Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pilcomayo (Agenzia Fides) - "Vote-buying is not only a fraud but it is also a shame." Warned Mgr. Lucio Alfert, O.M.I., Apostolic Vicar of Pilcomayo, in Paraguay. "It is a sin to be on the part of both buyers and those who sell, " said Mgr. Alfert, adding however that" the most serious sin is he who buys, because it is more educated, knows what he is doing and has authority. The seller is less educated, he needs to eat, and the buyer takes advantage openly about his state of need."
According to a note sent to Fides, Mgr. Alfert urged the natives to be more aware and "not to sell their freedom for a bit of money or food." The Apostolic Vicar also pointed out that there are now locals who choose freely, by no longer selling their vote, unlike before when the exchange of vote had become a scourge because everyone else was doing it. Mgr. Alfert finally reported that there are also people "who pretend to play the game, accepting food offered by a candidate, but then when they vote, vote for someone else." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 19/04/2013)
