By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone held a special Election Night Event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt, gathering an array of distinguished guests, including Sierra Leonean government ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, private sector leaders, civil society members, and the media on Wednesday November 6, 2024. The gathering, which celebrated the United States’ ongoing election, provided an opportunity for Ambassador Hunt to reaffirm the United States’ dedication to supporting democratic institutions worldwide.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Hunt highlighted the United States’ longstanding commitment to helping nations around the globe strengthen their democratic systems through capacity building, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. He underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in protecting democracy, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to ensure the democratic process is inclusive, transparent, and credible.
“As we witness the democratic process in action tonight, we’re reminded of the vibrancy and competitiveness of American democracy,” stated Ambassador Hunt. “Our journey of perfecting democracy is continuous, and tonight we are seeing the importance of patience and integrity as votes are counted carefully to reflect the true will of the people.”
With the election results still unfolding, Republican candidate Donald Trump declared victory, expressing confidence in his commitment to lead the nation toward a new era of prosperity and unity. However, Ambassador Hunt noted that the race remained close, underscoring the need for patience and respect for the electoral process. He urged those present to remember that a fair election requires diligence and transparency, with a primary focus on ensuring that every vote counts.
Ambassador Hunt commended the role of electoral commissions and other bodies involved in ensuring a transparent and accurate count, stating, “The electoral process is not solely about the outcome; it’s about the journey—one that requires time, commitment, and transparency.” He encouraged attendees to refrain from drawing premature conclusions and emphasized the importance of respecting the process as part of upholding democratic values.
The Ambassador also highlighted the United States’ support for Sierra Leone’s own progress in electoral reform. He praised the recent signing of the Agreement for National Unity and the final report of the Tripartite Committee, calling these steps pivotal in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national unity, and improving the transparency and inclusiveness of Sierra Leone’s elections. He noted that the ongoing implementation of the Committee’s recommendations would play a crucial role in advancing Sierra Leone’s democracy.
“By enhancing voter education, refining the accuracy of voter registration, and ensuring the independence of the electoral commission, Sierra Leone is fostering public trust in its electoral process,” Hunt remarked, pointing out that these measures will lay a solid foundation for future elections and reinforce the resilience of the nation’s democratic system.
Reflecting on the United States’ electoral history, Ambassador Hunt acknowledged past close elections as reminders of the democratic process’s strength and the nation’s commitment to continuous improvement and reform. He reaffirmed that the United States, along with international partners, remains committed to assisting countries globally in fortifying their democratic systems, through capacity-building support and by sharing best practices.
“The success of democracy in any country is a shared victory for democratic values worldwide,” concluded Ambassador Hunt. “Together, we can support each other in building fair, just, and resilient systems that embody the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. The futures of both the United States and Sierra Leone shine brightly, rich with promise.”
The event served as a platform for fostering dialogue on democratic resilience, with Ambassador Hunt’s remarks resonating as a call for unity in the ongoing journey toward strengthening democratic principles globally.
