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LADOC The following documents relate to the important national elections being held in the coming weeks and months in several Central American nations. Central America has overcome the turbulent war torn 1980s, but the region continues to suffer crushing poverty and inequalities. In these documents, from Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica, the bishops' conferences reflect on the electoral process and the prospects for a brighter future in their nations.
********* HONDURAS Bishops call for responsible vote Introduction We will hold our first elections of the third millennium on November 25, 2001. It is an opportune time to ask ourselves if we are going to continue with the same political practices for another century or if we are going to take the time to question ourselves about the way we vote. With our votes we either give power to a party or weaken it. If we do not want to be accessories to the abuses of some politicians, then we need to vote conscientiously. As pastors of the Honduras Catholic Church, aware of the need and importance of a participatory and responsible electoral process, we offer some guidelines to the faithful and all those people who yearn for a country that is more just, developed and with more solidarity, and who hope to continue building it. With this "Pastoral Exhortation" we are not trying to favor any political party, but are complying with our conscience of our mission to evangelize the politics and culture of the people and offer elements to make the correct choices about the implications of voting. A representative democracy, but for whom? In the model of representative democracy currently in place in Honduras and the majority of Latin American countries, elections are the principal means for the people to participate in politics. Through elections the people are called to choose their leaders, that is, the people who will make decisions about the economic, social, political and cultural life of the country. It is known as "representative democracy", because the political parties and elected leaders have to represent the interests and opinions of those voted for them and of the people in general. We need to value the advances made in the construction of democracy in the past two decades. Among them are the adoption of a constitution that includes the human rights of citizens, laws that strengthen rule of law, and institutions such as the Public Ministry and the National Human Rights Commissioner's office. Nevertheless, after two decades of "representative democracy," we see that our country still has the same problem of political representation. As evidence of this, we can mention: The Liberal Party and the National Party have exercised political power since 1982. These two parties represent the same social sectors, the owners of economic and political power. No other political force has arisen during these years with the possibility of gaining power to defend the rights and interest of the impoverished majorities. As a result of what is mentioned above, the policies implemented by the different governments have permanently favored the most powerful social sectors in detriment of the people. For many people the political system we have today is closed, blocking the rise of alternative forces that permit a greater representation. A profound reform is necessary, including changes to the law governing elections and political parties, which has become more an instrument of exclusion than participation. Points that need reforming include: - The way in which candidates are chosen"(according to party leadership and payments to appear on the ballots); - The legal and economic conditions that are an impediment for the constitution and inscription of new parties and independent candidates; - The difficult access to the media. Build a more participatory democracy There is still a need to move ahead on the paths toward a more participatory democracy where grassroots organizations can have influence defining policies and overseeing the actions of governments. It is important to highlight the democratic exercise in the local and municipal governments. The municipality can be the ideal space for strengthening participatory democracy. Within the municipalities social organizations can propose policies and development projects, and exercise control over the public administration. The Municipalities Law includes some positive points on the issues of citizen oversight and participation. Figures such as plebiscites, open meetings and the municipal commissioner's office are the principal tools to guarantee participation. In addition, the process of decentralization or "muncipalization", through which greater faculties and resources are assigned to the municipalities, could give a greater scope to the exercise of local democracy. Moving toward the construction of a participatory democracy, however, does not contradict the need to improve the way we vote, which is the principal means of participation the Honduran people have today. Furthermore, the more representative our democracy is, the greater the possibility for opening more paths for participation. It is a reality that the political practices in Honduras, including the way electoral campaigns are run, leave a lot to be desired. We want to mention a few of the deviations and perversions in these practices: - People who get involved in politics only to get rich; - Electoral campaigns full of lies and promises that cannot be fulfilled; - Buying votes or exchanging votes for favors; - Media coverage favoring some parties while marginalizing others. The corrupt practices go unseen because they are rarely denounced in the media. Some anti-democratic customs are even considered normal simply because "it has always been this way". The construction of a real democracy means raising the level of political awareness and citizen formation. When these characteristics