Election Day

He sat in his office watching the television.  Watching the broadcasts covering the election, for today was election day, and he had a great interest in the results of this particular election; after all he was president of the country.  He flipped through the various channels covering the results.
         “The polls have just closed in the riding of...”
         “...coming in at 60%...”
         “...could this signify a change in the president's strategy...”
         “...has won the riding of Greymont...”
         The president was concerned.  It didn't look like things we're going his way.  Although voter apathy was a growing problem and less than 40% of the population actually bothered to vote in this election, it was clear how many of those 40% were voting.  The picture came across loud and clear, the people are fed up with him and feel it's time for a change.  For many that change was a man named William Cleavland.  The president recalled when he first made the announcement that there was going to be an election.  Some took the news with shock.  It had been so long since their last election they had almost forgotten about it.  Others were suspicious, thinking this was some sort of trick.  But this was nothing compared to the reaction when the president announced that this time, their would be an opponent running against him.  The president continued flipping channels.
         “...well it looks like William Cleavland is going to be our next president...”
         “Is Mr. Cleavland up to the challenge?  Let us know what you think...”
         “...It's pretty clear the people feel William Cleavland is the man who can...”
         The president watched with growing concern.  Despite all that he had done for the people:  dealing with growing crime rates by building hundreds of prison camps across the nation and appointing a secret police force to arrest potential criminals; solving the doctor shortage by having the sick put to death rather than burdening the state by caring for them; conserving energy by tracking electricity and water usage and shutting them off to buildings that use more than their monthly quota; maintaining order by having protesters declared enemies of the state, having them arrested and shot.  “How many people must I execute before they realize I'm acting in their best interest?” he thought.  The president turned to one of his aides, “How much longer until the polls close?”
         “The polls on the east coast and the mid west have already closed,” the young man replied,  “we're still tallying up all the votes for some of those ridings.  The west coast still has another hour to go.”
         Just then his opponent William Cleavland walked into the room, “Good evening Mr. President.”
         “Good evening, Mr. Cleavland,” the president replied, “or perhaps I should be the one saying 'good evening Mr. President' since it seems you'll be the next president here.”
         William stared at the floor, “I'm sorry about that Mr. President.” he said sheepishly.
         The president smiled, “Don't apologize my friend.  If I didn't think you could have done the job I wouldn't have chosen you to run against me.  You did a very good job on your campaign.  It not your fault the people are dumb enough to vote for you.  By the way, just out of curiosity, how did you vote in the election?”
         “Oh, I assure you my support was with you all along.  You can check the voter records, they'll clearly show I voted for you.” William quickly pointed out.
         “Good!” the president declared, “That's what I like, a leader who knows how to follow orders.”
         “Thank you sir.” William silently breathed a sigh of relief.
         The president turned his attention back to the television. 
         “...the polls indicate William Cleavland is currently running at 53%...”
         “...with one hour until the polls close it looks like William Cleavland is going to be our next president...”
         The president stood up, “Alright, I think this election has gone on long enough.”  He turned to his aides, “cancel the election and reinstate marshal law.”
         “Yes sir!” they chirped.
         He then turned to his opponent, “William Cleavland, your service to the state is noted and appreciated.”
         “Thank you sir!” William replied.
         The president turned back to his aides, “Gather the names of all the people who voted against me.  Round them up and have them executed.  For those results that haven't been made public yet, make sure they say the people voted for me.”
         “Yes sir!” they all chirped.  Then they went to work.  The president turned back to the television,
         “...after a very long time it seems this country will finally have a new president.”
         The president smiled to himself, “I love elections, what better way to find out who are the traitors who wish to create ripples of disloyalty.”