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US bans diplomats from commenting on elections in foreign countries

2025-07-18 11:18:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

US bans diplomats from commenting on elections in foreign countries

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is refraining from commenting on elections abroad unless there is a 'clear and compelling' US interest, focusing on the strategic importance of spreading democratic values.

"Consistent with the administration's emphasis on national sovereignty, the Department will comment publicly on elections only when there is a clear and compelling U.S. foreign policy interest in doing so," Rubio's directive said, Fox News reported.

"Messages should avoid expressing opinions on the fairness or integrity of an electoral process, its legitimacy, or the democratic values of the country in question."

The memorandum, first reported by
the Wall Street Journal, said the US would "hold fast to its democratic values and celebrate those values when other countries choose a similar path," but would pursue relations where "strategic interests align," rather than focusing on values.

Overseas headquarters can still post public messages congratulating the election winner without high-level approval, unless the result is contested, but are instructed to focus on "the election result, not the process."

If a bureau wants to post messages denouncing the election process, such as in the case of voting violence or fraudulent elections, they need high-level approval from the bureau, and such permissions will be "rare."

"DO NOT use election-time messaging to advance a U.S. foreign policy goal," the memo read. "DO NOT use it to promote an ideology."

Those who write official statements are instructed to ask themselves: "Would the president say this?"

The US view on elections is closely monitored by opposition groups and human rights activists, and sometimes determines whether a nation will be sanctioned or given foreign aid./ CNA





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