are missing it is easy for illegitimate economic and political powers to distort the model. This leads to manipulation, demagoguery, political favoritism and corruption. As such, democracy becomes the search for the personal gain of a few people. In this sense, it seems important to us that the people be able to get information, reflect, question and have access to elements that allow them to raise their awareness about the implications of their votes as the election draws, near. The educational process we propose is aimed at giving citizens a clear conscience about the implications of the option they are making when it comes time to cast their ballots. We want to offer to citizens elements that help them evaluate the different candidates and their programs, and unmask corrupt practices that pervert democracy and abuse the good faith of the people. This also includes changing a political cultural based on party inheritance, which is generally handed down within families and supported, in many cases, by situations of confrontation that affected earlier generations and carry a strong emotional dimension. This needs to be replaced with a political cultural based on personal awareness. We cannot continue to be conditioned by the past, but need to be open to new ideas, proposals and options for the future. Evangelize politics The political dimension, which is a component of the human being, represents an important aspect of the coexistence of citizens. It has an all-encompassing characteristic, because its end is the common good of society (DP, 513). In the strictest sense, this is achieved by groups of citizens that propose gaining and exercising power "to resolve economic, political and social issues based on their own criteria and ideologies" (DP, 523). It is the field of action of the laity (GS, 43). It is troubling when the conquest of power becomes an end in itself, disregarding the common good. The Lord Jesus Christ began his evangelizing mission by announcing God's plan for humanity "to bring the good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and sight to the blind, to set at liberty the oppressed and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of recompense" (Lk 4:18-19). The church sees politics in a positive light As bishops we see in a positive light the diverse forms of social and political commitment as the way that we can value and assume a service and responsibility to society. "The Christian faith does not scorn political activity. On the contrary, it values it and holds it in high esteem". The church, according to its social doctrine, has illuminated and accompanied the countries of Latin America in the search for and configuration of rule of law and has inspired the people to be true protagonists of social processes through broad and responsible participation (SD, 193). No accusation of opportunism, idolatry of power, egoism or corruption can justify the condemnation of political life as if it were intrinsically bad or be used as a justification for Christians to abstain from their civic responsibilities. In the exercise of this illumination and guiding mission, the church "respects the legitimate autonomy of the worldly order and does not hold to a specific model for a political regime" (SD, 190). As such, it does not favor a particular party and, as a consequence, no candidate represents it and no political platform can include all the contents of its message. Christians have to evangelize politics It is indispensable, following the example of the Lord-, for Christians to be committed to the elaboration of historic projects linked to the needs of each era and culture (DP, 553). This participation, however, cannot be passive and reproduce the defects of traditional political systems. Christians need to be present as part of the processes, illuminating them with the contents of the church's social teaching. "The church, as Mother and Teacher, expert in humanity, must illuminate from the Gospel and its social teachings the situations, systems, ideologies and political life of the continent. It must do this, even knowing that there will be an attempt to use is message" (DP, 511). The Santo Domingo document indicates that the church must help "build a society where Christian values prevail" (SD 90) . Among these values we can mention participation, respect for the dignity of people and dialogue. We need to foment these values and question political systems that contradict them. In this sense, the Latin American Church stated at the beginning of the 1990s that, despite the establishment of democracy on the continent, its functioning continued to be "more formal and real" (SD, 191). The church affirmed that "democracy, which grew stronger after Puebla, has deteriorated in some countries because of different factors, including administrative corruption, a rift between party leaders and the interests of grassroots supporters and the real needs of the community, programming gaps and a lack of attention to social, ethical and cultural aspects on the part of parties, governments elected by the people but not geared toward complying with the common good, political favoritism and populism, but little participation (SD, 192). Believing that this analysis is still valid, we want to propose an education campaign that helps guide reflection and analysis to ensure a conscience vote. Conclusion At the beginning of the third millennium we are looking ahead with hope and invite all the men and women of Honduras to dream of a homeland in which all people live according to the sacred dignity of being the children of God and that they work-so that the dreams of the heart become reality. Mary, in the mystery of your Assumption into Heaven that we celebrate today, shine as an example for humanity to live to the fullest and as a stimulus of our commitment in favor of a society that is transformed into the Reign of God, reign that is truth and life, justice and peace, solidarity and love.
