Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Fides Service) - In Congo where a two day constitutional referendum is underway parish priests remind people that voting is a right and a duty. “This Sunday is a memorable day for our country. Each one of us is called to vote according to conscience" said the parish priest at Mater Dei parish in Bukavu, main city in east Congo.
The consultation is particularly important to people in Bukavu still suffering the consequences of long years of civil war. “The people of Bukavu seem to have woken up with ‘referendum fever’” said local sources. “For most this is the first time they vote and an opportunity not to be lost”.
“The appeal made by President Joseph Kabila, who is still in Bukavu, to say “yes” was heard” the sources said.
In every church in the city in the Sunday homily the parish priests urged the people to do their duty. “This is the beginning of our liberation and the coming of democracy” they said. In the months leading up to the vote parishes held courses and meetings to inform people about the referendum.
The appeal to go to vote was heard particularly by the younger voters who turned out early in the morning en masse to vote and then help at the polling stations.
Near the booths young people improvised as experts on the draft constitution explaining the contents for people who had not had the chance to learn more about the question. “It is a civic right” said one young woman voting for the first time. “I have never voted before... but I don’t know much about the constitution. At school they prepared us for the referendum. We hope for a better future”.
“All over the city people are celebrating. It is as if this were the end of a long nightmare” said local sources. “Although not everyone knows the contents of the constitution, the main city of south Kivu is responding well to the appointment, offering once again in the country the image of responsibility”.
Interviewed as they left the polling station most electors said they had voted ‘yes’ and that they thought it was the right thing to do to end the long period of transition. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2005 righe 34 parole 393)
