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| Sunday, 7 March 2004 |
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Vote with foresight - Catholic Bishops' Conference Colombo Archbishop and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka (CBCSL) Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis and CBCSL Secretary-General Rt. Rev. Dr. Marius Peiris, have called upon Sri Lankans to cast their votes at the forthcoming General Election, "to get the right kind of leadership", and to vote with foresight today to safeguard our rights and freedoms tomorrow. "Our vote must be offered to those that are committed to defending religious freedom in our country, as well as all other fundamental rights of all citizens", they said in a news release. "People are supreme in a democratic system and therefore have the greatest say in choosing their representatives, who will address their legitimate concerns in the best manner possible". The Bishops, pointing out the importance of casting one's vote "at this critical moment - as every vote cast at this election can determine the person elected to the legislature that frames laws meant for the welfare of the citizens, particularly the weaker sections of society", appeal "to the electorate going to polls, to exercise their right of franchise with diligence and play a decisive role in the democratic system of governance". The Bishops have also observed that "staying away from exercising the democratic right amounts to an abdication of one's civic responsibility as a dutiful citizen". The statement went on to say that the country needs leaders with integrity and respect for the rights of all people. "Our nation needs leaders who protect and promote the dignity of human beings, family values and human rights and who work for the progress of the country. They must be persons of integrity, and have deep respect for the rights of all peoples of our country". The statement also reiterated the Church's "resolve for a united Sri Lanka with extensive sharing of power, to enable all people to live together in harmony, dignity and mutual respect. We appeal to all, to respect the values of pluralism in word and deed in the conduct of the election in all parts of the country. "We call upon all political parties not to use religious or ethnic differences, as they are divisive instruments for short-term political gain. The seeds of hatred and intolerance that will be sown this way can have irreparable consequences in an already fragmented society. In this regard, the media, both State-owned and private, should act with a great sense of responsibility, presenting only the truth and eschewing provocative reporting. "We call on all political parties to commit themselves to practise of good-governance, honesty and integrity to establish a principled political culture. We urge the elected leaders to make a determined effort to arrest the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. "We urge the authorities conducting the election to enforce the election law impartially, strictly, and without prejudice. We also appeal to all political parties in contest to uphold all election laws, to ensure that the election is free and fair, devoid of political violence, intimidation and abuse of power". |
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