AMERICA/PERU - Bishops address importance of a “free and responsible vote” on October 3

Lima (Agenzia Fides) – At the end of the electoral campaign, the Peruvian Bishops' Conference issued a statement to remind people of the importance of making a free and responsible vote in the elections on October 3. The text of the note, sent to Fides, said: "through the vote of citizens, we all are committed to the future of our cities and regions, and the Bishops' Conference wishes to reiterate its message made public last week, and offer some ethically based elements that will enable people to vote in a responsible, deliberate, and free manner" (see Fides 25/09/2010).
The note can be summarized in these points: politics must always seek the common good, through effective ways of living together, but not with criteria of particular interests of individuals or groups. Applicants must be honest and sincere proposals with clear, realistic proposals, and be committed to the common good. The primacy of human dignity must be a clear message sent to those who aspire to be elected, in addition to the defense of human life, family, marriage, the dignity of women, children, and the commitments to human rights for the good of the citizens. The note concludes with a plea: "We appeal to the Peruvian people to live this electoral process in a climate of responsibility, unity and peace." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 02/10/2010)