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The final 538 votes were cast in the presidential election yesterday as electoral college members attended ceremonies around the US in an antiquated ritual which took on new significance after the close-run presidential election . " The press covers the presidential election campaign as if it were a horse race , and perhaps it should , some journalists say . I was particularly impressed by the immediate involvement of Taiwan 's High Court , the thoroughness of their election law as it pertains to recounts ( a recount producing a different result , but without proof of fraud , would mandate new elections ) , and President Chen Shui-bian 's quick decision to agree to a recount . " The Democrats have interpreted their election victory as a popular vote for a change of course in Iraq . Today , senior election official Seyed Ali Riaz described the election process as " transparent " and said votes are being counted with great precision . Seemingly scared of alienating the wavering voter , they chose to keep the election campaign as dull as possible . " The institute said it would not certify the election process as fair or unfair.Under threat of a boycott by the Awami League , an alliance of opposition parties , the elections were postponed ; a new date has not been set .