Elections are taking place on October 18. They invite “to live this democratic commitment in peace, respect, freedom, seeking the common good”.

Newsdesk (October 14, 2020, Gaudium Press) — The Bishops of Cochabamba have issued a communiqué on the brink of the upcoming October 18 presidential elections in Bolivia. They are summoning Bolivians “to live their democratic commitment in peace, respect, and freedom, seeking the common good.”  The appeal is made in communion with the local Episcopal Conference.

The communiqué, signed by all the bishops of the archdiocese, has been read in all the parishes during the weekend masses.

“On the verge of the electoral day, we want to highlight that all of us are part of a remarkable and historical stage: a civic, democratic act, setting our hope on better days to come,” it reads.

Participants in the construction of the future

“We call for commitment and participation in these elections, making our voice heard in absolute freedom of conscience without fear with hope and confidence. Each one of us is a participant in the construction of a future of unity and growth for all. In this way, democracy will be strengthened,” the bishops noted.

The shepherds invite “the various political parties and civil movements to commit themselves to make this a genuine democratic event, rejecting any action that affects the rights and freedoms of individuals; for now, more than ever freedom of expression, freedom of choice, must prevail.”

Furthermore, the Prelates encourage the voters to set their minds on the common good of the Nation. In closing, they invoke “Mary, Mother of Urcupiña” to watch over the land.

These are the first elections taking place after the displacement of Evo Morales in November of last year, leading to the interim administration of Jeanine Áñez.

With information from Aica