Political parties congratulate Obama

By Yamkela Xhaso
05 November

Democrat Barack Obama has become the first black American president. Voters have sent him to the White House virtually on a landslide victory after a crushing defeat of his rival Republican John McCain.

The writing was already on the wall for McCain when Obama captured the key battlegrounds of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Ohio has been the winning state for candidates since 1964. Obama won all of Ohio’s 20 electoral votes, providing a big boost toward the 270 needed to win the presidency.

Fox News reports that with these key wins, Democrats are on track to expand their control of the US Senate as high voter turnout, economic woes and disdain with Republican policies fuelled a change in thinking in the USA.

Prior to the election, Democrats held 49 seats in the 100-member Senate but enjoyed a relative majority thanks to the support of two independents.
There were wild scenes of jubilation in downtown Chicago as thousands of supporters gathered in a park to celebrate Obama’s victory.

Tens of thousands of supporters received tickets to attend the party in Grant Park, passing through extensive security checks to gain access to the event.

However, some estimates put the number of people expected in the park and surrounding area reached a million

In his victory speech, Obama told his affectionate fans that he would be president of the whole country, not only those who voted for him.

He said the road ahead would be difficult, but that America would overcome all the problems.

He was answered with roaring: “Yes we can!” from the crowd

Back home all political parties shared the same opinion

Independent Democrats leader Patricia De Lille said she was amongst the crowds in Denver, Colorado when Obama accepted a democratic party nomination in front of 80 000 people.

“Obama my brother told the whole world that they would listen not lecture it” added De Lille

“Yes we can change the world; yes we can bridge the racial gap that exists in the 21st century” said the jubilant De Lille.

Federation Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) secretary general Dennis George said they expect a change of foreign policies for the better.

George said “during Bush administration the issues on Africa and South Africa were put on a side-banner and Iraq received the most attention, thus we truly believe he will live up to his campaign”

Freedom Front Plus leader Doctor Pieter Mulder said felt that it an extraordinary achievement as America was ruled by someone from the minority something which one never thought it would be possible.

“This was a perfect example about how democracy should works and I hope South Africa will move from the race issue in future”

African Christian Democratic Party leader Reverend Kenneth Meshoe said; “his win is going to bring America closer to Africa”

United Democratic Movement leader General Bantu Holomisa said; “ He will revive the image of America which was very arrogant under the Bush Administration”

African National Congress spokesperson Brian Sokutu said; “ we expect a stronger mutual relationship with the US”