This year was widely expected to be a pageant of democracy. Elections were scheduled around the world, and they went off, almost without exception, without a hitch. That happy outcome was the brightest result in a year colored by disappointment. The year 2004 may well be remembered for the many promises betrayed rather than the hopes that were rewarded.

Ballots were held from Australia to the United States, with Asia hosting more than its share of elections. The outcomes -- all widely respected, despite several surprises -- should put to rest the notion that democracy is somehow alien to Asian society and culture. Even closely contested races, such as Taiwan's presidential ballot, were accepted despite the controversy arising from the failed assassination attempt on the incumbent, and subsequent winner, President Chen Shui-bian.

In Indonesia, a political unknown, former Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defeated President Megawati Sukarnoputri to take the reins of a country that is crucial to the future of Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. In Afghanistan, citizens braved death threats to participate in the first democratic election in that country's history.