Remarks by Ambassador Kenneth Merten at the U.S. Election Night Event

6 November 2012, Sheraton Hotel, Zagreb

U.S. Election Night Event

     Many thanks for coming and sharing Election Night USA with us - right here in downtown Zagreb.  First, I would like to thank AmCham for co-sponsoring this delightful evening - and the Political Academy for sending us so many enthusiastic voters!  And kudos to my embassy public affairs colleagues for their part in bringing the U.S. election to Croatia.

      I hope we have been able to replicate some of the excitement and suspense of the exercise in democracy going on right now all across America.  Before long I will have the honor of announcing whom you discerning Croatians have elected President of the United States - after hearing the pitched debate between our embassy stand-ins for President Obama and Governor Romney.  Thanks to Sita and Dave for your inspired performances.

      As Winston Churchill famously said, “Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others.”  I think that is especially true of elections.   They can be exhausting and maddening and costly – with candidates sometimes focusing more on attacking each other than on presenting their own ideas and proposals.  And elections seem to have been taken over by television, the internet, fund-raising committees and political consultants.       Yet to be successful, candidates still must be able to connect with individual voters and earn their trust.  In America, that means going to small-town diners, factory floors and high school gyms to hear the concerns of local citizens.   

      Of course, American presidential candidates and presidents are closely examined and measured by citizens all around the globe.  The decisions our Presidents make and the actions they take echo across borders.  We in the State Department often hear Europeans and others say they, too, should have a vote in the U.S. elections - since the outcomes also will affect their lives.  Well, tonight, at least symbolically, we are giving you the vote!   

      There is another way you get your voices heard in Washington.  Our embassy in Zagreb and American embassies around the world are sounding boards – conduits for your concerns and goals, and for both your positive and negative views about U.S. policy. American diplomats in Croatia are not only here to listen to you - but also to engage in partnerships that will extend your voice and influence on matters that are important to both our countries. 

    What makes our bilateral relationship strong and productive are our common values.  Croatia often demonstrates its own facility for democracy. You did so again almost a year ago with a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another that would be the envy of many countries around the world.  I surely will be watching your upcoming local elections with great interest.

      Free, fair and democratic elections are still a vital tool citizens can use to improve their lives and those of future generations. We all share an interest and responsibility to look for and support good candidates, vote for them, and then hold them accountable.

      And a special word for the young people here tonight:  Public service is an honorable profession that offers unparalleled opportunities to serve your country and to make a difference for future generations of your people.  You are the ones who can move your nation forward in new directions and build on the promise of your great people.

      Finally, for any lingering doubters, let me tell you what we always say back home:  if things aren’t the way you want them to be, just get involved and change them.  That’s democracy, too.      Thank you all very much.