FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington - January 4, 2021 — With two days remaining before the US Congress formally validates the results of the presidential election on January 6, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“President Trump’s allegations of fraud in the November presidential election have received a full and thorough hearing, and they have been conclusively rejected by independent state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court, as well as by state legislators and state electoral officials from both parties,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House.
“Elements of the administration itself, including the attorney general, have similarly dismissed the fraud claims. The election results have been duly certified by all 50 states, and the Electoral College has cast its votes, handing victory to former vice president Joe Biden. Recognizing the pivotal role our democracy plays in the expansion of human freedom around the globe, we call upon all members of Congress to respect the confirmed will of the voters and validate the presidential election without further objections.”
“After many months of baseless attacks on our democratic institutions, the American people need to hear a unanimous corrective statement from their elected representatives in Washington,” Abramowitz added. “Just as importantly, Congress must reassure democracy advocates in other countries that a robust democratic system like ours can endure such attacks and still deliver a smooth transfer of power.”
Background:
In keeping with the constitution and federal laws, Congress will meet on January 6 to formally count the Electoral College votes and declare the winners of the presidential and vice presidential contests. However, under the Electoral Count Act of 1887, the two chambers of Congress must debate and decide on any objections to individual states’ electoral votes that are raised by at least one member each of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The United States is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2020 and Free in Freedom on the Net 2020.
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