Bishops Call For Peace And Fair Elections This August

With the August elections just three weeks away, Catholic bishops have urged citizens to remain peaceful in the run up to August 12.

As political violence is on the rise, 11 of the country’s bishops have implored citizens to act for the good of the nation, rather than acting violently based on political affiliations.

In a statement made on the 16th July, the bishops condemned the acts of violence seen within the country today.

“These acts of violence are intended to intimidate the citizenry to belong to a party or to choose leaders out of fear,” they said.

Rather than violence forcing individuals to support political parties out of fear, the bishops sent out a reminder that political affiliation should be a free choice to be made.

“People should be free to belong to a party of their choice and to choose a candidate, or candidates, of their preference to represent them or lead them without undue influence.”

“These elections should not be marred with bloodshed. Because there is life before, during and after the elections. Let us be considerate and respectful of each other. All life is sacred and all life matters,” the statement said in closing.