AMBASSADOR JULIE CHUNG'S REMARKS AT THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WATCH EVENT

Good morning to our guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is a great honor to welcome you all as we gather to witness a hallmark of our democracy – the 2024 United States Presidential Election and a number of congressional races too. Even at this early hour, it’s inspiring to see so many of you here to share in this experience and learn more about our electoral process.

I want to give a huge thank you to my team at the Embassy for creating this opportunity for us to connect over the principles that define our democracy. Any event with democracy and donuts is going to be a win in my book.

I also want to thank our American staff for sharing their diverse perspectives and experiences participating in the American democratic system, including Aiman and Steven – our former civics teacher – who did a great job explaining the complexities of the U.S. Electoral College.

Today marks a significant moment in the U.S. democracy.  Seeing you all here, so early in the day, is a reminder that the U.S. Presidential election is closely followed not just by Americans, but by people around the world. Our interconnected world means that choices and policies made at home in the United States can have a broad impact globally.

Our U.S. democracy is not a static institution. It is alive and requires constant care and upkeep. As our Constitution lays out, our country was built by “We the People.” Yet, like all democracies, it will always be imperfect, a work in progress. As we learn and grow, it is essential to keep improving and strengthening our government, our institutions – whether that’s updating old processes to utilize modern tools, figuring out together how to manage new challenges, or deciding through our votes whether to keep or replace our leaders. A powerful example of change in our country’s foundation is the work of women’s rights activists in the 20th century who fought to expand the definition of “We the People” to include women, advocating for constitutional amendments, state laws, and shifts in public thinking.

Our democracy is evolving with each generation, and those generations are constantly striving toward a more perfect union – they want and expect a government that is responsive, listens, and meets the needs of the people it serves.

And, our democracy requires active participation, which is exactly what we’re witnessing today.

In the United States, the most visible part of the democratic process unfolded over the last day – as citizens turned out to cast their votes. Similar to Sri Lanka, there are countless dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Participating in a democracy goes well beyond casting a ballot and putting on the fun “I Voted” sticker or using indelible ink to mark our fingers. It involves everyone from the poll workers who assist voters on Election Day, to the officials who oversee election centers, to international election observers keeping an eye on the process, to those who safeguard ballots and ensure the rules are followed, and even to our schoolteachers, who teach children the importance of civic participation. These are the unsung guardians of democracies everywhere.

Their collective commitment to education, transparency, security, and fairness helps uphold the trust we place in this system, ensuring that every vote is counted and that the democratic process remains resilient and fair.

I’m aware that we have many journalists in the room this morning, and as we follow today’s election coverage, it highlights the immense responsibility journalists carry. Reporting on elections – whether in Sri Lanka or the United States – isn’t just about announcing results; it’s about carefully gathering and presenting facts, navigating complex issues, and ensuring that the public has access to accurate, impartial information. During times like these, when emotions can run high, citizens rely on the media not only for updates but also for clarity and trust. Your commitment to truth strengthens democracy by empowering each person to make informed decisions. By taking the time to get the story right, you uphold the values at the very core of free and fair elections.

We do not claim to have a perfect system, but we do share a collective, deep-rooted belief that no matter what, our government should always remain “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Even when our system faces setbacks and challenges — like political divisions, questions of fairness, or voting rights issues — it is the resilience of our institutions, and the dedication of those who participate, that keep democracy alive.

This morning, we are witnessing in real-time, the culmination of years of debates, campaigns, and civic engagement as voters decide who will be the next president of the United States. I know that Democracies can be complicated – sometimes messy–but today I am both deeply grateful for the hard work that went into this election and filled with inspiration and excitement about the future that it will help to unfold. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump both represent different visions for America’s future, but at the real heart and constant here is the role of the American people in deciding that future.

You are all likely aware that with the current status of votes, the race is too close to call. So, while our election watch event will likely conclude without a clear winner, if we have done our jobs today, hopefully all of you have a little more insight into how our elections work and why we don’t yet have results.

A winner will be decided very soon, and the most important thing is that we have a peaceful transfer of power and that our officials and citizens will set up whoever the President Elect is for success.  And, speaking for myself and our colleagues as employees of the Department of State and all our government agencies, we will work hard and do our best to support the President that the American people have elected.  No matter the eventual declared result of this election, we have two candidates who are dedicating themselves to represent the American people, and who have brought their vision for the future of the United States to the forefront.

As we conclude our morning, I’ll share one last thought with you all. While we talk of a collective vote, democracy is also about the stories of individuals.  Every vote cast is a voice shared, and a testament to the power of civic responsibility.

The electoral process we [saw]/[are seeing] unfold today is a reminder that democracy is not just a set of laws or institutions, but a shared commitment to a better future.  Through all of its nurturing, protection, and sometimes-necessary reforms–through it all, the core principle remains: the people hold the power. This power is sacred, and it is through the people’s continued engagement that democracies exist and thrive.

In closing, whether we agree or disagree on policies or candidates, the true strength of democracy lies in the respect we show for our differences, and in the belief that through our collective efforts, we will continue to build a better, stronger future.

On behalf of the United States of America, we hope you all enjoyed gathering with us to witness this moment in history.

Thank you.