Ambassador Elisabeth Millard
Senior Area Advisor for Europe and Eurasia
New York, New York
November 18, 2021
Statement for the Strengthening the Role of the United Nations in Enhancing Periodic and Genuine Elections and the Promotion of Democratization Resolution
AS DELIVERED
The United States regrets the tabling of two late-breaking hostile amendments that weaken the text and undermine those that this resolution and the fund it created has assisted around the world for over 20 years. We have engaged constructively with delegations throughout the process to present a balanced yet strong text focusing on gender and political participation including the inclusion of all persons in all stages of elections. And we even put forward a late-breaking oral revision in order to further satisfy some delegations’ concerns.
It is of extreme importance that references to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in the context of elections remain in the resolution. Individuals belonging to a vulnerable group are more likely to be denied their right to vote in free and fair elections and are also more often victims of discriminatory acts carried out with impunity.
PP9 and OP7 are critical paragraphs in this text in order to ensure that all citizens are included in all stages of elections, including the ability to vote and run for office. We regret the amendments weakening the paragraphs.
No citizen should be denied the right to vote or to be elected through free and fair elections because of who they are. It sends a dangerous message to all vulnerable and marginalized groups mentioned in this text for this list to be cherry-picked on the floor of the General Assembly as is taking place through these amendments, and could further reaffirm the marginalization of these groups.
To this end, we call a vote on the amendments and will vote against both amendments, and we encourage other delegations to vote NO as well.
Thank you.
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