AMERICA/VENEZUELA - September 26 elections: “No one can abstain from voting. This is a chance to strengthen democracy and ensure the country's future,” says the Archbishop of Caracas

Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Archbishop of Caracas, issued a statement on Thursday, September 16, highlighting the secrecy of the vote in the upcoming elections of September 26 and at the same urging Venezuelans to actively participate in these elections.
The document, also sent to Fides, is entitled "The Elections and Peace," and observes that the historical situation today is crucial. Venezuelans must act decisively for peace and consider the fundamental human values: democratic pluralism and human, social, economic, and political rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
"No one can abstain from voting. This is a chance to strengthen democracy and ensure the country's future. It is a time for active, determined, and united participation in the promotion of brotherhood, the inclusion of everyone, without discrimination, with freedom and justice. It is time to vote! The vote is secret. Only God knows who we will vote for. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid of threats. The free and conscience vote is a civic and Christian right and duty," writes the Archbishop of Caracas.
At the end of the statement, the Cardinal asks that the rallies be held without violence and in accordance with constitutional requirements, and that the will of voters be respected. The results should be accepted by all political actors and all Venezuelans. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 17/09/2010)