Butembo-Beni, 20 November, 2023 / 9:31 pm (ACI Africa).
Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku of the Catholic Diocese of Butembo-Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cautioned the electorate against irresponsible political candidates, and urged them to elect those who have the best interests of the people at heart.
On November 19, campaigns for the presidential, legislative and local elections officially began, ahead of voting day in the Central African nation scheduled for December 20.
In a press release issued November 18, members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) called on political candidates to “respect the laws and good electoral practices” during the month-long political campaigns.
In his November 19 homily at Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral of Butembo-Beni Diocese, Bishop Paluku said, “Elections should be an opportunity to elect people's representatives like MPs, so that they can do their job properly, that is to say, to seek the well-being of the people.”
The Congolese Catholic Bishop underscored the need for the electorate to vote according to their consciences. He said, “All those who run are going to say good things. I've even heard that some are distributing food. I say, don't refuse. Take it. But don't trade your conscience for it.”
