The English language Pakistani newspaper The Dawn offers a great round up of world leaders’ reactions to Obama’s Victory:
‘Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people. It also crowns an exceptional campaign whose inspiration and exaltation have proved to the entire world the vitality of American democracy,’ French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a letter to Obama.
‘By choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism,’ Sarkozy added.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised Obama’s ‘energising politics… his progressive values and his vision for the future’ as congratulations poured in before the final result was even announced in the race between Obama and Republican John McCain.
China’s President Hu Jintao said in a written message: ‘In a new historical era, I look forward to… taking our bilateral relationship of constructive cooperation to a new level.’
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso pledged to work with the new US leader to strengthen relations.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon congratulated Obama on his ‘triumph’ and invited him to visit the United States’ southern neighbour.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Obama’s victory was a landmark for equality.
‘Twenty-five years ago Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where men and women would be judged not on the colour of their skin but on the content of their character,’ Rudd told reporters. ‘Today what America has done is turn that dream into a reality.’
Meanwhile, the government of Kenya has declared Wednesday a national holiday. Presumably, this song will play on repeat over Kenyan Radio.