I Love the Smell of Democracy in the Morning. And Bacon. I Also Like Bacon.

It's a big day for democracy. John Howard won his 4th straight Australian federal election after Mark Latham of the Labour Party conceded defeat with 60% of the votes counted. Latham had promised to withdraw all 900 Aussie troops from Iraq by Christmas if elected, so Howard's victory will bring a confidence boost to both Bush and Blair. I've always liked Howard, so yay him.

Elsewhere, the polls have opened in Afghanistan's freshly-minted free elections (more good news for Bush et al). The interim President Hamid Karzai is favourite to win, but nothing is certain. Initial results aren't expected until at least late Sunday, but I'm sure there'll be regular updates here, here, here, here and here. Go crazy.

Of course, today's most important event ended just an hour or so ago. England beat Wales 2-0 at Old Trafford. Once step closer to World Cup 2006. I got two words - 'Boo' and 'Yah'.