Chapter 78: The new president
The entire country became lively as the presidential election week finally arrived. Every television station, newspaper, and social media platform talked about nothing else except politics. Streets were decorated with banners and posters while people eagerly discussed who would become the next president.
Many people believed that the current president would win once again. After all, he had a large number of supporters and had ruled the country for several years.
President Aaron Johnson himself was very confident about his victory.
"This time, I will definitely enter the presidential office for the second time," he said proudly during breakfast while looking at the newspaper in his hand.
The vice president smiled awkwardly beside him but didn’t say anything.
During election week, President Aaron became busier than ever. Every day, he attended different public events while cameras followed his every move.
On the first day, he visited one of the largest hospitals in the country. There, he announced that the government would provide free treatment for children under five years old in government-owned hospitals. He also promised to improve medical facilities in rural areas.
The announcement immediately received praise from the public.
"The president is really working hard." someone said.
"He deserves another chance." said by another person.
"He has done well this time."
People couldn’t stop discussing it online. When President Aaron saw the positive comments, he smiled happily.
"See? The people still love me," he proudly told his secretary.
"Of course, Mr. President," the secretary immediately agreed.
On the second day, President Aaron visited an orphanage. He personally played with the children and donated books, clothes, and toys. He even spent several hours talking with them while reporters captured every moment.
One little girl suddenly hugged his leg and asked innocently, "Will you come back again?"
The president immediately smiled warmly.
"Of course."
His supporters became even more excited after seeing the pictures online.
"He loves children!"
"He deserves our votes!"
"He’s the best president we’ve ever had."
President Aaron couldn’t stop smiling throughout the day.
On the third day, he visited several schools and announced scholarships for outstanding students from poor families. He promised to provide better educational opportunities for thousands of students across the country.
The following day, he attended the opening ceremony of a newly completed bridge that connected several communities together. It reduced transportation time and would help improve local businesses.
Every day, his approval ratings continued to rise. And that’s what he want.
The president became more confident than ever.
At the same time, his opponent, Philip Jones, continued attending his own campaigns quietly. Unlike President Aaron, Philip rarely made grand promises. Instead, he spent most of his time talking directly with ordinary citizens about their struggles.
Some people preferred Aaron’s confidence while others admired Philip’s sincerity.
Soon, election day finally arrived.
Early that morning, people gathered outside different polling stations across the country. Some had arrived before sunrise just to cast their votes.
The atmosphere was both exciting and tense.
Young people, elderly citizens, businessmen, and students all lined up patiently to perform their civic duty.
For many people, this election would determine the future of the country.
President Aaron smiled confidently as he arrived at his polling station alongside several reporters.
"Mr. President, how confident are you about today’s election?" one reporter asked immediately.
Aaron laughed confidently before answering, "One hundred percent."
The reporters laughed along with him. "It seems you’re very confident, Mr. President."
"Of course," he smiled proudly. "The people know who has worked for them."
After casting his vote, he happily waved at the cameras before returning to his office.
Meanwhile, Philip Jones quietly cast his own vote without saying much to the media.
That night, millions of people sat before their televisions while waiting nervously for the election results.
Inside the presidential office, Aaron Johnson sat comfortably while drinking wine with several important government officials.
"This calls for a celebration," one of them laughed happily.
"Perhaps we should prepare tomorrow’s congratulatory speech already," another added.
Aaron chuckled proudly. "Don’t worry. I’ve already prepared one."
Everyone burst into laughter immediately.
The atmosphere was extremely cheerful.
Hours later, the country’s election commission finally appeared on television.
"We will now announce the official results of today’s presidential election."
The entire nation immediately became silent.
Aaron sat comfortably on his chair with a smile on his face.
The vice president smiled nervously beside him while secretly praying for good news.
After announcing several states and their results, Aaron became even happier after seeing how close the competition was.
"This is interesting," he laughed confidently.
Finally, it was time for the final announcement. "The total votes have been counted successfully."
Everyone held their breath nervously.
"The winner of this year’s presidential election is..."
Aaron smiled proudly before adjusting his suit.
"Philip Jones!"
Silence....
Ahh what the heck...! Absolute silence filled the room.
Aaron’s smile froze completely. "What?"
The wine glass in his hand almost slipped onto the floor.
The vice president widened his eyes in horror while staring at the television screen.
Even the secretary forgot how to breathe for several seconds.
"The winner is Philip Jones!"
The reporter repeated excitedly. "The people have chosen their new president!"
Aaron blinked several times while looking at the television in disbelief.
"No."
He laughed awkwardly.
"This isn’t funny."
Nobody answered him. Slowly, he looked around at everyone’s pale faces before pointing at the television screen.
"Play it again."
"Mr... Mr. President..."
"I said play it again!"
His secretary immediately replayed the announcement.
"The winner of this year’s presidential election is Philip Jones!"
Aaron almost had a heart attack on the spot.
Philip Jones?
How?!
He slowly placed his hand on his chest before looking toward Jeremiah.
"Tell me..." he asked slowly. "Did I hear wrongly?"
Jeremiah raised a brow before shaking his head. "No, Mr. President." he said.
Aaron immediately covered his chest dramatically.
"This country has betrayed me!"
Everyone became speechless. Far away, celebrations had already begun across the country for the newly elected president.
And just like that, Aaron Johnson’s dream of returning to the presidential office for a second term disappeared overnight.