AFRICA/NIGER - Archbishop of Niamey: "Let us vote in complete freedom, without ethnic or sectarian influences"

Wednesday, 10 February 2016 bishops   elections  

Niamey (Agenzia Fides) - "During Lent there will be elections in our Country. As voters, activists and candidates, we must take care to put in first place the truth, where fraud seems to triumph, and respect the voice of others", says His Exc. Mgr. Laurent Lompo, Archbishop of Niamey, in the pastoral letter for the beginning of Lent, sent to Fides.
"Our policy choice will be made in conscience and in freedom, far from any sectarian, clan, ethnic and regionalist spirit" urges the Archbishop. "As Catholic Christians we have a duty to take part in the future of our Country, without being manipulated".
"Civic commitment is a dynamic where you exercise mercy" says Mgr. Lompo who recalls the Pope’s words "mercy is the pillar of the Church", and concludes: "May this time of Lent be therefore a moment to become aware of God's mercy".
The general elections in Niger will be held on Sunday, February 21. Voters are called to elect the President and to renew the National Assembly. The President is elected by two-round votes. If no candidate is elected in the first round, a runoff will be held on March 20. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2016)


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