The bishops of Bolivia called the faithful not to let us “steal the hope” of better days, facing the general elections of Sunday, August 17, to have new president, vice president, senators and deputies.
The electoral process occurs in a socio -political context of crisis, conflict and uncertainty, with serious economic problems, including the shortage of reserves, which complicates the importation of fuel and medicines.
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On the other hand, inflation has reached historical figures, with a loss of 50% of the value of the Bolivian weight.
The other face of the crisis is the shortage of products from the basic basket, with long lines to get products such as rice, sugar, eggs, chicken or flour.
The economic situation is added the confrontations between different factions of the Socialism Movement (MAS), with a break between the current President Luis Arce, and who was his greatest reference, former President Evo Morales, who is prevented from presenting himself as a candidate.
The tense situation between political fronts caused blockages, pressures and violence. To date there are at least six dead and more than 300 wounded, product of clashes with Morales followers.
In that context, the Catholic Church in Bolivia has ruled on numerous opportunities, calling citizens to actively participate in the change they want for Bolivia, in pursuit of a better future.
Let’s not let hope
A few days after the elections, the Bolivian Episcopal Conference (CEB), He issued a statement entitled “We are all responsible for deciding and called to participate.”
In their message, the prelates highlight the context in which the electoral process is developed, clarifying that “this should not discourage us or make us lose the commitment to democracy” and, above all, urging not to let “steal the hope ‘of better days.”
The participation of all, express bishops, must not only be motivated by citizen duty, but taking into account that “it is essential to strengthen institutionality and democracy in our country.”
“This must commit ourselves to cast our vote for the option we consider more appropriate. We do not miss this historical moment. We must all cast our vote, not by slogans or fear, but by democratic consciousness,” they argue.
“We see with sadness that Bolivia needs economic, social and political stability to respond to the numerous needs we are going through, especially for poverty and social inequality,” the bishops lament.
Going to the future rulers and authorities that will be chosen, the bishops called to “commit to the most needy, showing a true spirit of service and, under ethics, morals and transparency, administer public resources with greater efficiency.”
“Corruption in public management, regardless of the political line, has deeply affected all of us who are part of this blessed land,” they say.
Regarding the decision of the voters, they consider that “it must be based on information on the proposals and the commitment of the candidates to work for the common good, responding to the deep challenges we have as a country in economic, social, political and justice issues, among others.”
Finally, within the framework of the Bicentennial of Independence, and under the protection of the Virgin Mary in the invocation of Our Lady of Copacabana, crowned 100 years ago as Queen of Bolivia, they call not to forget the right and the obligation to exercise the vote with responsibility.
“That the Holy Spirit illuminates our decision to exercise the citizen duty to choose authorities with wisdom and commitment,” they conclude.
What is voted this Sunday in Bolivia?
More than 7.5 million people are enabled to participate this Sunday in the general elections that will determine the next president and vice president of the Nation, and will renew 130 benches of the Chamber of Deputies and 36 members of the Chamber of Senators.
The vote is mandatory for citizens over 18 in Bolivia, where the left has governed for 20 years, and eight candidates will face the presidency.
Julieta Villar
I am a journalist, a graduate in Communication from the National University of La Matanza in Argentina. I have work experience in non -governmental organizations. Since 2016 I dedicate myself to Catholic journalism, first in the Argentine Catholic Information Agency (AICA) and, since 2022, as a correspondent for ACI Press for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia.