The turning point

THE revelation that Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday is special. The mob had attempted to overturn the election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Mr Trump in the White House. Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. We learn that they pushed through the night with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert. Finally, shortly before 4am on Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election. Vice President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally, 306-232. Mr Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, said in a statement immediately after the vote that there will be a smooth transition of power on Inauguration Day. “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th,” Mr Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by an aide. When you look at the turn of events, they offer some semblance of order. In fact it was to be expected. It was just the way things should have turned out. At least five people lost their lives, including a woman who was fatally shot by police, and a police officer who died later in hospital in the face of the chaos that enveloped Washington. The rioters broke through barricades, smashed windows, snatched souvenirs and entered Congressional offices and chambers, some taking photographs with police. Some carried trophies with them as they walked out. Again, we totally agree with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama that true and genuine democracy is a prestigious treasure that no nation should ever take for granted. In saying that, we accept that there has to be a willingness to embrace democracy for what it means, and truly place value on what it espouses for us as a nation, and how our people will factor in the equation of nurturing and upholding democracy. As one of the leading democracies in the world, we look up to the US to do the right thing, by the people, for the people. Clearly there has to be value placed on the voice of the people. Surely as a nation, we have an opportunity to truly appreciate the important steps that must be taken to ensure democracy survives, and is seen to be upheld. Acceptance can be troublesome for some people, but it takes great courage to truly be accommodating and to accept that people have different views, and not everyone will be pleased about a turn of events.