“Sacred duty”: Church Leaders in Mauritius Call for Responsible Participation in General Elections

They go on to encourage young people to engage in the electoral process as a way of shaping the future they wish to see.

“We appeal in particular to young people. You have the right and the duty to choose the representatives and managers of your future. Let your vote fundamentally reflect your values and your dreams, while always respecting those who think differently from you,” the Church leaders say.

They caution against abstaining from voting, saying, “Abstention is not an option, because the stakes are too high. To abstain is to accept not to exercise our duty and our right to vote, which we have inherited from those who fought to recognize this right for every citizen.”

The Church leaders in Mauritius remind eligible voters to focus on the common good.

“Beyond what the political parties propose, we wish to recall the great universal principles that must guide our thoughts and actions,” they say.

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The Church leaders continue, “Respect for the dignity of every human being, special care for the weakest, and the pursuit of justice and peace for all components of our society are the compasses that keep us on course. It's a question of taking the side of a society that gives full place to the human being and to the integral development of each individual.”

“The temptation during an election would be for everyone to demand more and more of their rights without worrying about their duties. The common good of all then runs the risk of being confused with particular advantages,” the Church leaders say.

They note that the common good is “not just a question of material satisfaction. Rather, it calls on everyone to reconsider their way of life, to favor an ecological way of life, to reject communalism in favor of meritocracy and development for all.”

“It is then up to us to examine the programs of political parties to determine whether or not their approaches are consistent with the society we want to live in. Our vote is a reminder of our adherence to a social project and does not simply express a bad mood or rejection,” the Church leaders say.

They go on to caution against the influence of social media and the risk of being swayed by misinformation or incendiary content.

They urge eligible voters to practice discernment in seeking truth and making informed decisions that prioritize the collective good over personal or communal interests.

“Let us pray that the desire for the collective good will dominate our choices and those who aspire to govern us. Let us remain vigilant to ensure that our country has a fairer and more united future,” the Church leaders say.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.