Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Butembo (Agenzia Fides) - In view of the first free elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo one of the principal actions of diocesan co-ordination in Butembo (east Democratic Congo) on the part of CARTEC (Catholic Church Coordination of activity in view of a successful transition,) has been awareness building and formation of the local people, an initiative which has involved at least 7,000 people in the first stage alone.
It is hoped that the second stage may involve double the number of people. Rev Arsène Bahoterana in an interview with a Congolese new agency underlined the commitment undertaken by diocesan CARTEC to support the people’s desire to be an active component in political life in Butembo and all over the country. The priest recalled the commitment of participants at the local CARTEC to help illuminate and form the consciences of their fellow citizens by means of grass- roots activity. These people attended a special formation course 9 to 10 May. No less than 80 delegates enrolled for the course: 70 representing 35 catholic parishes in the diocese and the remaining 10 representing other religious confessions.
The course was presided by Rev. Bahoterana who underlined the importance of the electoral operations: presentation of candidates during the electoral campaign and personal responsibility of the voters during the vote. According to the priest the participants at the course were satisfied with the formation received and are now actively committed to passing on this formation to the rest of the people in Butembo.
Rev. Bahoterana also organised a conference with representatives of the different political parties to give each the opportunity of presenting its electoral programme.
At the end of June Democratic of Republic Congo will hold its first free elections. Some time ago the local Catholic Church launched an awareness building campaign to inform the people of Congo about this important electoral event, without giving any indications for the vote, but only guidelines to help the voters reflect and decide. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/6/2006 righe 31 parole 333)
