AMERICA/PANAMA - The Bishops invite the people to participate in upcoming general elections as an opportunity to foster hope and strengthen democracy

Panama City (Agenzia Fides) - “As Bishops, we wish to make our voice heard, on the eve of the elections for new national and local leaders, in this time in which as Panamanians, we our experiencing great opportunities for an integral development across the nation, as well as darkness and threats that could once more frustrate the hopes of the poor and of the most vulnerable.” This is what was read in the Pastoral Letter published by the Bishops of Panama at the close of their first Plenary Assembly held this year, on January 5-9.
Through their methodology of “see, judge, act,” in the Letter entitled “On the commitment of the citizen in light of upcoming elections,” they present various aspects of the national situation, invite the faithful to see it all with the eyes of faith, and make a call to all politicians and citizens in general, asking that they may not pass up this opportunity they are being given.
Among the main problems indicated by the Bishops is the great economic boom without social development which has resulted in “shamefully high levels of poverty, because we have not been successful in making all people benefit from the distribution of wealth.” They also denounce the problem of migration, asking that the recently approved national law on the issue be changed, especially on the issue of obtaining humanitarian visas. The Bishops are also concerned for “the fact that so many Panamanians still do not have access to health services” or the serious situation of the quality of education. There is also the plague of corruption that “leads to profound erosion in the democratic order, places the State's activity at risk, weakens the principle of equality before the Law, and breaks the people's trust in the State.” In addition, there is the criminal violence and insecurity. The Panamanian Bishops consider the elections as an opportunity to foster hope and strengthen democracy, making way for a clean and balanced democratic process, “of which all of us, as Panamanians, can be proud.” In the document, they make reference to the personal, free, reasonable, and secret vote which is irreplaceable and forms a part of the moral duty of every citizen. The electors will have to discern among the candidates, to see which one best fits the position he is running for, for example: his knowledge of history and the real needs of the people; coherence and policies; his capacity to dialogue and to listen to all people regardless of their social class or political beliefs; honesty in handling economic affairs; a person who promotes solidarity and participation; love and defense for basic human rights, life, freedom of speech; the capacity to promote citizen participation in an active and decisive manner...
They ask the candidates to make clear responses, maintain objective and realistic platforms, whose promises can be fulfilled, leaving behind blind passions and rivalries in the campaign, and joining forces to build a more just and united society.
They also recall the importance of the participation of the laity in the electoral observation being carried out by the Justice and Peace Commission.
They conclude by exhorting the entire nation and the mass media to foster an environment of tolerance, respect, dialogue, and peace, and to invite all the faithful to pray “so that the Spirit illumines them in the construction of the Panama we all desire.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2009)