In a few hours, the world will finally know if Barack Obama or Mitt Romney will be the next President of the United States. Our 'How it looks from here' series concludes with a tour d'horizon around the globe - what are people thinking as they await the outcome?
India has had a complicated relationship with the United States for most of its independent history. Things are better now - but Indians still do watch the election closely, fearing a return to old tensions.
Despite a prominent presence in the campaign, US policy towards China is very unlikely to change - especially on the hyper-sensitive topic of human rights.
As a somewhat reluctant member of the American orbit in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia carefully watches the election – amused but slightly worried by its "cranks and crazies" (as the Australian treasurer recently called the Tea Party).
Mitt Romney's lackluster response to Hurricane Sandy has been a wasted opportunity, both for his campaign and, more importantly, for the hard-hit people on the East Coast.
"Many temples in South India held prayers for Obama’s victory in the 2008 elections. Haven’t heard of any this time round. Here is one from me, after four encounters on three continents."
It has been this year's most notable absentee: whatever happened to Latin America as a theme in the presidential campaign?
Poland is less engaged with this American election than on previous occasions. But its people and elites are still viewing the contest and its candidates with a wary eye that reflects their domestic political concerns, says Adam J Chmielewski.
The majority of Germans view the United States, the “land of unlimited opportunities”, with a lot of sympathy. But their perception of American politics is more problematic.
The consensus is that this presidential election may all come down to Ohio and a few other “swing” states, as in 2000 and 2004. If there are any voting irregularities to be found this time around, Ohio will be the place to look first.
The oppressed people of Tunisia have long envied western democracy. Now that they've regained their freedom and had their own democratic elections, do Tunisians cast a more critical look on the American vote?
In India, people are amused and puzzled, depressed and disinterested and occasionally inspired by the long and loud, colorful and typical American show that goes by the name of the presidential election.
