Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Monrovia (Agenzia Fides)- “To vote is a fundamental political right which must be exercised freely and in conscience for it to be truly effective” the Catholic Bishops of Liberia said in a statement “The Challenge to be Liberian” issued in view of presidential elections. In fact today 11 October 1,350,000 Liberians are voting for a new President and a new Parliament (see Fides 10 October 2005) and the Bishops remind eligible voters of their responsibility: “The voter has the obligation to inform himself/herself adequately with reference to the issues at hand, and to the overall vision for the country.
. Looked back at the recent past the Bishops said: “In 1985, for the first time in our recent history, Liberians went enthusiastically to the polls. We were determined to make the political change in a civilised and politically mature way. Unfortunately, most unfortunately when the results of this sacred exercise were announced, the majority of our people felt cheated and gradually violence became an attractive but unwise and unrewarding option. Then came the elections of 1997. Liberians cast their votes in fear and with hope. Fear because violence had now become a weapon of control, and very sadly for our dignity as persons, for our sovereignty as a nation, a weapon which ultimately grew out of control. Hope because warlords turned politicians were promising the ultimate - good governance. But our hope was cruelly dashed.”
“By a stroke of Divine Providence the International Community saw the insanity of our actions and came to rescue us from ourselves... Our gratitude can best be expressed to God and to those who continue to help us so generously” the Bishops wrote.
Now that Liberians are called at last to vote again the Bishops urged the people to “choose men and women hopefully with vision - not potential tyrants; to choose patriotic leaders - not disguised vultures”. But how to make the right choice? The Bishops asked: “It will certainly be possible to elect patriotic leaders if we take the time to reflect on the wholesome qualities of leadership needed to ensure this future. Above all, we must pray for wisdom for honesty, and diligently seek God's guidance in this all-important endeavour if our nation is to become truly whole”.
The Bishops suggested some questions for candidates such as: “Sir/Madam, how does your record of public and private service read? “How do you intend to tackle our national ills of bad governance, corruption, poverty, illiteracy, disease, unemployment, mediocrity, and the sorry lack of nationalism?
The statement closed on a note of Christian hope: “With unwavering faith, with dogged determination, with enduring love we "can do anything in Christ who strengthens us." (Philippians 4:13). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2005 righe 39 parole 416)
