US presidential election 2016 has just come to a close. Surprise victor was Republican nominee Donald Trump who has stunned the world by defeating the favorite, Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump's win brings an end to eight years of Democratic rule in the US and sets the country on a new path.

"Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division. Have to get together. Now I pledge that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me," he said.

Trump has won 278 electoral votes after 46 out of 50 states, surpassing the required 270 out of 538 for victory. In a nail-biting contest, Trump was able to pull a winning margin in many of the crucial swing states, including Florida, Ohio and North Carolina, and snatch previously democratic-leaning states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Trump made a speech in front of a boisterous crowd of cheering supporters at his election night rally in Manhattan after his win was announced.