Bolivia’s Bishops call for a
peaceful solution to the country's political crisis
 |
| Bolivians take to the streets in La Paz to celebrate the resignation of President Evo Morales (AFP) |
The Bishops of Bolivia release a statement in which they
call on citizens to refrain from acts of vandalism and violence and urge the
National Assembly to forge a peaceful solution that will lead to new elections.
By Linda Bordoni
Following the resignation on Sunday of Bolivia’s President,
Evo Morales, triggered by popular discontent and a wave of protests, the Bolivian
Catholic Bishops’ Conference released a statement urging citizens to
refrain from acts of violence and calling on political leaders to work for a
peaceful and constitutional solution in view of new elections.
The bishops’ statement comes on the heels of Pope
Francis’ appeal to Bolivians to calmly await the outcome of a disputed
election review the embattled President had promised to authorize before
stepping down.
Shortly after the Pope’s appeal, President Morales announced
his resignation and thousands took to the streets of the capital, La Paz, to
celebrate. The protests had been triggered by allegations of electoral fraud
during the 20 October election and the self-proclaimed victory of the outgoing
President.
The bishops say the statement results from a constructive
dialogue between members of the Episcopal Conference, representatives of civil
society and of CONADE (the National Committee for the Defense of Democracy
in Bolivia).
It’s not a coup d’état
The first point they highlight is that “What is happening in
Bolivia is not a coup d'état: we say this before Bolivian citizens and before
the entire international community”.
Stop to violence
The second point is an appeal to all Bolivians to commit to
peace and to refrain from perpetrating acts of vandalism or revenge. The
bishops highlight the grave obligation, for all, to defend the lives of all
citizens.
“In the name of God we say: stop actions of violence
and preserve life and peace. Let us maintain the peaceful spirit that has
reigned in the country at this time,” they say.
Appeal to Police and Armed Forces
Thirdly, they call on the National Police and on the Armed
Forces to urgently fulfill their constitutional role of defending property and
people, preserving life and freedom for all.
New elections
Finally, the statement declares that all parties agree in calling
for the pursuit of a constitutional and peaceful solution to the National
Assembly of Bolivia, that an interim governor may soon be charged with forming
a new electoral commission leading to new elections “so that all are able to
express their opinion in freedom and peace”.
Pope Francis
Just hours before the resignation of Morales, Pope Francis
addressed pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus and
asked for prayers for the beloved nation of Bolivia. He also invited all
Bolivians, "in particular political and social players, to await with a
constructive spirit, and without any previous condition, in a climate of peace
and serenity" the results of the election review.
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