Defeated Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton conceded her loss in the United States election on Tuesday, calling on Americans to move forward in unity – even as she acknowledged the reality of a bitter campaign that separated Clinton and Republican president-elect Donald J. Trump by just 0.2 percent of a popular vote in her favor.

Yet the electoral college system in the United States, which put simply, tallies citizen votes and then awards the designated electoral votes on the basis of individual states, gave Trump the clear victory.

“We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought,” Clinton said in her speech. “But I still believe in America and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.”

Clinton added that in America, the “constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it.” She called on all Americans to uphold the rule of law, the right to free speech, a respect and dignity for human rights, and to continue moving forward together.

Clinton, joined by her husband and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, family members and campaign partners, also encouraged women to one day shatter that glass ceiling she was unable to break through.

The former senator and U.S. Secretary of State was expected to win easily, and Trump’s upset victory stunned American voters from across the political spectrum. For his part, Trump also appealed to American unity and promised to be the president of all citizens in a victory speech delivered early Wednesday.

Following the news, global financial markets dropped quickly as Dow futures had at one point plunged 800 points. Some recovery was evident at midday in New York trading, though Asian markets were significantly down at close.

Image: Hillary Clinton