SNIP

>Also accurate, according to what I know about the situation. The big question (about the U.S. ambassador) is, of course, "Does a foreign power / ambassador have the right to interfere, like that, in the local elections?" I won't intent to answer that one, but his comments didn't seem to be very prudent, in any case, since they (a) turned out to be extremely counterproductive, and (b) generated lots of protest.
>
>Hilmar.

While that was perhaps VERY unprofessional behavior on behalf of the ambassador, I think it is not technically interfering--was he representing the govt when he made that statement? If so, he should be relieved of all duties and replaced. If not and it was just poorly chosen words or words taken out of context, perhaps he should still be replaced. Yet, I am of the opinion that figure heads only have the power given to them by those they serve. His words would have meant nothing if voters either chose to ignore them or vote according to their conscience regardless and not for/against any candidate based on his statements. The voters gave his words power.