Former U.S. President Barack Obama has congratulated Republican Donald Trump on his victory in the presidential election, saying the win was unexpected.
“We want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” Mr Obama said in a joint statement with his wife, Michelle. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues.”
“But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power,” the Obamas added.
In the final stretch of campaigning, Mr Obama came out strongly for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, asserting she would stand up for the people.
Mocking his Republican successor, Mr Trump, Mr Obama highlighted his privileged background and financial failures.
The United States has been “through a lot” over recent years, “from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do,” the former Democratic president wrote.
Mr Obama said the situations have made headwinds for democratic incumbents globally “and last night showed that America is not immune.”
“But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace even to people with whom we deeply disagree.
“That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free,” he said.
