Following the invasion of the Capitol building yesterday by Trump supporters, some world leaders across the world have lent their voice in condemning the act.
See reactions below:
Today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile. To preserve it requires people of goodwill, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to the pursuit of power and personal interest at any cost, but to the common good.
President-elect Joe Biden
Our country’s long and proud history of peaceful and democratic transitions is being tested by the events unfolding inside the U.S. Capitol, which was put on lockdown after protestors stormed the building.
While The Carter Center supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, it strongly condemns threats or violence of any sort.
We call on the mob inside the Capitol building to disband immediately and on all protestors to respect the 6 p.m. curfew. As many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have said, the democratic process of certifying the election results must be allowed to continue.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, voters participated in the November 2020 election in record numbers. The process of counting and verifying the accuracy of the results has been completed, and the extensive legal challenges have been resolved, resulting in Joe Biden being declared the winner.
READ ALSO: US Congress certifies Joe Biden’s electoral college victory
All Americans should be proud of what was accomplished. Although there is no doubt that the entire process has been credible, there has been a historically unprecedented and damaging effort to deny and reverse the expressed will of the people. This has put significant strain on our democratic system and created ill-founded doubt among millions of Americans about the integrity of the elections.
As we have done throughout our history, it is now time to support a peaceful transition and work together toward a prosperous and shared future.
The Jimmy Carter centre
Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country.
The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another.
The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.
The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates.
I have always believed that America is made up of good, decent people. I still do.
If that’s who we really are, we must reject today’s violence, turn the page, and move forward together—honouring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Former US President Bill Clinton
Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation’s Government in disbelief and disarray. It is (a) sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic-not our democratic republic.
I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown for our Institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.
Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and Reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.
To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our Country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfil their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
Former US President George W. Bush
History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting President who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.
For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth, that, this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of down resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences.
Right now, Republican leaders have the choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.
I’ve been heartened to see many members of the President’s Party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican State and Local election officials in States like Georgia who’ve refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably. We need more leaders like these-right now and in the days, weeks and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It’s up to all zof is as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.
Former US President Barack Obama
Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
UK PM Boris Johnson
Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be.
Canadian PM Justin Traudeau
Like so many others, I’ve been watching what’s happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US – what is happening is wrong.
Democracy – the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail.
New Zealand PM Jacinta Arden
Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. The orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.
Indian PM Narendra Mordi
