Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - "We appreciate the fact that the Burundians are getting used to renewing the institutions through elections, but there are signs that raise serious concerns on the fair and peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections". This is the meaning of the Message of the Bishops of Burundi on the general elections to be held in 2015.
In the document, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Episcopal Conference of Burundi, citing Centesimus Annus, recalls that the Church "appreciates the democratic system, as it ensures the participation of citizens in political choices and guarantees to the governed the possibility both of electing and controlling their own rulers, and of replacing them through peaceful means when appropriate"and stresses that "the elections are a right and a duty of every citizen" as well as an opportunity to assess the work carried out by the outgoing rulers.
"How does Burundi present itself on the eve of the elections?" the Bishops ask themselves. On the one hand, the Bishops rejoice at the fact that the democratic system has entered the national consciousness ("we appreciate the fact that so far no one has claimed to reject the path of elections") and for the electoral "road map" signed by all the political forces. On the other hand, the Bishops' Conference expresses concern about some disturbing signs. In particular, the Bishops note that "dialogue and plans that had allowed to elaborate the 'road map' do not appear to be a reality, a fact that leads some to consider the ongoing electoral process monopolized by a single trend".
"We are entering the election period in a climate of fragile security" states the document, denouncing "acts of banditry and murder that trouble the population; language that incites violence; young people affiliated to political parties that seem determined to resort to violence".
The Bishops appeal to the sense of responsibility of all (young people, leaders, politicians, members of the Independent Electoral Commission) so that the elections are not a step back, but a step towards the full consolidation of democracy in the Country. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2014)
