“During an election campaign, it's easy to arouse passions and create reactions that become difficult to control. Verbal violence reduces voters' political maturity. Verbal violence is a sign of weakness; it easily triggers physical violence and the use of means that could terrorize or intimidate voters,” they said.
They described demagoguery as “a dangerous weapon” which they said “holds out the promise of wonderful things that you know you won't be able to deliver. It treats voters like children.”
They further called on politicians in the country to avoid playing on voters' fears, urging them instead to appeal to the intelligence and analytical capacity of Mauritians.
“If politics is to retain its nobility and seriousness, we ask politicians not to play on the keyboard of fear, but rather to appeal to what is deepest in the culture of Mauritians: their intelligence, their capacity for analysis and reflection,” they said.
The religious leaders added, “Beyond partisan passion, let's keep our eyes constantly fixed on the horizon of the future, of the common good of Mauritian society to be built.”
They also reminded voters of their responsibility to demand clear and precise programs from candidates, ensuring that the election process remains focused on substantive issues.
“Voters also bear responsibility for the climate in which elections take place. If voters do not make an effort to question candidates on the content of their program, if we are not demanding to ask for precisions and clarifications, how can we be witnesses to the values we consider important for the progress of Mauritian society?” the religious leaders posed.
They expressed hope that the country’s upcoming elections will be a moment of "generosity" and progress for the nation.
“We invite all religious men and women and all Mauritians of goodwill to pray that the elections will be the occasion for a burst of generosity that will enable our country to continue to progress,” the religious leaders said.
On October 18, Church leaders in Mauritius underscored the importance of voting as a “sacred duty” and called for responsible participation in the country’s general elections.
