Church Leaders in Mauritius Emphasize Voting as a ‘Sacred Duty’

In a powerful call to action ahead of the upcoming general elections on November 10, church leaders in Mauritius have declared that voting is a “sacred duty” and have urged citizens to participate responsibly in the electoral process.

This appeal was made in a joint statement issued on Friday, October 18, by Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis, Bishop Michel Moura of the Apostolic Vicariate of Rodrigues, and Bishop Stenio André of the Anglican Church.

The church leaders highlighted the vital role that democracy plays in society, stating that voting is one of the primary ways for citizens to engage in the exercise of power.

“Voting is a sacred duty,” they affirmed. “Because we love our country, we encourage you to fulfill your responsibility to vote as engaged citizens.”

They emphasized the importance of treating the act of voting with utmost seriousness, urging citizens not to base their decisions on habitual choices, social class affiliations, or narrow personal interests.

Instead, the church leaders urged voters to consider the pressing challenges facing the nation and make choices that will enhance the country’s livability and humanity for everyone.

The statement particularly resonates with young people, urging them to take an active role in shaping their future.

“You have both the right and the duty to choose your representatives and the leaders of your future,” they noted, encouraging young voters to ensure that their selections reflect their values and aspirations while respecting differing opinions.

The leaders also cautioned against abstaining from voting, asserting that disengagement from the electoral process is not a viable option given the significant stakes involved.

“To abstain is to neglect our duty and our right to vote, a privilege that was hard-won by those who fought for the recognition of this right for every citizen,” they said.

In their message, the church leaders called on voters to prioritize the common good above political party agendas.

“We remind everyone of the vital universal principles that should guide our thoughts and actions,” they stated, reaffirming the importance of respecting human dignity, caring for the vulnerable, and pursuing justice and peace for all segments of society.

They reiterated that supporting a society that nurtures individual development is paramount.

The leaders recognized the temptation during elections to focus solely on personal rights without considering corresponding responsibilities.

They warned against conflating the common good with individual advantages, stressing that true progress should be grounded in ethical living, ecological awareness, and a rejection of divisive ideologies in favor of meritocratic development.

They encouraged voters to critically assess the policies proposed by political parties, urging that each vote reflects a commitment to a broader social vision rather than an expression of frustration.

The church leaders also warned against the potential pitfalls of social media, which can spread misinformation and incite division.

Citizens are urged to practice discernment in their choices, encouraging informed decisions that prioritize collective welfare over personal interests.

“Let us pray for a future guided by the desire for the common good in our electoral decisions and in those we choose to lead us,” they stated.

“Let us remain vigilant to ensure that our country moves toward a fairer and more united future.”

Source: Aciafrica