Congress certified Friday what the world has known for nearly two months -- President Barack Obama's re-election, which was made official through the counting of the Electoral College's votes.
Only then, after votes from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia were tabulated, was Obama officially declared the winner over Republican Mitt Romney -- a quaint formality, perhaps, but also constitutionally required.
A relic of when Americans traveled on horseback and interstate communication was less than instantaneous, electoral law provides for long delays between the popular vote and the announcement of a result by a joint session of Congress.
In reality, the outcome was known on election night on November 6, but the US president is not directly elected by the popular vote -- at least not technically.
Instead, Americans in each of the 50 states, as well as the capital, cast their ballots to elect 538 electors: 332 representing Obama and 206 for Romney.
Vice President Joe Biden, who serves as president of the US Senate, presided over Friday's joint session of Congress, when legislators read out the tallies from each state.
"This announcement of the state of the vote by the president of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice president of the United States," Biden declared.
The count is steeped in American electoral tradition, one which sees the votes carried in a box from the Senate through the Capitol Rotunda to the House of Representatives, in a procession including Biden and the congressional leadership.
The total figure of electors, and how many are assigned from each state, depends on the population.
On December 17 -- the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December -- these delegates cast their votes in each US state.
Only around half the states require the electors to vote for the candidate they represent, but it is extremely rare for an elector to change candidates or abstain.
The last time there was a "faithless elector" was the year 2000, when District of Columbia Democrat Barbara Lett-Simmons abstained from voting for her party's candidate Al Gore, for whom she was expected to cast her vote, as a protest of the capital city's lack of voting representation in Congress.
Her abstention did not affect the election's outcome.
In the hypothetical situation where no candidate obtained a majority, the House of Representatives would be responsible for choosing a winner, with one vote per state delegation.
Meanwhile, plans were well underway for Obama's second inauguration: a private swearing in on January 20, followed by an immense public ceremony the following day.
AFP
Sat Jan 05 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.