Rubio and Kaine Urge Blinken to Advocate for Free & Fair Electoral Process in Honduras
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the United States to strongly advocate for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process ahead of Honduras' November 28th elections to elect a new President and National Congress.
"The general elections scheduled this weekend is an important opportunity for Honduras to demonstrate the resilience of its democracy and commitment to the rule of law," the senators wrote. "The United States must use its influence with Honduras and within the region to support an open and transparent electoral process that is accepted by Hondurans and the international community."
"The United States and Honduras share an important and long-standing partnership," the senators continued. "Our countries are united by extensive economic cooperation, shared regional concerns, and a deep cultural connection between our two peoples. We support the Honduran people's desire for an open and inclusive democratic society. Now more than ever, it is imperative that the United States stand with Hondurans in support of those aspirations and towards a brighter future."
Senators Rubio and Kaine are Ranking Member and Chairman, respectively, of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary Blinken:
As Hondurans head to the polls to elect their national and local representatives, it is critical that the United States strongly advocate for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. Should these elections be perceived as illegitimate by Hondurans and the international community, the country could face political instability and violence.
The general election scheduled this weekend is an important opportunity for Honduras to demonstrate the resilience of its democracy and commitment to the rule of law. The United States must use its influence with Honduras and within the region to support an open and transparent electoral process that is accepted by Hondurans and the international community.
Two hurricanes last year caused nearly $2 billion worth of damage, and many Hondurans have suffered from economic uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The obstacles to inclusive economic prosperity have convinced much of the country's population to consider emigration, including six out of ten millennials. We are pleased that the United States has supported Honduras throughout these difficult times, including through the donation of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Nevertheless, without a stable and democratically-elected government, Honduras will be unable to fully meet these numerous challenges.
The United States and Honduras share an important and long-standing partnership. Our countries are united by extensive economic cooperation, shared regional concerns, and a deep cultural connection between our two peoples. We support the Honduran people's desire for an open and inclusive democratic society. Now more than ever, it is imperative the United States stand with Hondurans in support of those aspirations and towards a brighter future.
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