Bishops promote informed voting ahead of Mexican elections

Mexico City, Mexico, May 29, 2009 / 20:47 pm

The twelve bishops of the State of Mexico City have issued a document as local and regional elections draw near, urging voters to be informed about the candidates and issues in order to responsibly cast their vote when they go to the polls on July 5.

The bishops called for the dignity of the human being to be the “fundamental value” of democracy in Mexico.

In response to the various problems affecting the country, the bishops recalled that politics is “one of the most noble activities in the service of others, as it is a concrete expression of the commitment to the good of the entire community.”

Nevertheless, they questioned why “if politics is so noble and the vocation to politics so sublime,” there are so many complaints about the actions of politicians. “Perhaps because it is our fault, because we don’t know how to elect our leaders responsibility, or what’s worse, with our indifference or abstaining in the exercise of our vote we have allowed some people to obtain power who are not suitable. For this reason we exhort and encourage all citizens to exercise their civic responsibility in the upcoming elections by voting for those who are most qualified,” the bishops said.

Likewise, they suggested voters correctly exercise their right to vote by studying the platform of each political party, informing themselves of the agenda each candidate is proposing and evaluating their capabilities and moral standing.

Voters in Mexico will elect local officials and congressional representatives on July 5.