AMERICA/COSTA RICA - “Democracy, politics and honesty”: moral guidelines from Bishops’ Conference to make the electoral process “ respond to the deep longing for peace, justice and solidarity”

San José (Fides Service) - ‘Democracy, politics and honesty’ is the title of a pastoral statement issued on 3 October by the Bishops’ Conference of Costa Rica in view of the start of the electoral campaign leading to elections in February 2006 for legislative, executive and local government. With the statement the Bishops wished to offer “moral guidelines so the electoral process may be lived as a response to the deep longing for peace, justice and solidarity”
The statement has seven chapters: “the future of our democracy”; “who should govern”; “ political parties”; “programmes of government and integral human development”; “political formation and information”; “Christians and politics”; “work and peace”. The Bishops start by recalling that the democratic experience has characterised the life of the people of Costa Rica for generations but in recent years people have become discouraged and disappointed with the system and its institutions particularly because of political corruption and failure to keep promises made in electoral campaign. Nevertheless this “does not justify absence or scepticism on the part of Christians with regard to politics. Abstention is shirking responsibility to promote the common good to the detriment of democracy”.
Among the requisites of people called to govern the country the Bishops mention “conduct coherent with moral principles necessary for their mission that they may be credible examples who indicate a path of hope”. Politicians must present programmes completely and with transparency to the people: “Besides political, economic, social activity, the development of our country must be founded on moral values.”. The Bishops call for special attention for families which must be “protected from attacks aimed to undermine its solidity and even question its existence”.
The Bishops make a pressing appeal to the media, the privileged space for the formation of opinions, citizen’s participation, public debate: the media must avoid mistruth, resentment, violence and not distract the electorate’s attention from major national problems. Catholics are called to make their voice heard to strengthen protection for life at all levels, political and social, and to promote legislation in keeping with the values of Costa Rican society. The Conference’s last thought is addressed to young people urging them to go against the tide and those with the right calling and preparation to take part in politics with their characteristic generosity and solidarity and commitment transmitting an attitude of service to all, the most needy in particular . (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 5/10/2005, righe 35, parole 478)