U.S. Presidential Election Exhibit

Freetown
November 10, 2008
Contact: PAO Danna Van Brandt
Tel: 022-515-000 or 076-515-000

On November 4, Ambassador June Carter Perry welcomed nearly 400 visitors to an exhibit on the U.S. Presidential Elections.  Participants of note included the Ministers of Energy, Health, and Foreign Affairs, Speaker and members of Parliament, the Chief Justice of the High Court, Chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission, representatives of the diplomatic corps, leaders of civil society, and others.  Many said it was the most informative, fun, and relaxed event they have attended at the Embassy.

Ambassador Perry recognized the historical significance of this particular election and stressed the importance of maintaining democratic integrity.  The Ambassador's remarks showcased the hallmarks of American politics - beyond transparent elections - maintaining political unity to achieve national goals, and that elected officials become the government of all the people.

The event featured informational displays on the Electoral College, political parties in the United States, the candidates, and the voting process, which included a mock election.  In addition to the displays, a viewing area screening televised coverage of Election Day in the United States was standing-room only, and a separate room featured videos about the Elections on the big screen.

Eleven local schools sent 10-20 students each to learn about the elections.  The knowledge the students already possessed about the Elections was impressive, and their questions were astute.  Several indicated that they wanted to be President of Sierra Leone in the future.  Many students lingered to watch live television coverage of the polls, asking about how voting procedures varied from state to state, about the candidates, and about the political parties.

To conclude the evening, Program Assistant Marilyn Kamara announced the results of the mock election, which had tremendous participation by young and old.  The results matched those announced later that night in the U.S