Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Paraguay, meeting at their 189th Ordinary Plenary Assembly, have issued a statement regarding the municipal elections to be held in the country on November 7. "Voting is a right and a responsibility" says the note, a copy of which was received by Fides, which states that "Voting is a right and duty of every citizen. It is a valuable asset of civil culture. It contains an implicit assumption that citizens are informed and educated on the importance and value of the act of going to the polls to express their electoral preferences. The vote must be a free choice of the citizen, aware of his civic duties. The democratic process of a country is built up and strengthened by the active and constructive participation of those who form it."
The bishops recommend that voters take into consideration the proposals of each candidate's political career, work in community service, evaluating and taking into consideration the programs intended for society. To the candidates, especially those who are Christian, the bishops ask them to “fight with integrity and wisdom against injustice and oppression, intolerance and absolutism of any one man or one political party" and engage "with honesty and fairness, with charity and political force, in the service of all."
"The municipal elections on Sunday are an excellent opportunity to properly orient the future of our communities, creating a more just, equitable, and supportive society for our beloved nation," say the bishops, finally asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Miracles of Caacupé. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 11/05/2010)
