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Windhoek (Agenzia Fides) - “Be vigilant, to stay awake and to protect our democracy that was hard-earned and hard-won through the sacrifices of many lives.” This is the appeal from the Bishops of Namibia, made to Catholics and men of good will in a Pastoral Letter on political elections in November.
“We commend the Namibian government for bringing about development in the country and for the maintenance of peace and stability today,” the Bishops say. “However, there is still a litany of challenges facing our country today and that it is up to each individual to decide which party has the policies as well as the commitment to address them effectively.”
The Bishops' Conference, of course, does not indicate how one should vote, but offers criteria to help Catholics in making their choice: the promotion of life, human dignity, justice, good governing. “while we may wish that the electorate may evaluate its choices on objective grounds, the fact is that most Namibians still vote on the basis of deep-felt loyalties. Too often, the identifying factor is: tribe, race, class, language or simply an unshakable historical affiliation or struggle.”
The Bishops also mention the right/duty of every voter to go to the polls: “we call upon the citizens of Namibia to take part in the national election in order to exercise your democratic right and choose the leaders who would represent and serve the people's interests to the best of their abilities.”
Recalling the Constitution, the Bishops recall that “all political parties should adhere to the Election Code of Conduct and educate their supporters to do likewise. We encourage the freedom of disseminating information to all citizens with regard to voting registration. This information should be correct, impartial, truthful and complete, to enable the citizens to make their own decisions, according to each individual’s informed conscience.”
“We call upon the leaders of political parties to demonstrate the spirit of democratic maturity - by exercising prudence in their public campaigns. They should avoid character assassination and sowing seeds of hate via their speeches; but rather, should tackle issues of national concern, for the common good. Furthermore, we call upon all political parties and supporters to accept the results or outcome of the elections, should this be declared free and fair by the competent authority.”
The Catholic Church declares it is prepared to send its own electoral observers and to promote peace and national harmony. “We strongly enjoin our priests, deacons, and religious to promote the spirit of unity, reconciliation, tolerance and peace,” the Bishops conclude. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2009)
