Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides)- In a Message in view of elections on 6 May the Catholic Bishops of Burkina Faso warn the people to be careful: “do not let yourselves be misled by demagogic promises of electoral campaigns. Let us choose in conscience and freedom men and women able to represent us worthily and take courageous decisions for the common good at the economic, social and moral level”. In the message dated 19 March and issued 17 April the Bishops stress the need to avoid “vote exchanging” and favouritisms: “Contrary to what we are led to believe during electoral campaigns, members of parliament do not build roads, schools or maternity clinics, nor do they help fund baptisms, marriages or funerals. According to our Constitution, the duty of the MP is to vote laws, approve taxes and control the activity of the government”.
“Because of the bad behaviour of numerous dishonest citizens - the Bishops lament- political activity is often viewed as something evil. Many Christians see politics as the place for corruption, mistruth, fraud, betrayal and blows below the belt, and think it is best “not to get their hands dirty”. The Bishops say this attitude is contrary to Christian morals. “How much longer will we be indifferent to the common good, we who should be the salt and the light of the world? For the Church, to be active in politics is one of the best services a lay person can offer the nation”.
“For this reason - the message continues- we urge all Christians to exercise their civic duty, and those able to do so to take an active part in politics. However those who make bold to do so must have the courage to bear witness to the faith, to promote the Gospel values of honesty, sincerity and justice”.
The Bishops conclude urging the people to “listen to their consciences, to fight and denounce electoral fraud, corruption, mistruths and many other ways of preventing a regular and transparent vote”.
After urging the faithful to go to vote, the Bishops conclude the message promising fervent prayers and blessings for the election. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/4/2007 righe 33 parole 413)
