Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ecuador has issued a statement specifying the qualities required of candidates for the Constituent Assembly to be voted by the people. On 15 April the people voted for the creation of a Constituent Assembly to define the juridical organisation of the country, put an end to irregularities and introduce reforms need by Ecuador for its moral, social, juridical, political and economic wellbeing. The people will soon be called to elect the members of the Assembly.
In view of the elections the Bishops say candidates must have the following qualities: competence, honesty, they must be conscious that Ecuador is a multiethnic and multicultural country with four geographical regions which must integrate and complement one another. Candidates must be ready to work tirelessly for the good of all, to defend the equal rights and duties of all Ecuadorians, to promote respect for the inviolable and sacred right to life and the dignity of every human person; to promote the values of the Ecuadorian family. The candidate must also be convinced of the need to guarantee quality education all over the country; to promote freedom and plurality of education, in a national framework; promote a socio-economic system with equal opportunities for all; promote respect for religious freedom and freedom of conscience. “Only with people like this - the Bishops conclude - will it be possible to establish the rule of law which we all long for and desire; a rule of law which guarantees public and private morality, transparency in administration of law, justice and confidence in the state instances and functions". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/7/2007; righe 21, parole 294)