********* NICARAGUA Building a new society
I. Introduction 1. On this solemn feast day of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary to Heaven, who is so loved by our people, and obedient to the Mother's call that teaches us to do what the "Supreme Pastor and Bishop of our souls" tells us On 2:5), the bishops of Nicaragua have reflected on the footprints of God in the history of our country, manifested in the diverse situations through which the country has passed. 2. At this time, we are concerned about the electoral campaign leading up to the 2001 general elections. These upcoming elections will decide the future of our country. When citizens exercise their right to-vote they will be determining, in large measure, the wellbeing of the country. Nicaragua will be what Nicaraguans desire and future generations will inherit a society tomorrow that we will decide today. Our reflection hopes to illuminate some principles that need to be known by all Nicaraguans. II. Politics in the broadest sense 3. At times, many people criticize and others are perplexed by whether or not the church should get involved in politics. When people talk like this, in general terms it is understood that by church they mean the bishops and priests. We know that when' a lay person participates in politics, we are also talking about the church. We raise the question that some have asked in a more precise way: Can bishops and priests be involved in politics? We need to examine two aspects to answer this question. Politics in the broadest sense: 4. Politics is a noble and necessary task, because politics is the science that looks for the good of society, its organization and progress. The church values politics in such a way that it considers politics as the highest form of charity. From this point of view, we all must be involved in politics with respect to the human, moral and Christian values that inspire the current worldly order. 5. As a consequence and speaking in the broadest terms, which means guiding and fighting for the good and progress of society, bishops and priests not only have the right but the obligation to be involved in politics. Politics in a more limited sense: 6. This has to do with the political parties that fight to attain power and govern society. The church is very clear in this area: Neither priests nor bishops are called to be politicians. This is an area of the Catholic laity. III. Democracy 7. What is democracy? When we talk about "democracy" we are referring to a determined form of organizing the state in which the political participation of the people is key to choosing leaders and overseeing the power they confer on these leaders through the ballot box (political democracy). This political democracy propitiates social and economic democracy, which allows citizens greater conditions to form their own personal opinions, express them and try to enforce them in favor of the common good. In effect, social and economic democracy implies the effective participation of the people not only in the exercise of political power but also social and economic power (integral democracy). 8. The church looks favorably on the kind of democracy that allows for the objective political organization of the state and ensures the realization of the Christian concept of humankind and society. In effect, the efficient functioning of democracy undoubtedly means upholding the fundamental rights of the person, such as freedom of thought, expression, association, movement, elections, participation in the socio-economic field and religious freedom. 9. Correctly exercising democracy is not an easy or simple task. It is not something that arises from one moment to the next, but is a process that continues until the most effective way for citizens to exercise their rights and duties is found. Our democracy often had had to fight against opposing objectives: exploitation of the ignorance of those with the duty to vote, bribes, fraud, and political and economic pressure exercised over voters. This causes citizens to be concerned about the democratic processes, because once elected some candidates find thousands of ways to dodge their responsibility to voters, looking instead only for personal gain. 10. The construction of democracy is tied to the events of daily life and goes far beyond the moment in which votes are cast. As such, true democracy demands an active participation of citizens and cannot be reduced to an "arrangement among leadership of political parties". 11. A basic task within the democratic system is the political formation of citizens to facilitate openness, which favors dialogue on different ideas to achieve consensus. IV. Democracy and elections 12. The importance of electoral processes and the participation of citizens casting their votes at the ballot box are often highlighted. An important link between elections and democracy is the possibility citizens have to elect as their leaders the candidates and parties of their preference, who they judge on their characters, qualities and abilities, including honesty, responsibility and competence. One of the most significant forms of citizen participation is taking part in elections and exercising the responsibility and right to vote, which allows democracy to advance in its process of consolidation. 13. Elections also constitute a source of legitimacy. For this to happen, they need to comply with certain conditions that ensure and guarantee that they are free and fair. Elections are an indivisible human right, which, in terms of classification, are labeled as political rights: elect and be elected in periodic elections and hold public office. 14. Given that elections constitute one of the fundamental suppositions of the democratic system, one of the fruits is maintaining political stability and social peace, because only the leader who enjoys the express consent of the majority and the acceptance of the opposition has the possibility for governing for the good of the whole. 