Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Managua (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Nicaragua, who are now in Rome for their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, have published a Pastoral Letter in August, in response to the country’s current situation and the upcoming local elections to take place on November 9.
In the first part of their Letter, the Bishops point out some of the negative and positive parts of the current situation. Among the positive things, they mentioned the fact that the “dramatic energy crisis that had the country living with a darkness that paralyzed everything for over 8 hours, every day, has finally been overcome”; the efforts being made to offer assistance to small-scale producers; efforts to improve education and public health centers and the availability of basic health services free of charge, etc.
However, in addition to these positive aspects, there are also negative realities such as the extreme poverty and hunger, “in part caused by the rise of fuel prices, the devaluing of currency, the rapid rise in the cost of basic food items, natural disasters, and the minimum wage that continues to be too low.” These things also lead to other problems such as domestic violence, abandoning studies, increasing delinquency rate, forced migration, civil insecurity, drug trafficking, and even armed conflicts. The Bishops are also concerned for the forced migration, “aware of the fact that the international regulations are now becoming tighter, so much so that in some countries they become unjust and the immigrant is treated as a delinquent.” Another negative situation in the country is the lack of honesty in the handling and distribution of foreign aid, as well as the indifference of citizens which is clearly seen in the lack of interest in elections and little participation in other aspects of public life. The political frustration of the people increases and “the country’s social and economic stability begins to deteriorate because some of those who do participate in public life often speak in a manner marked by disdain, violence, and confrontation.”
In regards to the upcoming elections, the Prelates recall that every citizen has the right to elect and be elected and therefore, “it rests upon our responsibility as citizens whether or not we comply in exercising this right and whether it is left in the hands of one particular sector to decide on the course our local governments will take.” Thus, they affirm that “although sometimes the authenticity of the electoral process seems doubtful, citizens should vote anyway.” And they recall the “sense of responsibility that the laity should feel in taking an active role in public life, consenting to what is needed, and opposing injustices.”
They also ask that the people work towards “a climate that overcomes the fear of fraud, a provoked apathy, radicalism within a certain party, instability, disappointment among citizens, bribery, repression, and other factors that could have negative effects at the moment of a vote.” “Participating in elections is not only a right for Nicaraguans; it is also an obligation towards our local government and nation. Not voting implies making a choice to conform oneself to those who impose themselves. Avoiding the responsibility to vote means renouncing the possibility of participating in the progress of our local governments.”
They also ask that institutions respect the law, as “unfortunately, a climate of mistrust and incredibility has arisen towards the institution responsible for executing this electoral law, raising suspicions among a certain sector of participants and society at large.” They also ask that these institutions may not give in to the enticing proposals to manipulate the elections. Lastly, they ask the mass media to be faithful to the truth, objectivity, and professionalism. “When the mass media manipulates the truth, professionalism, and objectivity, it becomes the conscience of the nation, which implies fidelity and perseverance in spite of any measures that may be taken against the freedom of expression,” the text concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2008)
