WASHINGTON: It's early morning in the United State capital Washington, DC and a few dozen Ethiopians are gathering in cars as they prepare to cast their ballots for the first time in a presidential campaign. They are immigrants to America and are proud of their new homeland. An election as contentious as the current one between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney has sparked controversy between the new immigrants and the older, more established older Ethiopia Diaspora in the US. While a small community compared to other immigrant communities in the US, they believe their voices can be heard and help push America into the future. “I am voting for Obama because he is dignified and I think he is very honest about what he believes,” Amon Desalin told Bikyamasr.com as he hopped into one of the two vans parked nearby. They were heading to their polling station in Northern Virginia, near their place of residence. It came after they prepared the restaurants for the day ahead, but voting in today's election is paramount to their newfound citizenship. “This is huge and I can't wait to really be part of what it means to live in a true democracy,” Desalin, 20, said as the van pulled away. Staying behind were four Ethiopian-Americans in their 60s. For them, they believe Obama has done too little to change the status quo of America and will be casting their ballots for Romney. “Romney gives us a better chance to improve our economy and he is business-minded person who I agree with on most issues for the economy,” 61-year-old mother of three Maria told Bikyamasr.com. She argued that for the country to move forward would be for Americans to understand how the future under Romney would be different. She said that Romney can bring together political leaders unlike Obama, which is why she believes her vote will be important. “I like Romney's attitude. I like his faith in his family and he is a true American,” she added. For these Ethiopians, in many ways, it is part of the overall partisan political make-up that has become part of the election season. No matter what one's background may be, there does not seem to be a unified backing for either candidate.