15. The bishops of the Episcopal Conference reiterate that democracy is only possible within the context of rule of law and based on a correct concept of the human being. Many Nicaraguans still vividly remember that when democratic values are abused it is easy to fall into visible and hidden forms of totalitarianism, which denies the dignity of people at all levels. V. The electoral campaign 16. The electoral process should be civic festival in which all of us participate in an open, civilized, informed and profound debate on the future of our country. For this to happen there needs to be a climate of peace and every effort should be made so that there is respect, freedom and order to facilitate the peaceful continuation of democracy, given that this corresponds more to the nature of people as social beings and conforms to their human dignity. 17. As a consequence, the electoral campaign should enlighten citizens about the possible political options and the candidates behind these options to ensure the responsible participation of citizens when they elect their leaders. The campaign should promote pro-positive initiatives that stem from ethical proposals because, above all, the superior good is derived from ethical convictions that ensure human dignity. 18. Not all things can be permitted in the campaign in order to it to be efficient, which, for candidates, means winning votes and defeating opponents. Tricks, manipulation and lies must be excluded from the campaign. An electoral campaign can be run on the principles of ideas, decency and ethics. The country needs to hear campaign platforms that include analysis and proposals. 19. An effort needs to be made to convert the campaign into an open dialogue of learning, communication and, above all, the ability to surprise with alternatives. A campaign with projects and ideas that demonstrate the statesmanlike qualities of the candidates is needed. We need to fight to build a society of freedom, equality and civilized politics, which begins with an electoral campaign based on dialogue. VI. Citizen participation 20. Participating in elections is a duty of citizens and a responsibility of Christians to promote an order that is more harmonious and in line with God's love for humanity. In order to inspire our era with Christian commitment, the faithful cannot renounce their participation in politics, which is a right and a duty in diverse and complementary forms, levels, tasks and responsibilities. 21. Politics for the person and society finds its basic criteria in achieving the common good as the good for all people and of all people. The faithful cannot remove themselves from the serious commitment of promoting justice and the common good. In addition, they cannot shy away from current realities, because this is precisely where they live their faith through the Gospel spirit. Refusing to pay attention to their duties in the world is grave, as was manifested in Vatican II: "Christians who are at fault with their worldly obligations are at fault with their neighbors and, above all, are at fault with their obligations to God, jeopardizing their eternal salvation" (Gaudium et Spes, 43). The option of abstaining is ethically condemnable because it means abandoning responsibility toward achieving the common good and the duty to solidarity. Furthermore, abstaining is not a viable attitude in the electoral process currently underway in Nicaragua today. 22. The Christian must vote with the freedom, awareness and coherence demanded by faith. With freedom, because the act of voting is always and essentially a free act of the citizen that demonstrates the will of the people through civic channels. With awareness, because Nicaraguans have to decide with extreme care who will be our future leaders, who will guide the destiny of our nation. It is a responsibility that demands awareness. 23. The Christian must vote coherently, because the exercise of freedom is inseparable from the search for the truth, justice and moral fidelity that lead people to respect and promote human dignity and the common good. 24. To achieve coherency it is necessary to evaluate the different options in terms of abilities and programs to see if they serve the common good. No political option is morally neutral and candidates are not simply deserving of confidence, which is why it is necessary to look for the maximum coherence with Christian faith and the personal and collective values implied by the. common good. Only in this way can we avoid the risk of an alliance between democracy and ethical relativism, because a democracy without values is totalitarianism, whether visible or hidden. 25. To elect is to open the door to the future. It is deciding between good and evil, between what is good and what is better. People are elected only through the use of citizen freedom, which is what makes a nation sovereign. As such, the pastors of the church are concerned about the moral aspects of political activity and the electoral event, which includes both the act of voting and the campaign to get votes. It is within these moral aspects, including the field of politics, that the true value of human action comes into play. VII. Suitability of the candidates 26. As part of the their political options, citizens must pay attention to and consider the ideology, philosophy, promises and government programs being offered. It is also extremely important to know the personalities of the candidates, their qualities, abilities and experiences. Three factors have to be taken into account: The person, the contents and the style. How will this person govern? Is there anything in the past that has prepared them to carry out the functions inherent to the presidency or Congress and will they keep their promises? Do their actions support their words? Has the candidate always held this attitude or position or has he or she changed direction for purely electoral reasons? The promises can be very similar: health care, housing, employment, wellbeing, stability, peace... promises that are almost identical. What can make the difference and what changes is the candidate, the history of each one and the people who surround them. There are noticeable differences here. 27. In Nicaragua there are politicians who, led by their hatred, grudges, ambitions or personal interests, make offers to any party that will support them even if their ideologies are an unnatural symbiosis. Apparently irreconcilable enemies in the past are allies today. In this case and in similar cases, Christian coherence cannot be salvaged by joining or voting for parties that reject this coherence. 