Today the UK is at a crossroads. A general election with a vital decision to make and action urgently required...

In the tightest United Kingdom general election since 1974, the three main political parties are slugging it out to carve out a mandate to govern this island nation of circa 62 million, the 6th biggest economy in the world.

Speaking on Wednesday at Bradford University, the last day of campaigning, the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said: "I know there are people who say, or hope, the election is already over. But I tell you that tomorrow is the time for the thousands of people to speak for themselves.

"Tomorrow doesn't belong to the press, to the commentators, to the insiders, to the vested interests or even to the political parties. Tomorrow your voice shall be heard and your vote will determine the direction of this country."

The right to vote in an open and transparent manner is commonly taken for granted in the western hemisphere. In Asia today, with perhaps India, Indonesia and the Philippines excepted, this is still very much a work-in-progress. We should genuflect on the millions of people who aspired and struggled to achieve this vision and did not live to realise their dreams.

During this momentary interlude in the daily heartbeat of a nation, the attention on the economy will rightfully and respectfully take a back seat while the heeled populace makes a beeline to the ballet box and cast a life influencing decision. Today nobody, including the Prime Minister, need be “primus inter pares” (first amongst equals). Amen to that…