on Friday wished the people of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru successful elections on April 11, which are fair, free, accessible, and peaceful.
"As we strive to protect and strengthen democracies, we must recognize that free and fair elections for all citizens are only one step in the process; respect for results, fundamental freedoms, and accountability must accompany the free and fair vote," the
current chief of U.S. diplomacy stated.
According to the U.S. official, democracy flourishes when citizens and governments actively promote equality under the law and human rights for all, "and democracy thrives when we carefully and vigorously tend to such fundamentals."
"History here in the Americas and beyond has shown that societies that follow a non-democratic path struggle to reclaim lost ground," he indicated.
Thus, "we all must remain vigilant in strengthening our democratic institutions to support the rule of law, a free press, good governance, and build systems that solve the problems and move us towards a better future."
"Our best regards to those celebrating and preserving that democratic way of life this Sunday and beyond," he concluded.