Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - “An essential part of our evangelizing mission as Pastors is our task of offering words of orientation in light of the electoral process, for Catholics and for all those interested.” This is what the Bishops of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference (CEB) said in a Message sent at the beginning of the campaign in the country. After the approval of the new Political Constitution of the State, in fact, Bolivia has been called to elect their national authorities for the next 5 years. As the Bishops' Message states, there are 8 candidates registered in the National Electoral Court, which have thus begun their campaigning to present their respective plans.
By no means wishing to directly support one plan or another or intervene in the technical aspects of the various programs, the Bishops clarify that their intention is “to give an ethical and evangelical orientation in this a decisive moment,” given that every human, personal, and social act necessarily contains moral implications,” “which means no Bolivian can remain indifferent” and all should participate in social progress.
Expressing their hope that the elections will go smoothly, with all honesty, the CEB made an appeal “to individual and social conscience and responsibility, especially the candidates, supporters, and the media,” that “we may affirm a clear and decisive choice for institutional democracy and collaborate to create a climate of serenity and tolerance.” Thus, we should maintain a climate of respect, peace, and democracy, “uprooting, once and for all, insults, violence, and racist demonstrations.”
“The electoral campaigns should be a time for candidates to freely present their plans for governing and their vision for the country,” the text says. Obviously, these contents should be “realistic and compatible with a vision of the common good and with particular attention to the deepest and most urgent needs of the population, in a prospect of integral human development. Thus, “false and demagogic promises” with a mere aim of winning votes, should be avoided. There should also be “freedom of expression and communication, authentic and objective and not subject to coercion or ideologies.” Thus, “in coherence with their social responsibility and in light of an authentic humanism, the media should be used to promote the dignity of the human person and the common good of society, favoring an opportune knowledge and a healthy debate regarding the candidates' proposals,” the Message adds.
Another aspect that the Bishops say is not secondary, is that of the poorer nations and the economic crisis. In this sense, “the campaigns should take place amidst austerity and without wasteful spending,” otherwise they become “an insult and an injustice towards our many brothers living in precarious conditions,” the Bishops of Bolivia concluded. (GT) (Agenzia Fides 24/9/2009)
