US 2016 election: Embassy officials expect peaceful transition of power

Officials from the US Embassy in Rwanda, yesterday, predicted a peaceful transition of power to ensue in the US as results of the presidential election unfolded. Based on America’s longstanding record of democratic and nonviolent elections, US embassy officials stated they believe this tradition of diplomacy will continue, regardless of whether the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, or Republican candidate Donald Trump, wins the election. The officials made the remarks at a news conference addressed by Brooke Kidd, consulate officer of the US to Rwanda, and Marissa Rollens, acting public affairs officer for the US embassy in Kigali. “Americans really enjoy the democratic process, it allows anyone to run for office and everyone to express their opinions,” said Rollens. American initiatives in Rwanda and Africa in general are expected to continue without modification no matter the election results, according to officials. “Our commitment to Africa has remained steadfast. We’ve inherited many initiatives from prior administrations – PEPFAR and AGOA, to name just a couple,” stated Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Department of State assistant secretary for African affairs earlier this year. Greenfield expects initiatives championed by President Obama such as, YALI and Power Africa, to also be seen through by whichever administration follows his presidency. The conference detailed logistics of voting abroad in American elections, outlining that after submitting a federal postcard application American citizens abroad are mailed a ballot and can return their votes through various procedures depending on their selective states. Only 60 out of the estimated 3,000 US citizens in Rwanda used the US embassy in Kigali as means to submit their ballot, while others are expected to have mailed ballots via DHL or FedEx, to have faxed ballots directly to their town or state registrars, or to have registered for early voting before they departed from the US. “We want all Americans abroad to feel they have easy means to vote, whether that be at home or abroad. There is no reason for Americans not to vote in elections, there are many options to submitting a ballot no matter where they are in the world,” Rollens said. After tallying of votes, results are expected early Wednesday. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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US 2016 election: Embassy officials expect peaceful transition of power