Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Libreville (Fides Service)- The Catholic Bishops of Gabon have launched a call for transparency in presidential elections 25 and 27 November. “We urge individual politicians and political parties to ensure transparency in the vote because transparency is the basis of legitimacy and legality in a democratic rule” the Bishops said.
In a message addressed to “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, dear compatriots”, the Bishops say the election is important because “according to the constitution the President is guarantor for institutions, national unity and independence. He is the chief responsible for citizens safety and wellbeing. He holds supreme executive power, he is chief responsible for national economic and social policies for the integral development of every man and woman”.
“We address our appeal to civil society, namely all citizens. It is a moral obligation to vote and to vote with conscience. Our decisions will affect our wellbeing or poverty, the growth or the decline of Gabon and its people”.
The Bishops urge the people of Gabon to put aside “secondary considerations (ethnic or regional origin, immediate profit …) and focus on essential values: respect for human life and human rights; honest and good management involving as far as possible to people to build a realistic, coherent and constructive society”.
“What is essential is not so much to win the elections” the Bishops say “but to win together the long battle for development, social peace, national harmony, security for individuals and goods, health for all, to activate all sectors, promote education for youth, eradicate poverty, reduce unemployment and crime … the winners must be human rights and a rule of law”.
The Bishops remind Catholic voters that the moral principles which rule relations with others are valid in politics too: “Treat others as you wish to be treated; do not kill or be deceitful, love your neighbour as yourself. Christians cannot passively watch or actively take part in mistruth, corruption, violence, murder, human sacrifices without denying the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who shed human blood should remember that God will ask them to render account of the blood of their brothers”.
The Christian community should prepare for the election “with simple, honest and courageous gestures to promote justice, truth and peace. We encourage parishes, religious communities, youth movements, adult associations to organise prayers and to confide in the intercession of Our Lady of Gabon, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Saviour. Upon each of you and upon our beloved country Gabon we implore abundant divine graces”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2005 righe 41 parole 488)
