American Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, has pledged continued support to the next President of the United States of America in the same way he has done to the current President.

Mr Gonzales was speaking this evening at his residence when he hosted an elections reception as America votes.

He said elections are a mechanism for accountability in the political system and a part of the democratic process that ultimately leads to responsive and accountable democratic governance.

Mr Gonzales also stated that it is imperative that people have the ability to determine their own future and hold their elected leaders accountable adding that elections are the most visible symbols of democracies.

ZANIS reports that Ambassador Gonzales said America has clear and transparent systems and strong institutions that will guide those processes to ensure that the will of the people is heard and honoured.

“And so today, as my fellow Americans go to the polls, we come together with our Zambian partners not only to witness American democracy in action, as important as that may be but to celebrate the democratic process in all countries, and to reaffirm our common commitment to protect the institutions of democratic accountability that allow us all to enjoy our shared democratic inheritance,” he said.

He pointed out that a credible, free and fair, unimpeded campaign process is critical to provide the people with the information necessary to drive their future.

The Ambassador added that democracy is about creating democratic, accountable institutions that serve the people no matter the outcome of an election or who is in charge. 

“It’s about the transparency in processes from public debt to procurements, to public consultative processes to budget allocations  that earn the confidence of the people that the government is pursuing their best interests, not just those of the powerful or the leaders in office,” he added.

Mr Gonzales further stated that democracy is about protecting the sanctity of the judicial system so that all citizens can trust its judgments and know that they are being treated equitably under the law.

“It is the freedom of the press, free from intimidation or censorship, that serves as a guard dog of the people by being a watchdog over the actions of the government,” he added.

He also urged that democracy is about being responsive to the people, to ensure that their concerns are heard and their needs are met and that the nation continues in its quest for a more perfect future.