AMERICA/PERU - Peru’s Bishops call for respect of rules in upcoming elections

Wednesday, 7 April 2021 elections   episcopal conferences  

Lima (Agenzia Fides) - "In the past five years, Peruvian democracy has been seriously undermined by the succession of four Presidents and two Congresses, that has not allowed the country to pursue integral development, consolidate democratic institutions and deal effectively with the pandemic that is causing much suffering in the country". The bishops launched their appeal in a letter, dated 5 April 2021, in view of the elections to be held on Sunday, 11 April (see Fides, 17/3/2021).
Quoting Pope Francis who stresses the need for "ethical politics", the bishops underscore how "politics must be orientated towards the common good", care for those most in need, engagement with the most vulnerable populations in the pursuit of dialogue, justice, reconciliation and service to others, in order to guarantee the fundamental rights of each person.
Looking ahead to a voting process that takes place within the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bishops highlight the need for a serene climate in which to promote tolerance and respect among voters throughout the process, as well as when final results are officially released.
Finally, the Peruvian bishops appeal directly to all citizens to exercise their democratic right and duty with responsibility, because the "future is in their hands" and "the pandemic must not prevent the holding of free and fair, transparent and responsible elections". (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 7/4/2021)


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