Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - There are 30,000 electoral observers that the Catholic Church is preparing to line up to help ensure the regularity of the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be held on November 28. Taking into account that the observers sent by the European Union are 120, we understand the importance of the contribution of the Catholic observers at the next consultation. The figure was announced on Sept. 23 during the opening ceremony of the civics and electoral program entrusted by the local Bishops to the Justice and Peace Commission".
On presenting the initiative, His Exc. Mgr. Nicolas Djomo, Bishop of Tshumbe and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (NECC), stressed that "our action affects all the Congolese people, without distinction, without discrimination". The campaign focuses on two questions: "Why vote? Who to vote for? ". On the latter point, the Church does not give an indication to vote, but indicates the criteria through which to choose candidates. In particular, the Bishops stress that the "good candidate is someone who sees political power as a service to the common good", who is competent, upright, honest, and whose political vision go beyond the logic of the clan, tribe and province.
As Mgr.Djomo explained, the Bishops hope that "the living conditions of the Congolese improve. To achieve this, peace is essential. When you have peace, it gives a chance for democracy and economic growth. "(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 26/09/2011)
