Elections in Chile: Bishops call to vote freely and responsibly for the common good

Chileans will have, on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, the task of going to the polls to elect their governors, councilors, mayors and councilors. In this framework, the Catholic Church recalled the importance of fulfilling civic obligations “with freedom and responsibility.”

In a statement signed by the Permanent Committee of the Episcopal Conference of Chile (CECh), the bishops invite citizens to participate in the upcoming elections, and highlight the importance of participation for the common good and as a gesture of love for the Homeland.

The pastors emphasize that voting “is an obligation for those who have the right to vote,” encouraging “to do so responsibly, taking into account that, from the good exercise of the responsibilities of the elected authorities, many consequences follow for all citizens.” .

Likewise, they call to “discern about some elements” that are important in the social, political and economic context of the country.

In this regard, they state: “Chile needs authorities aware that popularly elected positions are to serve everyone, without distinction. Choosing the right people is a guarantee of justice and probity, to exclude behaviors at odds with honesty, which have recently caused so much concern in the vast majority of the country,” in reference to a recent corruption scandal which affected various areas of public and business activity, with special gravity because authorities of the Judicial Branch would be involved.

On the other hand, the prelates highlight the importance of the “ethical convictions” of the candidates in areas such as “social justice, the dignity of the human person, labor rights, the mission of parents in the education of their children, public security, the exclusion of violence.”

These areas, they consider, play an important role when deciding “since many of the public resources that must be applied to these policies are carried out through regional governments and municipalities.”

Finally, the leadership of the CECh remembers that the “true democratic exercise” implies that “those who are elected in the various public bodies stand out for their virtues and their example of honesty as citizens.”

This, he points out, is necessary so that they are “capable of guiding society and ensuring justice and civic friendship prevail,” especially “in relation to the most deprived and forgotten people.”

The Chilean bishops conclude their statement by entrusting the country to “the hands of the Virgin of Carmen, Queen and Mother of our Country.”