28. There are politicians who have assumed an egotistical. attitude, thinking exclusively about their own personal interests without paying attention to ethical considerations. Adhering to personal interests or conveniences as the decisive or exclusive criteria when the wellbeing of all is at play is nothing more than wanting these interests to prevail over the interests of others. When taking into account the common good, individualism or the erroneous philosophy of every man for himself is profoundly immoral. 29. Sacred scripture teaches that the tree knows its fruit (Mk 6:43-45). All good trees produce good fruit, and all bad trees produce bad fruit. The tree that does not give good fruit should be, cut down and tossed into the fire (Mt 3:10; 7:15-20; 21:18-19). VIII. Reconciliation and forgiveness 30. Forgiveness is a fundamental condition for reconciliation, not only in the relation between God and man, but also in reciprocal relations between men. Nevertheless, forgiveness does not negate the objective demands of justice. The reparation of evil and scandal, compensation for injury and harm, etc. are conditions for forgiveness. Conversion is possible and necessary in the Christian, but it needs to be accompanied by signs of change, like the example of St Paul who stopped persecuting Christians and Zaccheaus who promised to return fourfold what may have been defrauded (Acts 22:17-21; Lk 19:8). Reconciliation and forgiveness are only possible when there is an attitude of conversion, adopting the position of the prodigal son who got up and resolved to return home to his father (Lk 15,18-19). IX. Conclusion 31. We ask our faithful to persevere and be assiduous in their prayers (Acts 2: 46), so that Christian witness and the search for holiness renews hearts and social structures. 32. Young people are the present and future of our society. In many areas young people perceive a generalized disillusionment that has its origin in populist rhetoric, the false witness of many adults and the lack of opportunities for true participation and development. The power of seduction held by pleasure, political opportunism and easy money diminish their sense of criticism and paralyze their action. 33. Together with the Holy Father, we say to young people: "It is part of the human condition, especially among young people, to look for what is real, has meaning and is the fullness of existence. Dear young people, do not lie content with anything that is below your highest ideals! Do not be discouraged by those, unhappy with life, who are deaf to the most profound and authentic desires of your heart.. You are right not to be resigned to cheap diversion, passing styles and insignificant projects. I f you hold great hope in the Lord, you will know how to avoid the mediocrity and conformity so popular in our society" (Message of the Holy Father to Young People for the XVII World Young Conference, 2002). 34. We call on parents to undertake efforts to invite their children to express their options for Nicaragua by voting and not to let conformity, apathy or irresponsibility take over the lives of their children who are of voting age. 35. At this moment of grace in the country, it is necessary for parents to show courage and prudence with their words and lives. That they make an effort in favor of the truth, common good and justice to collaborate in the achievement of authentic happiness in this "small" but "grand nation". 36. We call on the media, "the first Areopagus of modern times" (RM, n. 37), to collaborate in education for democracy. When the media collaborates unilaterally with only one kind of political or economic proposal they betray their commitment to the construction of a moral plural-society that is capable of working in favor of peace, prudence and the truth Nicaraguans need today. The information provided by the media, must be truthful, honest and respectful of the dignity of people. 37. The possibility of making a mistake in the election diminishes significantly if freedom of press, information and expression are preserved as rules of the game. In this sense, the electorate will have access to more points of view and references to form criteria and sincerely evaluate the candidates. It is important that all citizens have access to the curricula of all people running for public office. 38. We call on the members of the police and army to remain on the sidelines of party politics, as the Nicaraguan Constitution demands, because they have the serious responsibility to guarantee the continuance of the democratic process and comply with the sacred duty of maintaining order so that the electoral process runs smoothly from its beginning until the newly elected leaders take office. 