappointed and apprehensive people around the globe.
I wanted to see Senator Kerry elected, not because I support him, but because I disagree with Mr Bush's foreign policy, which I think makes the world a more volatile and dangerous place.