I didn’t watch the UK elections very closely because I was pretty sure that one way or another, the excellent Prime Minister, Tony Blair, would win. But it was a wonderful experience to see how people abroad and from other lands marvelled at this English spectacle, in all its civilized execution. I’ve always liked the UK system, but it’s instructive to see how others who live in non-democratic societies experience England’s authentic democracy.

There are two very good essays out on it now, one by blogger Daniel Duquenal and the other by Aleksander Boyd, both of which are fresh in perspective and beautifully, thoughtfully written. They are both must reads.