39. We call on our priests and religious brothers and sisters to foment peace and not enter into party politics (can. 287), but, faithful to their vocations, foment peace and orient the faithful on the values of democracy from the study of the church's social teaching. We are called to be "the salt of the earth and the light of the world" (Mt. 5,13-16). We call on them to raise up to the Lord the following prayer every Thursday and Sunday after the Eucharist: 40. Prayer for the elections "Oh God, Our Father, who with admirable providence governs and guides all things, look with love and mercy on your dear Nicaraguan people who are preparing to elect their authorities and who want to reconstruct their future with truth, institutionality and moral values. Give us the wisdom and clarity to elect the best people who stand out for their honesty, knowledge of the country's needs and who offer clear and realistic proposals promoting reconciliation, justice, progress and the common good. Bless our people and allow us to begin a new stage concerning ourselves by rebuilding our country with institutionality and rule of law, promoting the civic, moral and religious values, democracy and participation of all, and searching for the common good, especially for the poor and needy. Amen". On this solemn feast day of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin to heaven, we conclude this exhortation to our Catholic people and all the people of good will who love Nicaragua with gratitude to the Virgin Mary, who shines as a secure hope for all humanity and the star of our evangelization in her song of worship to the Lord (Lk 1:46-48; 51-53). That this happiness and gratitude help us have the necessary confidence and generosity to face the great challenges that these elections pose to the children of our land.
********* COSTA RICA Message of the bishops' conference on the upcoming elections
I. Introduction 1. The bishops of Costa Rica, in our role as pastors of the church and citizens concerned about the good of our nation, offer this message of guidance, encouragement and hope in the name of Jesus Christ, prince of peace, as our country prepares for the important elections of 3 February 2002. 2. In the light of our Episcopal ministry, we want to offer our contribution to these first national elections of the third millennium in the hope that Costa Rica continues living and drawing close to the great values of peace, democracy, tolerance, open dialogue and participation in the construction of the common good. 3. Costa Rica, which has always distinguished itself because of its democratic maturity, has a very solid foundation in this sense. We enjoy legislation that offers norms for electoral processes. To enforce these norms we have the Supreme Electoral Tribunal; which is considered the "forth estate" of the republic. Its job is to oversee the process and make sure the elections are free and fair. The tribunal is also charged with ensuring that popular will is respected and, as a organism whose decisions cannot be appealed, it must strict to the strictest meaning of the law. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal gives us sufficient security and credibility in elections, regardless of the candidate or party that wins. Fraud is something that Costa Ricans discard as a possibility in the elections. 4. The people of Costa Rica have opted definitively for democracy as their form of government, participating every four years in elections, casting their ballots and searching for the common good. Nevertheless, we need to continue marching toward complete political maturity, perfecting our democracy because there are still problems that we must overcome. 5. One of the problems is absenteeism at the polls, which continues to happen because of political apathy or a lack of confidence that politicians will comply with their promises and programs once elected. There is also the fear that people running for public office are not looking for the common good, but put their own personal interests first. As pastors our duty is remind citizens that they can abstain from voting only for very serious reasons. Casting a ballot is a civic and moral duty. It is important to remember the words of the Vatican Council: "Remind all citizens of the right and, at the same time, duty they have to vote freely to promote the common good" (GS, 75). II. Democracy Democracy is- the form of government in which equal participation of citizens is guaranteed. Authorities are elected through universal suffrage and the winner receives a majority of the votes. Government is exercised through three independent branches - executive, legislative and judicial. As an institution, the church does not adhere to any given political system, but it has manifested its preference for the democratic system "in that in ensures the participation of citizens through political options and guarantees voters the possibility to elect and control their representative, replacing them through legal channels if necessary" (John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, n. 46). "The church has as its mission, right and duty to enunciate the basic ethical principles that regulate the foundations and correct functioning of society in which men and women walk toward their final destiny" (John Paul II, Message to the Pontifical Social Sciences Academy, 1). No political party can represent the Catholic Church. The church's mission is to offer citizens the principles and criteria the come from the Gospel and the church's social teaching so that they can make political decision freely. As such, we should not be concerned that Catholics join the party of their choice, depending on their political options. III. Political parties Political parties are those organizations that attempt to achieve power by turning the demands and proposals of citizens into actions that ensure the common good. The strength of a political party lies in its ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of citizens and through an organization that ensure participation of its members in decision making processes on public issues so that they have a say in