Mexico City, Mexico, Jun 19, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Archbishop of Mexico City, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, has called on presidential candidates to respect the results of the upcoming July 2 elections no matter how close the margin of victory is, in order to prevent a long period of transition between the two administrations.
“Democracy must be respected,” the cardinal continued, and “even if someone wins by just one vote,” the results should be accepted to avoid any negative impact on the economy or the government. Cardinal Rivera also repeated his call to Mexicans to get out and vote for new leaders.
Cardinal Rivera said he is confident in the country’s electoral institutions, but he said he would not be surprised to see negative campaigning continue right up to election day. He expressed his hope that when elections have concluded, the country would come together in unity.
The Archdiocese of Mexico’s weekly newspaper, “Desde la Fe,” chided Mexicans for giving more importance to the soccer’s World Cup than to their own national elections. “Soccer is only a momentary pastime, while political involvement is a commitment for everyone, which defines the way we live together and the development of our country both now and in the future,” the article indicated.