Barack Obama elected 44th President of the United States

Democrat Barack Obama won the U.S. presidential election over his Republican opponent John McCain, thereby becoming the first black president in the history of the United States.  He will succeed George W. Bush as president on January 20, 2009.

In Dakar, the U.S. Embassy organized an election night event at the Ambassador’s residence where both American and Senegalese guests were invited, including politicians, academics and civil society members.  During her welcome remarks, Her Excellency Madame Marcia S. Bernicat stressed the global interest in the U.S. presidential election, which is due to the role the country plays in international relations.  Commenting on American democracy, Ms. Bernicat argued that "what is important is the confidence that the American citizens have in their system and their government."