managing social change. As such, political parties are the principal protagonists in the electoral process, allowing citizens to make political choices and elect the alternative they believe best suited to resolve the national problems among the options offered. Costa Rica is home to many parties, each of which offers different programs and looks to win or maintain power to in order to make government decisions. IV. Political campaigns Each political party organizes its campaign to get citizens to join it and vote for its candidates in the elections. During the campaign the parties offer their programs, ideas, principles and proposals, and try to make their candidates well known to voters. To be able to make a free, responsible and informed choice, citizens need to know the candidates and not only the image of the candidate portrayed in the media. Citizens cannot allow themselves to be led only from slogans or catchy announcements. It is necessary to know candidates' ideas, proposals, government plans, abilities, experience, level of honesty and commitment to work for the common good of the nation. If a candidate holds to policies that are contrary to the moral principles or that go against human dignity, a Catholic cannot vote for this candidate with a clear conscience. A political campaign has to abide by electoral laws, be tolerant and respect the diverse parties participating in the election. A campaign should not become a source of division or hate. The only thing it must strive for is the common good of Costa Rica. Because of their influence in forming public opinion, the media play an important role in the development of a political campaign. As such, they have the important responsibility of offering true, objective and honest information on the campaign activities of candidates, always respecting the dignity of the people involved. It would be immoral and dishonest for the owners or those responsible for the media, including journalists or anchors, to manipulate information to favor a particular candidate or party. The success of the elections will depend on the participation and collaboration of all citizens, the civil conscience of voters, compliance with the law and order on voting day. We call on all people to do their utmost to avoid any kind of violence that would disturb the democratic electoral process, the Costa Ricans enjoy as a tradition and which makes us proud as a nation. V. The vote Voting in Costa Rica gives us the right to participate in and influence the way public issues are addressed. By casting our votes we also approve or disapprove of candidates, political parties and the programs they offer. Voting is a right and an obligation the must be exercised with responsibility and awareness. To vote responsibility it is necessary to know and appreciate not only the political programs and proposals of the political parties, but also the moral quality of each candidate, their past, professional ability, experience, honesty, rectitude in their personal and family lives, and their commitment to the common good of Costa Rica. Votes cannot be bought or sold. It is time to overcome the poor practice of "clientele voting", votes based on pressure or intimidation, or on false promises. Any of these practices means that votes are obtained through dishonorable ways and constitute a manipulation of the person, harming their dignity. This is particularly true when politicians or parties take advantage of poverty or ignorance to win votes. There exist certain criteria that can help us decide the candidate for whom we should vote. We need to keep in mind some fundamental issues for the good of our country and know what the candidates propose on these issues. For example, if candidates guarantee the inalienable right to life from conception to natural death, if they support family unity, if they are concerned about justice and social security, if they are concerned about the environment, if they are concerned about creating work opportunities for all people, if they propose efficient programs to eradicate corruption, if they offer just tax systems, and if they are concerned about the most marginalized sectors of society. VI. A call to society We remind priests and religious men and women that they are called to be sign of unity in the midst of a plurality of political parties. They need to foment pace and reconciliation and guide the faithful through democratic values from the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching. (Can 287,2). We call on political leaders to remember that their political activity is a service to the democratic life of the country and the construction of the common good. Their generous service, which is not motivated by self-interest, to the neediest sectors of society is noble task. We invite them to enthusiastically commit to public life as true builders of "the civilization of truth and love". We call on the media to carry out their information service in a professional, objective, honest, balanced way that is grounded in ethics. We call on all Costa Ricans who eligible to vote on 3 February 2002 that they go to the polls to deposit their ballots aware that they are contributing to the good of all Costa Ricans. That they act freely and are fully aware when they choose the candidate they believe are the best to carry out this important service to the nation. We invite all our communities to come together now in a campaign of pray to ask God, Father and Lord of History, for wisdom and guidance in electing the candidates who will lead the destiny of our nations at the different levels. We ask Our Lady of Angels, who protects the people of Costa Rica, for her maternal intercession so that the country can progress along the path of freedom, solidarity, peace and justice.
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LADOC, Vol XXXII, Nov./Dec. 2001. |