Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides)- Even hospital patients in Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Congo are benefiting from the programme of civic education offered by the Catholic archdiocese, thanks to Sr. Francine Buys, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary who started her hospital apostolate at Kinshasa’s General Hospital a year ago.
In view of the elections Sr. Francine arrange for information prepared by diocesan office Coordination for Successful Transition CARTEC, to be distributed to patients and staff at the hospital.
According to a local news agency DIA Sr Francine said the idea met with great interest and that everyone at the hospital was anxious to take part in the electoral process.
Sr. Francine, who has been in Congo since 1950, is also in change of formation for novices and besides Christian formation she also insists that the aspirant nuns study the constitution and national and local institutions, which she says are too little known in the country.
Presidential and political elections in Congo on 31 July will be the first free and democratic elections in 46 years and they will also mark the end of a transition period which began in 2002.
The electoral campaign opened a few days ago with some tension (see Fides 11 July 2006),.
Several people were seriously injured in clashes between hundreds of demonstrators and the police in Kinshasa. The protesters were calling for the destruction of millions of extra ballots fearing fraud.
About 300 protesters were distributing leaflets in favour of the 19 candidates who last week called for the election to be postponed. These candidates have asked for the destruction of the 5 million extra ballots to avoid irregularities in the vote. However the Electoral Commission says the extra ballots are needed in case others are destroyed by accident. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2006 righe 36 parole 408)
