Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - "We need a change of mindset for peaceful, free and trasparent elections" write the Bishops of Burkina Faso in their Pastoral Letter entitled "Political commitment: a supreme expression of love" with which they invite the faithful to commit themselves in the presidential election of 11 October. These elections will mark the completion of the transition phase, which began after the popular uprising of 30 and 31 October 2014 which led to the resignation and exile of former President Blaise Compaoré (see Fides 30/10/2014 and 03/11/2014).
In their message, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishops launch an appeal to "reduce social fracture and walk towards true reconciliation". The document said that "political action must be oriented towards the common good in a spirit of service and justice, with special attention to situations of poverty and suffering".
The Bishops give some guidelines for the proper conduct of the elections. First of all they must take place in a spirit of reconciliation. This means, inter alia, "to have the courage to tell the truth, to ask, to give and receive forgiveness; to have the courage to do what is right, to fight impunity".
The Bishops hope that the new leadership that will be chosen by voters address the real problems of the population, primarily food security, in the respect of the environment. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 07/09/2015)
