Key lessons from vote

By voting to remain part of the United Kingdom, the people of Scotland have exercised their democratic right, which must be respected by all, but especially by those who had favoured independence.

The vote remains the most important tool to determine leadership and other issues of vital importance. Through the vote, it is possible to determine the majority will, which the minority must accept, having had its say.

There are some lessons from the Scottish vote for our own country.

Today, our nation is in the grip of a bitter rivalry over calls for a referendum by the Opposition coalition, Cord, and governors for amendments to the Constitution to seal what they believe are glaring loopholes.

The contest between the No and Yes camps in the Scottish referendum was equally robust, but devoid of the kind of animosity associated with the opposite sides in the Kenyan duel.

Another vital lesson is that the Scots have voted for the benefits they see in the unity and strength in the UK.

This does not mean that they do not have any grievances. However, they see the possibility of resolving those disputes and redressing their grievances from inside.

At a time when nations are banding together for greater muscle, the Scots have decided that it would be foolhardy to go it alone.

They have rejected ethnic parochialism, preferring to remain in a union that promises some autonomy and greater prosperity.