Sain baitsgaana uu. Good morning, everyone.
I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2016 U.S. presidential election watch event.
This is a special event that only comes around every four years.
It is a pleasure to have you with us to watch the U.S. democratic process in action.
Looking around the room, I see an incredible cross-section of politicians, government officials, journalists, academics, members of the business community, civil society representatives, and others.
Our professional pursuits may be different, but it is clear we are all united by an interest in, and a deep respect for, the democratic process. Respect for the democratic process is at the very core of the robust partnership between the United States and Mongolia.
It is a shared value and a common vocabulary that has sustained our diplomatic relations through Republican and Democratic American administrations and through Democratic Party, Mongolian Peoples’ Party and coalition governments in Mongolia.
It was with shared pride that my Embassy team witnessed the successful conduct of Mongolia’s June parliamentary elections and the peaceful transition of power that followed.
Similarly, we look forward to witnessing an open and fair electoral process in Mongolia’s presidential election next year.
And it is in that same spirit that I’m glad you all are with us this morning as Election Day in the United States is in full swing.
As we kick off our election watch event, the polls on the east coast of the United States are closing – in key states like New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
Throughout the morning, we will watch as polls close across the Midwest and western United States.
As we watch the election results roll in – and as our fabulous emcee provides periodic updates – I invite you to take advantage of our informational and interactive programming.
Our consular booth has information for American citizens and about the visa application process – and our public affairs booth has brochures about applying for our exchange and grant programs.
I encourage you to use our computers to get in-depth information about the U.S. electoral process, tune in to our stimulating panel discussion mid-morning, join our live Twitter feed, watch live U.S. television news coverage, get a picture with the two principal Presidential candidates, or take a selfie with Uncle Sam.
I hope you enjoy this morning’s event and leave knowing a great deal more about the U.S. electoral process.
Thank you.
