Remarks by the Ambassador of the United States of America Hugo Llorens in Occasion of the U.S. Elections

November 4, 2008

Ambassador Hugo Llorens gives remarks during the reception in occasion of the 2008 U.S. elections. U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa photo.

It is a tremendous pleasure for my wife Lisett and I to welcome you. Tonight is a very special occasion for us in the U.S. community. Regardless of who wins and I know people here in the U.S. have strong views about the candidates, it is a day of civic celebration. This day is a testament to the struggles of every generation to improve and perfect our democratic system. Tonight is truly historic.

One of my firmest beliefs is that with all of its imperfections, the democratic system of government is the very best system we humans have designed to govern ourselves. Democracies protect individual human rights, limit abuse and impunity. The right to vote freely for one's leaders is truly a fundamental cornerstone for all democracies and most vital for democratic growth. Election Day is the time when the politicians have to keep quiet and the great voice of the people is heard. Because in democracies, the people have the final say.

We must never forget that this right to vote is considered sacred by millions upon millions of people in the world. It is a right that historically has often been earned through struggles and with much bloodshed. In our own country's history, there occurred important events that add significance to this evening. African-Americans achieved the right to vote in the U.S. in 1870 only after the culmination of a bloody civil war leaving over a million dead including our then President, Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, the struggle for enfranchisement of African-Americans continued for the next century with the Civil Rights Act of 1965 finally providing more lasting guarantees. Women gained the right to vote in the U.S. less than 100 years ago in 1920 and only after a 70 year struggle through efforts by such valiant women as Susan B. Anthony.

Considering these struggles in our own history, isn't it wonderful to celebrate tonight the fact that for the first time in our history an African-American will become the President or a woman the Vice President. Let us all celebrate to the lasting erosion of any barriers that ever limit full participation in our democracy.

In many of our own lifetimes, other people have changed history by demanding and then guaranteeing this sacred right. The lives of Mahatma Gandhi in India and Nelson Mandela in South Africa personify these struggles and offer inspiration for people throughout the world. However, there are less well known and even anonymous people from all walks of life represented in every country of the world who have also been true heroes in this process. They include not only the people, who have demanded the right to vote, but the people today who maintain the integrity of the process - poll workers, monitors, civil society groups, and even those neighbors who make sure the sick and elderly have the opportunity to vote. I salute them all.

Even though I have mentioned many people, ultimately the most important part of the equation in an election is just one person - you. When you exercise your right to vote, you are making democracy work. It's that simple. Voting connects you to your government. It gives you a voice in choosing your leaders and also helps to inform them of your needs, wants and priorities. It is indeed a wonderful right.

I am the first to admit that no elections are perfect in any country. There are imperfections in the processes. There are often high costs. There are also numerous questions on the rules. However, the beauty of a democracy is that it will always allow for improvements upon itself.

Tonight, as the United States prepares to pass the baton from one leader to the next, we must recognize our leader of the last eight years. In the wake of the attacks of September 11, President Bush faced serious challenges impacting the peace and security of the world and made many difficult decisions to combat world terrorism. Additionally, President Bush more than doubled development assistance - taking on such major challenges as HIV/AIDS, malaria, basic education, trafficking in persons, and women's empowerment. I have great respect for President Bush and believe he should be recognized for his efforts throughout these difficult times.

The U.S. elections campaign has been a long one, beginning with hard fought primaries and concluding this evening. It has been a tough campaign and the issues have been debated intensely. We will soon learn the results of today's election. It is exciting for all of us. While some people will be happy with the results and others will not, one thing is certain - once the election is over, all Americans will all come together as a nation to recognize and support our President-elect. For me, that is both the beauty and strength of our democratic system. In fact, all Americans will wish the new President true success because his success is our success.

Our new President will need all of our support as he deals with the many serious challenges facing the world today including two wars and the downswing in the world economy. Speaking on behalf of the official U.S. community in Honduras, I can assure everyone that he will be able to count on our total commitment and support as the new President faces these challenges. There is also another commitment and guarantee I can make. No matter who wins the election tonight, the strong bonds of friendship between the United States and Honduras will continue. In fact, it is our shared belief in democracy and our commitment to democratic values that ultimately represents the strongest indivisible link between our two peoples.

A prominent activist in voting rights once said, "I will unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Let us all unite and celebrate that sentiment here tonight no matter what our party affiliations. Let us always commit to supporting one's right to freely vote and let us all commit to supporting the growth of our democracies. For in my mind that is truly what is right for all of us.

I sincerely thank you for joining us tonight. While here, you will have the opportunity to participate in an internal vote, the results of which will be announced later in the evening. We will also be showing documentaries on the lives of Senators John McCain and Barack Obama. Two members of our Embassy, Robert Armstrong and Greg Morrison, will also be giving presentations on the U.S. electoral system. Again, thank you for joining us and we wish you all an enjoyable evening.